MEMORANDUM 2021-009
TO: License Plate Issuing Officials
SUBJECT: License Plates Changes
As noted in Memo 2021-003, the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) has implemented a standardized license plate numbering scheme for all license plates. Standard passenger and motorcycle license plates reflecting both the old and new numbering schemes were recently delivered to Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Cleburne, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Jackson, Madison, Marshall, Morgan, Shelby, St. Claire, and Talladega counties. License plates with either old or new numbering schemes are valid.
As noted in Memo 2021-007, license plates will no longer be manufactured with stacked characters (i.e. X1, UT, DV, etc.). Instead, the name of the license plate category (i.e. TRUCK, TAXI, BUS, etc.) will be reflected at the bottom of the plate. Beginning October 1, license plates with new designs should be issued to any vehicle with a November expiration. Registration receipts with the new format should also be issued beginning October 1. Supplemental license plate orders are being delivered by Alabama Correctional Industries.
License plates will no longer be manufactured with the international symbol of disability access. Beginning January 1, 2022, a blue disability access decal and receipt will be issued to persons with permanent disabilities every five (5) years. The disability access decal will be placed in the upper left corner of any passenger or motorcycle license plate. Disability access decals and placards will be delivered to licensing offices before January 1. In accordance with federal/state law and administrative rule 810-5-1-.225, persons with disabilities must present a disability access application (MVR 32-6-230) to self-certify and be reissued disability access parking credentials in 2022. Physician recertification is not necessary. The MVD will provide additional information regarding changes that will be effective January 1.
It is important to note that many of these license plate changes may have resulted in a change to secondary tag types reflected on the Registration File Information located on the MVD webpage; specifically, the FO, FT, RV, and TR tag types. These changes have been highlighted in the Registration File Information document. The changes described in Memo 2021-007 allowed the elimination of the F4 secondary tag type for the FARM tag. Please ensure that licensing systems are updated to reflect these changes.
If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact the MVD at 334-242-9000.