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AlabamaCar Registration
Page 2 | Car-Reg.org
Bonus
Features
24-Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance Benefits
24-Hour Towing Service
24-Hour Mechanical First Aid
24-Hour Tire Change Service
Customers are covered for emergency road service throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Customers are entitled to emergency towing service at no out-of-pocket cost for any tow up to 75 dollars. One service per seven days, two services per contract. Extended distance will be an additional expense covered by the customer.
Customers are entitled to any service requiring minor adjustments (exclusive of parts) to enable a disabled vehicle to proceed under its own power, where available.
Customers may have their tire changed with their inflated and functional spare tire.
Congratulations on your 60-dayRoadside Assistance membershipWhen out on the road, you will know that you are covered and protected by an organization that cares about the safety of you and your family. Our customer service representatives respond quickly to provide you the best service and protection available anywhere.
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Rental Car Discounts
24-Hour Lost Key Service
24-Hour Emergency Delivery
24-Hour Emergency Battery Service
Map Routing Service
Customers are entitled to take advantage of our rental car discount codes and pre-negotiated group rates, which are honored at thousands of locations throughout the U.S. and abroad.
If keys are locked inside a customer’s vehicle, the customer will be assisted in gaining entry to the vehicle’s passenger compartment only. Locksmith services may be dispatched as needed at the customer’s expense for labor and key making.
A service truck will deliver emergency supplies of gasoline, water, oil or other necessary supplies. Customers pay only for the cost of the supplies.
Customers are covered for battery boosts and minor adjustments to alternators, starters, etc. while on the road.
We will, at no charge, provide customers with a four-color mapping and travel route information to destinations they specify.
Theft And Hit & Run Protection
A $500 reward is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for Hit & Run damages or stealing customers’ vehicles. Whenever you travel, you will like the secure and confident feeling of knowing that you are protected by NSD’s Roadside Assistance. Fast response and excellent service are just two reasons why millions of motorists rely on NSD’s Roadside Assistance for on-the-road protection.
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Follow the link in your confirmation email to start redeeming your $25 Gas Coupon.
*PLEASE SAVE ALL THE INFORMATION FOR YOUR RECORDS. You will use your log in information throughout the course of your complimentary gas membership.
CONGRATULATIONS! Redeem Your $25 Gas Card Online
Keeping You Safe Mile After MileOnce your purchase is processed, you will receive an email with the information you need to start your 60-day Roadside Assistance membership.
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Table Of
Contents
Vehicle Registration
Replacing Your Vehicle Registration
Registering Your Vehicle in Alabama
License Plates
Registration Insurance Requirements
Updating Your Vehicle Registration
Renewing Your Vehicle Registration
Vehicle Safety Tips
Office Hours and Locations
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Vehicle Registration
Getting a vehicle is always an exciting adventure. Whether it is your first car or if you have already purchased many vehicles in the past, making the decision to obtain a car is a big step and it must be taken carefully to avoid any inconveniences. Whenever you purchase a car, whether it is new or used, it must be registered to be legally driven in your state of residence. Also, when you change your residential address to another state, you will have to follow the procedure to transfer your registration.
The entire process looks very complicated, but it does not have to be. The Road Advisors will guide you through each step of your path towards registering your vehicle. You will also learn how to transfer your registration from another state and how to renew your vehicle registration even when you are out of state.
The Road Advisors will help you get ready with all the documents and forms you need to register your car. Just sit back and relax while we guide you towards getting your vehicle registration in no time.
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Registration Insurance Requirements
The Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires you to obtain automotive insurance before your vehicle can be registered.This is a necessary requirement in order to help reduce the number of uninsured drivers on the road, which can often result in high costs if involved in a vehicle accident. In addition to being a requirement to register your automobile, you must maintain at least the legal insurance minimum throughout the registration period or face penalties, including fines and suspension of your driver’s license.
