How to Get an Alabama Disabled Veteran (DV) License Plate

Q: I'm 100% disabled. Do I still have to pay the sales tax when I buy a car?

Yes. This is the #1 "gotcha." The DV plate exempts you from the annual property tax (ad valorem) and the annual registration fee. It does not exempt you from the one-time sales tax (Title Ad Valorem Tax, or TAVT) when you first purchase and title a vehicle.

Q: Can my spouse get a DV plate on their car?

Yes, if you are a joint owner. The law allows for one DV plate per eligible veteran. This plate can be for a vehicle you co-own with your spouse. An un-remarried surviving spouse of a deceased veteran is also eligible to keep the DV tag.

Q: I just bought a car from a private seller. How do I get it home to wait for my ALDOR letter?

You must first get a temporary tag . You can take your Bill of Sale and proof of insurance to the County Office to get a 20-day tag. You will still have to pay the sales tax at this time.

Q: The seller lost the title. What do I do?

You cannot register the car. The seller must first apply for and receive an Alabama title replacement . Do not complete the purchase until they have the physical, duplicate title in their hand to sign over to you.

As a disabled veteran in Alabama, you are eligible for special vehicle license plates that recognize your service and provide significant financial benefits. The state offers several types of Disabled Veteran (DV) tags, with benefits often determined by your VA-rated disability percentage.

This guide will explain the different types of DV plates, the eligibility requirements for each, and the correct, 3-step process to secure the benefits you have earned.

Understanding Alabama’s Disabled Veteran Plate Options

Alabama offers different license plates for disabled veterans, primarily distinguished by the level of fee and tax exemption they provide. It’s important to know which one you qualify for.

Disabled Veteran (DV) Plate: This is for veterans with a service-connected disability rating as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The specific qualifying percentage can vary. This plate typically exempts you from the standard annual registration fee for one vehicle.
100% Disabled Veteran Plate: This plate is for veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability rating. This plate provides a full exemption from registration fees and ad valorem (property) taxes for one passenger vehicle or motorcycle.

How to Apply for a Disabled Veteran Tag (The Correct 3-Step Process)

You cannot simply walk into your local tag office to get this plate. You must get pre-approved by the state first.

Step 1: Gather Your VA & Military Documents

This is the most important step. You cannot start the process without proof. You will need:

Proof of Disability: A letter of disability from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This letter must clearly state your name and your service-connected disability rating percentage (e.g., “50% service-connected” or “100% Permanent and Total”).
Proof of Service: Your DD Form 214 (or other official separation documents).

Step 2: Get Pre-Approved by ALDOR (The Critical Step)

You must mail your documents to the state before you go to your local county office.

Mail Your Packet: Send a copy of your VA Disability Letter and your DD-214 to the ALDOR Motor Vehicle Division in Montgomery:Alabama Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division ATTN: Disabled Veteran ExemptionP.O. Box 327640 Montgomery, AL 36132-7640
Wait for Your Letter: ALDOR will review your documents. If you are approved, they will mail you back an official “Letter of Exemption.” This is the document your local county office needs.

Step 3: Visit Your County License Plate Office (Walk-In)

Once you have your official ALDOR Letter of Exemption, you can get your plate.

Find Your Office: Go to your local County License Plate Issuing Office (Revenue Commissioner or Probate Judge’s office).
This is a WALK-IN service. You do not need an appointment. (The state appointment system is for driver’s licenses, not for vehicle tags at the county office).
Bring Your Documents:
- Your new ALDOR Letter of Exemption.
- Your original vehicle title (or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin for a new car).
- Your valid Alabama Driver’s License.
- Proof of Alabama auto insurance.
Pay Your Fees: You will be exempt from the annual registration fee, but you must still pay the one-time title fee ($18) and any applicable sales tax (ad valorem tax) if you just bought the car.

Key Benefits of the DV Tag (Plates vs. Parking)

Financial Exemptions

The primary benefit is financial. Depending on your eligibility, you will be exempt from some or all of the annual license plate registration fees and ad valorem (property) taxes on one vehicle.

Disability Parking Privileges (This is a SEPARATE Item)

This is a common point of confusion. A standard Disabled Veteran license plate does not automatically grant you access to disability parking spaces (the blue-striped spaces).

To get disability parking privileges, you must specifically request a DV plate that features the International Symbol of Access (the wheelchair symbol).
Qualifying for this symbol requires a separate medical certification. You must submit a completed Form MVR 32-6-230 (Application for Disability Access Parking Privileges), which must be signed by a licensed physician.

FAQs from Alabama Veterans

I’m 100% disabled. Do I still have to pay the sales tax when I buy a car?

Yes. This is the #1 “gotcha.” The DV plate exempts you from the annual property tax (ad valorem) and the annual registration fee. It does not exempt you from the one-time sales tax (Title Ad Valorem Tax, or TAVT) when you first purchase and title a vehicle.

Can my spouse get a DV plate on their car?

Yes, if you are a joint owner. The law allows for one DV plate per eligible veteran. This plate can be for a vehicle you co-own with your spouse. An un-remarried surviving spouse of a deceased veteran is also eligible to keep the DV tag.

I just bought a car from a private seller. How do I get it home to wait for my ALDOR letter?

You must first get a temporary tag. You can take your Bill of Sale and proof of insurance to the County Office to get a 20-day tag. You will still have to pay the sales tax at this time.

The seller lost the title. What do I do?

You cannot register the car. The seller must first apply for and receive an Alabama title replacement. Do not complete the purchase until they have the physical, duplicate title in their hand to sign over to you.