Staff Writer

Alabama may still be the "Heart of Dixie" but one will have to look a bit harder to see that on car tags.

As of Jan. 1, tag offices across the state have been issuing new vehicles tags, which will be in use for five years, Pike County Probate Judge Bill Stone said.

Unlike the tags issued last year, the new ones will feature only a small heart with "Heart of Dixie" underneath the license number. The new tags also have "Stars Fell on Alabama" with blue stars at the top of the tag and red letters and numbers on a white background.

In addition to the design, Stone pointed out Alabamians will notice the license will end in an "alpha character" instead of a numeral.

Becky Kelly, who handles commercial accounts for the Probate Office, said only one customer has commented about liking the new tags.

Stone pointed out there are plenty of options out there if someone chooses not to get one of the new tags.

Alabama currently has over 200 different tags, including seven new tags for which individuals can now apply.

"We stock most of them," Stone said.

Kelly said the "Support Adoption" tags are "doing well," as are those that provide additional funding for agriculture.

She said it takes a "certain number" of people to request a special tag before they are actually made.

With the exception of special-ordered tags, including those for handicapped drivers, have changed.

But, that’s not all that’s changed.

"The new year is also the time when all persons who have handicapped tags or placards will have to re-certify," Stone said.

Individuals who go to the Probate Office to renew their tags, will have to sign a document verifying they are handicapped. Those getting handicapped tags for the first time will have to have a doctor’s signature.

"We’ll handle that when they come," Stone said, adding those changed will take place during a person’s regular renewal month.

By BETH LAKEY

Staff Writer