While there are many types of vehicle insurance including collision coverage and personal injury protection, the state of Alabama only requires drivers to have liability insurance. Liability insurance is designed to help you pay for any and all damages or injuries you caused to someone due to a car accident. The coverage plan must be acquired in Alabama from a licensed insurance company. Out-of-state insurance plans are not accepted in Alabama. In Alabama, you must comply with the following liability coverage minimums:
• $25,000 for death or bodily injury to one person
• $50,000 for death or bodily injury to two or more persons
• $25,000 for damage or destruction of property
As of 2013, licensing officials and law enforcement officers utilize the Alabama Online Insurance Verification System to verify proper coverage. However, it is important to always carry proof of insurance (such as your insurance
Failure to provide proof of coverage or to have insurance on the vehicle can result in fines and suspension of your registration and driver’s license. If you are convicted of an insurance violation, then you will be fined up to $500 for your first offense and your vehicle’s registration will be suspended. Subsequent insurance violations can include fines up to $1,000, suspension of your driver’s license for six months and suspension of your vehicle’s registration for four months. In addition to the aforementioned penalties, there will be fees associated with the reinstatement of both your license and registration, which steepen with each offense.
That the vehicle has at least the minimum coverage.
The vehicle identification number.
The current effective date.
The insurance provider’s National Association of Insurance Commissioner’s number.
The policy number.
card) when driving, in case an officer or any other authority requests it. The documents must be legible and show:
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Registering Your Vehicle in Alabama
One of the most important parts of the vehicle registration process in Alabama is taking a look at the requirements you will need to meet, as well as the steps you must follow depending on the type of vehicle you have.Whether you are submitting a request for a new, used, out-of-state, military or special type of vehicle, you should review the specific instructions to correctly register your car so you can make sure the process is as easy and quick as possible.
Register A New Vehicle Normally, when you purchase a brand new car at a dealership, you do not have to worry about registering it since the dealership handles the process. If your dealership did not or if you bought the vehicle using a different method, then you will have to register it yourself.
When buying a car from a dealership, you need to go to your local registration office and have the following documents:
Important Dates and Timeframes:
You have 20 days to register your new vehicle whether you bought it from a dealership or a private party.
Driver’s license
Certificate of title or title application
Bill of sale
Proof of Alabama insurance
An odometer disclosure is required when transferring ownership as part of the titling process. Once you complete the registration process and pay the applicable fees and taxes, the official will issue new Alabama license plates and registration documents, including the registration tag, to you.
Take into account that if the dealership was from another state, then you are required to present proper documentation to process the correct registration on your vehicle.
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Register A Used Vehicle
When buying a car from a private party, it is important to verify that the ownership was transferred from the former owner properly. The seller should keep the existing license plates, as those are registered under his or her name. If you have plates you would like to transfer to your newly acquired vehicle, then bring them into your local registration office when you register it.
To register a used vehicle, you need to have the following documents:
to transfer plates from another vehicle. Keep in mind that removing plates from another vehicle will invalidate the registration on it.
Register An Out-Of-State Vehicle
As a new resident of the state, you have 30 days to register a vehicle with current and valid out-of-state registration. If you are bringing a vehicle into Alabama from out of state or out of the country that is not currently registered, then you must register it immediately. You must obtain automotive insurance from an Alabama-licensed insurance company.
Certificate of title
Driver’s license
Bill of sale
Lienholder information, if applicable
Proof of Alabama insurance
When transferring ownership, an odometer disclosure is required as part of the titling process. The official will issue new Alabama license plates (if not transferring) and registration documents, including the registration tag, to you once you complete the registration process and pay the applicable fees and taxes.
You are required to present proper documentation to process the correct registration on your vehicle if you want
Tip:
Transfer your out-of-state driver’s license before you register your vehicle.
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To register an out-of-state vehicle, you need to have the following documents:
Original Manufacturers’ Certificate of Origin, if new
Out-of-state registration documents, if available
Driver’s license
Certificate of title, if used
Bill of sale, if newly purchased
Lienholder information, if applicable
Proof of Alabama insurance
Out-of-state vehicles and automobiles transferred from overseas are subject to inspection and VIN verification and must be brought into the office.
