SB144 Alabama 2013 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Low Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Roger Bedford, Jr.
Democrat
Co-Sponsor: Cam Ward
Session: Regular Session 2013
Title: Motor vehicles, liens, release of after four years for specified older vehicles, Sec. 32-8-64.2 am'd
Summary: SB144 shortens the lien-release waiting period to four years for most older vehicles (12 or more model years old) and allows extension of lien perfection through new titles if needed.
What This Bill Does
The bill amends Alabama's lien law to consider liens on passenger vehicles 12+ model years old as satisfied after four years from the security agreement, instead of five years. Travel trailers and vehicles over 12,000 pounds gross weight remain controlled by a different provision. If a lien needs to stay in effect beyond the four-year period, a new certificate of title listing the lien can be issued, or a second title can be used to maintain continuous perfection. The department may require electronic lien releases to be submitted within 10 days of the lien being satisfied.

Who It Affects
Vehicle owners and buyers of passenger vehicles that are 12 or more model years old: liens on these vehicles are considered satisfied after four years, potentially simplifying title transfers.
Lenders, lienholders, and title processing entities: they must manage the four-year release rule and use the title/second-title mechanism to keep liens active beyond four years; the department may require electronic lien releases within 10 days.

Key Provisions
Liens on passenger vehicles that are 12+ model years old shall be considered satisfied and release is not required after four years from the security agreement date, with travel trailers and vehicles over 12,000 pounds GVW exempt.
If continued lien perfection is needed beyond four years, it can be maintained by applying for a new certificate of title listing the lien, or by obtaining a second title before the four-year period ends.
For longer-term lien perfection on non-exempt vehicles, the law allows extension beyond the four-year period via the second-title process (subject to specific conditions).
The department may require that all lien releases be submitted electronically within 10 days after a lien is satisfied.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Motor Vehicles