Selling or buying a vehicle in Alabama? You need a bill of sale alongside the signed title.
This free template covers everything required for a private party vehicle sale in Alabama — including the 20-day registration deadline, odometer disclosure, lien warranty, and condition disclosures.
Click Get This Template below to open it in Google Docs, then click Use Template to save a copy to your Drive.
For templates for all 50 states, visit the Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Templates →
On this page:
- What Is an Alabama Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale?
- Is a Bill of Sale Required in Alabama?
- Alabama-Specific Requirements
- Free Alabama Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
- How to Fill Out the Template
- How to Transfer a Car Title in Alabama
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is an Alabama Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale?
An Alabama motor vehicle bill of sale is a written record of a private vehicle sale.
It documents who sold the vehicle, who bought it, what vehicle was sold, for how much, and when — and creates a paper trail both parties can rely on after the sale.
It is used alongside the Certificate of Title — it does not replace it. The buyer brings both to their county License Plate Issuing Official (LPIO) to complete the title transfer and registration.
Is a Bill of Sale Required in Alabama?
Yes — in most Alabama private vehicle sales, a bill of sale is required.
For vehicles newer than 35 model years, the county LPIO requires the signed Certificate of Title, the bill of sale, and the previous tag receipt to process the transfer.
For vehicles 35 model years old or older — which do not require a title in Alabama — the bill of sale is the primary proof of ownership transfer.
Alabama law also requires the bill of sale to include a printed notice that a $15 penalty applies if the vehicle is not registered within 20 days. This notice is pre-printed on your template.
Alabama-Specific Requirements
1. 20-Day Registration Deadline
The buyer has 20 calendar days from the date of sale to register the vehicle at their county LPIO.
A $15 penalty applies after 20 days. During those 20 days, the buyer may legally operate the vehicle by carrying a legible copy of the bill of sale in the vehicle at all times.
2. Where to Complete the Transfer
Title transfers are handled at the county License Plate Issuing Official (LPIO) — not a central state DMV.
The buyer must go to the LPIO in the county where they reside. Alabama has 67 counties, each with its own LPIO office.
3. What the Buyer Must Bring
- Signed Alabama Certificate of Title (assignment section on reverse completed by seller)
- This completed Bill of Sale
- Previous owner’s tag receipt
- Valid Alabama driver’s license or photo ID
- Proof of Alabama liability insurance
- Payment for $15 title fee + $1.50 agent commission + 2% state sales tax + applicable county/municipal tax
4. Sales Tax
Alabama charges 2% state sales tax on the purchase price, plus applicable county and municipal tax.
Tax is paid at the county LPIO at registration. The purchase price on the bill of sale must be accurate — do not understate it.
5. License Plates
Alabama plates stay with the seller. Remove your plate before handing over the vehicle.
The buyer receives new plates at the LPIO when they register. Exception: when transferring to a spouse or child, the plate may stay on the vehicle at the seller’s option upon payment of the transfer fee.
6. Joint Ownership
If the title shows “AND” between owner names, all listed owners must sign both the title and this bill of sale.
If the title shows “OR,” any one owner may complete the transfer alone.
7. Notarization
Alabama state law does not require notarization for a standard private party bill of sale.
Some counties may have their own requirements — contact your county LPIO to confirm. Notarization is always recommended for high-value sales.
Free Alabama Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
This template opens in Google Docs. Click Use Template to save a copy to your Drive, fill it out digitally, or print and complete by hand.
How to Fill Out the Template
Enter the seller’s name exactly as it appears on the Certificate of Title. Enter the buyer’s name exactly as they want it on the new title.
In Section 3, copy the VIN character by character from the dashboard plate and the title — one wrong character will cause the LPIO to reject the application.
Enter the full agreed purchase price in Section 4. Both parties sign Section 11. If the title shows “AND” between owner names, all owners must sign.
For a complete field-by-field walkthrough of every section, see: How to Fill Out a Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale →
How to Transfer a Car Title in Alabama
For the Seller
Complete the assignment section on the reverse of the Alabama Certificate of Title.
Remove your license plates before handing over the vehicle. Retain a signed copy of this bill of sale permanently.
For the Buyer
Within 20 calendar days of purchase, go to the LPIO in your county of residence.
Bring the signed title, this bill of sale, the previous tag receipt, proof of insurance, and valid Alabama ID. Pay the $15 title fee, $1.50 agent commission, and applicable sales tax. You will receive your new license plate and registration at the LPIO.
Lost Title
If the seller cannot locate the title, apply for a replacement ($15, non-refundable) through the ALDOR Public Title Portal at revenue.alabama.gov or at any county LPIO before the sale proceeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
20 calendar days from the date of sale. A $15 penalty applies after 20 days. During those 20 days, carry a legible copy of the bill of sale in the vehicle at all times and present it to law enforcement on demand.
At the License Plate Issuing Official (LPIO) in the buyer’s county of residence. Alabama has 67 counties, each with its own LPIO. The buyer cannot complete the transfer at a different county’s office.
The title fee is $15 plus a $1.50 agent commission. Alabama state sales tax of 2% plus applicable county and municipal tax is also due at the time of registration.
Alabama state law does not require notarization for a standard private party vehicle bill of sale. Some counties may require it — contact your county LPIO to confirm. Notarization is recommended for high-value sales.
Plates stay with the seller. Remove your plate before handing over the vehicle. The buyer receives new plates at the LPIO when they register.
Yes. Alabama does not require a specific state-issued form. Any bill of sale with the required information — seller and buyer details, VIN, purchase price, date of sale, and signatures — is acceptable. This template is formatted to meet Alabama requirements and includes the required $15 late penalty notice.
This template and all information on this page are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Alabama requirements vary by county. Contact your county License Plate Issuing Official or the Alabama Department of Revenue at revenue.alabama.gov to confirm current requirements before completing your transaction.