810-5-26-.03 Powers of The Department – Retention of Microfilm Certificate of Title Records.

(1) The term “department” as used in this regulation shall mean the Department of Revenue of the State of Alabama.

(2) Section 32-8-47 (d), Code of Ala. 1975, authorizes the department to maintain a microfilm record of every surrendered certificate of title for a period of time deemed necessary by the department.

(3) Initially, there was no time frame established by the department to maintain microfilm records of surrendered certificates of title. Upon the request of the State Records Commission to establish a time frame to maintain microfilm records of surrendered certificates of title in compliance with archival standards, a 75 year archival period was established.

(4) Upon review, the department found there to b a small number of older year model vehicles currently registered to operate on the highways of this state. Therefore, the department has determined that a 75 year old archival period of microfilm certificate of title records is not appropriate.

(5) The State of Alabama Legislature entrusted the department, as it deems necessary, with the maintenance of microfilm records of surrendered certificates of title. Therefore, microfilm records of surrendered certificates of title shall be maintained in compliance with archival standards for a period of 24 years.

Author: Winston Hyte

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§40-2a-7 (a) (5), 32-8-3 (b) (2).

History: New Rule: Filed August 21, 2002; effective September 25, 2002.