[Archived] City of Alexandria Eliminates Windshield Decals for Car Tax

­­For Immediate Release: March 16, 2019

On March 16, the Alexandria City Council voted unanimously to eliminate the requirement that vehicle owners display a windshield decal to indicate payment of the personal property tax. Current City decals may be removed, and decals will not be issued for future vehicle registrations or renewals. Vehicles must still display current state inspection decals as required by state law.

“Eliminating decals is another example of how Alexandria is making smart use of technology to better serve our community,” said Mayor Justin Wilson. "This change will improve efficiency and customer service, and it gives vehicle owners one less thing to worry about.”

More than three quarters of all Virginia localities have abolished the decal requirement. Alexandria joins these jurisdictions in providing a streamlined tax process and improved customer service. Automated license plate readers mounted on City parking enforcement vehicles will help identify possible tax evaders by integrating with the City’s tax records. Along with enhanced collaboration agreements with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and the courts, expanded use of license plate readers is expected to produce sufficient revenues to offset the cost of eliminating decals.

The readers will also be used to administer Residential Parking Districts 12 and 12-A in lieu of parking district permit decals.

For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/CarTax.

For media inquiries, contact Andrea Blackford, Senior Communications Officer, at andrea.blackford@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3959.