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You Are Here:  Lauderdale County Online --->  License Commissioner Office --->  General Title Information

Motor vehicle titles may be applied for or transferred through the Lauderdale County License Commissioner's Office. You must apply in person, or send a notarized power of attorney. Positive identification, date of birth, driver's license number and Social Security number may also be required. New residents have 30 calendar days from date of entry into Alabama to apply for a title and tag without penalty. A power of attorney is required on all leased vehicles. Names must be signed correctly as shown on title (First, Middle, Last). Alterations, erasures, Liquid Paper® or white-out on any required document voids the document, and you must apply for a replacement document. Proof of Alabama residency is required of all applicants. This may be in the form of an Alabama driver's license, property tax deed, leases of property or utility bills in your name In order to complete your application for title, the documents listed below may also be required:

• First Alabama title
• Original manufacturer's statement of origin properly assigned to you
• Out-of-state title in your name, or assigned to you
• Motor vehicle registration or tag receipt from another state
• If vehicle is financed, name and mailing address of lienholder, date financed, loan account number and copy of title (fax copy is acceptable) NOTE: A physical inspection of the vehicle will be required on first time applications for title. The vehicle may be brought to a License Commissioner's office weekday (except holidays) between 8 am and 4:30pm.
• Transfer of current Alabama title
• Alabama title properly assigned to you on the back of the original title, odometer reading and color of vehicle
• Bill of sale
• Marriage license, divorce decree
• Form MVT 5-7 signed and notarized

• No will - Outstanding original title, MVT 5-6 (Next of kin) Form completed and notarized, copy of death certificate
• Probated will - Outstanding certificate of title properly assigned by the executor, letters of testamentary or letters of administration
• Will (not probated) - Outstanding certificate of title properly assigned by executor, copy of death certificate, copy of the entire will

Fees:

There is an $19.25 title transfer application fee. If you buy a vehicle from a dealer, they are required by law to collect the sales tax due. If you buy a vehicle from another individual, sales tax will be collected at the time title is transferred. The following sales tax rates apply: State - 2% Lauderdale County - ¼ (.25)% - Municipal - varies according to municipality (maximum is 2%).

What is the procedure to get a replacement title and how much does it cost?

A completed application for title replacement (MVT 12-1 Form) is mailed directly by you to the State Department of Motor Vehicles along with a $15.00 cashier's check or money order made payable to the Alabama Department of Revenue. These forms are available at the Lauderdale County License Commissioner's Office. The replacement title is mailed to the applicant normally within 2 or 3 weeks.

I've just bought a vehicle from an individual. How long do I have to transfer the title?

Vehicles must be transferred within 20 calendar days of the date of purchase to avoid penalties. The title transfer fee is $19.25. The penalty for failure to transfer a vehicle within the time allowed by law is $19.00.

I just moved to Lauderdale County from another state. How long do I have to register my vehicles?

New Alabama residents have 30 calendar days to register vehicles if their out-of-state tags are valid.

How long before I receive my Certificate of Title in the mail?

After the application is made and approved, the State of Alabama will mail the title directly to the registered owner or lien holder normally within 4 to 5 weeks.

I am paying by check for a new title at the Lauderdale County Courthouse.  Who should my check be made payable to?

Your check should be payable to: Mickey Haddock, License Commissioner.   No counter checks or out-of-county/state checks are accepted.

Do you take credit cards?

No!  We do not currently accept any credit cards.  Acceptable methods of payment are cash, check, money order, or cashier's check.