July 18, 2022
By:
Citizens of DeKalb County now have another option of renewing vehicle registrations.
“We have purchased and installed an Outdoor Kiosk for tag renewals,” said County Clerk James L. (Jimmy) Poss who showed off the new machine for the first time today (Monday) with David Casaday (BIS Sales Representative) and Jacob Rosin (BIS Field Tech) of Business Information System.
“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 Federally approved Covid money used for this purchase. 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,” said Poss.
“I want to offer our citizens every option of convenience in renewing their vehicle registrations. 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 in receiving their renewal paper registration and renewal sticker,” Poss continued.
“The card convenience fee is charged but it’s no different from card use in office, by phone or online.” This 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, it is designed to discourage and prevent tampering with a dual-stage powder coat for long lasting durability,” said Poss.
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. The availability is 24 hours a day 7 days a week, weekends and holidays. The kiosk is at our current office location, outside secured to the sidewalk. “The current placement was chosen for several reasons,” Poss said. “First and foremost being mindful of a place centrally located as possible for ALL DeKalb County residents. 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.”
Due to state mandated Tennessee license plate replacement underway, Poss added “it’s going to 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 as this is the only time the use of the Kiosk will be affected. Once all new license plates are distributed, the kiosk will be at full operation for all who are eligible. We’re halfway through 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 me with any questions or concerns at 615-597-5177,” said County Clerk Poss.