{"id":1203,"date":"2025-01-14T06:26:07","date_gmt":"2025-01-14T11:26:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/titlelo.com\/learn\/?p=1203"},"modified":"2025-01-14T06:26:10","modified_gmt":"2025-01-14T11:26:10","slug":"transfer-a-car-title-in-alabama","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/titlelo.com\/learn\/transfer-a-car-title-in-alabama\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Transfer a Car Title to a Family Member in Alabama"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/titlelo.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/alabama.jpg?resize=960%2C640&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Knowing how to transfer a car title in Alabama can be essential.\" class=\"wp-image-1207\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While knowing how to transfer a car title to a family member may not seem like vital knowledge, it can become a necessity in some instances. Having full ownership of a car is necessary in various situations, like when the driver wants to take a title loan.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_71 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/titlelo.com\/learn\/transfer-a-car-title-in-alabama\/#what_is_a_car_title\" title=\"What Is A Car Title?\">What Is A Car Title?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/titlelo.com\/learn\/transfer-a-car-title-in-alabama\/#how_to_transfer_car_ownership_to_family_in_alabama_step-by-step\" title=\"How to Transfer Car Ownership to Family in Alabama: Step-By-Step\">How to Transfer Car Ownership to Family in Alabama: Step-By-Step<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/titlelo.com\/learn\/transfer-a-car-title-in-alabama\/#transferring_a_title_at_the_dmv\" title=\"Transferring a Title at the DMV\">Transferring a Title at the DMV<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/titlelo.com\/learn\/transfer-a-car-title-in-alabama\/#transferring_ownership_of_a_titleless_vehicle\" title=\"Transferring Ownership of a Titleless Vehicle\">Transferring Ownership of a Titleless Vehicle<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/titlelo.com\/learn\/transfer-a-car-title-in-alabama\/#transferring_a_title_online\" title=\"Transferring a Title Online\">Transferring a Title Online<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/titlelo.com\/learn\/transfer-a-car-title-in-alabama\/#family_title_transfer_in_alabama_required_documentation\" title=\"Family Title Transfer in Alabama: Required Documentation\">Family Title Transfer in Alabama: Required Documentation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/titlelo.com\/learn\/transfer-a-car-title-in-alabama\/#family_title_transfer_in_alabama_related_fees\" title=\"Family Title Transfer in Alabama: Related Fees\">Family Title Transfer in Alabama: Related Fees<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/titlelo.com\/learn\/transfer-a-car-title-in-alabama\/#real-life_examples_of_family_title_transfer_in_alabama\" title=\"Real-Life Examples of Family Title Transfer in Alabama\">Real-Life Examples of Family Title Transfer in Alabama<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/titlelo.com\/learn\/transfer-a-car-title-in-alabama\/#transferring_a_car_title_from_a_deceased_owner_in_alabama\" title=\"Transferring a Car Title From A Deceased Owner in Alabama\">Transferring a Car Title From A Deceased Owner in Alabama<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/titlelo.com\/learn\/transfer-a-car-title-in-alabama\/#transferring_ownership_of_a_vehicle_to_a_son_or_daughter\" title=\"Transferring Ownership of a Vehicle to a Son or Daughter\">Transferring Ownership of a Vehicle to a Son or Daughter<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/titlelo.com\/learn\/transfer-a-car-title-in-alabama\/#final_thoughts\" title=\"Final Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/titlelo.com\/learn\/transfer-a-car-title-in-alabama\/#family_title_transfer_in_alabama_frequently_asked_questions\" title=\"Family Title Transfer in Alabama: Frequently Asked Questions\">Family Title Transfer in Alabama: Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/titlelo.com\/learn\/transfer-a-car-title-in-alabama\/#what_is_needed_to_transfer_a_car_title_in_alabama\" title=\"What is needed to transfer a car title in Alabama?\">What is needed to transfer a car title in Alabama?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/titlelo.com\/learn\/transfer-a-car-title-in-alabama\/#do_i_need_a_bill_of_sale_if_i_have_the_title_in_alabama\" title=\"Do I need a bill of sale if I have the title in Alabama?\">Do I need a bill of sale if I have the title in Alabama?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/titlelo.com\/learn\/transfer-a-car-title-in-alabama\/#what_do_i_need_to_register_my_car_in_alabama_from_out_of_state\" title=\"What do I need to register my car in Alabama from out of state?\">What do I need to register my car in Alabama from out of state?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/titlelo.com\/learn\/transfer-a-car-title-in-alabama\/#does_alabama_require_a_notary_for_title_transfer\" title=\"Does Alabama require a notary for title transfer?\">Does Alabama require a notary for title transfer?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>In the following segments, we will take a closer look at all the integral aspects of Alabama car title transfer. This includes a step-by-step guide, the required documentation, and even frequently asked questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what_is_a_car_title\"><\/span><strong>What Is A Car Title?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A car title is the legal document that indicates who is the legal owner of a vehicle. In Alabama it is a legal requirement for all vehicles that have been made in the last 35 years. Any vehicles older than that don\u2019t require a title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"how_to_transfer_car_ownership_to_family_in_alabama_step-by-step\"><\/span><strong>How to Transfer Car Ownership to Family in Alabama: Step-By-Step<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Our step by step guide will help you learn everything you need to know about how to transfer a car title in Alabama.