Motor vehicle titles may be applied for or transferred through the Jefferson County Revenue Department. 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 Revenue Department location any 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

Estates

• No will - Outstanding original title, MVT 5-8 (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 $18.00 title application fee ($15 State fee + $3 County processing 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, in the form of a Use Tax, will be collected at the time title is transferred and vehicle is registered. The following sales tax rates apply: State - 2%, Jefferson County Sales/Use tax – 3/8 of 1%, Jefferson County Education Sales/Use Tax - 3/8 of 1% Municipal – varies according to municipality.

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 all Jefferson County Revenue Department locations. The form can be downloaded from the State of Alabama Department of Revenue web site at http://www.ador.state.al.us/ . 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 transfer fee is $1.50. The penalty for failure to transfer a vehicle within the time allowed by law is $15.00.

I just moved to Jefferson County from another state. How long do I have to register my vehicle(s) and what do I need?
By law, new Alabama residents have 30 calendar days or the expiration date of their current registration, which ever occurs first, to register their vehicle(s). New Alabama residents will need to bring a copy of the most recent registration from the other jurisdiction and the title from the other jurisdiction. The motor vehicle must be present so we may comply with the inspection laws of the State. You must also provide evidence that you are a resident of the State of Alabama. The simplest way is to provide us with a State of Alabama drivers license, a copy of the lease/purchase agreement and a copy of a utility bill (cell phone does not count) in your name at the address of the lease or purchase agreement. Welcome to Jefferson County, Alabama.

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, within 4 to 5 weeks.

I am paying by check for a new title at one of the Jefferson County Courthouses or satellites. Who should my check be made payable to?
Your check should be payable to: Travis A. Hulsey, Director. No counter checks or out-of-county/state checks are accepted.
Business, corporate or professional association checks will not be accepted for payment of fees and taxes for personally owned motor vehicles.

Do you take credit cards?
Yes! We are currently accepting only Visa and MasterCard.

Jefferson County Courthouse
Phone: (205) 325-5198
FAX: (205) 325-5974

Bessemer Courthouse
Phone: (205) 481-4110
FAX: (205) 481-4113

Center Point Satellite
Phone: (205) 856-8815
FAX: (205) 856-8809

Forestdale Satellite
Phone: (205) 791-6196
Fax: (205) 791-6289

Southern Satellite
Phone: (205) 916-2707
FAX: (205) 916-2721