If your Alabama registration sticker was not received in the mail after renewal or initial vehicle registration, this is a task that needs to be addressed immediately. Registration renewal notices are sent out based on the last name of the driver and correspond to a specific month in the year. The reminders ask the driver to renew his or her registration before the expiration date to avoid any penalties. Registration renewals are typically applied for in-person through a license plate issuing office. However, depending on the county that your vehicle is registered in, you may be able to renew your registration online. Both of these situations will provide you with a receipt of your transaction to use while you wait for a new sticker to arrive.

If your application was processed and the AL DMV sticker was not received, driving without proof may still result in fines. You will need to order replacement documents if your stickers do not arrive. The fines and fees associated with replacement stickers, driving without the correct documents and late registrations may vary. This makes it important to understand Alabama’s specific rules and regulations when completing the process to renew vehicle registration.

Common Reasons for a Registration Sticker Not Being Received in Alabama

When a license plate sticker is not received in the mail and it has been deemed lost, it may be due to incorrect information or a problem with your application. Below are a few of the reasons that may cause your license plate decals for registration to go missing.

  • A missing renewal notice – You are responsible for your registration renewal. Registration renewals are not automatically processed for your vehicle. Renewals need to be done online or in person at a local DMV office every time a registration is nearing its expiration. Certain counties in Alabama do not send renewal notices, so make sure you are aware of your sticker’s expiration date and request an AL DMV registration sticker and registration paperwork in the correct time frame.
  • An out-of-date address – Your mailing address needs to be kept up to date with the AL DMV. Make sure that the address on file with the Alabama department of revenue is current and does not contain any errors. If this information is incorrect, your registration may have been sent to the wrong address.

Can I legally drive if my Alabama registration sticker was not received?

Applicants who have not yet received their new registration decal in the mail must keep proof of their renewal in the vehicle at all times. The penalty for not having a valid registration may result in fines.

For those who have applied for an Alabama registration sticker online, the confirmation page needs to be printed. Applicants need to keep this confirmation page in the vehicle to show law enforcement officials if pulled over. The state of Alabama may issue delinquent fees to drivers who cannot prove they have renewed their registration. These fees are separate to the proof of registration penalties mentioned above.

Additional Consequences of a Car Sticker Not Received Alabama

If you apply for a replacement car tag sticker and the original sticker finally arrives in the mail, you must surrender the originals to the AL DMV immediately. If a vehicle is found displaying cancelled stickers or plates they will be subject to fines and possible citations.

Make sure you are using the most recent set of stickers, plates and registration documents that were sent to you. If you have any concerns about the stickers you receive, contact your local driver services office.

Steps to Take If Your Alabama DMV Sticker Was Not Received

When an AL DMV registration sticker is not received within seven business days, and is believed to be lost, you must notify the DMV. If you do not receive your decals for your Alabama license plate, follow the steps below:

  1. Contact your issuing office – Contact the office that first issued your new registration and check the status of your application. Once you have clarified that the application was processed in full, you can verify the details of your order.
  2. Make sure your address on file is correct – Ensure that all information on file at the Alabama department of revenue is correct and up-to-date. You must submit a change of address form to the DMV if you have recently moved.
  3. Apply for replacement tags – A completed application for an AL DMV sticker replacement must be submitted in-person at a licensed county office or by mail to the Motor Vehicle Division, depending on the issuing office. Additional replacement fees may apply.
  4. Keep your receipt – You must keep all receipts of your application and duplicate sticker request in your vehicle at all times until the replacement sticker arrives.

Where to Get Registration Sticker Replacements in Alabama

Replacement stickers can only be applied for in-person at a local county licensing office. You cannot replace stickers online in Alabama. Below are the items you will need to obtain a replacement.

  • A completed credentials replacement form, including details of why your car plate sticker renewal needs replacing.
  • Payment of $2 for the replacement stickers.

In addition to the above, replacements for registrations that were applied for through the Motor Vehicle Division and not a local licensing office can be sent by mail to the Motor Vehicle Division. Similarly, all replacement government and international registration plan (IRP) stickers can be applied for by mail to specific government and IRP mailing addresses.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.