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"transferring_a_title_at_the_dmv\"><\/span><strong>Transferring a Title at the DMV<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Transferring a vehicle title in Alabama is fairly simple. Here\u2019s a step-by-step guide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>Gather all the required documentation (listed below).<\/li><li>Ensure that all the previous title holders have signed the vehicle title.<\/li><li>Present the documentation to the country office, and pay the required fees.<\/li><li>Bring in the vehicle for inspection and corroboration.<\/li><li>Wait for the completion of the transfer. It can take anything from a few weeks to two months.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"transferring_ownership_of_a_titleless_vehicle\"><\/span><strong>Transferring Ownership of a Titleless Vehicle<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In Alabama, vehicles older than 35 years don\u2019t require a title. So, if you\u2019re transferring ownership of an older vehicle, you won\u2019t need to concern yourself with the absence of a title for the vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, in the case of newer vehicles, a title is required. The best option is to get the seller (if you\u2019re making a purchase) to apply for a replacement title, which will cost around $15 in this state. It should take about fifteen business days for the seller to get the new title, then you\u2019re ready to do the transfer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you, or another family member, are the current owner of the vehicle and a replacement title isn\u2019t available, you\u2019ll need to apply for a new title. This may incur fees, and you\u2019ll likely also have to run a check on the vehicle\u2019s VIN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The documents required by the county office for issuing a new title may include some or all of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>A Certificate of Origin from the Manufacturer<\/li><li>A Bill of sale<\/li><li>A Bonded Title Application&nbsp;<\/li><li>A Motor Vehicle Ownership Surety Bond<\/li><li>A Statement of Fact from a Tax Collector Hearing<\/li><li>A Copy of your driver\u2019s license<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are struggling to get a new title, it\u2019s best to talk to your county office and get their recommendation about how to proceed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It isn\u2019t always recommended to buy a titleless vehicle, since it may be stolen or have other issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"transferring_a_title_online\"><\/span><strong>Transferring a Title Online<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While there is an online titling system in this state, it is only available to financial institutions and car dealerships. As a result, you\u2019ll need to do the title transfer in person at the closest county office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"family_title_transfer_in_alabama_required_documentation\"><\/span><strong>Family Title Transfer in Alabama: Required Documentation<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When you\u2019re trying to transfer a car title to a family member in Alabama, there are several steps that you need to follow. The first is to assemble all the required documentation. Here\u2019s a list of the different documents you\u2019ll need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>A title application form<\/strong> &#8211; When transferring a title, the buyer and seller will need to fill out an application for a replacement title form.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>The original vehicle title<\/strong> &#8211; It\u2019s essential that you bring the original vehicle title with you when transferring the title. If you don\u2019t have access to the original title, then you will need to apply for a duplicate title before you can complete the transfer.<\/li><li><strong>Transfer of ownership<\/strong> &#8211; On the vehicle title, there is a transfer of ownership that needs to be completed by both parties.<\/li><li><strong>Proof of auto insurance valid in Alabama<\/strong> &#8211; In order to transfer a vehicle title in Alabama, the new owner will need to prove that they have valid auto insurance for the state.<\/li><li><strong>The new owner\u2019s driver\u2019s license <\/strong>&#8211; The new owner will also need to provide proof that they have a valid driver\u2019s license if they want access to the title.<\/li><li><strong>Proof of residency<\/strong> &#8211; The new owner will also need to prove that they are a resident of the state.<\/li><li><strong>A Bill of Sale<\/strong> &#8211; If you sell a vehicle to a family member, it\u2019s advisable to bring the bill of sale for the vehicle.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"family_title_transfer_in_alabama_related_fees\"><\/span><strong>Family Title Transfer in Alabama: Related Fees<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When doing a vehicle transfer in Alabama, there are several fees that you\u2019ll need to pay. The first is the title transfer fee, which is $18.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The second, and more significant, is a sales tax of between 2.6% and 3.1%. In the case of a private sale, the lower fee applies, dealer sales require the larger tax.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Registration fees and license plate fees will be due at the same time. If you transfer a license plate, the fee is $1.25. If you purchase a new license plate, the fee is $23, as well as a $1.25 issuance fee. There may also be additional sales tax involved.