Select a subcategory to filter by: 
Boat Permit
    1.  Will I need to complete or bring any other information?
 
Business License
    1.  How do I get a business license?
    2.  Are there any other authorities I should check with before establishing my business?
    3.  Will I also need to file a sales tax report?
    4.  Do I need to renew my existing business license, and if so, when?
    5.  What if I move my business to a new location?
    6.  What if I sell my business or buy a business from someone else?
    7.  Would you like to view or print the Application for Tax or License Number?
    8.  Would you like to view or print general information about the Jefferson County Sales Tax?
 
Commercial Tags
    1.  If someone purchased a truck and registers it within 60 days, he/she is not required to provide proof of payment of FHVUT, but only evidence of purchases within the sixty (60) day period. Is the purchaser not subject to the federal tax?
    2.  What is "suspended" Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (FHVUT)?
    3.  Must the issuing official retain the proof documents?
    4.  What is the toll free number for the IRS?
    5.  Is a serviceman required to pay Ad Valorem taxes?
    6.  An Alabama motor vehicle dealer purchases an automobile in Georgia in January. The vehicle is in dealer inventory until July when it is sold. The purchaser would owe Ad Valorem tax from what month?
    7.  How many years of ad valorem taxes is a taxpayer required to pay?
    8.  Are there any situations where a nonresident serviceman would be subject to ad valorem taxes?
    9.  How could one be liable for ad valorem tax for more than one year?
 
Disability Parking
    1.  Disability Parking
 
Driver's License
    1.  Do I need to bring any documentation other than my original driver's license to get a duplicate license?
    2.  Where is driver's testing done?
    3.  How do I get a non-driver's ID card?
    4.  I am paying by check. Who should my check be made payable to?
    5.  Do you take credit cards?
 
Fishing License
    1.  How do I get a fishing license?
    2.  Do I need to bring any documentation with me to apply for a license?
    3.  How do I get a copy of the Alabama Game and Fish regulations?
 
Home Permits
    1.  Where do I go to register my manufactured home?
    2.  Should I bring any documentation with me?
    3.  When is my manufactured home registration renewal due?
    4.  What are the penalties for failing to register or to renew a registration for a manufactured home?
    5.  Can I apply for a registration or renew a registration through the mail?
 
Hunting License
    1.  How do I get a hunting license?
 
Motor Vehicle Tags
    1.  Can I pay for and pick up a tag for someone else?
    2.  Why are there differences in the cost of renewing my tag from year to year?
    3.  What is the penalty for late renewal of a tag?
    4.  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?
    5.  I just bought a used car from an individual. How do I transfer the tag?
    6.  I just bought a new (or used) car from a dealer. Will they handle all the paperwork?
 
Motor Vehicle Titles
    1.  What is the procedure to get a replacement title and how much does it cost?
    2.  I've just bought a vehicle from an individual. How long do I have to transfer the title?
    3.  I just moved to Jefferson County from another state. How long do I have to register my vehicles?
    4.  How long before I receive my Certificate of Title in the mail?
 
Personalized Tags
    1.  How do I get a personalized car or truck tag?
    2.  Can you call and reserve my choice until I can bring in my payment?
    3.  How long will it take for me to receive my personalized tag?
 
Boat Permit
    Q.  Will I need to complete or bring any other information?
    A.  You will need to present a Bill of Sale for the boat and last registration of previous owner. 

 
Business License
    Q.  How do I get a business license?
    A. 

For a new business or a new location of an existing business, you should fill out an Application for Tax or License Number and return it to the Jefferson County Revenue Department. This form can be picked up at any Revenue Department location.



