Alabama Tag Renewal
Quick answer
Alabama tags are renewed once a year in a month assigned by the first letter of your last name (leased, commercial, and fleet vehicles renew in October and November). Renewal happens through your county licensing office; late renewal triggers a $15 penalty plus interest.
Agency
Alabama Department of Revenue
Deadline
Standard annual renewal
Online option
Partially available online
Find a verified place to tag renewal
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
Marengo County License Plate Issuing Office
101 E. Coats Ave., Linden 36748
334-295-2209
Talladega County License Plate Issuing Office
1 Courthouse Square, Highway 21, Talladega 35160
256-362-1460
Russell County Motor Vehicle Licensing (Phenix City)
1000 Broad St., Phenix City 36867
334-298-1520
Lee County Revenue Commissioner, Motor Vehicle Division
215 S. 9th St., Opelika 36801
334-737-3655
Before you start
- Proof of insurance (OIVS-verified, or presented directly if not verifiable)
- Valid Alabama driver's license or non-driver ID
- Prior tag/registration receipt (helpful; not always mandatory, county-dependent)
When
Standard annual renewal
Owner's last name starts with F, G, or N (example)
Renews in April; registration expires April 30
Leased, commercial, and fleet vehicles
Vehicle is leased, commercial, or fleet-registered
Renews October through November; expires November 30
New vehicle purchase or acquisition
Vehicle newly purchased or acquired
Must register within 20 calendar days
New Alabama resident
Newly established Alabama residency
Must register within 30 days of entering the state
How it works
- Confirm your renewal month.
- Ensure liability insurance is active and verifiable.
- Renew at your county licensing office in person, or online if your county supports it, during your renewal month.
- Pay the registration fee plus ad valorem tax due.
Online option
Availability varies
Availability varies by county; confirm with your county office.
In person
Renew at the license plate issuing official for your county of residence, often the Probate Office, License Commission, or Revenue Commissioner depending on county, not a state DMV branch.
Frequently asked
What happens if I renew late?
A $15 penalty plus interest applies, per Sections 32-6-65 and 40-12-253, Code of Alabama 1975.
Will I get a renewal reminder?
Not guaranteed. Some counties mail courtesy notices, others don't. Failure to receive a notice doesn't excuse late renewal.
Common situations
Verified August 17, 2026, source: Alabama Department of Revenue