How pickup works in Alabama
Pickups in Alabama are coordinated from our headquarters in Dawsonville, Georgia and arranged with towing partners across the region. Towing is free for accepted vehicles. We do not have an office, staff, or a drop-off lot in Alabama, and we will not pretend to. Cities closer to North Georgia are usually simpler to schedule; farther cities can take a little longer, and we give you a real date when the tow is booked.
Alabama title basics
No notary needed. The Alabama Department of Revenue says Alabama does not require a title assignment to be notarized (ADOR FAQ: notarization). Title applications go through designated agents such as county license plate issuing officials (ADOR FAQ: where to apply).
Older vehicles. Alabama requires a title only for vehicles not more than 35 model years old (ADOR FAQ: which vehicles need a title). Older vehicles change hands with a bill of sale, and the state lists what a bill of sale must include (ADOR rule 810-5-1-.246). That makes many old trucks and project cars easy to donate.
Your plate. Alabama says the registrant removes the license plate when the vehicle is sold or disposed of, and it can be transferred to another vehicle (ADOR FAQ: license plates).
Lost title. Apply for a replacement through the state's online title portal or a designated agent before the donation (ADOR FAQ: replacement title).
Mileage. The federal odometer rule applies in every state: in 2026, model-year 2011 and newer vehicles need a mileage disclosure when they change hands; 2010-and-older models are exempt (49 CFR 580.17).
Near the Georgia line
Columbus, Georgia's Muscogee County borders Lee and Russell counties in Alabama, and Walker and Dade counties in Georgia border northeast Alabama (U.S. Census county adjacency file). If your vehicle is titled in Georgia, see our West Georgia page and the Georgia guide; the rules always follow the state that issued the title.
Questions we hear from Alabama donors
Does an Alabama title need to be notarized?
No. The Alabama Department of Revenue says title assignments do not need to be notarized.
My truck is over 35 years old and has no title. Can I donate it?
Usually, yes. Alabama requires titles only for vehicles not more than 35 model years old, so older vehicles transfer with a bill of sale.
Do I leave my Alabama plate on the car?
No. Alabama says the registrant removes the plate when the vehicle is sold or disposed of. You can transfer it to another vehicle.
Do you pick up in Birmingham, Huntsville, and Montgomery?
Yes. We review requests across Alabama. Pickup is coordinated from Dawsonville, Georgia, arranged with towing partners, and free for accepted vehicles.
Distances and drive times are approximate route estimates from Dawsonville, not pickup windows. Title rules summarized here are general information from the official sources linked on this page, not legal or tax advice; your instructions are confirmed for your specific vehicle. Content reviewed 2026-10-02.
Cars Helping Kids is not affiliated with Cars Helping Kids, Inc. of Denver, Colorado.