After purchasing a vehicle from a licensed dealer, the dealer may apply for a certificate of title, certificate of registration, and license plate for you.

If you purchase a vehicle from an individual, you must obtain the title from the individual and then apply for a certificate of title in your own name through the MVD. You can apply for your title, registration, and license plate at the same time, but again, you'll need to get the car insured.

Either way, you're going to need a title that is properly assigned to you. Keep it in a safe place—so, not in the car—as it's pretty important.

If you're an Alabama resident, Alabama employee, or parent whose children are going to school in Alabama, then your motor vehicle must have Alabama registration and license plates within 30 days of employment or enrollment. To do this, head to your local MVD office so you can pay the permit fee and obtain a registration permit. Make sure you bring these fancy documents with you:

1. Proof of residency. Like, you know, your new driver's license?
2. Proof of vehicle ownership.
3. Proof of ID.
4. Money for the fees.

You'll be issued license plates, and both must be displayed if you receive two. If you don't like the numbers on them, feel free to head over to DPS and upgrade those suckers to personalized vanity plates. The license plate of the Shmoop company car reads "SHMOOP!" It took us a long time to come up with that.

License plates and registration must be renewed every year according to a complex system revolving around the first letter of the registeree's last name. Yes, we just made up the word "registeree." Make sure your insurance hasn't lapsed if you're planning on actually driving your car after you've renewed the registration.