(1) The sponsoring organization applies to the Department of Revenue using an "Application For A New Distinctive License Plate Category" provided by the Department (phone 334-242-9091 to request an application). 

(2) The application must be submitted with a proposed design for the distinctive license plate and a detailed explanation describing the intended use of the net additional fee. 

(3) The sponsoring organization must specify which of the following two "quantity classes" for which application is being made: 

 Quantity Class 1 - if registrations are estimated to be at least 250, but less than 1,000 (an application will not be accepted if registrations are estimated to be less than 250).  All distinctive license plates qualifying under this class will be manufactured using a "Generic Tag" design approved by the Legislative Oversight Committee (LOC).  There will be a two and one-half inches square area on the left side of the license plate where an emblem, slogan or logo design (which is subject to the approval of the LOC) may be applied to represent the organization.  The name of the distinctive license plate category or group may be centered at the top or bottom of the license plate, opposite of the state name, as determined by the "Generic Tag" design. 

 Quantity Class 2 - if registrations are estimated to be 1,000 or greater.  All distinctive license plates qualifying under this class may be manufactured using the "Generic Tag" or with a unique design for the entire plate, which must be approved by the LOC and meet all license plate design and manufacture requirements of Alabama Law. 

(4) The Department of Revenue will submit the application to the LOC who will place it on the Committee Calendar for consideration.  The LOC will meet not less than once every six months.  A date and time will be set for a representative of the sponsoring organization to appear before the LOC.  The LOC shall not consider for approval applications from the following types of organizations: out-of-state colleges and universities; private businesses, business organizations, or commercial entities of any type; public and private schools K-12, junior colleges, and technical schools, exclusive of the Helping Schools Tag; groups within high schools, junior colleges, universities, and technical schools, such as band boosters, athletic boosters, and the like; unions; political organizations; religious organizations; groups that promote racial or social disharmony; or public officials. 

(5) After the LOC approves an application for a new category of license plates, the Department of Revenue will coordinate with the Comptroller to establish funding procedures for deposit and maintaining monies held pending issuance for the new category of license plates. 

(6) Registrants desiring to register a vehicle with a new category license plate shall complete a "Commitment to Purchase" application, present it to their appropriate county tag issuing official and remit the additional fee.  Registrants will continue to use their current, valid license plates (no registration changes are made at this step in the process).  County tag issuing officials shall deduct and retain a two and one-half percent commission from the additional fee as provided by law.  The balance shall be forwarded to the Comptroller, with a copy of the application, to be retained in escrow. 

(7) Once the Comptroller receives 250 commitments to purchase for quantity class 1 license plates, or 1,000 commitments to purchase for quantity class 2 license plates, the Department of Revenue will be notified.  The Department will then initiate the ordering processes for design and manufacture of the approved license plate.  At that time, the Comptroller shall pay the money in escrow to the sponsoring organization (see number 6 above).  If, after one year from the date of notification of approval by the LOC, the number of subscribers for a category fails to reach 250 for Quantity CLass 1, or fails to reach 1,000 for Quantity Class 2, upon notification by the Department of Revenue, the Comptroller shall pay the money in escrow to the sponsoring organization and no further consideration for production of this proposed distinctive plate shall be made under this application.