When Moving From Another State

In ALL transactions, if there are two owners and their names are joined by "and,” both owners must be present to sign the title application or one has to send an original power of attorney. If there are two owners with no connecting word, it is considered "and." If names are joined by "or," only one owner is needed to register the vehicle. Each owner reflected on the vehicle title must present a valid government issued driver's license or non driver's ID.

Note: An alteration of any kind on a title voids the assignment. Liquid paper voids the entire title and a replacement title must be issued. Any alteration on a notarized document voids that document. 

To avoid penalties you must register your vehicle in your county of residence within 30 days of entering state.

If You Own Your Vehicle

• Out of state title in your name
• Proof of Insurance (insurance provider must be licensed to do business in Alabama)
• Proof of residency in Shelby County*
• Current registration from the state your vehicle was last registered
• A valid (non-expired) Driver’s License or State issued ID for each owner. The names on the driver’s license/ID must match the names on the paperwork and must be the owner’s current legal name.  Note: Company owned vehicles require an FEIN.
• The vehicle must be present at our office for a VIN inspection or an inspection form completed and signed by an Alabama law enforcement officer.

  The original signed form may be scanned directly in and sent to the license office; however, a scanned photo copy of the original form is unacceptable.  (Example: a photo copy taken with a mobile device or other electronic means of picture taking)

If Your Vehicle Is Financed or Leased With a Lien Holder Recorded

• A faxed copy of the existing title from the lien holder - If the lien holder will include the owner’s phone number on the fax, the License Office will contact the owner when the paperwork is received.
• Proof of residency in Shelby County*
• Proof of Insurance (insurance provider must be licensed to do business in Alabama)
• A valid (non-expired) Driver’s License or State issued ID for each owner. The names on the driver’s license/ID must match the names on the paperwork and must be the owner’s current legal name.  Note: Company owned vehicles require an FEIN.
• Company owned vehicles require an FEIN
• Current registration from the state your vehicle was last registered
• The vehicle must be present at our office for a VIN inspection or an inspection form completed and signed by an Alabama law enforcement officer.

  The original signed form may be scanned directly in and sent to the license office; however, a scanned photo copy of the original form is unacceptable.  (Example: a photo copy taken with a mobile device or other electronic means of picture taking)

• If your previous state of residence was a "non-title-holding" state, you must have the original title to complete your transaction.

If Your Vehicle Is Leased Without a Lien Holder Recorded

• Original title from the leasing company - If the leasing company will include lessee’s phone number with paperwork, we will notify lessee when the paperwork is received.
• Original, notarized Power of Attorney from leasing company appointing the individual registering the vehicle
• Proof of residency in Shelby County*
• Proof of Insurance (insurance provider must be licensed to do business in Alabama)
• A valid (non-expired) Driver’s License or State issued ID for each owner. The names on the driver’s license/ID must match the names on the paperwork and must be the owner’s current legal name.  Note: Company owned vehicles require an FEIN.
• Current registration from the state your vehicle was last registered
• The vehicle must be present at our office for a VIN inspection or an inspection form completed and signed by an Alabama law enforcement officer.

  The original signed form may be scanned directly in and sent to the license office; however, a scanned photo copy of the original form is unacceptable.  (Example: a photo copy taken with a mobile device or other electronic means of picture taking)

• The person named in the POA signing the title application must have a Valid government-issued photo ID.

• Home Property Tax in the applicant’s name showing homestead exemption
• A current apartment lease in the applicant’s name or listed as an occupant
• A deposit on utilities in the applicant’s name
• A current (within last 30 days) utility bill for a Shelby County residence in the applicant’s name (electric, gas, water, sewer, garbage, cable, and land line telephone)
• Military orders to Shelby County (date must be current)

Download a printable checklist here

This information provided by the Shelby County License Department is the most current and thorough information available to help expedite your transaction. The license department regards every transaction as unique however we have only addressed the most common types of transactions and provided you the basic information to assist you with the documents needed before your visit to our license offices. Since every situation cannot be foreseen we encourage you to include any additional documentation you may deem pertinent to your transaction. For your convenience we also encourage you to use the printable checklists that are available within the text.