Free Alabama License Plate Lookup

What information can you get from an Alabama license plate lookup?

VinCheckPro’s free Alabama license plate search provides users with essential details about any registered vehicle in the state. This tool offers a variety of information, including:

• Accidents or Damages: This crucial section covers any incidents affecting the vehicle, including collisions and damage from external factors like vandalism or fallen objects.
• Odometer Indications: Easily compare reported mileage against the actual odometer reading to ensure accuracy and uncover potential discrepancies.
• Recalls & Defects: Stay informed about any recalls or known defects associated with the specific make and model of the vehicle.
• Lien & Repossession Records: Understand if the vehicle has been used as collateral in a loan, helping you avoid financial entanglements.
• Theft & Recovery Records: Discover if the vehicle has been reported stolen and subsequently recovered, providing critical insight into its history.
• Flood, Hail, and Fire Damage: Learn about any damage resulting from natural disasters, which can have long-term implications for the vehicle’s integrity.
• Mileage Rollback: Guard against odometer fraud by verifying the reported mileage against historical records.
• Sale history, estimated ownership costs, and market value: This information provides valuable insights into the vehicle’s past, potential future expenses, and current market value.
• Vehicle Specifications: Ensure that all standard equipment, including body color and tires, align with the vehicle’s description.
• Previous Use: Identify if the vehicle has been utilized for personal, taxi, or police purposes, offering insight into its past usage.
• Service, Inspection, and Registration History: Gain a comprehensive overview of the vehicle’s maintenance and registration records, providing valuable context for its overall condition.

Our Alabama license plate lookup service delivers detailed reports promptly, giving you peace of mind and confidence when purchasing a vehicle. Experience our efficient and reliable service today—order your report now and receive it within moments!

What is an Alabama license plate?

An Alabama license plate serves as a government-issued ID tag for vehicles in Alabama. These plates are required and necessitate vehicle registration. In general, only one rear license plate is required for each vehicle. 

Manufactured in prisons by Alabama Correctional Industries (ACI), a branch of the Department of Corrections, these plates are distributed through county DMV offices or authorized dealers. Annual renewal is mandatory, with fees varying based on the vehicle’s weight and age. 

Alabama offers a variety of specialty plates, including those supporting colleges, universities, military service, and various charitable organizations.

1. 1. Distinctive Plates – allow car owners to show their support for various causes or organizations, as well as to demonstrate their personal interests
   2. Collegiate Plates – represent the drivers’ favorite universities or colleges. These plates feature the school’s official colors and logo, making them a popular choice among residents who want to show off their school spirit.
   3. Military Plates
      • Armed Forces Retired – a special way of honoring and recognizing the dedicated service of veterans who have valiantly served our country
      • Disabled Veteran – issued to disabled veterans living in Alabama. This plate grants veterans the privilege of having special parking spots for disabled people
   4. Generic Distinctive Plates – available for personalized messages and specialist series like the Alabama Crimson Tide and NASCAR. The plate’s design was selected by internet polls and focus groups, making it a plate that truly represents the people of Alabama.
   5. Generic Race Plates – The main purpose of these plates is to save the state money, as they are cheaper to produce than specialty plates.
   6. Dealer & Manufacturer Plates – issued to individuals and businesses that deal with the sale, trade, or manufacturing of motor vehicles 
   7. Temporary Tags – issued for vehicles that have just been bought or recently moved to the state. These tags allow drivers to operate their vehicles legally while awaiting their permanent license plate.
   8. Government Plates – its purpose is to identify government vehicles
   9. Vintage Plates – these plates are particularly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike

These license plates typically feature distinct color schemes and designs. Additionally, you can order personalized plates with letters, numbers, or a mix of both.

How do I get a license plate in Alabama?

To obtain a license plate in Alabama, you will need to visit the Alabama Department of Revenue’s Motor Vehicle Division. The following items are required:

• Proof of ownership of the vehicle
• Proof of insurance
• A valid driver’s license or identification card
• Payment for the applicable fees, which vary depending on the type of plate you want and the length of time it will be valid
• Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin, or MSO, or a certificate of title (If you are registering a new vehicle)

If you are transferring a plate from an old vehicle, be sure to bring the old plate with you. The process can also be done online through the Alabama Department of Revenue’s website. After providing all necessary documentation and payment, you will receive your license plate and registration.

Can I transfer my Alabama license plate to another vehicle?

Yes, you can usually transfer your Alabama license plate to a different vehicle, provided the new vehicle meets the criteria for the type of plate you possess. To do this, you will need to go to your local Alabama Department of Revenue motor vehicle division office and bring the following:

• Proof of ownership for the new vehicle
• Your current Alabama license plate and registration
• Your driver’s license or other government-issued identification

Additionally, you might need to pay a transfer fee of $1.25 along with any applicable taxes. It’s advisable to consult the Alabama Department of Revenue for detailed requirements and fees.

How can I find the owner of a license plate in Alabama?

In Alabama, information related to license plates and vehicle owners is considered private and protected. This means that conducting a direct online search or accessing public records to find the owner of a license plate is not permissible.

However, there are certain circumstances in which access to this information may be granted. For instance, if you are involved in a car accident and require the other driver’s insurance information, or if you are a law enforcement officer carrying out an official investigation.

Can you look up vehicle records and history by VIN in Alabama?

You have the option to look up Alabama vehicle records and history without needing the VIN. The Alabama Department of Revenue’s Motor Vehicle Division manages a database of vehicle records, accessible via an online application process that involves filling out a form.

To proceed, you’ll need to fulfill certain requirements:

• Details about the requesting entity
• Documentation proving the entity is entitle to request the record for the vehicle
• Information about the vehicle and the type of record you are requesting

Keep in mind that the information you receive is based on what’s recorded with the Alabama Department of Revenue’s Motor Vehicle Division, which may not encompass the vehicle’s entire history, including unreported accidents or repairs.

VINCheckPro offers a streamlined Alabama license plate lookup service, combining VIN and state details with the license plate number for your search. Input the alphanumeric characters, and VINCheckPro will search through 40 million government and insurance records, providing you with available public information instantly. Alongside the discussed details, VINCheckPro’s Alabama vehicle history report may include additional information like recalls, livery usage, and more.