Registration For Military Members
Military personnel stationed in Alabama who have out-of-state vehicles do not need to register their automobiles with the state provided that the vehicle has current and valid registration from their home state.
Fees
Check the registration fee schedule details here.
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Renewing Your Vehicle Registration
Vehicle registration is not permanent and must be renewed annually. Driving with expired vehicle registration is illegal and can result in penalties.Alabama vehicle registration renewals are staggered through the year and the date when you need to renew is depending on your name.The month in which you need to renew your vehicle’s registration will be based on the first letter of your last name as follows:
RENEWAL MONTH FIRST LETTER OF LAST NAME
January A & D
February B
March C & E
April F, G & N
May H & O
June M & I
July P & L
August J, K & R
September Q, S & T
October U, V, W, X, Y, Z
November Commercial and Fleet Vehicles
National Guard (Except IRP)
Some counties in Alabama mail notices informing vehicle owners of their upcoming registration expiration. However, not all jurisdictions will and it is the responsibility of the owner to renew registration in a timely manner. Similarly, some counties offer owners the ability to renew registration online but not all do. In areas where online renewal is not available, drivers can renew in person or by mail.
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Online
This method is not available in all counties and the ones that have it normally include some other requirements plus extra fees. You will need to have current and valid automotive insurance to utilize the online method of registration renewal. You will not be able to renew online if your registration has expired, as the system will only recognize valid registrations up to the last day of the month in which they expire. Likewise, you may only initiate the renewal in your designated month.
To renew registration online, select the county where you reside. You will need to have you tag (registration) number as well as a personal identification number (PIN) to complete the process. If you do not have a PIN, then you can request one by furnishing your full name and information about your driver’s license including its number and expiration. You may also find your PIN on the renewal notice sent via mail.
You may pay the required fees with a credit card or an electronic check. After completing the process and paying the required fees, you can print the receipt, which will work
as temporary proof of registration while you wait for the new documents to arrive by mail.
In Person
You can visit the registration office in the county where your vehicle is registered to renew. You will need to bring in the renewal notices or other documentation to locate your vehicle’s record, such as the vehicle identification number, the registration documents, and your driver’s license. When you visit an agency in person, you will receive your new registration documents and tags immediately.
By Mail
When you received the renewal notification via mail, open the package and verify all documents are correct and complete. Then, you will have to follow the instructions to complete your renewal. The check or money order you will be using to pay the fees must be sent to the address specified on the notice. The process may take longer than usual but you can always confirm with your local Alabama office.
Fees
Renewal costs vary by the vehicle’s value and tax rate where it is registered. Typically, the fees are less than the previous year since the car depreciates in value. However, a $15 late fee will apply if registration is not renewed on time. There may be an additional interest charge on owed taxes.
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Replacing Your
By Mail
To replace by mail, download an Application For Replacement Credentials form and fill it out with your personal information such as name, address and phone number as well as your vehicle’s information such as the VIN and plate numbers. Specify if you need your license plate, decal or registration receipt replaced. If there is a fee required, then include payment for that amount and mail the request to the appropriate licensing office.
If you work as a direct employee of the government or volunteer firefighter, then you must download an Application For Replacement License Plates and Registration Receipts For Government License Plates form and fill it out with the required information. Once you complete it, you have to send the document to this address:
Alabama Department of RevenueMotor Vehicle Division Registration SectionP.O. Box 327630Montgomery, AL 36132-7630
If you have any questions, then the form will provide you with a phone number for you to call or fax your concerns.
Vehicle Registration
While operating your vehicle, you must have the registration documents. Failure to be able to provide the tag and receipt upon request of a law enforcement officer may result in a fine with a $50 minimum. If your registration has been damaged, lost or stolen, then you must have it replaced immediately. You may request a replacement in person or by mail.
In Person
To replace in person at the local registration office, you would need to present your ID card or driver’s license. Download an Application For Replacement Credentials form and fill it out with your personal information such as name, address and phone number as well as your vehicle’s information such as the VIN and plate numbers. You can specify if you need your license plate, decal or registration receipt replaced.
