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Motor Vehicle Tags
Jefferson County Revenue Department

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New Law Takes Effect

A new Alabama Law has changed the policies and procedures surrounding the renewal and transfer of your motor vehicle license plates. Effective January 1, 1998 the plate no longer goes with the vehicle.

In the past, certain distinctive and personalized vehicle plates were transferred from vehicle to vehicle if the owner acquired a different vehicle or, in some cases, if the owner wanted to put the plate on another vehicle he or she owned. However, according to the new law, an owner who trades vehicles must remove the license plate from the previously owned vehicle and bring it to the license issuing official to be transferred to the newly acquired vehicle. Also, if a vehicle is sold or disposed of otherwise, the owner is required to remove the plate. If the owner sells his vehicle, or if it is totally destroyed or junked, he may transfer the plate to a vehicle of the same classification he already owns that is not currently licensed, or to a vehicle of the same classification or higher classification he acquires later in the license year. There are certain limitations and the owner may not transfer the plate to another vehicle he or she owns unless the licensed vehicle has changed ownership.

Due to a change in the law, the ad valorem portion of the tag tax is collected in advance. This creates a situation in which the seller may have a pre-paid (paid in advance) tag/ tax. In the event an owner sells or otherwise disposes of a vehicle, the tag no longer stays with the car, it belongs to the owner-seller and should be removed from the vehicle before the physical transfer of the vehicle occurs. The owner-seller has the option of transferring the tag to another vehicle acquired in his/her name, and the owner-seller may request a Credit Voucher within one (1) year for the un-used portion of the ad valorem tax. The Credit Voucher is pro-rated, by month, and is valid only for application to the ad valorem portion of the charges associated with the renewal of an existing tag and/or acquisition of a replacement vehicle to which the held tag will be attached. Please go to the “Important Changes to Credit Voucher After 1 January 2005” for more information.

You must keep either an original tag registration form (tag receipt) or a same-sized facsimile in your vehicle at all times. You may be asked to present this form by law enforcement officers at any time. Please note that your tag registration form is not your vehicle title. We do not recommend that you keep your original title in your vehicle under any circumstances.
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Your Alabama motor vehicle license plate/decal must be renewed each year. Renewal reminders will be mailed as a courtesy at the beginning of the scheduled renewal month. It is your responsibility to renew your tag/decal during the correct renewal month, even if you do not receive a courtesy renewal reminder in the mail. The first letter of your last name determines the month in which your renewal is due.

Renewal Chart

Tag renewals may be processed at any of the five Jefferson County Revenue Department locations listed below. You may also renew your registration by mail or over the internet if you receive a renewal reminder for your vehicle. To avoid long lines and save time, the best time to renew your tag in person is between the 10th of the month and the 25th of the month.

Fees - The amount you pay to renew your tag is a combination of your ad valorem tax assessment and a license fee. The ad valorem taxes are determined by multiplying the state-assigned value of your vehicle by the assessment rate (based on the classification of the vehicle), then multiplying the assessed value by the millage rate determined by your address.

Effective January 1, 2000, ad valorem taxes are collected in advance at the time of registration. A mail fee of $2.00 is charged for tag renewals processed by mail or through Express Lane.

I am a non-Resident Military, as defined by the Soldiers & Sailors Relief Act of 1940; what proof documents should I provide in order to claim the appropriate exemptions? What are the exemptions?

You need to bring (a) a Non-Resident Military Exemption form (statement) signed by the Unit Commander; (b) copy of the military orders assigning the individual to a installation in Alabama; (c) current Leave-Earning Statement (LES). The Licensing official may require additional supporting documents to support the claim for the exemption. The exemption will allow the service member to avoid the payment of ad valorem taxes. The service member is responsible for the metal plate and issuance fee.

I just bought a used car from an individual. How do I transfer the tag?
On 1975 and newer vehicles you must apply for title transfer by bringing the current Alabama title (signed correctly by the previous owner) along with the bill of sale and the latest tag receipt or tag number. On vehicle models prior to 1975, the registered owner must retain a legible copy of the bill of sale within the vehicle. (State of Alabama Department of Revenue Regulation 810-5-75-.35, Code of Alabama, 1975 32-8-1 et seq.). Transfers can be made at all six (6) Revenue Department locations.

I just bought a new (or used) car from a dealer. Will they handle all the paperwork?
The dealer is required to complete your application for title and collect sales tax due at their location. However, you must bring the title application to the Revenue Department to actually register the vehicle. It is your responsibility to make sure the vehicle is registered.

Can I pay for and pick up a tag for someone else?
Yes, if you have permission from the individual and their drivers license card. This would include a power of attorney from the individual. Any hardship or medical cases should be pre-approved by the Revenue Department. We consider possession of the courtesy renewal reminder card as tacit approval from the registered owner to renew the registration.

Why are there differences in the cost of renewing my tag from year to year?
There may be several reasons for differences in the cost of your tag renewal. Normally, a vehicle's value will depreciate, reducing the assessed value of the vehicle. You may have moved into a new jurisdiction with a different tax rate. The tag you bought last year may have been pro-rated for a partial year. If so, your assessment this year will be higher since it will reflect a full year.

What is the penalty for late renewal of a tag?
You should renew your tag by the last working day of your renewal month. The penalty for failure to renew within the time allowed by law is $15.00 plus 12% annualized interest to the date of payment.

I am paying by check. Who should my check be made payable to?
Your check should be payable to: Travis A. Hulsey, Director (No counter checks or out of county/state checks are acceptable.) We do not accept checks drawn on Internet banks without prior authorization from the Director. Business, corporate or professional association checks will not be accepted for payment of fees and taxes for personally owned motor vehicles.

Do you take credit cards?
Yes! We are currently accepting only Visa and MasterCard.