    Q.  Are there any other authorities I should check with before establishing my business?
    A. 

You should contact the city or municipality in which your business is located regarding any taxes or licenses they may require. You may also want to contact the following agencies regarding guidelines and requirements for new businesses:

State of Alabama Sales Tax
Suite 208
2020 Valleydale Rd.
Hoover, AL 35244
Phone: (205) 733-2740
Internal Revenue Service801 Tom Martin Drive, Birmingham, AL 35211
Phone: 1-800-829-1040
Small Business Administration801 Tom Martin Drive, Birmingham, AL 35211
Phone: (205) 731-1341



    Q.  Will I also need to file a sales tax report?
    A.  All persons or businesses who sell tangible property at retail, or operate machines or places of entertainment or amusement must collect sales tax and make reports and payments to the Jefferson County Revenue Department. An information sheet on Jefferson County Sales Tax is available at any Revenue Department location or may be printed at this location.

    Q.  Do I need to renew my existing business license, and if so, when?
    A.  Yes, State and Jefferson County business licenses are valid for a fiscal year beginning October 1 and ending September 30 of the following year. All licenses expire September 30th of each year. You should renew your business license between October 1st and October 31st. You may receive a renewal notice in the mail. However, renewal is your responsibility; any notification is a courtesy.

    Q.  What if I move my business to a new location?
    A.  If your business changes location, your original license may be brought to a Revenue Department location, or it can be mailed with a written request to change the location. An address change may affect your license rate, as many State License fees are based on municipal population.

    Q.  What if I sell my business or buy a business from someone else?
    A.  State and County business licenses may be transferred to new owners. Transfer requires the original license(s) be endorsed on the face of the license by the Seller, a Bill of Sale, and fee (fees vary with the number of licenses to be transferred.) Note: Business licenses issued to professionals (doctors, engineers, accountants, etc.) are not transferable.

    Q.  Would you like to view or print the Application for Tax or License Number?
    A. 

    Q.  Would you like to view or print general information about the Jefferson County Sales Tax?
    A. 

 
Commercial Tags
    Q.  If someone purchased a truck and registers it within 60 days, he/she is not required to provide proof of payment of FHVUT, but only evidence of purchases within the sixty (60) day period. Is the purchaser not subject to the federal tax?
    A.  The purchase IS subject to the tax and must pay the tax by the last day of the month following the purchase of the vehicle. For example, if purchased in May, the owner must pay the tax by June 30th. If not the taxpayer becomes subject to penalties and interest;

The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 now allows anyone selling a truck subject to FHVUT to obtain a CREDIT from the IRS on taxes paid based on Schedule 1, when selling his/her vehicle. Therefore, a copy of the previous owners Schedule 1 is no longer acceptable.


    Q.  What is "suspended" Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (FHVUT)?
    A.  Federal law provides that any vehicle owner who believes that his/her truck or tractor will be operated less than 5,000 miles in a taxable year (July 1 - June 30) may "suspend the payment of the FHVUT. Furthermore, anyone operating a vehicle 7,500 miles or less for agricultural purposes is not subject to pay the tax. HOWEVER, the owner is required to file the Form 2290 and MUST show to the tag department one of the earlier listed proof documents.

    Q.  Must the issuing official retain the proof documents?
    A. 
 

YES. Federal regulations require the records to be retained for one year. Thus, records should be available for the current registration year and for the previous registration year.



    Q.  What is the toll free number for the IRS?
    A. 
 

1-800-424-1000 (Ask for an excise tax specialist).
What if a registrant does not want to declare the gross weight?
Section 40 -12- 248, Code of Alabama 1975 reads "(c) Every person making application for license under this section to use a truck or truck tractor on the public highways of this state shall be required to make an affidavit declaring the gross vehicle weight of such truck or truck tractor and file the said affidavit with the judge of probate, or other county licensing officer, in the county in which the said application is made." The registrant must comply with Section 40 - 12- 248 before being issued a license plate.



    Q.  Is a serviceman required to pay Ad Valorem taxes?
    A. 
A serviceman who is a resident of Alabama (or who claims Alabama as his/her "home of record") IS subject to Alabama ad valorem taxes.


    Q.  An Alabama motor vehicle dealer purchases an automobile in Georgia in January. The vehicle is in dealer inventory until July when it is sold. The purchaser would owe Ad Valorem tax from what month?
    A. 
 

July



    Q.  How many years of ad valorem taxes is a taxpayer required to pay?
    A. 
 

Alabama law allows the assessment of two (2) years escaped taxes plus the current taxes due.



