Motor Vehicles

State laws vary when it comes to motor vehicle insurance requirements, licensing and registration. The term vehicle generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Service members and their families will want to understand their state’s laws on registration and licensing before moving to a new state. Visit the USA.gov Motor Vehicle Services page for links to state-specific websites.

Alabama State law requires you to have sufficient liability insurance and a valid driver’s license in order to operate a vehicle. Your vehicle must be properly registered. Even though you are in the Military, you may be required to register your vehicle in-state and obtain an in-state license within a few months of moving. Access complete information on insurance, driver’s licensing, and where and how to register your vehicle by visiting the State Department of Motor Vehicles website.

You may obtain motor vehicle registration and licensing on post Tuesday through Thursday at the One Stop, Building 3494. Alabama Department of Public Safety can transfer out of state licenses, issue Alabama ID cards, test for learner's permit and test and license motorcycle and vessel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 256-882-8698 for more information.

Active duty military personnel and their family members with valid vehicle registration from their original state need not register their vehicles in the state of Alabama. Newcomers who are not active duty military or their family members have 30 days upon establishing residency to change their out-of-state vehicle registration.
To register your vehicle, you must submit a certificate of title, vehicle registration, and possibly a bill of sale to the License Commissioner's Office on the first floor of the Madison County Courthouse or one of the satellite offices. For more information, call 256-532-3310.  A satellite office is located Bldg 3494, Honest John Road in the One Stop and can be used by anyone with access to Redstone Arsenal. The office on Redstone is open Tuesday-Thursday.

Visitor's Pass -- Visitor's passes and identification badges are issued at the visitors centers located at Gate 9 or call 256-876-7738 for more information. 

You and your passengers must always wear seatbelts while driving. Infant only seats and convertible seats used in the rear facing position are for infants until at least one year old or 20 pounds. Convertible seats in the forward position or forward facing seats are until the child is at least five years of age or 40 pounds. Booster seats are to be used until the child is 6 years of age. .

Motorcycles and their operators are subject to special laws.  Visit the State Department of Motor Vehicles website for more information. Protective gear is required to operate a motorcycle on post to include a helmet, jacket, long pants, boors, and reflective materials.

Many States and local jurisdictions have strict laws about the use of cell phones and other digital devices while driving. Research these laws on the State Department of Motor Vehicles website. Tickets will be issued and fines assessed for violating these laws. Play it safe and always use a “hands free” device if you must use a cell phone or other PDA while driving. Hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide.

Learn more about motor vehicle laws in your state at the Distraction.gov State Laws page.

All boats operating in Alabama waterways must be registered with the state. When you apply for an Alabama driver's license, you may also request a boat operator's license. Persons operating without a boat license will be fined.  To request a boat license, contact the nearest vehicle licensing office such as the branch office at One Stop, Building 3494, Honest John Road or call 256-882-8698. For more information, call Alabama Marine Patrol HQ: 334-517-2950 or toll-free: 800-272-7930.