Lookup
FindByPlate is a platform designed to help people learn about individual vehicles with the help of license plate searches.
The platform is the simplest in the industry. You just run an Alabama license plate lookup by entering the plate number and state. Simple as that!
Then, with this information, you will learn more about the vehicle. Whether the vehicle was damaged, stolen, if it has a valid registration or not, and a lot more!
From basic specs to history records, FindByPlate gives you a clear input on the specific vehicle you are interested in!
What Is “Alabama License Plate Lookup”?
Basically, Alabama license plate lookup refers to the process of looking up a license plate number. You find a website like FindByPlate, then you enter the state of Alabama and the license plate number.
However, it is worth noting that many US states, including Alabama, are keeping the privacy of the owner's information. So, you cannot find their names, addresses, or personal data. This type of data is only accessible to law enforcement agencies and insurance companies.
But, there is plenty of useful information that you can find for free. Here is what you can find on FindByPlate:
Make, model, year, and body style: You have the ability to find the model of the vehicle and many details associated with it, such as brand, color, production year, etc.
Title Status: Title status is important if you want to purchase the vehicle. Vehicles usually have clear, salvage, or rebuilt titles. Cars with salvage and rebuilt titles were crashed at some point. Salvage is undrivable, while a rebuilt title can be registered.
Accident or Damage History: With FindByPlate, you can find data like previous accidents or damage reports.
Recalls and Safety Notices: Carmakers issue recalls regularly, so with this license plate lookup Alabama, you can find if these recalls were performed.
Lien or Financial Information: You find out if the car is leased by a leasing company.
Vehicle Usage: You learn the purpose of the vehicle, whether this is a private or a commercial vehicle.
Registration Status: You learn whether the registration of the car is active or expired.
How FindByPlate Works & What It Offers
FindByPlate is a platform that gives you the chance to perform license plate lookup Alabama free. You can also use the search tool to search for license plates from all of the other states in the US.
Here is how FindByPlate works in simple steps:
Open a new tab in your browser and type FindByPlate.com.
Next, you choose the state of Alabama and enter the license plate number.
The system will assemble a report with publicly available data.
You can also view images or videos submitted by community users tied to that plate.
You may add comments, upload pictures, or add a video relating to the plate.
You see the summarized vehicle information with essential details, except for personal information.
We must note the community element of FindByPlate, where users can contribute with images and comments. You can attach photos or videos involving the vehicle that is tied to that plate.
One big perk of FindByPlate is the generous data that you get when you do a license plate lookup Alabama. All this, completely free of charge.
However, you can also get even more data if you opt to get the full report by clicking the green button on top of the search result.
Benefits & Use Cases
People love to use FindByPlate for several different reasons:
Used car buyers: For example, you want to buy a car from a private seller, and you only have the license plate number. If you do a quick Alabama license plate lookup, you will be able to find some red flags, such as incidents or salvage title designation.
Verifying registration: You can also use the application to see whether the vehicle is registered at the moment or whether the vehicle has an expired plate.
Insurance or legal context: You can also get plenty of data concerning recalls, title problems, or to simply confirm the vehicle’s status.
Lost plate / hit-and-run: If you were involved in an incident. For example, someone crashed into you and ran away, you can use their license plate to learn more about the person.
Curiosity or due diligence: Some people are simply curious, so if you are curious about a car that you saw on the road, you can do a simple license plate lookup Alabama and find more about the car.
Limitations & Legal Considerations
When you are doing license plate lookup Alabama, it is fair to point out what you won’t get:
Personal information: Such as owner name, address, or contact info (unless you have a legal reason).
You won’t get a guarantee for accuracy: Some data (accident history, title status) depends on public records, which might be incomplete.
Real-time updates in all cases.
In Alabama, there are privacy laws that guard the personal driver data. So, only institutions that have the authority can access this sensitive data.
License Plate Rules in Alabama
All vehicles in Alabama must be registered with the Alabama Department of Revenue (DOR).
After you purchase a new vehicle, you must use temporary plates to drive legally until you register and obtain new license plates. You must obtain Alabama license plates within 20 days of purchasing a new vehicle.
You only need rear plates in Alabama. The law does not require front license plates on standard passenger vehicles.
Sample Alabama License Plate
Types of License Plates in Alabama
There are different types of standard or personalized plates to choose from in Alabama which incur different fees and costs.
