To Register a Vintage Vehicle?

You are allowed 20 calendar days from the date of purchase to register your vehicle. Registrations in excess of 20 calendar days will result in a $15.00 penalty.

What Do I Need To Bring When Purchasing a Vintage Vehicle from a Dealership?

• Bill of Sale from licensed dealership;  with the complete description of the vehicle including the VIN, year, make and model. It must include the amount paid for the vehicle, the date of sale, the name and signature of both buyer and seller.
• Applicants will complete an application (form #MVR 40-12-290).
  
• Vehicle inspection may be required (The vehicle would need to 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)

• A valid (non-expired) driver’s license or State issued ID for owner. (The names on the driver’s license/ID must match the names on the Bill of Sale and must be the owner’s current legal name)
• Proof of insurance for the vehicle (insurance provider must be licensed to do business in Alabama)
  Note: Company owned vehicles require an FEIN.
• Proof of residency in Shelby County.  

What Do I Need To Bring When Purchasing a Vintage Vehicle From an Individual?

• Bill of Sale (with seller's signature notarized; and complete description of the vehicle including the VIN, year, make and model. It must include the amount paid for the vehicle, the date of sale, the name and signature of both buyer and seller). For sales tax purposes, if a bill of sale declares “other valuable considerations” each consideration must be itemized on the bill of sale and have a value assigned.
• Applicants will complete an application (form #MVR 40-12-290).
  Additionally, the person(s) seeking to register the vehicle will be required to prove ownership by providing such documents as a bill of sale and a motor vehicle registration in the previous owner’s name, a previously issued proof of insurance for the vehicle in the previous owner’s name or other supporting documentation of ownership by previous owner.
• Vehicle inspection may be required (The vehicle would need to 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)

• A valid (non-expired) driver’s license or State issued ID for owner. (The names on the driver’s license/ID must match the names on the Bill of Sale and must be the owner’s current legal name)
• Proof of insurance for the vehicle (insurance provider must be licensed to do business in Alabama)
  Note: Company owned vehicles require an FEIN.
• Proof of residency in Shelby County.

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.

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.