Revenue Department Takes Steps To Stop Renewal Tab Thefts

A new way to get license plate renewal tabs and keep them from being stolen is being tested by the State Revenue Department. A few years ago, the Department started using a scored tab designed to fall apart if somebody tries to peel it off of the plate, and moved the tab to the middle of the plate to make it harder to slip the tab off the corner of the plate and glue it on another one. The next step goes into full effect at the start of 2009. The little tabs will have the same numbers or lettering that the plates themselves will have. Revenue Director Carol Fischer says a pilot project alreayd has been launched – and some Missourians already are getting the tabs when they renew. She says the new system will let law enforcement immediately know if the renewal tab was issued to that plate, or whether the motorist has gotten it illegally so it appears his plate has been renewed.