SB375 Alabama 2016 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: J.T. WaggonerSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2016
Title: Jefferson Co., municipalities, issuance of license plates, issuance fees and commissions, retention by municipality, retroactive effect, Sec. 45-37-200.03 am'd.
Summary: SB375 lets Jefferson County cities issue motor vehicle and boat registrations, including initial registrations and ownership changes, through designated city officers.
What This Bill Does
It authorizes designated city officers or employees in Jefferson County to issue motor vehicle registrations, including license plates and decals, and to issue boat registrations. For initial registrations or changes in ownership, a new Alabama title application must be completed by a Department of Revenue agent before the city may issue a plate. City-issued registrations can be issued only to residents of the city, and the city will collect registration fees and ad valorem taxes just like the county. The city may add an annual issuance fee (up to $5) and will retain issuance fees and commissions, with audits and bonding requirements to ensure proper handling.

Who It Affects
Residents of Jefferson County cities: may register their motor vehicles and boats at city offices instead of county offices.
Cities in Jefferson County: gain authority to issue registrations, collect fees/taxes, retain issuance fees, and operate city license plate offices.
Department of Revenue and Department of Examiners of Public Accounts: involved in title processing for initial registrations and in auditing city offices.
Vehicle owners changing ownership: must ensure a new Alabama title is processed before city-issued plate is issued.

Key Provisions
Designated city officers or employees can issue motor vehicle registrations and license plates/decals, and issue boat registrations.
For initial registrations or changes in ownership, a new Alabama title application must be completed by a Department of Revenue agent before a plate is issued.
City-issued registrations may be issued only to residents of the city; the city collects registration fees and ad valorem taxes and may levy an additional annual issuance fee up to $5, with the fee due at the same time as the state fee and limited to once per vehicle per year; funds go to the city's general fund.
The city may retain issuance fees and commissions on ad valorem tax assessments and collections (1% for assessments and 1% for collections); the city is audited by the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts and must cover any shortages.
Bonding requirements apply to the city license plate issuing official and staff, with bonds approved by the mayor and city council.
The act is supplemental and does not alter other laws except as needed to implement this section.
The act becomes effective immediately after the Governor approves it.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Jefferson County