HB233 Alabama 2024 Session

Updated Feb 23, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Jeff SorrellsRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2024
Title: Motor vehicles; off-road vehicles, certificate of title required
Summary: HB233 requires off-road vehicles to have a title starting in 2026 and creates licensing and title-handling rules for off-road vehicle dealers.
What This Bill Does
Starting January 1, 2026, off-road vehicles manufactured in 2026 or later must have a certificate of title at the time of purchase, issued through a designated agent. Off-road vehicle dealers must obtain a master dealer license and will be allowed to issue titles for off-road vehicles. The Department of Revenue may adopt rules to carry out these provisions. There are multiple exemptions from title requirements for certain vehicles and situations, and if a dealer fails to comply with the title-issuing requirements, they could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. The act becomes effective October 1, 2024, with dealer licensing beginning October 1, 2025 and the title requirement applying to 2026+ vehicles starting January 1, 2026.

Who It Affects
Off-road vehicle owners and buyers: must obtain a certificate of title for 2026-and-later models at purchase via a designated agent.
Off-road vehicle dealers: must obtain a master dealer license (starting Oct 1, 2025) and may issue titles for off-road vehicles; subject to penalties for noncompliance.
Designated agents and title service providers: will process title applications and handle certificates of title for off-road vehicles.
Certain vehicles and situations are exempt from title requirements (e.g., government-owned vehicles, certain dealer-held or testing vehicles, nonresidents not required to register, older trailers/vehicles, manufactured homes, low-speed vehicles, and other specified categories).

Key Provisions
Off-road vehicles manufactured in 2026 or later must have a certificate of title at the time of purchase, issued through a designated agent.
Beginning October 1, 2025, off-road vehicle dealers must be licensed under the new licensing provisions and may issue certificates of title for off-road vehicles.
The Department of Revenue may adopt rules to implement and administer the title and licensing requirements.
Several exemptions from the title requirement are listed for specific vehicles and circumstances (e.g., government-owned vehicles, certain dealer-owned/testing vehicles, nonresidents, older trailers/vehicles, manufactured homes, low-speed vehicles, and more).
A dealer who transfers a vehicle that is required to be titled but does not comply with the new provisions is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Motor Vehicles & Traffic