    Q.  Are there any situations where a nonresident serviceman would be subject to ad valorem taxes?
    A. 
 

A non-resident serviceman could purchase a vehicle currently registered in Alabama, and the serviceman would be liable for accrued ad valorem tax from date previously paid.



    Q.  How could one be liable for ad valorem tax for more than one year?
    A. 
 

One could be liable if he/she bought a vehicle and the previous owner had not paid the tax or if the vehicle had not been registered within the last twelve (12) months.



 
Disability Parking
    Q.  Disability Parking
    A. 

Applications can be picked up at any Jefferson County Revenue Department location listed. Beginning January 1, 2012 the physician's signature must be an original as they will be required to certify you have a disability if you are applying as an individual. Applications may be returned to a Revenue Department location. 



 
Driver's License
    Q.  Do I need to bring any documentation other than my original driver's license to get a duplicate license?
    A. 

Yes. If your license is lost, destroyed or becomes illegible, but has not yet expired, you should apply for a duplicate license. You will be asked to furnish acceptable identification in the form of two or more of the following documents:

The list of acceptable documents as maintained by the State of Alabama Department of Public Safety can be reviewed at http://dps.alabama.gov/Home/wfContent.aspx?ID=30&PLH1=plhDriverLicense-DocumentRequirementsAndFees

NOTE: Xerox and FAX copies are not acceptable. You may be required to furnish additional documents to support your claim of identity.

 



    Q.  Where is driver's testing done?
    A. 

Testing is available at the following locations:

  • Alabama Department of Public Safety
    908 Bankhead Highway West
    Room 308
    Birmingham, AL 35204
    Phone: (205) 252-7445
  • Bessemer Courthouse
    1801 3rd Avenue N
    Bessemer, AL
    Phone: (205) 426-7958

NOTE: No field testing will be done on rainy days.



    Q.  How do I get a non-driver's ID card?
    A. 

A citizen of Alabama may apply for a non-driver Identification card at any location where driver testing is done. The same degree of proof of identification required of applicants for a driver's license is required for non-driver ID cards. Identification cards are issued to applicants who do not physically qualify for a driver's license, do not have a current driver's license, or who wish to discontinue driving and surrender their driver's license.

The non-driver identification card bears a number, as well as name, date of birth, address, description of holder, and a color photo of the holder.

  • Initial ID Card (expires 8 years from issue date): $36.50
  • Renewals: $36.50
  • First Replacement: $31.50
  • Subsequent Replacements: $36.50

*must provide DPS examiner with proper documentation.



    Q.  I am paying by check. Who should my check be made payable to?
    A.  Your check should be payable to: Travis A. Hulsey, Director Department of Revenue

    Q.  Do you take credit cards?
    A.  Yes

 
Fishing License
    Q.  How do I get a fishing license?
    A.  Clicking here will take you to the website for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). This site offers a host of information and reports and also provides a link allowing you to purchase a hunting and/or fishing license online. This is a new feature offered by DCNR in partnership with Alabama.gov. The site offers a convenient and secure opportunity to acquire the licenses necessary to pursue outdoor recreational activities. (For boat registration renewals, click here to visit our web page. Certain restrictions apply).

    Q.  Do I need to bring any documentation with me to apply for a license?
    A. 

You will be required to present a valid Alabama driver's license as proof of residency. If you do not have a valid Alabama driver's license, you may present at least two of the following:

Cannot accept Alabama non-driver I.D. card

  • Certificate of employment
  • Copy of home property tax
  • Copy of previous year's tax return
  • Three months utility bills with mailing address
  • Health insurance card or form with mailing address
  • School registration or student I.D. card
  • Telephone calling card with address
  • Voter registration card
  • Military personnel with an out-of-state driver's license (must have a copy of orders of assignment to Alabama or home of record from Alabama)
  • Personal knowledge from issuing agent that the customer is a resident of the state of Alabama (noted on the license and initialed by the issuer)


    Q.  How do I get a copy of the Alabama Game and Fish regulations?
    A.  Write or call:
State of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
64 North Union Street
P.O. Box 301456
Montgomery, AL 36130-1456
Phone: (334) 242-3673

 
Home Permits
    Q.  Where do I go to register my manufactured home?
    A.  You may pay your registration fee and receive your manufactured home permit and decal at any Jefferson County Revenue Department location listed below.

