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1. What should I say?

All you have to do is answer our questions! Stay on the phone and answer the Dispatcher's questions as calmly as you can. We will ask the following:
- The Address of the problem. We know the address of the phone, but we want to make sure the problem is at that address. If you do not know the address, be prepared to give directions or describe your location.
- The type of problem - Tell us in plain language what is happening.
- Details about the problem - The Dispatcher is trained to get more information while the emergency units are responding.

Do not call 911 if the problem is not an emergency, look up the non-emergency number in the phone book. If you call 911 for non-emergencies, someone with a real emergency might have a delay in receiving service.

2. What can I do?

You can make a real difference by helping until the emergency units arrive, and the Dispatcher will provide directions for things such as:
- Childbirth
- Choking (Heimlich maneuver)
- Controlling Bleeding
- CPR
- Other first-aid Emergency
- Rescue Breathing

Medical Dispatchers are trained to provide pre-arrival instructions to callers. Medical emergencies are the most common use of pre-arrival instructions.

Cellular phones have made it very easy for citizens to report traffic accidents and other emergencies that are not near traditional telephones.

This gets emergency assistance to victims faster, and this has saved lives. There are however, several major problems with cell phones and their impact on 911.

3. Where/how should my address be posted for responders to see?

Your address number should be posted at your driveway, visible from both directions of travel. Just because the mail carrier comes from one direction does not mean the emergency units will travel the same way.

Your address number should also be clearly posted on your home so it can be seen at night. Remember, in an emergency there is no time to waste, make your home easy to locate!

4. How are address numbers issued?

In most of St. Clair County, we use a measured system to determine your address number. For more information, access our address numbers resource.

5. How do I get a new address?

Each home and business in St. Clair County should have an address. When you move in, the address does not change. If the person you buy or rent from does not know the address, call our business office at 205-338-9911. We may determine the address over the phone if you know your new neighbor's names and addresses, and the correct road name.

If you are moving into a new structure or location, a new address number must be assigned. This requires us to drive to your new location to measure the address along the road. This will take at least 10 working days, so call as far in advance as possible. When you call 205-338-9911, tell us you need an address for a new structure. We will mail you a form to post where the structure will be so we can assign the address.

6. How are road names assigned?

St. Clair 911 has been designated as the street naming authority for St. Clair County. We also coordinate street naming with the municipalities to avoid duplicate names. New roads are normally named by the residents or by the developer of a subdivision. We check that the proposed name is not already in use, and then approve or deny the request.

To name a road after a specific person requires 100% agreement of the existing residents of the road. To select a generic street name requires 70% agreement. These same percentages are used if residents desire to change a road name.

7. Why are some driveways named?

When there are 3 or more structures with addresses on a road or driveway, we assign a name and issue address numbers using the new road name. This is done to reduce confusion when responding to emergencies, and it also helps other people find you.


We sometimes name drives that do not have three structures but there are several land-owners along the road. This provides for addresses as the property owners develop their land.

Assigning a name to a private drive does not mean the city or county will start maintaining the road or that the mail carrier will deliver mail to the houses. It is still a private road, it just has an official name.

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1. If I am unable to serve on jury duty, whom do I call?

Jury service may be inconvenient, but no one is excused unless jury service would present an undue hardship, extreme inconvenience, or be required by public necessity. You may call 205-594-2184 for the Ashville Office or 205-338-2511 for the Pell City Office between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at least one week prior to the date you are to report.

2. What time do I have to arrive at the Courthouse on Monday?

You will need to arrive at the time listed on your summons. Court will start promptly at 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. as scheduled. The courthouse doors do not open until 8 a.m. You will be able to enter the courthouses through the front entrances at either location.

3. Where do I report?

You will need to report the large courtroom upstairs for both courthouses. Please bring your jury summons with you with the approximate round-trip mileage from your home.

4. Where do I park?

Parking is available around both court houses in Ashville and Pell City. Please arrive early to arrange a parking place.