Tip:
Verify with the representative if you have to pay any fee since not all the counties will charge for the registration replacement. If your vehicle registration was stolen, then contact the local authorities so they can file a report and get you a form that you can take to the registration office and get your replacement for free.
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Updating Your Vehicle Registration
Whether you are moving to a new city or making a major life change that changes some part of your name, you will need to consider how these changes affect your legal documents.Since your registration is directly associated with your legal name and residence, you will need to inform the state and have these changes reflected on your vehicle registration.
Changing Your Name Changing your name is not only the result of a big change in your life, but it will also greatly affect your documents and general information in regards to your identity. If you have officially changed your name, then you will be required to update it on all of your identification documents and cards, including your car registration.
Tip:
You need to contact the Social Security Administration to initiate the legal name change before modifying your identification and vehicle registration documents. You will also need to change your name with your automobile insurance provider.
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The only method of changing your name on vehicle documents, as well as on your driver’s license, is in person at the local registration office. When you go to the office you will need to bring the following:
change your address at an Alabama registration office, you will need to bring the following:
Your updated driver’s license
Vehicle title (to update also)
Vehicle tag number
Proof of name change, such as:
• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree
• Court order
Proof of insurance with updated name
Permission from lienholder, if applicable
Proof of residences such as a utility bill, a lease or a mortgage
The above documents must be originals or certified copies, as the state will not accept photocopies. You will need to pay a fee for a duplicate copy of vehicle registration with your new name.
Changing Your Address
If you may have recently moved to a new address, then it is essential that you update the address on your car registration as well. Failure to update the state of an address change can result in missing important notifications.
In some counties, like Shelby County, you can update your registration address simply by sending an email. To
While you can simply notify the state of the address change, you will need to order duplicate documentation to have this change reflected on your registration paperwork.
Note:
A change to your address may influence your registration renewal fees, as taxes are different from county to county.
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License Plates
When you register your vehicle, the Alabama Department of Revenue assigns a license plate number to you. Whenever you renew your registration, your license plates and tags are also renewed. The state will give you a decal that you must attach to the license plate. The decal has the expiration date of your registration and must be up to date at all times. Besides the regular Alabama license plates, there are also specialty plates that are made around a specific theme or cause, such as professional associations, sports, universities and environmental themes. They may be purchased at an additional cost, which helps fund the particular cause. Obtain your regular and specialty license plates at any of the licensing plate offices across the state.
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Replacing Your License Plates
Your license plate is what identifies your vehicle to the authorities and is used to keep track of your driving behavior. This is why it must always be in good conditions and completely legible. If your license plate gets lost, stolen or defaced, then you may request a new one at a local registration office. In case your plates were stolen, you need to report it to the local authorities for them to guide you filling out a form about the incident.
To replace your license plates, go to a local registration office and submit an Application For Replacement Credentials form. Do not forget to include your personal information such as name, address and phone number as well as your vehicle’s information such as the VIN and plate numbers.
Getting Custom Plates
Vanity plates are used for different vehicles types like commercial, motorcycle, livery, private passenger, antiques and camper vehicles. These original plate designs must be previously approved but you can check if the type you want to have on your vehicle is obtainable. Click here to check the availability. When you access the website and accept the privacy agreements, you will be able to get creative and make your own plate design. Some plates are not available for everyone who requests it. However, you can always verify if you can apply for it.
Once your custom plate is approved, you must go to the licensing office within five days to redeem the reserved plate. You will need to pay the fee for the customized plate.
Surrendering Alabama License Plates
If you are moving out of Alabama permanently, then you are not required to surrender your license plates because those plates are yours. However, if you come from another state and are planning to establish your residency in Alabama, then you would have to check with your current state authorities to verify if it is necessary to surrender your plates or not.
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Vehicle Safety Tips
Before getting behind the wheel, it is important that the vehicle is prepared for any trip. This means checking the safety features and making any needed changes to your vehicle to guarantee a safe drive.
