City Hall to begin offering new vehicle tags

Beginning Aug. 1, City Hall will offer new auto tags and boat tags for Vestavia Hills residents.

The tags can be purchased through the City Hall’s website or at the Finance Department between 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Those who wish to renew tags can continue to do so through the same procedure, which the city has offered since 2014.

“We got a lot of requests for new auto tags and boat tags after we opened up the renewal service,” Mayor Butch Zaragoza said. “We wanted to serve our citizens, so we expanded.”

The service is only available for people living in Vestavia Hills. A valid driver’s license or Alabama Non-Driver’s ID, proof of insurance for each vehicle, and current vehicle registration must be shown at the time of the tag purchase or renewal.

Any one who recently moved to Vestavia Hills will need to present a utility bill/use agreement for proof of residency, along with the required documents.

The Finance Department provides a personalized tag option upon request. Otherwise, standard tags will be automatically issued.

“Before, the only option for people was to save a huge part of their day to travel and wait at the county office,” Zaragoza said.

The first state bill, allowing the renewal of vehicle tags, passed in 2013. The service opened to the public in April 2014. Currently, Vestavia Hills is among the few cities extending its residents an alternative location. Other places include Clay and Irondale.

“Many residents said that the lines at the county were too long,” Melvin Turner, city finance director and treasurer, said. “This issue was largely improved after they were allowed to renew tags here.”

In addition to the long wait, residents mentioned they experienced unfriendly encounters with the employees at the county office. Turner said the City Hall office hopes to develop a more welcoming setting.

“So far a lot of people have renewed tags through our system,” Turner said. “We hope offering new tags and boat tags in August will provide more convenience for residents.”