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
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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 when selling my car in Alabama?
No. Alabama does not require notarization, but the title must be signed correctly by both parties.
Can I sell a car without the title in Alabama?
No, you cannot legally sell a car without a title in Alabama. If your title is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must apply for a replacement title using Form MVT 12-1 before selling. The replacement title costs $15 and can be obtained through Alabama’s online portal or by visiting your local DMV office.
Is a bill of sale required when selling a car in Alabama?
While not required statewide, some Alabama counties do require a bill of sale. Baldwin County, the state’s largest county, requires a bill of sale for all vehicle transactions. Even if not required in your county, a bill of sale is highly recommended as it provides legal documentation of the transaction and protects both buyer and seller.
What happens to my license plates after I sell my car?
Alabama license plates stay with the seller and must be removed from the vehicle at the time of sale. You can either return the plates to the DMV, transfer them to another vehicle you own, or surrender them voluntarily to your local license plate issuing office. The buyer will need to obtain new plates for the vehicle.
Can I sell my car online if I still owe money on it (have a lien)?
Yes, you can sell a car with a lien, but the process is more complex. You’ll need either a lien release from your lender (Form MVT 5-63) or you’ll need to pay off the loan before the sale. If selling to a dealer or car buying service, they can often handle the lien payoff directly with your lender as part of the transaction.
Do I need a vehicle inspection before selling my car in Alabama?
No, Alabama does not require a safety or emissions inspection before selling a vehicle in a private sale. However, potential buyers may request a pre-purchase inspection at their own expense. As the seller, you must agree to the time and location if a buyer requests this inspection.
Who is responsible for paying sales tax when I sell my car?
The buyer is responsible for paying sales tax when they register the vehicle with the Alabama DMV. As the seller, you are not responsible for collecting or paying the sales tax. The buyer will pay this tax at the time of registration, typically within 20 days of the purchase.
What documents should I keep after selling my car for my records?
After selling your car, keep copies of: the signed title showing the transfer, the bill of sale (if used), any lien release documents, and proof that you removed/transferred your license plates. Consider filing a Notice of Sale Form (MVT 5-13A) with the state to officially notify them of the transfer and protect yourself from future liability.