Title Check: what a Alabama car title really says
No brand, salvage, rebuilt, flood and the other brands this state uses. Each word changes what the car is worth and what you can do with it.
The title is the document that says who owns the car and what serious things have happened to it. Brands and disclosures depend on the issuing jurisdiction’s rules; also review available records from previous states. A branded car can be the right buy at the right price; the problem is paying a no-brand price for one that has a brand.
Title brands and disclosure information in Alabama
| Brand or condition | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| No brand | An unbranded title does not establish that there were no accidents, flooding or repairs. Review available records and the car’s condition. | Check odometer and listing history, and get a pre-purchase inspection. |
| Salvage | Total loss: an insurer or other payer settled a claim for damage equal to or greater than 75% of the fair retail value before the damage (§ 32-8-87). It cannot be registered or driven on public roads until it gets a rebuilt title. Alabama issues a salvage certificate of title only if the total loss happened in Alabama (rule 810-5-75-.57(1)). | Not a car to drive; a project. Only at a project price. Before paying, check your eligibility: ALDOR says that if you did not own the vehicle before salvage, you must have a master dealer regulatory license to apply for a rebuilt inspection. Confirm the applicable inspection and title route before buying. |
| Rebuilt | It was salvage, was repaired in Alabama to its pre-damage condition (§ 32-8-87(k)) and passed the ALDOR inspection. Parts receipts are submitted for that inspection. | Can be a good buy if the repair was serious. Ask for the parts receipts and photos of the original damage, and get an independent inspection. |
| Flood Vehicle | Declared a total loss partly due to water damage. The "Flood Vehicle" legend stays on every later title, even if rebuilt (rule 810-5-75-.57). | For most buyers: no. If you still consider it, a full electrical inspection. |
| Parts Only – Non-Rebuildable · Junk | Sold as junk or for parts only. It cannot be rebuilt and Alabama will not issue another title (rules 810-5-75-.57 and .48). The same applies if another state branded it "parts only" or "non-rebuildable". | Never as a road car. If someone offers it with a plate, walk away. |
| Manufacturer buyback (Lemon Law) | The maker bought it back under the lemon law. The title reads: "THIS VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE MANUFACTURER BECAUSE IT DID NOT CONFORM TO ITS WARRANTY", and the brand carries to every future title (rule 810-5-75-.47; § 8-20A-4). | Ask what the defect was and whether it was corrected. Get the explanation in writing. |
The law protects you, if you use it
Alabama's rule says brands from other states "may be continued" on the Alabama title, not that they must be (rule 810-5-75-.55(5)): do not assume another state's brand will show up on the Alabama title. The "Flood Vehicle" legend does stay on every later title, even if the car is rebuilt in Alabama or in another state (rule 810-5-75-.57(4)), and the lemon law brand is not removed either. A car returned under the lemon law requires written notice to the next buyer (§ 8-20A-4). For a salvage or rebuilt sale, ALDOR says § 32-8-87(p) requires a disclosure in at least 10-point type stating that the title contains the salvage or rebuilt designation. Check the title and the NMVTIS history before you pay.
How to review the title and available history
- ALDOR: check which title records are available and how to request them.
- NMVTIS: the federal title-history system. Consumer access is through approved providers; report prices and limitations depend on the service.
- NICB VINCheck: thefts and total losses reported by insurers.
- The paper: ask to see the physical title (or the printed electronic one) before handing over money. The VIN on the title must be the car's, and the name the seller's.
Odometer: the other brand
Where an odometer disclosure is required, review the mileage and any notation of unknown mileage or counter limits. Exemptions exist; check current requirements and compare the odometer with maintenance and inspection records.
How much it changes the price
This guide sets no fixed discount and recommends no individual vehicle price. Consider condition, documented repairs, insurance terms and market context, supported by an independent inspection.
From a guide to the individual vehicle
Sources
- ALDOR — Salvage and rebuilt vehicles (§ 32-8-87)
- ALDOR FAQ — Vehicle inspections (salvage, parts only, junk)
- Ala. Admin. Code 810-5-75-.57 — Salvage titles (Flood Vehicle, Parts Only – Non-Rebuildable)
- ALDOR Rule 810-5-75-.48 — Junk, parts only and scrap vehicles
- Ala. Admin. Code 810-5-75-.47 — Title under the Lemon Law (manufacturer buyback)
- ALDOR Rule 810-5-75-.55 — First titles; brands from other states continued
- Code of Ala. 1975, § 32-8-87 — salvage / total loss at 75% or more of fair retail value before the damage
- Official reference — revenue.alabama.gov
- NMVTIS — National Motor Vehicle Title Information System
- NICB — VINCheck
- NHTSA — Odometer Fraud
- FTC — Buying a Used Car From a Dealer
This guide informs; it is not legal or financial advice, nor an offer, quote or appraisal. Every figure carries its source and date; check it is still current before you decide.