Ala. Code § 32-8-33
No motor vehicle required to be titled under the provisions of this chapter shall be assessed for ad valorem taxes by a tax assessor, director of revenue, or other county official authorized and required by law to assess motor vehicles for ad valorem taxes unless the application therefor is accompanied by a copy of an application for a certificate of title to such vehicle, a certificate of title to such vehicle, a duplicate certificate of title to such vehicle where the original is held by a lienholder, or a copy of an application for a replacement certificate of title; provided, however, when the owner of a motor vehicle has complied with the provisions of this section in licensing a motor vehicle or having the license for a motor vehicle transferred to him or her this section shall not apply thereafter to the renewal of such license by such owner of such motor vehicle.
Ala. Code § 32-8-33 (1975)