Okay I see where my terminology was off. We are currently waiting on the rebuilt title to come in next week. We were waiting on the salvaged title (and insurance) all those months so that we could apply for inspection. I checked myself and this is straight from the Alabama Department of Revenue website, the italicized portion is the answer to your original question:
"A vehicle deemed a total loss
(totaled) by an insurance company results in the issuance of a salvage title for the vehicle. It becomes a
salvage vehicle and CANNOT be driven on the highways or have a valid license plate. It can be sold
as is to an automobile rebuilder to be used either for parts or to be restored
(rebuilt).
If restored, it must be inspected and ultimately a rebuilt title will be issued for the vehicle. A
rebuilt vehicle with a
rebuilt title CAN be driven on the highways."
https://revenue.alabama.gov/motor-vehicle/rebuilt-salvage-vehicle-information/