Selling your car in Alabama doesn’t have to be difficult. Whether you’re in Birmingham, Montgomery, Huntsville, or anywhere else in the Heart of Dixie, this guide walks you through the process to ensure a legal, safe, and straightforward vehicle sale.
Sell a Car in Alabama – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before you sell your vehicle in Alabama, make sure you have the following items ready:
- Alabama Certificate of Title: The title must be in your name. Both buyer and seller must complete the assignment section. If there is a lien, it must be released.
- Valid ID: Typically, a valid Alabama driver’s license or another government-issued ID is needed.
- Odometer Disclosure: Required for vehicles less than 10 years old. Often recorded directly on the title.
- Bill of Sale (Recommended): Not required by law, but a bill of sale helps document the transaction.
- Lien Release (if applicable): If there was a loan on the vehicle, you’ll need to show that it’s been paid off.
Alabama DMV Forms You May Need
Some forms you may need to complete the sale:
- Bill of Sale Template: Used to record sale details including date, price, and VIN.
- Application for Replacement Title (Form MVT 12-1): Required if your original title is lost or damaged.
- Notice of Sale Form (MVT 5-13A): Optional form you can submit to notify the state that the vehicle was sold.
Find official forms on the Alabama Department of Revenue – Motor Vehicle Division.
Sell Your Car in Alabama — Fast & Easy
Get a real offer in minutes
instead of waiting days for responses
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trustworthy, no guessing, no back-and-forth
We’ll handle the handoff
no need to arrange inconvenient meetups
Step 2: Prepare the Vehicle for Sale
While a clean and well-maintained car may increase your offer, it’s not required.
At Ken Ganley Buying Center, we buy cars as-is — no detailing, no fixing, and no stress. Just a fast, no-obligation offer.
Step 3: Determine Your Car’s Value
Before accepting any offer, check your car’s current market value:
- Use Our Instant Appraisal Tool: Get a quote in under 2 minutes.
- KBB, Edmunds, or NADA: Compare your vehicle’s value by mileage, features, and condition.
- Look at Local Listings: Check what similar cars are going for in cities like Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Dothan, Auburn, and Hoover.
Step 4: Choose a Selling Method
Here are your main options when selling in Alabama:
- Sell to a Car Buying Center (Fastest Option): Skip the back-and-forth. We handle the paperwork and offer same-day payment.
- Trade-In at a Dealership: Useful if you’re buying another vehicle, but expect lower trade-in values.
- Private Sale: Might get you a higher price but requires more work, including managing listings and ensuring proper documentation.
For a fast, no-hassle experience, Ken Ganley Buying Center is the way to go.
Step 5: Get Paid
When you sell privately, there’s always a risk of bounced checks or fake payments. With us, you’ll receive secure, verified same-day payment — no guesswork, no stress.
We take care of the entire process so you can walk away with confidence and cash in hand.
What Affects Car Values in Alabama? Local Market Insights to Know
Alabama’s vehicle market varies based on geography and lifestyle:
- Trucks and SUVs are in high demand in rural and suburban areas.
- Fuel-efficient sedans and hybrids tend to be more popular in cities like Birmingham and Montgomery.
- Climate can impact vehicle wear — rust-free, well-maintained cars typically sell faster.
- The average used car price in Alabama is $34,206, slightly below national and regional averages, reflecting steady demand but recent overall price softening as newer vehicles return to the market in greater numbers and new vehicle supply rebounds
Timing and location can influence how much you get for your car.
Ready to Sell Your Car in Alabama?
No games. No waiting. Just a real offer and a simple process with Ken Ganley Buying Center.
Start with a free appraisal online or call us today at 330-427-3656.
We help drivers across Alabama sell their cars with ease.
Need help selling your car in Alabama? Here are some quick answers
Do I need to notarize the title in Alabama?
No. Alabama does not require notarization, but the title must be signed correctly by both parties.
Do I keep my license plates after the sale?
Yes. Alabama license plates stay with the seller and must be returned to the DMV or transferred.
Can I sell a car without the title in Alabama?
No. You’ll need to apply for a replacement using Form MVT 12-1 before selling.
Is a bill of sale required?
It’s not required, but it’s recommended to document the transaction for your records.
Who pays sales tax when a vehicle is sold?
The buyer is responsible for paying the sales tax during registration with the Alabama DMV.