Free Alabama License Plate Lookup – Instant Vehicle Report

Considering a used car in Alabama? Perform a 100% FREE Alabama License Plate Lookup to instantly reveal the vehicle’s full history. Simply enter the plate number and access a detailed report — including title status, accident records, odometer issues, open recalls, liens, theft checks, and more.

Why Trust VinCheck.info for Alabama Plate Lookups?

✅ Completely Free – no hidden fees, subscriptions, or credit cards required
✅ Reliable Data – powered by NMVTIS and trusted industry partners
✅ Instant Reports – mobile-friendly, no apps or software needed
✅ Confidential & Secure – no registration required, search anonymously

Why Run an Alabama License Plate Lookup?

Alabama, with its mix of bustling cities like Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile, and thousands of miles of rural highways, has a diverse driving culture. With over 5 million registered vehicles across the state, the used car market is active — but not every vehicle is trouble-free.

The Alabama Department of Revenue (DOR) Motor Vehicle Division oversees vehicle registrations and titles, all linked to license plates. Running a free Alabama plate check helps you uncover crucial details in a car’s history — from past accidents and flood damage to outstanding liens or theft records.

Don’t take chances. Run a free Alabama license plate lookup today and make sure your next car is safe, reliable, and free of hidden risks.

Alabama Plate Serial Formats:
1A2345B
1A23BCD
1A23B4C
10A123B
10A12B3
10A1B23
10A1BC2
10A2BCD
(county-coded)

Why Use a Free Alabama License Plate Lookup?

Thinking about buying or selling a used car in Alabama? A 100% free Alabama license plate lookup from VinCheck.info gives you quick access to vital vehicle details so you can make safer, smarter decisions. Just enter an Alabama plate number to uncover:

• Vehicle Details – Year, make, model, trim, and body style.
• Title Status – Check for branded titles like salvage, flood, rebuilt, or junk—whether issued in Alabama or another state.
• Accident Records – Reported crashes, airbag deployments, and structural damage.
• Mileage History – Spot odometer rollbacks or unusual mileage gaps.
• Market Valuation – Get an estimate of the car’s fair market price based on its history and condition.
• Liens & Loans – Verify outstanding liens or past repossessions.
• Ownership & Usage – See if the vehicle was privately owned, leased, used as a fleet car, or rented.
• Open Recalls – Find manufacturer recalls that still need repair.
• Theft Records – Check if the car was ever reported stolen or recovered.
• Sales & Title Transfers – Track past transactions and interstate ownership history.

Whether you’re shopping for used cars in Birmingham, Montgomery, Huntsville, Mobile, or Tuscaloosa, a free Alabama license plate lookup provides peace of mind — with no fees, no subscriptions, and no sign-ups required.

Sample Vehicle History Report

Alabama License Plates

Standard Plate Design

Alabama’s standard license plate features the slogan “Heart of Dixie” with a graphic of a heart and a backdrop of the state’s scenic imagery.

Plate Dimensions

Plates follow the U.S. standard size of 12 inches by 6 inches.

Number of Plates

Alabama issues one plate per vehicle, which must be displayed on the rear. Motorcycles also require only one plate.

How to Get a License Plate

New residents and vehicle owners can apply for plates through their local county licensing office. You’ll need your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and payment of applicable fees.

Replacement Plates

If your license plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement from your county tag office. A replacement application form and a small fee are typically required.

Transfer of Plates

Alabama allows vehicle owners to transfer their existing license plate to another vehicle they own. This can be done through the county licensing office at the time of registration for the new vehicle. Transfer fees may apply, and you’ll need to provide proof of ownership and insurance for the new vehicle.

Renewal of Plates

Alabama license plates must be renewed annually. Renewal dates are staggered by the first letter of the vehicle owner’s last name and run from January through November. Plates can be renewed:

• Online through the Alabama Department of Revenue’s portal (if your county offers online renewal)
• In person at your county licensing office
• By mail in some counties

You’ll need your current registration, proof of insurance, and payment for renewal fees. Late renewals may be subject to penalties.

