Alabama License Plates
Quick answer
Standard Alabama license plates are included in the base registration fee (see Registration Fees). A personalized plate adds a $50 annual fee on top of the standard registration fee. A replacement plate for one that is lost, stolen, or damaged costs $2.
Agency
Alabama Department of Revenue
Personalized plate annual fee
$50 per year
Online option
Partially available online
Find a verified place to license plates
Montgomery County Probate Court, Tags and Titles (Downtown)
101 S Lawrence St, 2nd Floor, Montgomery 36104
334-832-1233
Madison County License Department
1918 N Memorial Parkway, Huntsville 35801
256-532-1080
Jefferson County License Commission
716 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, County Courthouse Suite A-100, Birmingham 35203
205-325-5171
Mobile County License Commission (Main Office)
3925-F Michael Blvd, Mobile 36609
251-574-8551
Before you start
- For a replacement plate: a completed Application for Replacement Credentials (Form MV 40-12-265-1)
- For a replacement plate reported lost or stolen: a police report may be required
Cost
Personalized plate annual fee
flat$50 per year
In addition to the standard registration fee for the vehicle type
Replacement license plate or decal
flat$2.00 each
Lost, stolen, mutilated, or damaged plate or decal, per Section 40-12-265, Code of Alabama 1975
License plate transfer fee
flat$1.25
Transferring an existing plate to a different vehicle; some counties add local fees
How it works
- For a personalized plate: search and reserve the message through the Plate Reservation and Ordering System (PROS) or your county licensing office.
- If reserved online, visit your county license plate issuing official within 5 calendar days to complete the order and pay all fees.
- For a replacement plate: complete Form MV 40-12-265-1 and submit it with payment to your county license plate issuing official.
Online option
Availability varies
Personalized plate messages can be searched and reserved online through PROS, but completing the order and paying still requires an in-person visit to your county licensing office. Standard replacement plate requests are generally handled in person; online availability varies by county.
In person
Completing a personalized plate order or requesting a replacement plate requires a visit to your county license plate issuing office.
Common situations
Verified August 17, 2026, source: Alabama Department of Revenue