TRANSPORTATION / MOTOR VEHICLE INFORMATION

Drivers License
New residents are required to obtain an Alabama drivers license within 30 days of establishing residency. Those who hold a valid license from another state must pass a written test on road rules as well as the vision examination. Those without a current, valid license from another state are also required to take a driving test. Out-of-state new residents and those who are applying for an Alabama drivers license for the first time must visit one of the following Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) offices. Hours of operation vary for the DPS offices, so check the Alabama DPS website for details on locations and schedules:

DPS Driver License Offices
http://dps.alabama.gov/Home/wfContent.aspx?ID=30&PLH1=plhHome-DriverLicense

Vehicle Registration
Newcomers must transfer their vehicle title and obtain their Alabama license plates within 30 days of establishing residence. Tags may be purchased at the Commissioner of Licenses Office in the Courthouse or one of the satellite offices. To register a vehicle that has no lien, bring the original title and the current tag registration. The owner specified on the title must appear in person or give notarized power of attorney to an appointee. If the vehicle is financed, bring a copy of the original title from the lien holder (for title holding states) or the original title (for states that do not hold titles. Furnish the name and address of the lien holder and your account number. The documents and procedures for registering leased vehicles will vary with the leasing situation.

Owners who purchased their vehicles before moving will need the original title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin. To determine sales tax liability, a bill of sale is required if the vehicle was purchased but never registered in the previous state. To complete registration, it will be necessary to relinquish the out-of-state tags and present proof of residency with an Alabama driver’s license. For out-of-state registrations, you must bring the vehicle being registered to verify that the Vehicle Identification Number matches the title and other documents. Although the county license commission and division of license handle renewal registrations, newcomers to Alabama will need to visit one of the offices for the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS). Hours of operation vary for the DPS offices, so check the Alabama DPS website for details on locations and schedules:

DPS Driver License Offices
http://dps.alabama.gov/Home/DriverLicensePages/wfDLOffices.aspx

Alabama Safety Laws
Alabama maintains a primary safety belt law that allows law enforcement officers to stop motorists and issue citations for failure to use safety-belt restraints. Alabama’s child passenger safety seat law requires that every person transporting a child under the age of six years in a motor vehicle must properly secure the child passenger restraint system that meets applicable federal motor vehicle standards. Infants to one-year-old children who weigh at least 20 to 22 pounds should always ride in an infant-only or rear-facing convertible seat with harness straps at or below shoulder level. Toddlers who are older than 12 months and weigh between 20 and 40 pounds should ride in a convertible or forward-facing safety seat with harness straps at or above shoulders. Young children between the ages of four and eight who weigh more than 40 pounds should be placed in a belt-positioning booster seat that faces forward. This seat must be used with both lap and shoulder belts. Safety experts confirm that all children who are age 12 and under should ride in the back seat of the vehicle.

WATERCRAFT REGULATIONS

Watercraft Licensing
Boats are not titled but they are registered in Alabama. If the boat is new, a bill of sale is required.  For used boats, provide a bill of sale and the last boat registration certificate. State, county, and/or municipal taxes may be due at the time of registration. All bills of sale must be notarized or have two witnesses. Registration fees are based on the size of the watercraft, starting with boats less than 16 feet in length up to those that are 40 feet or longer. Boat owners may register, renew or transfer ownership at their office of county Judge of Probate or License Commissioner.

Boat Registration Information
http://dps.alabama.gov/Home/wfContent.aspx?ID=30&PLH1=plhDriverLicense-BoatLicense

Watercraft Operator Certification
Every person age 12 and older who operates a motorized vessel on state waterways must obtain an operator’s certification. Those who are required to take an exam for this certification may do so at any of the Alabama Department of Public Safety drivers license offices. Those who were 40 years old or older on April 28, 1994 must be certified but are not required to pass an examination and can have the vessel class added to their valid drivers license. Others who are exempt from the exam are holders of a certificate of completion of the U.S. Power Squadron Boating Course or the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Course. Watercraft operators must be in possession of their certifications at the time of vessel operation. For more information or answers to specific questions on operator certification, contact:

Alabama Marine Police Division
334-242-3673
http://dps.alabama.gov/Home/wfContent.aspx?ID=30&PLH1=plhDriverLicense-BoatLicense