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"real-life_examples_of_family_title_transfer_in_alabama\"><\/span><strong>Real-Life Examples of Family Title Transfer in Alabama<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While it\u2019s readily apparent that you may sometimes need to transfer a car title to a family member, it\u2019s difficult to understand exactly why it may become necessary. Let\u2019s look at a few real-life examples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"transferring_a_car_title_from_a_deceased_owner_in_alabama\"><\/span><strong>Transferring a Car Title From A Deceased Owner in Alabama<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, this is a very common reason for transferring a car title to a family member. When an elderly family member passes away, or a family member passes away prematurely, then it is necessary to transfer the vehicle title to the beneficiary of their will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may require additional documentation in this case, including a copy of letters testamentary or letters of administration issued by the court. In the case of an estate that isn\u2019t going through probate, the executor or signatory of the estate will need to provide a Next of Kin Affidavit (MVT 5-6). You\u2019ll also need a copy of the deceased owner\u2019s death certificate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"transferring_ownership_of_a_vehicle_to_a_son_or_daughter\"><\/span><strong>Transferring Ownership of a Vehicle to a Son or Daughter<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It is also relatively common for a parent to buy a vehicle for their child, or to give them one of the family\u2019s vehicles. In this case, the regular transfer process applies,&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, you\u2019ll need to fill out an Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Gift Transfer form. If you are buying a new car for your child, then you might want to consider taking them to the dealership and having them buy the car directly. This will eliminate the need for a title transfer, and the potential for paying sales tax twice.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"final_thoughts\"><\/span><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you started reading this article not knowing how to fill out a car title transfer in Alabama, you should now understand all the steps and basic requirements. As you can see, it is a fairly simple process that requires some basic preparation and nothing particularly complex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bear in mind that a full title and ownership is required if someone wants to take out a <a href=\"https:\/\/titlelo.com\/alabama\/\">title loan in the state of Alabama<\/a>. It is also useful to have a full title in a range of other situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"family_title_transfer_in_alabama_frequently_asked_questions\"><\/span><strong>Family Title Transfer in Alabama: Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><strong><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what_is_needed_to_transfer_a_car_title_in_alabama\"><\/span><strong>What is needed to transfer a car title in Alabama?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Several essential documents are required when transferring a car title in Alabama, including the following: the original Alabama title (signed over to the buyer, a bill of sale, an unexpired driving license for both the seller and the buyer. proof of insurance (clearly showing both the NAIC number and the policy number, Proof of identification, and proof of VIN inspection.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll also need the various fees in order to process the transfer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"do_i_need_a_bill_of_sale_if_i_have_the_title_in_alabama\"><\/span><strong>Do I need a bill of sale if I have the title in Alabama?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It depends on the situation. In some cases you can successfully sell your car, and transfer the title, using only the original Alabama title. However, in other cases, a bill of sale may be required. When at all possible, try to take the bill of sale when transferring a vehicle\u2019s title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what_do_i_need_to_register_my_car_in_alabama_from_out_of_state\"><\/span><strong>What do I need to register my car in Alabama from out of state?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you\u2019re transferring a vehicle title in Alabama, but from out of state, you will require: the original certificate of title, as well as valid, unexpired driver\u2019s licenses for both parties, and proof of vehicle insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You also need to bring in the vehicle at the time of transfer to allow for certification of the car\u2019s mileage and VIN number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"does_alabama_require_a_notary_for_title_transfer\"><\/span><strong>Does Alabama require a notary for title transfer?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No, Alabama does not require a notary for title transfer. However, if you\u2019re transferring from out of state a notarization may sometimes be required to complete the transfer.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>While knowing how to transfer a car title to a family member may not seem like vital knowledge, it can become a necessity in some instances. Having full ownership of a car is necessary in various situations, like when the driver wants to take a title loan. In the following segments, we will take a&#8230; <\/p>\n<div class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/titlelo.com\/learn\/transfer-a-car-title-in-alabama\/\">Read More<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"spay_email":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false,"jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true},"categories":[16,5],"tags":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p9sr8f-jp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/titlelo.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1203"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/titlelo.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/titlelo.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/titlelo.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/titlelo.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1203"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/titlelo.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1203\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1208,"href":"https:\/\/titlelo.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1203\/revisions\/1208"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/titlelo.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1203"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/titlelo.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1203"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/titlelo.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1203"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}