September 24, 2021
By: Dwayne Page
County residents may soon have access to a new alternative method of renewing their vehicle registration.
During Thursday night’s committee meeting of the whole, County Clerk James L. (Jimmy) Poss requested that the county commission approve the expenditure of $26,000 from federal American Rescue Plan ACT funds to purchase a new outdoor self-service kiosk to be placed on the sidewalk outside his office at the county complex where citizens may renew their standard registration 24/7. The kiosk would allow individuals to renew by scanning their current vehicle registration or state renewal notice and remitting payment by debit or credit card. A registration card, with the expiration year decal attached would be printed from the kiosk at the end of the transaction.
Unlike the Kiosk inside his office, which was provided by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security and offers a variety of services, the user friendly outdoor kiosk would only provide registration renewals for eligible vehicles.
Poss said the Kiosk would be of convenience to the public in that it could be accessed anytime including after business hours, day or night, weekends, and holidays. It would be centrally located in the county for most residents and sheltered underneath the covered sidewalk outside the county clerk office with electricity, internet, lighting and security already available.
The county commission will consider Poss’ request during Monday night’s regular monthly meeting at the county complex auditorium starting at 6:30 p.m.
In a prepared statement, Poss said the purchase of the kiosk qualifies under the ARP Act but there would be a $5,000 fee required each year for maintenance. But the benefit to the public, Poss said, would outweigh the costs.
“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. It is secure and designed to prevent tampering and dual-stage powder coat for long lasting durability,” said Poss”.
“This Kiosk would allow 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,” Poss continued.
“Currently the renewal process has been made easier and more convenient via the free Auto Assistant App (https://www.bisonline.com/project/autoassistant/) allowing users to manage all of their vehicle and trailer registrations and renewals in one place”.
“You DO NOT have to renew online to use this app. However; online, over the phone or mail in renewals are charged card processing and or mail fees. Please help spread the word and share the app. If you would like information or assistance regarding or downloading this app please give our office a call,” added Poss.
“We continue having questions from some about renewal reminders via mail. These renewal reminders are provided from the state and not local County Clerk offices. The state is still currently mailing these out in NEW POSTCARD FORM. If you are not receiving yours let us know and we will request a correction in an attempt to rectify any issues. Individuals and or our staff can also set email reminders during the renewal process or individuals may choose this setting through online renewing or upon installation of the Auto Assistant app at any time throughout the year. Feel free to contact our office with any questions or assistance regarding your registration,” said Poss.