License Department More Frequently Asked Questions
Tuscaloosa County License Office Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my address, telephone number, or insurance information has changed?
Be sure to contact the Tuscaloosa County License Commission whenever your address, telephone number, or insurance changes. The License Commission is not connected with the US Postal Service or insurance companies, so that information is not updated with the License Commission, even if you have updated it with those other entities.
You can update your information using any of the following methods. Be sure to provide your tag/license plate number(s) and new information.
- Call (205)464-8233
- Send an email to license@tuscco.com
- Send a Message on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TCLC63
What types of vehicles must be titled in Alabama?
The most common vehicle types are included here. For a more complete list, visit the Titles page.
Generally, the following vehicle types must be titled:
- Vehicles 35 model years old and newer to be titled
- Trailers (excluding utility trailers) 20 model years old and newer
- Manufactured homes model year 2000 and newer
- Some Boats
Generally, the following vehicle types are exempt from title requirements in Alabama:
- Vehicles more than 35 model years old
- Low speed vehicles
- Minitrucks
- Manufactured homes model year 1999 and older
- Utility Trailers
- Some boats
How do I obtain a replacement title for my vehicle?
Vehicle owners may apply online for replacements of Alabama titles (and select other title transactions) directly to the Alabama Department of Revenue using its MyDMV Portal.
Vehicle owners may also apply for replacements of Alabama titles in person at any of the four Tuscaloosa County License Commission’s office locations. Please note that title applications will NOT be processed beginning 30 minutes prior to closing time at any License Commission location.
How long do I have to register/tag my vehicle?
Alabama law provides 20 calendar days for the new owner of a vehicle to register a vehicle and purchase a license plate.
A new resident in Alabama has 30 calendar days to transfer his or her out-of-state registration to Alabama.
Alabama law requires that a vehicle’s current (unexpired) registration and insurance always be kept in the vehicle. The person driving the vehicle must also keep his or her valid driver license in the vehicle.
Is a state-issued driver’s license or non-driver ID required to register/tag my vehicle?
Yes, license plate issuing officials must verify the driver’s license or non-driver ID for all owners on a vehicle. All licenses and non-driver IDs must be unexpired to be accepted.
Most Alabama licenses and non-driver IDs may be electronically verified. The license or non-driver ID itself or a physical copy must be provided for all Alabama licenses that cannot be electronically verified and all out-of-state driver licenses or non-driver ID cards.
Companies are required to provide their federal employer identification number (EIN) in lieu of a driver’s license or non-driver ID.
Is insurance required to register or renew my tag/license plate?
Yes, license plate issuing officials must verify the insurance status of vehicles prior to each license plate transaction. Alabama law provides that no person shall operate, register, or maintain registration of a motor vehicle designed to be used on a public road or highway unless it is covered by a liability insurance policy.
Always bring the physical insurance card with you into the office (or include a copy of it when renewing by mail) for each vehicle you are attempting to process. The License Commission will attempt to electronically verify the owner’s insurance, but a physical insurance card (or copy) will be required if the insurance may not be electronically verified.
Does Alabama suspend tags/license plates because of insurance?
Yes. The Alabama Department of Revenue (ADOR) electronically checks the insurance information for vehicle owners periodically. If ADOR cannot verify the insurance information for the vehicle, a notice will be sent to the vehicle owner to verify the insurance information. If ADOR does not receive an acceptable response to the initial notice, the license plate will be suspended pending an acceptable response to the MLI suspension.
If there was an MLI violation, the cost to reinstate a license plate after the first offense is $200, while second and subsequent offenses cost $400 each. Reinstatement fees must be paid in cash.
If your license plate has been suspended for MLI reasons, you will have to reinstate your license plate before being able to renew it. To reinstate your license plate, bring in your proof of insurance from the date the state asked you to verify along with your current proof of insurance. You may contact our office directly if you have questions related to the MLI reinstatement process.
Vehicle owners who are dissatisfied with the actions of ADOR regarding MLI verification and suspension may file an appeal with the Alabama Tax Tribunal.
When do I renew my tag/license plate?
The first letter of a person’s last name determines the renewal month if the vehicle is registered in an individual’s name (unless the vehicle is considered a commercial vehicle or was issued a National Guard plate). The renewal month for vehicles that are registered to two people is based on the first letter of the last name of the first person listed on the registration.
Vehicles registered in business names or that are classed as commercial are renewed in October and November each year. All late registrations and renewals are subject to late penalties and interest.
Renewal Month | Last Name Begins With: |
January | A, D |
February | B |
March | C, E |
April | F, G, N |
May | H, O |
June | M, I |
July | P, L |
August | J, K, R |
September | Q, S, T |
October | U, V, W, X, Y, Z |
October / November | Commercial Vehicles & National Guard Plates |
Other | IRP (aka Apportioned) vehicles are assigned renewal months as determined by the Alabama Department of Revenue. |
Disclaimer: This information is not all-inclusive and is only meant to provide general information regarding licensing and registration requirements in Tuscaloosa County. Please note that changes in the law and directives from the Alabama Department of Revenue can alter, negate, or compound the requirements contained herein.