How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Car Title in Alabama

If you buy your car outright from a private seller, or finally pay off the loan on your vehicle purchased through a dealership, you’ll receive a title. A car title is a certificate that proves you are the owner of the vehicle. Car titles are issued through state departments of transportation or departments of motor vehicles. In Alabama, your title is issued through the Department of Revenue.

If your title is lost, damaged beyond recognition, or if it is stolen, you’ll need to have it replaced. You may also need to have your title replaced (changed) if you purchased a salvage car and have completed the necessary repairs to make it roadworthy. In these instances, a duplicate title is the solution.

In the state of Alabama, you must have a valid title if the car is registered in the state, operated within the state, and is less than 35 years old (cars older than 35 years don’t need a title to be legal). The state of Alabama also requires that other vehicles (beyond traditional motor vehicles) have titles. These include:

  • Manufactured homes (less than 20 years old)
  • Camping trailers, including folding/pop-up campers
  • Travel trailers

There are two ways to replace a lost, damaged or stolen car title in Alabama. You can do it through mail, or you can do it in person at a Department of Revenue MVD location.

To replace your title by mail:

  • Complete the state’s application for a replacement title (form MVT-12-1)
  • Include the $15 title fee
  • Mail it to the following address:

Alabama Department of Revenue
Motor Vehicle Division – Title Section
PO Box 327640
Montgomery, AL 36132

Note: You must send a cashier’s check or money order. Cash and personal checks are not accepted.
Note: You’ll need to provide a reason for the replacement title (stolen, lost, damaged).

To replace your title in person:

  • Visit a county license plate issuing office
  • Visit a licensed Alabama car dealer
  • Visit a qualifying bank or credit union in Alabama (not all banks or credit unions offer this service)

You can find more information about replacing a lost or stolen car title in Alabama by visiting the state’s Department of Revenue website.


The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Need Help With Your Car?

Our certified mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities. Fast, free online quotes for your car repair.

GET A QUOTE

Related articles

How to Gift a Car
Giving someone a car as a gift is extremely generous. Discuss the terms and transfer the title to make sure everyone enjoys the car gift.
How to Check the Quality of a Used Car
If you’re looking to purchase a car, buying a used vehicle (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-buy-a-used-car) is a great way to save money. Used cars are usually cheaper than new ones and you may be able to buy them without having to take out...
How to Decipher the EPA's Fuel Economy Label
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in conjunction with the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), puts out a series of labels for motor vehicles of varying fuel types. The labels allow car shoppers to compare the various fuel mileage (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-determine-your-vehicle-s-gas-mileage-and-octane-requirements-by-mark-vallet) numbers...

Related questions

Why is the paint coming off?
This particular concern of yours hits close to home for me, as I am one to love a shiny clean car with nice paint! As a fellow Honda owner, I am quite familiar with the paint deterioration issues Honda has...
Question about a potential buy (2003 Hyundai Tiburon)
Just by looking at the photos, I notice the mileage is very low for the vehicles age. They say the door handle that is broke in picture is replaced. The clutch has been replaced. The seats look rough in the...
Is the Chrysler Sebring a good car?
Hi there, thanks for writing in. For the most part, the 2008 Chrysler Sebring is a decent used car. However, like any other used vehicle, the overall condition of the vehicle is largely based on the previous owner and how...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com