alabama License Plate Search

How to Search for an Alabama License Plate

The State of Alabama’s process mandates that requests for an Alabama license plate lookup are channeled through the State of Alabama Department of Revenue’s Motor Vehicle Division. Any personal vehicle information or access is controlled under the DPPA. Thorough reports can only be provided to the owner of the vehicle, insurance agents, law enforcement, and upon consent. To access these records, an annual subscription fee is $95, with $6 added to each lookup. Most information given in the details of the vehicle’s odometer reading, title details, lienholder information, and vehicle specifications.

While the Alabama Department of Revenue does charge for license plate lookups, there are several third-party websites that will give basic information for free. The information often provided is quite scant, typically only on the make and model of the car, as well as any other manufacturer specification. Most third-party services will only be able to give you partial data like the vehicle’s make, model, year, and other specifications from the manufacturer. You will usually have to pay the appropriate fee in order for you to get detailed reports that include title history, ownership, and lienholder information.

Alabama License Plate Registration Requirements

The state of Alabama requires owners to register cars with tight timelines: 30 days for new residents and 20 days for new vehicle purchases. Vehicle registration at the county level requires proof of insurance. The paperwork of registration is to be carried along in the vehicle at all times because failure to produce it if requested results in fining. Renewals are staggered based on the owner’s last name, and late renewals incur additional fees.

Alabama License Plate Types

The State of Alabama has a variety of license plate types to be issued for different purposes. Main categories of the license plates available with the state of Alabama include but are not limited to:

• Standard Plates – To be issued for most private vehicles, including passenger cars, motorcycles, and light trucks up to 8,000 pounds. Base cost is $23/yr.
• Distinctive Plates – There are dozens of special design plates supporting causes such as cancer research, environmental conservation, or foundations. These are $50/year and may have affiliation requirements with the cause.
• Collegiate Plates: To active alumni and supporters of participating colleges and universities. Plates are $50 per year and may be displayed on private passenger vehicles, pickup trucks and recreational vehicles.
• Military Plates: Active military, veterans and military vehicles only.
• Dealer Plates: $26 per year for the registered car dealers and manufacturers,
• Temporary Tags: The Government issues temporary tags for those vehicles for which the registration is pending.
• Vintage Plates – Authentic plates for classic and vintage vehicles.

Is it Legal to Lookup a License Plate Number in Alabama?

Yes, but only in specific instances. You must have a valid reason for doing such an act, and these are if you are the owner of the subject vehicle, a private investigator, an insurer, or anyone with legal authority in the form of a court order or power of attorney.

What Information is Needed When Requesting License Plate Records?

Personal information: full names and address; driver’s license number; license plate number which you are applying for. You may be required sometimes to attach other supporting documents that prove your legal right to the record you request.

How Do I Look Up an Alabama Plate by VIN?

You can search for a license plate by VIN on the Alabama Department of Revenue website, or you may access the information through the Department’s approved third-party vendors.  Access may be restricted to DPPA.

Legal Uses of License Plate Information

• Insurance purposes: The insurance company would want to verify the history of a vehicle.
• Private Investigation: A licensed private investigator may request a search in conjunction with an investigation.
• Court Orders: Attorneys request records based upon court order.
• Personal Use: Owners of the Vehicle may request records on their own vehicle.

Recent Alabama License Plate Search