    Q.  Should I bring any documentation with me?
    A.  Yes, if your home was manufactured before 1990, you will need a bill of sale. For homes manufactured after 1990, a title to the home is required.

    Q.  When is my manufactured home registration renewal due?
    A.  Your registration renewal is due between October 1st and November 30th of each year. A renewal reminder will be mailed to the last address known by the Revenue Department around October 1st of each year.

    Q.  What are the penalties for failing to register or to renew a registration for a manufactured home?
    A.  If you renew your manufactured home registration after November 30th, a delinquent fee of $10.00 is automatically due. If a citation is issued you must add $15.00, and if payment is not made within 15 days of citation issue date then a delinquent fee of $24.00 must be paid. Total penalty, citation and delinquent fees can be $59.00

    Q.  Can I apply for a registration or renew a registration through the mail?
    A.  You may renew your annual registration fee by mail if you receive a renewal reminder from the Revenue Department. You should receive your renewal reminder during the first week of October. If you are registering your manufactured home for the first time, you must visit one of the Revenue Department locations.

 
Hunting License
    Q.  How do I get a hunting license?
    A.  You may apply for a hunting license at any Jefferson County Revenue Department location listed below. Many outdoor sports equipment retailers also issue hunting and fishing licenses.

 
Motor Vehicle Tags
    Q.  Can I pay for and pick up a tag for someone else?
    A.  Yes, if you have permission from the individual and their drivers license card. This would include a power of attorney from the individual. We consider possession of the courtesy renewal reminder card as tacit approval from the registered owner to renew the registration, or last registration.

    Q.  Why are there differences in the cost of renewing my tag from year to year?
    A.  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.

    Q.  What is the penalty for late renewal of a tag?
    A.  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 current interest rate per ADOR at https://revenue.alabama.gov/motor-vehicle/interest-rate/ .

 



    Q.  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?
    A.  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.

    Q.  I just bought a used car from an individual. How do I transfer the tag?
    A.  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 any Jefferson County Revenue Department office.

    Q.  I just bought a new (or used) car from a dealer. Will they handle all the paperwork?
    A.  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.

 
Motor Vehicle Titles
    Q.  What is the procedure to get a replacement title and how much does it cost?
    A. 

A completed application for title replacement (MVT 12-1 Form) is mailed directly by you to the State Department of Motor Vehicles office. The replacement title is mailed to the applicant normally within 2 weeks.



    Q.  I've just bought a vehicle from an individual. How long do I have to transfer the title?
    A.  Vehicles must be transferred within 20 calendar days of the date of purchase to avoid penalties. The transfer fee is $1.50. The penalty for failure to transfer within the time allowed by law is $15.00.

    Q.  I just moved to Jefferson County from another state. How long do I have to register my vehicles?
    A.  New Alabama residents have 30 calendar days to register vehicles if their out-of-state tags are valid.

    Q.  How long before I receive my Certificate of Title in the mail?
    A.  After the application is made and approved, the State of Alabama will mail the title directly to the registered owner or lienholder normally within 6 to 8 weeks.

 
Personalized Tags
    Q.  How do I get a personalized car or truck tag?
    A. 

Visit pros.mvtrip.alabama.gov/reservations/home to see if what you want is available.

If the request is approved by DMV, you will need to pay the required fees. You will receive a registration receipt and a 60-day temporary tag (no charge for the temporary tag).

The DMV will order the license plate manufactured and will ship directly to you.



    Q.  Can you call and reserve my choice until I can bring in my payment?
    A.  No, you can only reserve online.

    Q.  How long will it take for me to receive my personalized tag?
    A.  Your tag will arrive in the mail normally in about eight weeks.