5. How long will I be required to serve?

Jury service rarely exceeds 5 workdays. You will normally be required to report each morning at 9 a.m. Lunchtimes may vary, please do not leave until you have been instructed.

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1. How do I get a new address?

Each home and business in St. Clair County should have an address. When you move in, the address does not change. If the person you buy or rent from does not know the address, call our business office at 205-338-9911. We may determine the address over the phone if you know your new neighbor's names and addresses, and the correct road name.

If you are moving into a new structure or location, a new address number must be assigned. This requires us to drive to your new location to measure the address along the road. This will take at least 10 working days, so call as far in advance as possible. When you call 205-338-9911, tell us you need an address for a new structure. We will mail you a form to post where the structure will be so we can assign the address.

2. How are road names assigned?

St. Clair 911 has been designated as the street naming authority for St. Clair County. We also coordinate street naming with the municipalities to avoid duplicate names. New roads are normally named by the residents or by the developer of a subdivision. We check that the proposed name is not already in use, and then approve or deny the request.

To name a road after a specific person requires 100% agreement of the existing residents of the road. To select a generic street name requires 70% agreement. These same percentages are used if residents desire to change a road name.

3. Why are some driveways named?

When there are 3 or more structures with addresses on a road or driveway, we assign a name and issue address numbers using the new road name. This is done to reduce confusion when responding to emergencies, and it also helps other people find you.


We sometimes name drives that do not have three structures but there are several land-owners along the road. This provides for addresses as the property owners develop their land.

Assigning a name to a private drive does not mean the city or county will start maintaining the road or that the mail carrier will deliver mail to the houses. It is still a private road, it just has an official name.

4. Are there Public Education Resources?

We welcome the opportunity to have your group tour the 9-1-1 center or to send a speaker to your location.

Speakers are available at no cost for your club or group. Call 205-338-9911 to arrange a speaker.

* Speakers - Speakers can come to your location upon request. We have programs for all age groups with special prizes for the children. Call 205-338-9911 to arrange a speaker.

* Teaching Aids - Prizes - We have materials that can be used in your class to help teach the proper use of 9-1-1.

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1. Can a citizen see a map of the flood plain and its boundaries in person?

Yes, by appointment. Call our answering service at 205-241-5690 or 205-241-5691. All information will be forwarded to the Flood Plain Coordinator, and you will be contacted for your appointment.

2. Can a citizen have a copy of the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance?

Yes, copies of the Ordinances can be found in the Document Center.

3. How did this modification come about?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) determines where the boundaries of the flood plain lie. FEMA determined the boundaries needed to be amended. FEMA provided the new boundaries of the flood plain to St. Clair County.

4. What is the “buffer zone?”

The “buffer zone” is any area which lies within 50 feet from a flood area (zone). The buffer zone was created to notify citizens that they owned property which was in close proximity to a flood zone. The buffer zone was necessary because the initial maps the County was provided describing the flood zone were not precise. As such, the County could not guarantee those properties in the “buffer zone” not to be within the flood zone. Today, the County has more precise maps which better depict the flood zone.

5. How is the “buffer zone” determined?

The County created a buffer zone of 50 feet beyond the apparent flood plain boundary created by FEMA. The boundaries of the flood plain provided by FEMA previously were not precise (not accurate to the foot). As such, the County had created a “buffer” zone 50 feet beyond where the revised Flood Plain Boundaries (FEMA provided) appears to be. Because of the lack of precision in the past, it was possible that FEMA could have determined that structures within the buffer zone were actually within the flood plain. The County felt it was important to notify the property owner. Now, the County has more accurate information which can assist in determining whether those properties are, in fact, located in a flood zone.