If you want your vehicle to stand out on the streets, you can get a specialty license plate. Here are a few of the options available to you in Alabama:
Specialty License Plates with a unique design. For example:
Breast Cancer Research Plate
Wildlife Federation Plate
Firefighter Plate
Generic Specialty Plates with a small logo or image on a white plate. For example:
Rotary International Plate
Alabama Tennis Foundation Plate
Children’s Trust Fund Plate
There are hundreds of specialty plates to choose from. These plates are issued to private passenger automobiles, motorcycles, pickup trucks up to 12,000 lbs, and recreational vehicles in Alabama. For example:
Military Honor Plates
Antique License Plates
NASCAR Racing License Plates
Collegiate Plates
Check with your local Alabama DMV for the available specialty plate styles.
Note: Fees for specialty plates range from $15 to $890 per year, depending on the vehicle being registered.
Some of the most popular license plates in Alabama in 2022 were as follows:
Auburn University (approximately 46,000 standard and 34,000 personalized registrations)
Alabama Bicentennial (approximately 38,300 standard and 900 personalized registrations)
Alabama Wildlife Federation (approximately 21,100 standard and 7,800 personalized registrations)
A Pink Breast Cancer Tag (approximately 8,500 standard and 10,400 personalized registrations)
AG Tag (approximately 5,200 standard and 2,900 personalized registrations)
Army (approximately 18,000 standard registrations)
Air Force (approximately 7,300 standard registrations)
Alabama Nurses Foundation (approximately 5,300 standard and 6,600 personalized registrations
Car Ownership in Alabama
94.40% of households in Alabama have at least one vehicle.
Alabama ranks 15 (tied) in the United States in car ownership rate. Idaho and Wyoming have the highest car ownership rates while the District of Columbia has the lowest car ownership rate in the US.
Alabama ranks 44 in the US for electric vehicle ownership. Only 0.10% of all registered vehicles in Alabama are electric vehicles. California has the highest EV ownership nationwide (1.61%).
Alabama ranks 19 in terms of most expensive states in the US to own a car. The average cost of full coverage car insurance in Alabama is $1,809 per year. The average cost of a check engine light-related car repair in Alabama is $399.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run an Alabama license plate lookup for free?
Yes, you can use FindByPlate and do an Alabama license plate lookup free. Free searches will give you the essential data that you need. For example, make and model, color, and other information about the vehicle’s title status. If you want a more detailed report. For example, accident history and lien information, you will have to find a paid option.
Will an Alabama license plate lookup show the vehicle owner’s name?
No, it will not show the person’s name. This is the case because there are federal and state laws. These include the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). These laws are created with the purpose of preventing public leaks of personal details like the owner’s name and address. With a simple lookup tool, you can find more information about the configuration, title status, and lien holder.
How many license plates does Alabama require on a vehicle?
In Alabama, you only need one plate. This plate is displayed in the rear of most of the vehicles registered in Alabama. However, if you prefer, you can install a front license plate as well.
What are the different types of Alabama license plates?
Alabama offers different types of plates. These include standard passenger plates, motorcycle plates, truck and trailer plates, collegiate plates, and vanity plates. Each category has a different purpose.
How soon do I need to get Alabama license plates after moving to the state?
If you are a new Alabama resident, you’re required to register your vehicle within 30 days of moving to the state with a valid out-of-state registration.
How to confirm ownership of an Alabama vehicle?
If you’re buying a used car in Alabama, you might be wondering who owned the car before you and its history. When you do an Alabama license plate search on Findbyplate.com, you can discover the ownership history of the car. Getting a vehicle report helps you make confident decisions when purchasing a used vehicle by answering these important questions:
Has it been stolen?
Who is the real owner of the vehicle?
Is the seller the actual owner of the vehicle?
For peace of mind, make sure you get a vehicle history report before you purchase a used car. You can also report bad drivers and look at images and videos submitted by community members. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to look up Alabama License Plates:
Open a web browser
Go to FindByPlate.com
Enter the plate number and select state
View the report
View images submitted by the community
View videos submitted by the community
Add comments
Add pictures of the vehicle
Add videos related to the vehicle
What to do if my Alabama license plates are stolen?
This really happens: You park your car for the day, and return in the evening to find that your license plates are gone. In the event that your plates are stolen, here are the steps to take:
Contact your local law enforcement authorities to report your plates stolen
Go to your local Alabama DMV to obtain new plates
Fill out a Stolen License Plate Affidavit
Pay the fees [a set of standard license plates costs $23]
How to transfer or surrender license plates in Alabama?
