— Over the past two decades I have been recognized as a statewide leader in understanding and applying registration and title procedures. By serving on several statewide committees, I have provided a voice to state officials for the concerns expressed by local users of the registration process from Limestone County. The law and regulation changes that I have promoted and accomplished for Limestone County residents have also benefited vehicle owners throughout Alabama. 

Working together with Alabama Department of Revenue officials, we have taken the concerns expressed to our office by our local residents and have successfully provided numerous changes to Alabama Law and procedures, which includes:

• Changed the tax lien on a vehicle to synchronize with the payment of the license tag based on the new owner and removed the unfair payment of back taxes to the new owner at the time of purchase.

• Provided a new exemption from Alabama title law for standard utility trailers, which allow tag registration for new owners when previous owners were unable to provide clear title.

• Created ad valorem tax credit receipt checks to return taxes paid to owners when vehicles are sold or traded during the tax year.

• Provided a new exemption of Alabama title when a current out-of-state certificate of title is held by a recorded lien holder, which allows a more efficient registration procedure for new residents to Alabama, especially military families under the BRAC transition to North Alabama.

Now, in 2012, I am providing experience and insight by representing Alabama county licensing officials as a council member of the Online Insurance Verification System for motor vehicles to provide new Web-based testing for vehicle insurance compliance in Alabama.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2013, license plate issuing officials will attempt to verify liability insurance utilizing the state of Alabama Online Insurance Verification System (OIVS) when issuing or renewing vehicle registrations. This system allows for immediate confirmation of the insurance status of a vehicle. 

It is our goal to create a new system that will address one of the most common concerns I still hear today: “Why should I have vehicle insurance while so many others are driving on the roads without any insurance?”

With the new technology available today, tag offices and law enforcement will verify directly with the insurance companies database when renewing a tag or during a routine vehicle traffic stop. Our approach is a first in the nation and may serve as a model for other states to follow. This new business approach is the most significant change to Alabama tag offices in the last 13 years.

As your license commissioner, my door, my phone and my inbox are always open and available for your questions or concerns.  I want to continue working hard as your license commissioner. I am experienced and ready for the growth and the challenges ahead for you and your family in this office.