SB198 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Donnie ChesteenSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Motor vehicles, certificates of title, certain notarization requirements waived, collection of commissions, further provided, issuance of new certificates of title, further provided, Secs. 32-8-3, 32-8-7, 32-8-35, 32-8-43, 32-20-3, 32-20-5, 32-20-23, 32-20-29 am'd.

Summary

SB198 modernizes Alabama's title system by allowing electronic filings, waiving some notarization, and adjusting title application commissions for vehicles and manufactured homes.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes the Department of Revenue to accept electronic filings for titles and to waive notarization requirements, including electronic transfer of titles and security interests. It creates new title application commissions for both designated agents and the department to help cover processing costs, with commissions continuously appropriated. It sets detailed requirements for first titles and replacement titles for both vehicles and manufactured homes, including necessary data, documents (such as a manufacturer's statement of origin for new vehicles), and timelines for forwarding applications and fees. It also extends similar electronic filing and replacement-title rules to manufactured homes, aligning them with motor vehicle title processes.

Who It Affects

• Vehicle and manufactured home owners, and lienholders: can apply for and replace titles using electronic filings; notarization requirements may be waived; must provide required data and documentation; replacement titles have specific handling rules including a 15-day consideration period for transferees.
• Designated agents (dealers), county probate officials, and the Department of Revenue: will process title applications, charge and forward commissions, have deadlines for forwarding papers, and have the authority to have designated agents revoked for nonperformance or violations.

Key Provisions

• Electronic filing and notarization waivers: The Department may accept electronic filings for titles and transfer of titles and security interests, and may waive notarization requirements where appropriate.
• Title application commissions: The act adds commission fees for both designated agents and the department to offset processing and mailing costs, with commissions for department processing equal to those for designated agents and continuously appropriated.
• First title and replacement title data/document requirements: Detailed data and documentation requirements for initial vehicle titles and manufactured homes, including owner information, descriptions, lienholders, and, for new vehicles, the manufacturer's statement of origin; designated agents must inspect and certify data and forward applications/fees within specified deadlines.
• Replacement titles and timing: Replacement certificates must include a specific legend, may be issued after requirements are satisfied, and transferees may be delayed 15 days after surrender of the replacement title or until electronic verification is available; similar rules apply to manufactured homes for replacements.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Motor Vehicles