I had the unfortunate pleasure of renewing my tag at this awful place. First time and hopefully it…read morewill be my LAST time after this year renewing anything and dealing with anyone in this awful state. On August 21st I went to renew my tag and I wanted to get custom lettering on my license plate. I encountered a very rude and nasty black woman named Debra. I explained to her 3 or 4 times the lettering I wanted on my license plate. I did not want a special plate like some people here get whether it's the "God Bless America"(), Wildlife, UNA, etc plates. I just wanted the traditional Alabama nature plate. This fool argued with me for over 5 mins telling me I could not have that and that I had to get a full custom plate. I told her no and that I have seen other drivers with that same traditional plate with custom wording on them. She again argues with me and tells me no but then she laughed at me twice while doing it. She told me I had to pick a license plate from a book of custom plates they have. I again told her no and tried explaining what I wanted and again she argued and laughed at me. That's when another lady named Missy walked by and I asked her to assist me which offended Debra because she so rudely told Missy I did not know what I wanted. So Missy also said I could not have the traditional plate and that I had to pick. At this point I went ahead and picked a plate because time was being wasted and I needed to get back to work. I ended up spending over $70 for something I did not want. The next day on Aug.22nd I called and asked to speak to the highest up supervisor of that department. That's when I got yet another "Einstein" who was even more incompetent and nasty. I spoke with Catherine Miner and explained what happened and she too said I had to get a custom plate. Catherine refused to give me the name of the worker so I could report her. In fact she just laughed and brushed it off. When I asked to speak to her boss which is Judge Rosser conveniently he wasn't there and she did not know when he would be. This past Saturday while leaving Walmart a driver in front of me had the traditional Alabama nature plate but with custom wording. That is what prompted me to call the tag and title office this morning. I spoke with Jennifer and specifically asked if one can get custom lettering on a traditional Alabama plate and she said yes. So I ask why was I told that you couldn't and was forced into picking a special plate when that's not what I wanted. She then chalked it up to a misunderstanding and that Debra and Missy didn't understand what I wanted. Lol I don't see how when I said what I wanted and explained it to them multiple times. When I told her my biggest issue was the customer service and explained how Debra was rude and nasty she said "I don't think she was" to which I said when you laugh in a customer's face and make snide comments that is rude. So I asked to speak with another supervisor specifically the one I spoke with last time and that's when she transferred me to that awful Miner woman. Note to Catherine MIner when you want to be "nice" don't refer to another grown adult woman as "honey". That is a word my spouse and I call each other. If you want to be "nice" refer to grown women as ma'am or Ms. I asked her to explain why she lied to me about the plate and she said "I never said that" and "don't ever put words in my mouth I never said and I've been doing this job 25 years". If that's the case you should know your office policies. You nor your workers should be telling customers no they can't have something when they can. I notice the people in this state that mess up never take personal accountability, blame you, won't listen, and fly off the handle when they are exposed. Had I been told the CORRECT information I would not be writing this review nor would I have had to call up there twice to get the correct information. Catherine then proceeds to tell me they can switch plates at my expense. They mess up, give me false information, don't bother owning up to it or apologizing, and I have to shell out another $70 something to fix their mistake? These are the people that are hired into these government jobs? The bar is set extremely low with their hiring process. I emailed Rosser about this incident not expecting to hear back from him but he emailed me back apologizing, gave me his desk number, and told me to call him Sept.30th so he could investigate my complaint. I called him that Monday morning and left a voicemail. He never returned my call and 3 days later I emailed him, let him know I called, and never heard back from him. This fool emailed me back and said he spoke to his staff and that I was treated well, received good service, and there is nothing his office will do. This man lied and had no plans to speak with me and correct the situation as he said in his email. I see why Alabama and it's citizens have the reputation it has. That "southern hospitality" is a myth.

I always get fast, friendly, and courteous service. It's a little inconvenient to get in because…read moreyou have to go through a security check now prior to entering, but I guess that's a sign of the times. I also like that you can pay car tag renewals by mail, saving a lot of time for a minimal fee.

I would have given more stars if it had been opened..you need to call and make an appt. but it IS…read morean authentic log cabin, rough-hewn, built around 1815. It's tiny and easy to pass on the road which used to be part of Andrew Jackson's military road which he built for his supplies/army on their way to the Battle of New Orleans.

The absolute sweetest librarian helped me today with something so confusing to me, I was barely…read moreable to explain it. I think her name was Kenna, and she helped me over the phone and didn't get confused at all. I use the Libby app and it was all messed up. She didn't just help, but explained it to me so if it happens again, I'll be able to do it. People don't go to libraries as much as they used to, but if you ever want to read a book, or listen to an audiobook, please use the Libby app with Athens Public Library. They're also very helpful with setting it up for you if you don't know how. And they'll help you, like I needed help today, with any problems.