Alabama Counties Internet car titles
By Russ Corey
Colbert County residents will soon be able to apply for new car titles electronically.
Probate Judge Tommy Crosslin is implementing the Electronic Title Application System, a Web-based system that electronically transmits an individual’s title application directly to the state’s title department in Montgomery.
“Instead of doing hard copies and mailing it, we’ll be doing it electronically,” Crosslin said.
Nearly every day, Crosslin’s office mails title applications and payments to Montgomery.
Under the new system, clerks will type in the information rather than the customer filling out a form.
Crosslin said he does not want to rush into the new system, which is slowly being implemented throughout the state.
Crosslin is working with a company that will provide software that will allow his office computers to interface with state computers.
The company also will train his office workers on how to use the new system.
He said the system also will involve the electronic transfer of money to Montgomery.
The Colbert County Commission recently approved a $3,500 expenditure to purchase the software.
Lauderdale County License Commissioner Mickey Haddock has been using the Electronic Title Application System, or ETAP, since August.
“We were the second county to go online with this,” Haddock said.
Haddock said the application process takes a little more time than filling out a paper application. Once the application is completed, however, the title information is immediately transferred to the state’s title section, Haddock said.
The customer receives a paper printout of their title application and the state sends them their title.
For a standard individual-to-individual vehicle sale, Haddock said customers are receiving their titles in about two weeks. If it is a situation where there are other documents involved, it takes about six to eight weeks.
The paper application process used to take 12 to 16 weeks before the customer received the title, Haddock said.
“We’re not seeing a tremendous benefit in the time it takes to process the application,” Haddock said. “We are seeing some benefit in the issuance of the title. It’s really going to be beneficial when it’s implemented statewide.”
Haddock said the state’s goal is to have electronic title application capabilities in all 67 Alabama counties by the end of the year.
In addition to county offices, car dealers, banks and credit unions can electronically apply for titles for new vehicles.
Haddock estimates that about 100 titles are sold through his office each day.
Russ Corey can be reached at 740-5738 or russ.corey@timesdaily.com.
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