Alabama Mvt 20 1 – Fill Out and Use This PDF

Updated: Nov 10, 2026

The Alabama MVT 20-1 form is a vital document issued by the Alabama Department of Revenue, specifically designed for the motor vehicle division's title section. Its primary purpose is to facilitate the application process for a certificate of title to record or transfer a lien, making it an essential step for individuals looking to document a lien on a vehicle with an existing Alabama title. It's important to note that this form is intended solely for recording a lien and should not be used for transferring ownership or by designated agents. To ensure the process is carried out efficiently, individuals interested in utilizing this form are encouraged to click the button below to get started on filling out the form.

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Alabama Mvt 20 1 PDF Details

Navigating the intricacies of vehicle ownership documentation in Alabama, particularly when it comes to recording or transferring a lien, requires a thorough understanding of specific forms and their proper application. Among these, the Alabama MVT 20-1 form holds significant importance. This form, sanctioned by the Alabama Department of Revenue, serves as an application for a certificate of title, specifically to record or transfer a lien, without involving a transfer of ownership. It's crucial to recognize that this form isn't applicable for all situations and is reserved for instances where there is an outstanding Alabama title, with strict guidelines preventing its use by designated agents for ownership transfers. Information pertaining to the vehicle, such as the identification number, make, model, year, and current title details, alongside owner and lienholder information, forms the core of the document. A notable stipulation is the prohibition of changes in owner information – excluding address modifications – when transferring liens. Additionally, the requirement for certifying the accuracy of the information under penalty of felony emphasizes the seriousness of the form's application process. Exemptions detailed on the form highlight specific situations where a certificate of title isn't issued, affecting certain vehicles based on age or type. Processing this form necessitates a $15 fee, and calls for diligence in ensuring that all submitted information mirrors that on the surrendered Alabama title, barring updates to mailing and resident addresses. This process underscores the state's effort to maintain a reliable record of vehicle ownership and lien status, crucial for protecting the interests of all parties involved.

Question	Answer
Form Name	Alabama Mvt 20 1
Form Length	2 pages
Fillable?	No
Fillable fields	0
Avg. time to fill out	30 sec
Other names	apply for alabama title, title alabama from, al mvt title, alabama certificate title

How to Fill Out Form MVT 20-1

Form MVT 20-1 at a glance

What it is: MVT 20-1 is the Alabama Department of Revenue application for a certificate of title to record or transfer a lien.

Where to get it: This form may be duplicated or additional copies may be obtained from the department web site at www.revenue.alabama.gov.

This form is designed for use by a lienholder in order for an owner of a vehicle to comply with section 32-8-61, Code of Alabama 1975, where an owner creates a security interest in a vehicle.

What to bring and attach to Form MVT 20-1

This application shall be accompanied by the current Alabama title to this vehicle and the title fee (certified funds only) payable to the Alabama Department of Revenue.

A filled-in Form MVT 20-1 example: an owner records a lien on a used car

Form MVT 20-1 example filled out, example: an owner records a lien on a used car — Jane Ann Sample applies on Form MVT 20-1 to record a lien. She bought a used car on 03/14/2026 and has two liens. No lien held by an assignor has been transferred to an assignee, so Sections A and B are completed and Section C stays empty. John Doe signs Section B for Example Credit Union. The picture shows the filled form, and every value in it is made up. The PDF has one Mailing Address field and one Lien Date field, so both lienholders show the same address and lien date. She is the only owner, so nothing goes in the Alabama operator and resident address lines because no lessee is named.

How to fill out Form MVT 20-1, box by box

Vehicle Information

Under Vehicle Information, enter the Vehicle Identification Number, Trans Code, Year Model, Make and Model.

Vehicle Identification Number*: all VINs for 1981 and subsequent year model vehicles that conform to federal anti-theft standards are required to have 17 digits/characters.

Enter Cyls, New or Used, Date of Purchase, Number Liens, Color, Current Alabama Title No. and Odometer Reading.

Vehicle information and owner information shall be identical to information appearing on surrendered Alabama title except for current mailing address and current Alabama resident address.

