Alabama title guide

Selling a junk car without a title in Alabama

The short answer

It depends on the car's age. Alabama does not require a title for a motor vehicle more than 35 model years old. Newer vehicles need the title, or a duplicate from the Alabama Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division.

First published November 4, 2026. Rules checked against official Alabama sources on November 5, 2026 and reviewed by Paola Reniery, Operations Manager (see the sources).

What does Alabama ask of sellers?

In Alabama, a replacement title costs $15, and the title doesn't need a notary. Each card links to the official page it came from.

Replacing a lost title: Application for Replacement Title (filed through the Public Title Portal or a designated agent). Fee: $15.; Official source
License plates: The seller removes the plates at the sale and may be able to transfer them to another vehicle they acquire.; Official source
Notary: The title doesn't need to be notarized.; Official source

Alabama's official guide to selling a vehicle

What do you do if you have the title?

Sign and print your name where the seller signs, fill in the odometer reading if there's a space for it, and leave the buyer section blank. If your title has a notary section, the signatures have to be notarized. If it doesn't, you sign in front of the driver at pickup. Don't sign the title until the driver is there and you've agreed the price.

What if the title is lost or damaged?

Alabama replacement titles come from the Alabama Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division, using the Application for Replacement Title (filed through the Public Title Portal or a designated agent), for a fee of $15. You'll need the VIN, which is on the dashboard by the windshield, on the driver's door jamb and on your registration. If you're in a hurry, tell our buyer partner when it contacts you: it can buy some cars without a title, so ask whether that works for your car in Alabama.

Where to find a car's VIN: (1) on the dashboard on the driver's side, read through the windshield, (2) on the label on the driver's door jamb, and (3) on the title, registration or insurance card — The 17-character VIN appears in the same places on almost every car made since 1981: (1) on the dashboard, read through the windshield on the driver's side, (2) on the label on the driver's door jamb, and (3) on the title, registration and insurance card.

Older cars that don't need a title

Alabama does not require a title for a motor vehicle more than 35 model years old. Bring your registration, a photo ID and a bill of sale with the VIN, the sale price and both signatures.

For the full walkthrough, including the states that exempt older cars and what to avoid, read how to sell a junk car without a title.

What if there's a loan, or the owner has died?

If a lender is still listed on the title, you'll need its lien release, or the loan gets paid off as part of the sale. If the owner has died, only someone with legal authority, usually the executor, can sell the car, and the Alabama Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division can tell you which estate papers Alabama accepts.

What do you do after the sale?

Plates: The seller removes the plates at the sale and may be able to transfer them to another vehicle they acquire.
Ask the Alabama Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division whether Alabama has a notice of sale or release of liability form, and file it if it does, so tickets and tolls stop coming to you.
Keep a photo of the signed title, and cancel the insurance once the car has been picked up.

Title rules change, so confirm them with the Alabama Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division before you sell; this page is general information, not legal advice.

Can you junk a car without a title in Alabama?

Yes, if the car is old enough. Alabama does not require a title for a motor vehicle more than 35 model years old. For newer cars you'll need the title or a duplicate from the Alabama Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division.

How do I get a duplicate title in Alabama?

Apply to the Alabama Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division with Application for Replacement Title (filed through the Public Title Portal or a designated agent), and have a photo ID and the VIN ready. The fee is $15, according to the agency.

Can I sell a car in Alabama with just a bill of sale?

For vehicles old enough to be title exempt, ask the buyer which papers it needs before pickup, and have your registration and a bill of sale ready. Newer vehicles still need a title.