Alabama License Plate Lookup

Alabama plate lookups searches are an excellent way for buyers and sellers to obtain comprehensive details about a vehicle's history. These searches are done by inputting the vehicle's license plate number into the designated search bar, revealing its model features, fire or flood damage, rebuild history, recalls, if present, and accident history. The search also provides titling details and illustrates if there are any registration issues, reducing potential customer liability. It also allows buyers to perform their appropriate due diligence before purchasing. GoodCar's lookup tools are comprehensive, and the platform is an approved NMVTIS data provider.

Alabama license plate searches are handy in an era where due diligence is not only recommended but necessary. From a liability standpoint, potential buyers can get in legal or financial trouble if they do not perform a comprehensive search on a vehicle of interest. Private sellers, especially, are willing to fabricate vehicle records. In the state, a traffic crash was reported every three minutes and 38 seconds in 2022. Considering some of these vehicles went on to be resold, some damage may not be adequately reported during sales, leaving buyers with several problems to sort through after purchase. The problem checks section removes all uncertainty on the vehicle's accident history and for recalls, flood, fire, or hail damage, and if reconstruction occurred.

Another crucial aspect of a license plate check is its ability to verify the ownership of the vehicle. GoodCar, for instance, offers interested buyers titling confirmation, ensuring that the registration and sales history are legitimate. Alabama reports significant vehicle thefts annually, with 7,308 in 2021 alone. The reception of stolen vehicles is a class A misdemeanor, carrying a penalty of one year in county jail. Given these circumstances, it is wise for potential owners to conduct an Alabama license plate search before making any commitments, providing them with security and confidence in their purchase.

Implementing an Alabama license plate search allows individuals to access comprehensive information on vehicle history. These include flood, fire, or hail damage, accident history, title records, recalls, and if the vehicle was refurbished. Parties may also obtain information on standard and optional specifications, allowing interested parties to make an informed purchasing decision. Pricing details are available as well. These provide a close to exact estimate of the latest market price, showing optional feature costs and the possibilities of trading in. The information is comprehensive as the platform sources data from the NMVTIS, a Department of Justice-designated database.

Alabama began issuing license plates in 1912. Before then, each city had its license plate issued as early as 1903. They were initially made of porcelain, but the state switched to steel in 1916. All Alabama license plates from 1922 to 1927 had the word ‘Private' embossed. From 1956 through to the late seventies, it utilized the ‘Heart of Dixie' slogan with a heart embossed on the license plate. In 1977, an imprint on the plate's reflective foil replaced the embossing.

In 2006, the state joined the list of states that had issued no-cost God-themed custom plates with the moniker, ‘God Bless America. Some of the earlier plates issued were embossed. It became a popular option to the level it was the de facto standard issue in the counties. The current plate style began in 2022 and features a yellow with light green landscape hue. A pelican, river, and trees are featured at the bottom.

AL License Plate Renewal

To renew a vehicle in Alabama, residents have to first ascertain the month their registration will expire. This is because the state registers vehicles according to a staggered system. From January to November, it is set according to the first letter of the person's last name. A person whose last name starts with F, G, or N must register their vehicle in April. If their last name begins with C or E, they must register in March. Similarly, their registration also expires on March 31st, as those registering in April would have their previous registration expire on the 30th. If the vehicle is fleet, commercial, or leased, it is renewed in October through November. Commercial registrations expire on November 30th. The MVD also mandates that it is the responsibility of the driver to renew the registration even if they have yet to receive a renewal notice. To renew the car registration online, please visit the e-services page and navigate to Motor Vehicle Online Tag registration. Find the specific county and click on ‘Renew an Automobile.' Provide the renewal notice number and license plate and pay the annual fee of $50.

AL License Plate Replacement

Replacing an Alabama license plate is necessary if the plate has either been damaged or lost. Residents must complete a request form and go to the Motor Vehicle Division. Unfortunately, this service cannot be done remotely. To replace the tag, a resident will need their driver's license, current license plate number, vehicle identification number, and fee payment. The fee is usually $2 each, and a further $2 mail fee may apply for each requested registration.

1. Is it Legal to Lookup Someone's License Plate Number in Alabama?

   In Alabama, an individual's records that can be searched via a license plate number are strictly protected by the state's Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). GoodCar search tools allow all interested parties to view a vehicle's records detailing vehicle specifications, optional features, collision history, flood, fire, or hail damage, titling issues, and whether the vehicle was previously used as a taxi or police car.

2. Can I Look Up AL License Plates for Free?

   All users can search particular elements of GoodCar's license plate search free of charge. It is particularly important to determine the make and model assigned to the license plate. However, record seekers looking for further information on previous damage, collisions, or recalls will have to pay a small fee to access more comprehensive reports.

3. Can I use Alabama license plate lookup services to find out about a vehicle's accident history?

   Yes, it is possible to use the Alabama License Plate Lookup to determine if the vehicle was previously involved in a crash. By navigating to problem checks, interested parties can see if the vehicle was involved in an accident, designated as salvage, and if reconstruction was done. The section also shows if there were warranty returns and a related flood, fire, or hail damage history.

4. If a vehicle has recently been sold, will the license plate lookup reflect the new owner's details?

   No, a license plate search does not show owner details because this information is protected by the Driver's Privacy Protection Act. It will show the vehicle's history, confirm titling is appropriate, and illustrate the number of previous ownerships.

5. Do all Alabama license plate lookups work for custom or personalized plates?

   Yes, the license plate lookup service in Alabama works for custom or personalized plates. The reason for this is the plate is still tied to the vehicle's VIN, which stays the same. Regardless of the plate option selected, the search should reveal details of the intended vehicle.