{"state":"AL","state_name":"Alabama","topic_slug":"replacement-plates","topic_name":"Replacement plates and credentials","title":"Replace plates or registration credentials in Alabama","summary":"Use this path when Alabama plates, decals, or registration credentials are lost, stolen, damaged, or unreadable and need to be replaced before normal renewal can continue cleanly.","when_to_use":"Choose this path when the registration record is still yours but the physical credentials are missing or unusable.","requirements":["Alabama plate number, VIN, or registration record details","owner identity and current mailing address","police report or theft details when the state requires them","payment for Alabama replacement-credential fees"],"steps":["Use Alabama's replacement-plates or duplicate-registration path before relying on a normal renewal.","Confirm whether Alabama wants replacement plates, a duplicate registration, or both for your situation.","Replace the missing or damaged credentials first so later renewal happens on a usable Alabama record."],"official_links":[{"label":"Alabama registration and plate guidance","href":"https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/faq-categories/liscense-plate-renewal/"},{"label":"Alabama motor vehicle office locations","href":"https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/faq-categories/registration/"}],"local_authorities":[],"common_questions":["How do I replace lost plates or registration credentials in Alabama?","Does Alabama require a police report for stolen plates?","Can I drive while waiting for replacement credentials in Alabama?"],"source_url":"https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/faq-categories/liscense-plate-renewal/","source_updated_at":"2026-04-23 07:15:52","help_cta":{"kind":"official_service","headline":"Start the official replacement plates and credentials workflow","body":"PlateHarbor already normalized the steps. Open the live Alabama service page to confirm eligibility, forms, and fees before filing.","label":"Alabama registration and plate guidance","href":"https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/faq-categories/liscense-plate-renewal/","placement":"after-steps","disclosure":"Official state service link","tracking_key":"official-start-alabama-replacement-plates"},"coverage_status":"source_backed","confidence_note":"This guide is refreshed from an official state source and has a recent successful sync timestamp."}