Emergency Kit One of the essentials of safe driving is having a basic emergency kit available in your vehicle at all times. This kit should include items such as water, extra batteries, rope, first-aid kit, matches and a whistle. During the winter months, it is also important to carry items such as blankets, non-perishable foods, a shovel, extra gloves and socks.
Winter Driving One of the most dangerous times to drive is during the winter, especially if you live in an area that snows or is prone to ice. Consider these tips below to drive safely during the winter.
Do Not Rush
Roads are often covered in snow and ice after it snows. Instead of driving fast and risking an accident as you hurry to get to your destination, try leaving a few minutes earlier than usual. This will allow you to drive slower and avoid other dangerous drivers without being late for your appointment.
Do Not Panic If You Skid or Slip
In the event that your vehicle does skid or slip while driving, make sure you do not panic and slam down on your brakes. Instead, apply slow and even pressure on your brakes until you stop. This will prevent you from spinning further out of control.
Check Your Vehicle
Before you leave your house, make sure your vehicle’s controls, brakes, tires, antifreeze and exhaust are all in working order. It is also important that you remove any ice and snow from your car before you begin driving, as this prevents the snow from blocking your view while you drive.
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Drinking And Driving Every year thousands are killed as a result of drinking and driving. These events can be prevented; it only requires that you plan ahead of time by taking certain steps.
Before you begin drinking, arrange for someone else to be the designated driver. If they also become intoxicated, it is important that you take a taxi. Never allow someone drunk to drive. Instead, take away his or her keys and call for alternative transportation.
You should call 9-1-1 and contact authorities immediately if you see someone who you suspect is drunk and shows signs of intoxication while driving, such as making wide turns, weaving, swerving, braking erratically or turning abruptly. Also, make sure to avoid them on the road to ensure your safety. This could mean you pulling over until they are at a safe distance from your car.
Using Your Phone
Driving while using your cell phone is one of the most dangerous things that you can do. During those few seconds that your attention is diverted to your phone, a major accident could occur. Make sure you do not text, use the internet on your phone or receive calls while you drive to prevent accidents as best as possible.
Things To Avoid
Driving is not always a relaxing experience. There are certain actions that can be both an annoyance and dangerous to you while driving on the road. These things are often avoidable if you make sure to take the necessary steps towards preventing them as well as stopping them after you discover them to be occurring.
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Car Accidents
One way to avoid car accidents is to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive and will not cause you any problems. To do this, regularly check that your brakes are functioning properly, your tires are inflated and not worn out and that a mechanic checks the steering and suspensions.
Wasting Gas
If you drive often, start looking for ways to save on those expensive trips to the pump. Saving on gas is something that is possible if you take a few steps towards ensuring you save some money in the long run.
Some of the ways that you can start saving gas are turning off the air conditioning, not leaving your engine running or speeding above 60 mph. These things are preventable and not necessary for you to drive, therefore you can quickly reduce the amount of gas you waste.
Another way to save on gas is to make sure that your vehicle is functioning properly. You can do this by checking that your tires are properly inflated, your engine is well tuned and that your octane level is the correct amount for your vehicle’s needs.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving and drivers are both things that should be avoided to prevent accidents. Aggressive driving is categorized as exhibiting behaviors such as aggressive tailgating, preventing another driver from merging or passing and verbal or physical harassment towards another driver. If you are an aggressive driver, you are putting others at risk every time you do any of the above behaviors. When you encounter a frustrating situation on the road, take a moment to breathe and continue moving instead of becoming aggressive.
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Office Hours and Locations
There is at least one vehicle registration office in each county in Alabama. However, these locations only provide registration-related services. For driver’s licenses and identifications, you will need to visit one of the Alabama Department of Public Safety offices.
You can also ask questions to the Motor Vehicle Department Driver License Division, or make a comment or complaint writing here.
If you need to send correspondence, then the mailing address is:
Alabama Department of Public SafetyDriver License DivisionPO Box 1471Montgomery, AL 36102-1471
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