Selling a car privately in Alabama
Alabama private sales run through the county: the buyer titles and registers the vehicle at their county license plate issuing office, and Alabama gives them only 20 calendar days to do it. The seller's job is a clean title assignment (no notary required) plus a bill of sale that meets Alabama's minimum requirements: both parties' names and addresses, the date of sale, and the purchase price. The buyer pays Alabama's automotive sales tax at registration.
Alabama has no formal seller notice-of-sale filing, so your protection is paperwork: a complete, dated bill of sale signed by both parties and photos of the assigned title. Alabama plates belong to the seller; remove them before the buyer drives away and ask your county office about transferring the registration credit to another vehicle.
The checklist
- 1
Assign the title to the buyer (Alabama)
Complete the assignment on the back of the Alabama title with the buyer's name and address, date, and odometer reading where required. No notary needed.
- 2
Write a bill of sale that meets Alabama's minimums
Include seller and buyer names and addresses, date of sale, and purchase price. Both parties sign and keep copies; the buyer needs it at the county office.
- 3
Point the buyer to the county license plate office
The buyer has 20 calendar days to title and register at their county license plate issuing office and pays sales tax there.
- 4
Remove your license plates
Alabama plates belong to the seller. Take them off at handoff and ask your county office about registration credit.
- 5
Verify your title status
Locate the physical title and confirm it is in your name with no undisclosed liens. If the title is lost, request a duplicate before listing.
- 6
Complete a bill of sale
Recommended for every private sale even where not required. Record buyer/seller names, VIN, price, date, and an as-is acknowledgement. Both parties keep a copy.
- 7
Complete the odometer disclosure
Federal rules require odometer disclosure for most vehicles under 20 model years old. Usually done on the title itself; some states use a separate form.
- 8
File a release of liability / notice of sale
If your state offers it, file promptly after the sale so you are not liable for tickets or incidents after the buyer drives away.
- 9
Handle plates per your state's rules
In most states the seller removes the plates; in some, plates stay with the vehicle. Confirm your state's rule before handing over the keys.
- 10
Pay off any lien before or at transfer
If a lien remains, coordinate payoff with the lender so the buyer can receive a clear title. Do not sign over a title with an unreleased lien.
- 11
Confirm payment before signing the title
Verify cash, or use a cashier's check verified with the issuing bank, or complete the transfer inside the buyer's bank. Never release the signed title before funds are confirmed.
- 12
Keep copies of everything
Photograph or copy the signed title (both sides), bill of sale, odometer disclosure, and the buyer's ID if they consent.
- 13
Check official state instructions
Requirements change. Confirm the current process on your state DMV / motor vehicle agency website before the sale.
Generate your Alabama sale packet
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Start your free beta packetAlabama private sale FAQ
Does an Alabama car title need to be notarized?
No. Alabama does not require the title assignment to be notarized. Complete the assignment on the back of the title carefully, with the odometer reading where required, and avoid cross-outs.
Is a bill of sale required in Alabama?
Yes, in practice. Alabama's rules set minimum contents for the sales document: seller and buyer names and addresses, date of sale, and purchase price. The buyer needs it for titling and tax, and it is your dated record of the sale.
How long does the buyer have to register in Alabama?
20 calendar days from the purchase date, at their county license plate issuing office. A late registration brings a penalty, so a clearly dated bill of sale keeps the clock unambiguous.
Do I keep my plates when I sell a car in Alabama?
Yes. Alabama plates stay with the seller. Remove them at handoff; your county office can apply remaining registration credit to another vehicle you own.
Selling a special situation?
Other states
Bold states have a state-specific guide; others use the general checklist.
Last reviewed Jul 13, 2026. This is a general checklist, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your state DMV or tax office.