Why the cost to renew Alabama car tags is increasing

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — Several residents in Montgomery said they are having to pay more to hit the road. As one probate judge explained, there are many factors driving up tag renewal costs for drivers.

Montgomery County Probate Judge J.C. Love III said supply chain issues and inflation have boosted the market value of newer cars.

“The used car market, there’s certain makes and models that are worth more than used previously, and that part will fluctuate,” Love said.

If your community voted to raise ad valorem taxes, that part of your statement could also fluctuate. Love said residents, like in Montgomery, could see an increase of around $20 to $30.

“There is some benefit going toward it because that is going to help provide a better education for our schools and help prepare our kids that are coming out for the job and workforce that we’re trying to create here in Montgomery County,” Love said.

Love said you can get your statement mailed in advance and even get a notification by going online, so you can avoid the sticker shock.

“But also see how much of what you’re paying specifically to renew, what’s that going for your city and county taxes, how much of that is going to the county school system,” Love said. “So you’ll have a breakdown that you’ll see on your statement of where that money’s going.”

Love said there will be kiosks at supermarkets in Montgomery where people can renew their tags. Once they are up and running, he said he hopes other counties will join in to make wait times shorter across the state.