By Gabrielle Pack, Messenger Intern

As of Jan. 1, Pike County residents have to present proof of current car insurance and their driver’s license in order to purchase or renew their license plates.

“We are running into problems with people having two names on the title, but one of the persons would be deceased or currently divorced,” said Carolyn Tyner, supervisor of the Pike County tax office.

If that’s the case, Tyner said, the driver of a vehicle must have the other person’s name taken off the title. That can be done with proper documentation. And every situation is different. Tyner recommends contacting the Probate Office to find out what documents are needed in specific instances.

Since the policy has been effective, less than 10 residents have been denied because of not having all the necessary documents.

Tyner said there can’t be more than two people on a vehicle’s registration.

“Every registered person has to show their current insurance and drivers license, complete with expiration date,” Tyner said.

If these documents are not presented at the time of the renewal or purchase, people will not be allowed to renew or obtain a license plate registered in Pike County. Tyner said there are more changes to this policy that are being put into place and will be effective soon.

People with last names beginning with A and D were to have renewed in January; B is scheduled for February; C and E are in March; F, G and N are in April; H and O are in May; M and I are in June; P and L are in July; J, K and R are in August; Q, S and T are scheduled for September; and U, V, W, X, Y and Z are all in October. National Guard vehicles, heavy trucks and commercial and fleet vehicles should renew in October/November.

License plates can be renewed by mail, or at the Pike County Probate Office.