If I Have Assembled My Vehicle/Trailer from Parts?

Below is a summary of documents needed if you have assembled your vehicle from parts.   Click here for complete information from the Alabama Department of Revenue Motor Vehicles ("The Department") regarding 810-5-75-.27 Title Procedure - First Title For Assembled Vehicles. 
 
(If you have assembled your vehicle from a glider kit) 

Before making application for title, the applicant must obtain and properly complete form MVT 263 (Application for Alabama Assigned Vehicle Identification Number). The vehicle identification number to be shown on form MVT 263 shall be the vehicle identification number of the vehicle from which the chassis or frame was removed. The applicant shall deliver completed form MVT 263 along with the following supporting documents to the Department.

Upon receipt of a properly completed form MVT 26-3 and the required supporting documents, the Department will issue a vehicle identification number plate which will have an assigned vehicle identification number embossed thereon. The Department will then notify the applicant to bring the assembled vehicle to an inspection station designated by the Department so that the Department can physically inspect the assembled vehicle and, if everything is in order, attach the vehicle identification number plate to the assembled vehicle. The Department and the applicant shall then complete forms MVT 26-4 and MVT 5-1c. The Department will then process forms MVT 5-1c, MVT 26-3, MVT 26-4, and any other required supporting documents and, upon approval, issue a certificate of title with legend “ASSEMBLED”.

At a minimum, the following documents will be required.  If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices. 

VEHICLES (NOT INCLUDING TRAILERS) ASSEMBLED FROM PARTS

 For vehicles assembled with chassis or frame 35 years old or older:

• Certified copy of the most recent registration receipt in the applicant’s name for the vehicle from which the chassis or frame was removed, or if the chassis or frame was obtained from a vehicle which was not registered in applicant's name, then a notarized bill-of-sale to the applicant for the chassis or frame must be attached. This bill-of-sale shall contain the vehicle identification number of the vehicle from which the chassis or frame was obtained.
• If any of the major component parts were purchased individually, a notarized bill-of-sale for each component part must be attached. This bill-of-sale shall contain the identifying number (serial number) and trade name of the component part.
• A notarized affidavit by the person assembling the vehicle stating what was done to assemble the vehicle and that said vehicle is now in operable condition.
• A valid (non-expired) Driver’s License or State issued ID for each owner. (The names on the driver’s license/ID must match the names on the paperwork and must be the owner’s current legal name)

For vehicles assembled with chassis or frame less than 35 years old:

• Outstanding certificate of title (in applicant’s name or assigned to applicant) for the vehicle from which the chassis or frame was removed, or if the chassis or frame was obtained from a vehicle which was not titled in applicant's name or assigned to the applicant and the certificate of title is unavailable, then a notarized bill-of-sale to the applicant for the chassis or frame must be attached. This bill-of-sale shall contain the vehicle identification number of the vehicle from which the chassis or frame was obtained.                  
• If any of the major component parts were purchased individually, a notarized bill-of-sale for each component part must be attached. This bill-of-sale shall contain the identifying number (serial number) and trade name of the component part.
• A notarized affidavit by the person assembling the vehicle stating what was done to assemble the vehicle and that said vehicle is now in operable condition.

TRAILERS ASSEMBLED FROM PARTS (FROM ONE OR MORE TRAILERS)

For trailers assembled with chassis or frame 20 years old or older:

• Certified copy of the most recent registration receipt in the applicant’s name for the vehicle from which the chassis or frame was removed, or if the chassis or frame was obtained from a vehicle which was not registered in applicant's name, then a notarized bill-of-sale to the applicant for the chassis or frame must be attached. This bill-of-sale shall contain the vehicle identification number of the vehicle from which the chassis or frame was obtained.
• If any of the major component parts were purchased individually, a notarized bill-of-sale for each component part must be attached. This bill-of-sale shall contain the identifying number (serial number) and trade name of the component part.
• A notarized affidavit by the person assembling the vehicle stating what was done to assemble the vehicle and that said vehicle is now in operable condition.
  
• A valid (non-expired) Driver’s License or State issued ID for each owner. (The names on the driver’s license/ID must match the names on the paperwork and must be the owner’s current legal name)

For trailers assembled with chassis or frame less than 20 years old: 

• Outstanding certificate of title (in applicant’s name or assigned to applicant) for the vehicle from which the chassis or frame was removed, or if the chassis or frame was obtained from a vehicle which was not titled in applicant's name or assigned to the applicant and the certificate of title is unavailable, then a notarized bill-of-sale to the applicant for the chassis or frame must be attached. This bill-of-sale shall contain the vehicle identification number of the vehicle from which the chassis or frame was obtained.
• If any of the major component parts were purchased individually, a notarized bill-of-sale for each component part must be attached. This bill-of-sale shall contain the identifying number (serial number) and trade name of the component part.
• A bill-of-sale for each part other than a major component part.
• A bill-of-sale for materials used in the construction of the vehicle.
• A notarized affidavit by the person assembling the vehicle stating what was done to assemble the vehicle and that said vehicle is now in operable condition.
• A valid (non-expired) Driver’s License or State issued ID for each owner. (The names on the driver’s license/ID must match the names on the paperwork and must be the owner’s current legal name)

TRAILERS ASSEMBLED FROM PARTS - HOMEMADE UTILITY TRAILERS (NOT MANUFACTURED FROM OTHER TRAILERS)

• A bill-of-sale for each part with the identifying (serial) number (if available) and trade name for that component part listed on the bill of sale.
• A bill-of-sale for materials used in the construction of the vehicle.

Download a printable checklist for VEHICLES assembled from parts. Download a printable checklist for TRAILERS assembled from parts.

This information provided by the Shelby County License Department is the most current and thorough information available to help expedite your transaction. The license department regards every transaction as unique however we have only addressed the most common types of transactions and provided you the basic information to assist you with the documents needed before your visit to our license offices. Since every situation cannot be foreseen we encourage you to include any additional documentation you may deem pertinent to your transaction. For your convenience we also encourage you to use the printable checklists that are available within the text.