Types of Alabama License Plates

Alabama offers a wide range of plate options. Common categories include:

• Collegiate Plates – Supporting Alabama colleges and universities
• Dealer & Manufacturer Plates – For licensed auto dealers and manufacturers
• Disability Access Parking Plates – For individuals with disabilities
• Distinctive Plates – Special designs for organizations, causes, or interests
• Generic Distinctive Plates – Custom options for the general public
• Generic Race Plates – Popular among motorsports fans
• Government Plates – For official state and local government vehicles
• Military Plates – Honoring service members and veterans
• Motorcycle Plates – Sized appropriately for motorcycles
• Original Vintage Plates – For restored or classic vehicles
• Passenger Plates – Standard registration plates for everyday vehicles
• Standard Plates – The basic default plate design
• Temporary Tags – Issued while waiting for permanent plates
• Truck Plates – For commercial or larger vehicles

Alabama Vehicle Registration

Where to Register

• Local residents: Register at your local county License Plate Issuing Office.
• Businesses: Register in the county where the vehicle is primarily operated.
• Jefferson County exception: Renewals may also be processed in Clay, Hoover, Irondale, and Vestavia Hills.
• Special cases:
  • IRP trucks/truck tractors (operating out of state): Register through Motor Carrier Services.
  • Government-owned or utility/fire vehicles: Register through the Motor Vehicle Registration Section.

Prerequisites Before Registration

1. Title Application – Apply for an Alabama title if required.
2. VIN/Ownership Inspection – Needed when changing ownership if no title is required.
3. Liability Insurance – Must have Alabama insurance (verified via the state’s Online Insurance Verification System).
4. Heavy Vehicle Tax – Trucks 55,000+ lbs. must show proof of IRS Form 2290.

Deadlines

• New residents: 30 days from bringing the vehicle into Alabama.
• Newly purchased/acquired vehicles: 20 days to title and register (or next business day if deadline falls on a holiday/Sunday).

Insurance Proof

• Required since 2013. If not found in the OIVS system, present your insurance card.
• Military exemption: Alabama residents stationed out-of-state may use insurance from their current station with proper orders.

Other Key Notes

• Military in Alabama: You may keep your home state registration or choose to register in Alabama (must then get AL insurance).
• No emissions testing required in Alabama.
• Fees & plates: Registration fees and designs are available on the Alabama License Plates page.
  

Tip: Visit your county licensing office as soon as possible after purchase or moving to Alabama to avoid penalties.

Alabama Vehicle Title

Documents You’ll Need

• Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin or current title (in your name or properly assigned to you).
• Transfer documents (bill of sale, etc.) if applicable.
• Registration papers (only if the vehicle comes from a state that doesn’t issue titles).
• Additional proof may be needed to show compliance with federal/state safety, emissions, and anti-theft standards.

Joint Ownership Rules

• “OR” between names → only one owner needs to sign.
• “AND” between names → both owners must sign.

Fees

• Motor vehicle title: $15
• Manufactured home title: $20
• Agent commission: $1.50 (plus another $1.50 if processed by a County License Plate Issuing Official).
• Local fees: may apply depending on county.

Where to Apply

Submit your application through a Designated Agent:

• County License Plate Issuing Officials
• Licensed Alabama motor vehicle dealers
• Alabama banks or credit unions

Replacement Title

• Who can apply: titled owner(s), next of kin/representative, or primary lienholder (if out of state).
• What you need: VIN, proof of ownership/authorization, and payment.
• Process: Apply online (Designated Agents use MyDMV), get a confirmation email, and track status via the Application Status link.

Rebuilt Title (for salvaged vehicles)

• Who can apply: vehicle owner at time of salvage or licensed rebuilder.
• Required docs: title application, prior registration, physical title, proof of ownership, lien papers (if any), and parts receipts.
• Process: Apply online, receive confirmation email, print and mail application with documents to AL Dept. of Revenue.

Tip: Always keep copies of all documents and receipts for your records.

How Can I Find the Owner of a License Plate in Alabama?