Replace Lost or Stolen Car Title In Alabama

A car title is proof of ownership of an automobile either by the legal car owner or lienholder. In the state of Alabama, all vehicles under 35 years old must be titled. Operators should maintain a copy of the car title to prove legal ownership. If an owner has misplaced the original car title, or if a vehicle title was stolen, a car title replacement must be issued as soon as possible to protect against fraudulent misrepresentation of ownership by another party. See below for important information regarding how to replace a lost or stolen car title.

A car title is proof of ownership of an automobile either by the legal car owner or lienholder. In the state of Alabama, all vehicles under 35 years old must be titled. Operators should maintain a copy of the car title to prove legal ownership. If an owner has misplaced the original car title, or if a vehicle title was stolen, a car title replacement must be issued as soon as possible to protect against fraudulent misrepresentation of ownership by another party.

Below, you will find more information regarding titles for car, including:

•  Car title replacement application and fees.
• Replacing car titles in person.
•  Obtaining a car title copy by mail.

Replacement Car Title Application and Fees

For both methods of car title replacement, you need to prepare to fill out a duplicate car title application and pay the applicable vehicle title fees. Specific requirements include:

•  An Application For Replacement Title completed with:
  •  The car owner’s name with the exact spelling as it appears on the recorded car title.
  • The car owner’s current mailing address.
  • The automobile’s information including Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), make, model, and color, odometer reading, date of purchase, and current Alabama car title number.
  • First and subsequent lienholder information. (Note that new liens may not be recorded on duplicate or replacement titles. The title will be mailed to the first lienholder.)
  • Reason for replacement (stolen car title, lost car title, damaged car title).
•  A cashier’s check or money order for $15 (non-refundable), payable to the Alabama Department of Revenue.

Replace Lost or Stolen Car Title In-Person Car owners and lienholders may visit any designated agent of the Alabama DOR on a walk-in basis and process the application for vehicle title copy in person. These locations include:

• County license plate-issuing officials.
• All licensed Alabama motor vehicle dealers.
• Some financial institutions (banks or credit unions).

Vehicle owners should bring with them:

• Valid photo identification.
  • Alabama license to drive.
  •  Passport.
• Documents with the automobile’s identifying information.
  • Car registration.
• Car’s odometer reading

Replace Lost or Stolen Car Title by Mail

Although you cannot order a vehicle title replacement on the Alabama DOR website, the Application for Replacement Title is available online to download for your convenience. Upon completion with the information outline above, your car title application can be mailed with payment to: Alabama Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division – Title Section P.O. Box 327640 Montgomery, AL 36132-7640

After the application is processed either in person or by mail, the Alabama Department of Revenue will issue the car title replacement by mail to the owner or lienholder. Processing times vary. If you have not received your new credential after 30 days, contact the DOR designated agent that processed your application for assistance replacing car title.

Note: Once the lost or stolen car title is replaced, the outstanding vehicle title becomes void. If the prior certificate of title is located, return it to the Alabama Title Section either by mail or to a designated agent at a DOR location.