State guide
Alabama
Alabama uses a physical VIN inspection for many first-time Alabama title or first-time registration transactions, including out-of-state vehicles being titled in Alabama. It also runs a separate rebuilt-salvage inspection program through the Department of Revenue, and homemade trailers or kit/assembled vehicles may need an Alabama-assigned VIN process before titling.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- When a VIN verification is required
- Alabama requires a physical VIN inspection for first Alabama titles, including out-of-state vehicles being titled in Alabama, for first-time Alabama registration of non-titled vehicles, for rebuilt salvage vehicles restored in Alabama, and for assigned-VIN cases such as homemade trailers and some kit/assembled vehicles.
- Who can do it
- For first-title or registration inspections, the licensing official or an appointed government official or law enforcement officer may perform the inspection on MVT 5-9; rebuilt salvage inspections are scheduled with an ALDOR Motor Vehicle Inspector.
- Official form
- MVT 5-9 Vehicle Inspection Form; INV 26-15 Application for Inspection of a Salvage Vehicle and Affirmation Supporting Salvage Certificate; INV 26-1 / INV 26-2 for homemade trailer assigned-VIN process; INV 26-3 for assigned-VIN kit/assembled vehicle applications.
- Fee
- No separate MVT 5-9 fee was found on the official pages; rebuilt inspection is $90.00 total ($75.00 inspection plus $15.00 title fee).
- Official instructions
- Official page →
Official resources in Alabama
Main ALDOR motor vehicle page with forms, title, rebuilt, bond, and inspection contacts.
County licensing office directory residents use for title and registration transactions.
ALDOR page for salvage and rebuilt title and inspection information.
Rule explaining when a physical inspection is required for Alabama titles and who may perform it.
Rule explaining VIN inspections for first Alabama titles and first Alabama registrations.
Key facts for Alabama
- First Alabama titles require physical inspection for new, out-of-state, and other vehicles not currently titled in Alabama.
- Licensing officials may appoint a government official or law enforcement officer as deputy to complete Form MVT 5-9.
- Rebuilt vehicles restored in Alabama use Form INV 26-15 and a scheduled ALDOR motor vehicle inspector.
- The rebuilt inspection application requires $75.00 for inspection plus a $15.00 title fee.
- When only registration is issued, the licensing official or appointed deputy must inspect the vehicle on each ownership change.
- Homemade trailers receive an assigned VIN process, then the owner takes the trailer and Form INV 26-2 to a designated agent for inspection and title.
Official VIN inspection locations in Alabama
| Location | city | phone | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division, Titles & Vehicle Inspections | Montgomery | 334-242-9000 | State motor vehicle division contact for titles, vehicle inspections, rebuilt titles, forms, and assigned-VIN matters. |
| Jefferson County License Plate Issuing Office Jefferson | Birmingham | 205-325-5171 | County licensing office used for local title and registration work; licensing officials handle inspections or may appoint deputies. |
| Mobile County License Plate Issuing Office Mobile | Mobile | 251-574-8551 | County licensing office used for local title and registration work; licensing officials handle inspections or may appoint deputies. |
| Montgomery County License Plate Issuing Office Montgomery | Montgomery | 334-832-1233 | County licensing office used for local title and registration work; licensing officials handle inspections or may appoint deputies. |
* Not published: the official page doesn't list it. Call the office to confirm before you rely on it.
What to do next
- Call your county licensing office before visiting and ask whether they want the vehicle brought in or a deputy inspection arranged on Form MVT 5-9.
- For rebuilt vehicles, wait until repairs are complete and gather salvage title plus bills of sale before sending INV 26-15 and certified funds.
- If you need an assigned VIN for a homemade trailer or assembled vehicle, start with the ALDOR assigned-VIN process before trying to title it.
Not seeing your location or county?
Not every location publishes its rules online. Try these, in order:
- General Start with the statewide information above.
- Closest verified Nearest places where we have verified local data outside this state (distance from Alabama's population center, for comparison only):
- Troop H – Meridian, Mississippi · about 121 miles
- Atlanta Regional Office, Georgia · about 144 miles
- County Tag Offices, Georgia · about 167 miles
- Call to confirm Ask the official office.Alabama motor vehicle division
Website →Phone: (334) 242-9000 (as listed on that page, checked Oct 4, 2026)Your city or county office: Alabama local governments →Not sure who handles it locally? USAGov's free help line, 1-844-872-4681, or the Alabama page on USA.gov can point you to the right office. - Know the current info? Tell us with a link to the official page.