How to Get a Replacement Car Title in Alabama

November 9, 2025
4 Min Read

Losing your Alabama vehicle title can be a moment of panic. Without this legal document, you cannot legally sell, trade, or transfer ownership of your car.

Fortunately, the Alabama Department of Revenue (ALDOR) provides three simple ways to get a replacement (or “duplicate”) title: online, by mail, or in person.

This guide will walk you through all three methods, explain the critical “lienholder” rule you must know, and answer the most common “real-world” questions.

Method 1: Get Your Replacement Title ONLINE (Fastest)

This is the fastest and easiest method for most residents. The title will be mailed to your address on file.

  • Cost: $15.00
  • How to Do It:
    1. Visit the official ALDOR Public Portal at https://public.revenue.alabama.gov/meritportal/.
    2. In the “Motor Vehicle” section, find and click the link for “Replacement Title.”
    3. Enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and your Alabama Driver’s License Number (or other ID info).
    4. Follow the prompts to verify you are the legal owner.
    5. Pay the $15.00 fee with a valid credit or debit card.
    6. The ALDOR will process your request and mail your new title to your address on file within 7-10 business days.

Method 2: Get Your Title In-Person (The “Walk-In” Method)

This is the correct method if you need to speak to someone or handle other vehicle issues at the same time.

CRITICAL: This is NOT done at the state (ALEA) Driver’s License office. You do not need an appointment.

  1. Find Your County Office: You must go to your local County License Plate Issuing Office (usually the Revenue Commissioner or Probate Judge’s office). This is a walk-in service.
  2. Bring Your Documents: You will need:
  3. Submit Your Application: The county agent will process your request. Some (but not all) high-volume county offices can print the title for you on the spot.

Pro-Tip: Since you are already at the County Office, this is also the only place to handle other vehicle-related tasks, such as applying for an Alabama Disabled Veteran tag. This is a completely different building from the state office where you book your driver’s license appointment.

Method 3: Get Your Title By Mail (The “Slowest” Method)

This is the best option if you are out-of-state or cannot visit an office.

  1. Download and Complete the Form: Fill out the Application for Replacement Title (Form MVT-12-1).
  2. Include Payment: Include a $15.00 check or money order payable to the “Alabama Department of Revenue.” Do not send cash.
  3. Mail Your Packet: Send the completed form and your payment to the address on the form:Alabama Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division – Title Section P.O. Box 327640Montgomery, AL 36132-7640

The Most Important Rule: What if There Is a Lien on the Car?

This is the #1 “gotcha” that stops a replacement title.

  • If your car loan is PAID OFF: You must provide a “Lien Release Letter” from your bank or financial institution with your application. This is an official, signed letter on the bank’s letterhead stating the loan is paid in full. Without this, the ALDOR will reject your application or print the bank’s name on your new title.
  • If your car loan is still ACTIVE: You cannot get the title. The ALDOR will only mail the replacement title directly to the lienholder (your bank). You will receive a “Security Interest Filing” receipt for your records, but the bank will hold the title until you pay off the loan.

FAQs

How long does it take to get a replacement title in Alabama?

1. Online/Mail: Typically 7-10 business days for the ALDOR to process and mail your title.
2. In-Person (Kiosk): Some high-volume county offices have a “Title Kiosk” where you can get it printed on the spot.
3. In-Person (Counter): Most county offices will process it, and it will be mailed from Montgomery.

Can I sell a car in Alabama with a lost title?

NO. It is illegal and impossible. You must follow this guide to get the replacement title in your name first. Once you have the new, physical title, you can sign it over to the buyer.

The owner is deceased, and the title is lost. What do I do?

This is an inheritance issue, not a “replacement.” You cannot use Form MVT-12-1. The legal heir or executor of the estate must contact the ALDOR Title Section directly. You will need to provide the Death Certificate, Letters of Testamentary (from the court), and other legal forms to prove you are the new, legal owner before a new title can be issued in your name.