Citizens of DeKalb County now have another option of renewing vehicle registrations.
“We have purchased and installed an Outdoor Kiosk for tag renewals” County Clerk James L. (Jimmy) Poss explained. “This purchase was made available with Federal COVID restricted monies already received and approved for this particular function.”
“Again, the initial purchase of $26,000.00 did not require any budget increase or new money, it was Federal approved COVID money used for this purchase,” Poss continued. “However, after the first year, there is a $5,000 annual fee for maintenance and replacement of parts or the entire Kiosk for a lifetime. The $5,000 maintenance fee will be debited from available state earmarked fees established for County Clerks, requiring no new money from our county.”
“I want to allow our citizens every option of convenience in renewing their vehicle registrations,” Poss said. “We now complete vehicle renewals in office, over the phone, and through online services already available. Unlike online, mail, or phone, the outdoor Kiosk allows individuals the opportunity to choose the time, pay no mail fee, and no delay of receiving their renewal paper registration and renewal sticker. The card convenience fee is charged, but it’s no different from card use in office, by phone or online.”
The new Kiosk is Weather-Resistant, built to withstand environmental factors, including extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. It is also sealed to prevent the intrusion of water, smoke and dust. Durable and secure designed to discourage and prevent tampering and dual-stage powder coat for long lasting durability. The kiosk is also monitored by a security camera.
“This Kiosk allows DeKalb County residents the ability to renew all tags, without state or Federal restrictions, such as weighted 55,000 lbs. or above that require a federal 2290, or any state waived fees for a select few volunteers. The availability is 24 hours a day 7 days a week, weekends and holidays,” Poss said.
“Located at our current office location, outside, secured to the sidewalk, the placement was chosen for several reasons, first and foremost being mindful of a location centrally located as possible for ALL DeKalb County residents,” Poss explained.
“Also, the current location already offers internet and electricity, level parking, ample lighting for safety and security at night, a large covered sidewalk for inclement weather, concrete to secure the machine and security cameras all of which were already in place. These are features that we would be looking for should the County ever decide to fund additional Kiosks to remote areas in the future.”
Poss said that due to state mandated Tennessee license plate replacement that is underway, it will be at least another six months before everyone has the ability to use the Kiosk uninterrupted. “Currently we are in, and finishing out, the sixth month of a twelve-month state plate replacement. This is the first new plate since 2006, and a rare occurrence such as this is the only time the use of the Kiosk will be affected. Once all new license plates are established, the Kiosk will be at full operation for all who are eligible. We’re half way through replacing and collecting the older ‘Green Mountain’ plates, replacing them with the new blue ones. Individuals may still renew and replace their plates by phone or online but are required to pay a $5 mail fee in addition to a card service fee. For additional information, feel free to contact the office or myself for any questions or concerns at 615-597-5177.”