If you want to sell or donate your vehicle, you’ll have to remove the plates and either:
Return the plates to DOR
Transfer the plates to your new vehicle
You can transfer your license plates to a new vehicle by paying the DOR $1.25 (additional fees or taxes may apply). Some specialty plates may not be transferable (you should contact the DOR to check).
If you discontinue your car insurance payment or you get different license plates, you’ll have to surrender your original license plates.
Also, if you reported your plates stolen but found them or recovered them later on, you’ll have to surrender your plates to the DOR.
How much do standard Alabama license plates cost?
Fees additional to those listed below may apply. Check with your local DMV for service fees, taxes, or fees for titling a vehicle or vehicle registration (if needed).
Registration Fee: $23 for automobiles, $15 for motorcycles, $23-105 for pickup trucks not exceeding 12,000 lbs, $23-890 for motor homes of any weight, and $23-890 for trucks/and truck tractors
Replacement License Plate: $2
Replacement Decal $2
Transfer Fee: $1.25
How do I obtain a replacement license plate and/or decal?
The Alabama Department of Revenue says you can get a replacement license plate and/or decal by completing form MV 40-12-265-1 (Application For Replacement Credentials) and presenting it to a license plate issuing official at the DOR in person.
If the registered owner of a vehicle cannot come to the DOR in person, they can give another individual a Power of Attorney (form MVT 5-13) to do so on their behalf. The power of attorney needs to be signed and notarized, and it must specify that the appointed individual has the authority to obtain a replacement license plate and/or decal on the owner’s behalf.
If a specialty plate or personalized tag is being requested to replace a standard tag, the registered owner of the vehicle must pay the additional fees. If the replacement is being done through a Power of Attorney, the POA must specify which specialty plate is being requested.
The Alabama DOR does not issue refunds of fees paid for personalized or specialty plates after they are issued. Additional fees will apply if another plate is requested.
If plates or decals are lost in the mail during license renewal, the DOR official will allow an immediate family member (father, mother, spouse, or child) to collect the replacement without a power of attorney. However, replacement fees will apply.
If replacement of a plate or decal is requested for a third time after being lost or stolen, the owner will need to submit a police report.
General Information on Vehicle Registration
Vehicle Registration in Alabama
When you purchase a new vehicle, you should have a temporary tag, which will be valid until your new plates arrive. Typically, the temporary tags are valid for 20 days and must be displayed in your back window.
To apply for license plates in Alabama, you must first register your vehicle at the DOR. Remember, you must register your vehicle:
Within 20 days of buying a vehicle
Within 30 days of moving to Alabama
You’ll need the following to register your vehicle:
Yellow copy of Alabama title application, vehicle title, or manufacturer's certificate of origin
Bill of sale and itemized sales tax info
Dealer's affidavit (for out-of-state dealers)
Surrender old license plates from the vehicle
Odometer disclosure statement if your vehicle is less than 10 years old and less than 16,000 lbs
Copy of the most recent registration
Valid Alabama driver's license that proves you are a resident
Proof of insurance
License plates you want transferred to the new vehicle (if you have them)
Payment for all applicable fees
Renewal of Vehicle Registration in Alabama
You’ll receive a reminder from the Alabama Department of Revenue letting you know that you must renew or update the tags on your vehicle.
When you renew your tags, you will also renew the vehicle’s registration. This can be done online, by mail, or in person. After you complete this, you’ll receive new stickers to place on your plate.
Physical Alabama Address Requirement
A physical address in Alabama for the owner is required on the application. A P.O. Box address can be provided for the special mailing address if there is no lienholder listed on the title application.
Correction of an Alabama Title or Title Assignment
To correct an error on a title, the owner or lienholder of record needs to make an application through a designated agent for a new certificate of title. The documents to be submitted to the department for processing include an application for a corrected title, the erroneous certificate of title, and a statement that supports the requested corrections along with an MVT 5-7 (Affidavit to Correct an Assignment on a Certificate of Title).
Application for Alabama Certificate of Title for a Motor Vehicle
The DOR charges a fee of $15.00 for each application for a certificate of title for a motor vehicle in Alabama. Designated agents can add a commission ($1.50) for each application. Officials at the DOR can collect an additional $1.50 commission for each application toward mailing costs. Certain counties have additional local fees to process a title application.