Owner Information

Under Owner Information, enter Name (Last, First, Middle), Mailing Address and City, State, Zip.

Enter the Name Alabama Operator (Lessee) Name and / or Resident Address if "different from above" in Owner Information, with City, State, Zip.

Felony offense for false address.

Lien Information

Under Lien Information, enter Name First Lienholder, Mailing Address, Lien Date (M/D/Y) and City, State, Zip.

For a second lienholder, enter Name Second Lienholder, Mailing Address, Lien Date (M/D/Y) and City, State, Zip.

Felony offense for failure to name lienholder with intent to defraud.

Sections A and B, signing

Sections A and B or Section C must be completed.

Sign completed form only.

Section A, owner signature(s), personally signed by each owner (in ink) or authorized representative of firm. By signing you certify that the vehicle described in Vehicle Information is owned by the signer, who hereby makes application for a certificate of title for said motor vehicle. This vehicle will not be the subject of lien prior to receipt of title unless indicated in Lien Information. The signer further certifies that all information contained herein is true and correct to the best of the signer's knowledge and belief.

By signing under B, you certify that all information contained in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Sign on the Authorized Signature line and enter Lienholder Name and Date.

Section C, a lien is transferred

C: The undersigned assignor and assignee confirm that the lien held by the assignor has been transferred to the assignee. Both parties hereby request that a new certificate of title be issued subject to the liens listed on this application.

Assignor and Assignee each sign on the Authorized Signature line and enter Lienholder Name and Date.

Lien date for transferred lien(s) must remain the same. Also, no changes are permitted in the owner information (other than address changes).

More rules for Form MVT 20-1

Use it to record a lien only with an outstanding Alabama title.

When the vehicle is exempt from titling

The vehicle may be exempt from titling

However, no subsequent title, including a certificate of title to record or transfer a lien, can be issued if the vehicle is exempt from titling.

Effective January 1, 2012, no certificate of title shall be issued for any motor vehicle more than thirty-five (35) model years old. This exemption is applicable on January 1 of each year and applies to all motor vehicles with a model year, as designated by the manufacturer, older than thirty-five (35) years from the current calendar year.

Effective January 1, 2012, no certificate of title shall be issued for any manufactured homes, trailer, semi-trailer, travel trailer, or folding or collapsible camping trailer more than twenty (20) model years old. This exemption is applicable on January 1 of each year and applies to all manufactured homes, trailers, semi-trailers, travel trailers, and folding or collapsible camping trailers with a model year, as designated by the manufacturer, older than twenty (20) years from the current calendar year.

All utility trailers, other than folding or collapsible camping trailers, are still exempt from titling regardless of the year model.

Effective January 1, 2012, no certificate of title shall be issued for a low speed vehicle. A low speed vehicle is defined as a four-wheeled motor vehicle with a top speed of not greater than 25 miles per hour, a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of which is less than 3,000 pounds and complying with the safety standards provided in 49 C.F.R. Section 571.500. The term includes neighborhood electric vehicles.

(4) Effective January 1, 2013, no certificate of title shall be issued for a motor-driven cycle as defined in Section 32-1-1.1, Code of Alabama 1975. A motor-driven cycle is defined as every motorcycle, including every motor scooter, with a motor which produces not to exceed five brake horsepower nor to exceed 150 cubic centimeter engine displacement, and weighs less than 200 pounds fully equipped, and every bicycle with motor attached.

The exemption from titling does not invalidate any Alabama certificate of title that is currently in effect.

Before you go

This form shall be typed or printed legibly. Illegible forms will be returned.

Common questions about Form MVT 20-1

Are there fees?

Submit $15.00 Application Processing Fee (non-refundable) in certified funds payable to Alabama Department of Revenue. (checked November 10, 2026) Do not send personal checks or cash.

Is there a penalty?

Felony offense for false statements.

When is this form not the right one?

This form may not be used on a transfer of ownership or by designated agents. Designated agents shall use form MVT 5-1E to record liens.

Sources

[1] Form MVT 20-1 (R 5/18), Application For Certificate of Title to Record or Transfer a Lien, Alabama Department of Revenue (the Official source link on this page).