FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING THE AU LICENSE PLATE
How much does it cost to get an AU tag in Alabama? The cost is $50.00 plus the standard registration fee of $24.25 to purchase the license plate. The $50.00 additional fee must also be paid each time the license plate is renewed. The fee will not be prorated (if you purchase the license plate six months into your registration year, the entire $50.00 additional fee still must be paid). There is no cost to personalize your tag. A portion of the $50 fee is tax deductible (ask for a receipt).
Is any documentation required to purchase the license plate?
No documentation is needed. The plates are available to anyone registering private passenger vehicles (to include station wagons and pick-up trucks) or motor homes in Alabama.
You have two options for tags:
1. Pre-numbered plates may be obtained immediately at the time of purchase.
2. Personalized plates may be ordered at no additional cost (see below).
You can purchase the AU tag anytime, regardless of your renewal month.
Can I personalize my AU license plate?
Yes. There is no additional cost for personalized tags. If a personalized message is approved by the Department of Revenue, you will pay for the tag and will be issued a 60-day temporary tag for each personalized license plate ordered (plus month and year decals to be affixed to each plate when received). For the new 6-character tag, you can search for or reserve a personalized tag message online beginning September 1, 2009. Click here to reserve a personalized tag online.
Once manufactured, the license plate(s) will be shipped directly to you, normally in about 6 weeks. A maximum of six (6) characters (numbers and/or letters) are allowed for personalization. A dash or space may be substituted for a character. An additional white space may be available depending on the width of the requested letters. If space is not available, the tag will be made without the requested white space.
Can an AU license plate be transferred to another person?
License plates (both pre-numbered and personalized) may be transferred only to a spouse or child, and only then if the vehicle is also transferred.
Do I have to wait to purchase the AU tag during my tag renewal month?
No, you can purchase the AU tag anytime, regardless of your renewal month.
How do I renew my AU tag?
Once you have your tag, you can renew it at any local tag office in the county where you reside.
When are plates renewed?
Alabama registers vehicles under a staggered registration system, January through November, based on the first letter of the owner's last name. Motor vehicle registrations expire on the last day of the designated renewal month. For example, someone whose last name begins with the letter F, G, or N is required to register his/her vehicle in the month of April, and the previous registration expires on April 30. Leased, commercial and fleet vehicles are subject to renewal in the months of October and November and the registrations for these types of vehicles expire on November 30; provided, vehicles registered pursuant to the International Registration Plan (IRP) are assigned renewal registration months by the Department.
Month: Last Name Begins With
January: A, D
February: B
March: C, E
April: F, G, N
May: H, O
June: M, I
July: L, P
August: J, K, R
September: Q, S, T
October: U, V, W, X, Y, Z