6. What does the County require within the flood plain?

The County requires that structures which are constructed within the flood plain to come into compliance with the County’ Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. Structures which were previously not in the flood plain but which now are in the flood plain due to the revised boundaries are grandfathered in, and will not have to meet the Ordinance’s requirements. However, if said structures are substantially improved (50% of average adjusted value), they will be required to come into compliance with the Ordinance. Any new structure built in the flood plain will be required to be compliant with the Ordinance.

7. Is flood insurance required?

The County does not require flood insurance, but your lender may require flood insurance. Flood insurance may be able to be purchased at a reduced rate for a short period of time.

8. What involvement did the County have in this?

The County did not create the flood plain boundary. The County felt it should contact individuals who had structures in or near the flood plain boundaries, as any modification they make to structures within the flood plain and any new structures constructed in the flood plain must comply with the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. Further, the County felt that citizens who may have to purchase flood insurance should be notified of the fact that it may be able to be purchased at a reduced rate for a short period of time.

9. Can the County help pay the cost?

No.

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1. What are your office hours?

We are open from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

2. What do I need to get a Marriage License?

Both parties must appear in person with a birth certificate or driver's license. The filing fee is $78.50. If one or both parties are minors, each minor applicant must provide a birth certificate and be accompanied by both parents. If one or both parents are deceased, proper evidence of such must be provided.

There is no blood test required to obtain a marriage license. A marriage license issued in St. Clair County is valid only in the state of Alabama. The license expires in 30 days after the issuance date.

After the wedding ceremony, the license must be returned to the Judge of Probate for recording. You will then be sent a certified copy of your license.

3. What are the hours for the driver's license examiner?

The examiner is located in Pell City, available Monday through Friday. The examiner starts testing at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. All new permit applicants must have 3 proofs of identification, i.e. certified birth certificate, social security card, etc. Applicants under 19 must have a letter from their school stating they are a current student for both written and driving tests.

4. Where can I obtain a driver's manual, boating manual, or motorcycle manual?

You may come by our office and pick up a copy.

5. Where do I get an application for handicap parking placard?

You may come by our office and pick up an application.

6. What do I need to replace a lost title?

You may call or come by our office to pick up a form to send to the State Department of Revenue. You will need $15 in certified check or money order to send with the form.

7. How do I renew my vehicle tags?

You may come to our office, mail in the renewal cards with payment enclosed, or provide us payment information online. All tags and decals will be mailed within 5 to 7 working days. To renew your tags online, visit our renewal service website.

8. What do I need to bring to renew my tag?

Tag number to be renewed, vehicle owner's driver's license number and expiration date and proof of insurance

9. How do I renew my Manufactured Home decals?

You may come to our office, mail in the renewal cards with payment enclosed, or provide us payment information online. All tags and decals will be mailed within 5 to 7 working days. To renew your decals online, visit our renewal service website.

10. How do I renew my Boat Decals?

You may come to our office, mail in the renewal cards with payment enclosed, or provide us payment information online. All tags and decals will be mailed within 5 to 7 working days. To renew your tags online, visit our renewal service website.

11. What do I do if I lose my tag or decal?

You may come to our office for a replacement tag or decal. There is a cost for replacement of $2 and you will need a valid picture id.

12. What do I do if I lose my tag receipt?

You may come to our office with a photo ID to get a receipt replaced.

13. What if my tag renewal has expired? Can I renew a late renewal online?

No, you cannot renew a late renewal online. You will have to come to one of the St. Clair County Probate offices located in Ashville and Pell City.

14. How many days do I have to register a vehicle I have purchased?

You have 20 calendar days to register a vehicle. We will need a bill of sale and a title or title application to register your vehicle. If you are transferring a license plate from one vehicle to another one, please bring in the license number. The vehicle you are transferring the license plate from must be sold or totaled by an insurance company.

15. Do I need insurance on my vehicles before I get my car tags?

Yes.

16. What do I need to bring to acquire a car title?

Current title or MSO, new owner's driver's license number and expiration date, proof of insurance and bill of sale.  Concerning out of state title transfers, the vehicle needs to be brought to the courthouse for inspection.