How to Get a Title for an Abandoned Vehicle in Alabama
Alabama has a 10–30 days wait period before you can begin the title process. Here is everything a towing company, storage facility, or property owner needs to know.
Quick Reference
Wait Period & Reporting
10–30 days wait required. Wait periods vary by state and whether the vehicle is on public or private property.
Notifying the Owner
Certified mail to last registered owner and lienholder
Notice is required before any abandoned vehicle title can be issued. Contact your state DMV for specific requirements.
Lienholder Rights
Lienholder must be notified and given time to respond
Failure to notify a lienholder properly can void the entire abandoned vehicle title process.
The Title Application Process
Form/Program: Abandoned Vehicle Title Application
Process varies by state. Typically initiated by a towing company, storage facility, or property owner.
Restrictions & Requirements
- Must follow state-specific notice and wait period requirements
- All liens must be resolved before a clean title can issue
- Storage or towing facility typically must be licensed
Alabama-Specific Note
Alabama-Specific Facts for Abandoned Vehicle Title
Alabama Vehicle transfer fees and requirements
In Alabama, the title transfer fee is $18 and registration costs $23 - $105 depending on vehicle type. Vehicle sales are subject to 2% of purchase price for private sales. Notarization is required for vehicle bill of sale documents in Alabama. Alabama does not require emission testing for private-party vehicle sales.
- Bill of sale must include VIN and odometer reading
- Title must be notarized by the seller for transfer
- Buyer has 20 days to transfer the title
Alabama sales tax on vehicle purchases
Alabama has a 2% state sales tax rate. 2% state rate for private sales; county/city taxes may add 1–4%. Private-party vehicle sales in Alabama are subject to sales tax. Private sales taxed at 2% (reduced from dealer rate). The title transfer fee is $18.
Alabama bill of sale statistics
BillOfSaleNow has generated 1,243 bill of sale documents for Alabama transactions, with 34 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.
More Alabama Vehicle Guides
- Car Lease Buyout in Alabama
- Car Loan Default in Alabama
- Car Loan Refinance in Alabama
- Car Recall Process in Alabama
- Car Title Transfer Fees in Alabama
- Car Totaled Insurance Payout in Alabama
Each guide is written specifically for Alabama laws, agencies, and procedures. Bookmark for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before a vehicle is considered abandoned in Alabama?
Alabama requires a 10–30 days wait period. Wait periods vary by state and whether the vehicle is on public or private property.
How do I notify the owner of an abandoned vehicle in Alabama?
Certified mail to last registered owner and lienholder. Notice is required before any abandoned vehicle title can be issued. Contact your state DMV for specific requirements.
How much does it cost to get an abandoned vehicle title in Alabama?
DMV fees + towing and storage charges. Costs vary widely by state and accumulate with each day in storage.
How long does the abandoned vehicle title process take in Alabama?
45–90 days. Process includes wait periods, notice periods, and DMV processing time.
Does Alabama require a surety bond for an abandoned vehicle title?
Not for the standard process. Some states require a surety bond if the title history is unclear or the vehicle has a prior out-of-state registration.
Selling the Vehicle After You Get Title?
Create a compliant Alabama bill of sale to protect yourself in the transaction.
Generate Bill of SaleSource: State DMV. Abandoned vehicle laws change frequently — verify current wait periods with your state DMV.