(a) Upon the satisfaction of a security interest in a vehicle for which the certificate of title is in the possession of the lienholder, he or she shall, within 10 days after demand, execute a release of his or her security interest, in the space provided therefor on the certificate or as the department prescribes, and mail or deliver the certificate and release to the next lienholder named therein, or, if none, to the owner or any person who delivers to the lienholder an authorization from the owner to receive the certificate. The owner, other than a dealer holding the vehicle for resale, shall promptly cause the certificate and release to be mailed or delivered to the department, which shall release the lienholder's rights on the certificate or issue a new certificate.
(b) Upon the satisfaction of a security interest in a vehicle for which the certificate of title is in the possession of a prior lienholder, the lienholder whose security interest is satisfied shall within 10 days after demand execute a release in the form the department prescribes and deliver the release to the owner or any person who delivers to the lienholder an authorization from the owner to receive it. The lienholder in possession of the certificate of title shall either deliver the certificate to the owner, or the person authorized by him or her, for delivery to the department, or, upon receipt of the release, mail or deliver it with the certificate to the department which shall release the subordinate lienholder's rights on the certificate or issue a new certificate.
(c) The department may establish alternative methods for releasing security interests when a lienholder recorded on a certificate of title is no longer in business.
(d) Upon receipt of the releases of security interests mentioned in subsections (a) and (b), the department shall file each release in the manner prescribed by the department and note the same upon the records of notices of security interests maintained by it.
Structure Code of Alabama
Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic.
Chapter 8 - Uniform Certificate of Title and Antitheft Act.
Article 3 - Security Interests.
Section 32-8-60 - Excepted Liens and Security Interests.
Section 32-8-61 - Perfection of Security Interests.
Section 32-8-62 - Procedure When Owner Creates Security Interest.
Section 32-8-63 - Assignment by Lienholder.
Section 32-8-64 - Release of Security Interest.
Section 32-8-64.1 - Satisfaction of Security Interest After 12 Years.
Section 32-8-64.2 - Release of Certain Liens.
Section 32-8-65 - Duty of Lienholder to Disclose Information.
Section 32-8-66 - Exclusiveness of Procedure.
Section 32-8-67 - Filing and Recording of Notices of Security Interests; Examination of Record.
Section 32-8-68 - Recording and Releasing Security Interests by Electronic Means.