Updated February 01, 2024
An Alabama motor vehicle bill of sale is used to outline the terms of the sale of a vehicle between a buyer and seller. Some counties have their own version requiring either both parties to sign and others that require notarization. Possession of the vehicle and transfer of title should only occur after funds have been transferred by the buyer to the seller. Upon both parties receiving their part of the exchange, the bill of sale should be completed and signed.
Signing Requirements – Depends on the county. For example, Lee County requires a notary public, and in Mobile County only the seller is required to sign.
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Registering a Vehicle
A purchased vehicle is required to be registered within 20 days from the date of sale. For out-of-state sales, the buyer has 30 days.[1] It’s required that vehicles are registered every year and (depending on the county) renewed online. When registering, a county official will confirm the VIN and odometer reading.[2]
Where to Register
A vehicle can be registered in person at a Department of Revenue Licensing Office.
Required Documents
- Bill of Sale
- Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form MVT 5-5)
- Certificate of Title (if none, it can be applied for at the Title Portal)
- Valid driver’s license
- If someone else is registering the vehicle on the owner’s behalf, they will need to have an authorized Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney
- Registration Fees[3]
- Proof of insurance with the minimum requirement of:[4]
- $25,000 bodily injury/person/accident
- $50,000 combined bodily injury/accident
- $25,000 property damage/accident or a combined single limit of $75,000/accident