MADISON COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT) - The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is pushing a change for when drivers of cars with specialty plates pay their taxes and renewal fees.

County clerks say they received an email last week stating the time to renew them was switching from December to a driver’s birth month.

Some said that renewal date is optional but some clerks say they take it to be mandatory.

December is usually the time when everyone pays their taxes and registration fees on their cars and truck with specialty license plates.

“There is the option to change that to the birth months of the person on the title, if they wish to do so,” said Madison County Clerk Kenny Barger.

Kentucky state transportation officials say they would like to move the month of registration from everyone doing it only during the month of December.

“We have had some confusion with that, on if someone comes to renew in December, if they want to change to their birth month, and their birth month is January, they will have to pay back to back ad valorem taxes,” Barger said.

Barger said because of these plates, December is one of their busiest months, and the state is simply trying to spread out when the plates are renewed.

County clerks say there has been confusing regarding the change.

Barger said he was recently notified about the change in an email from the state.

“Motor vehicle licensing in the transportation cabinet is encouraging folks to align these plates with their birth month,” Barger said.

But people with birthdays in January could face a financial hit, especially with the extra expenses many have with Christmas.

“Eventually over time these will all be changed, but it could take a decade.”

Barger said most people are not aware of the change until they come in to renew.

We have reached out to state transportation officials to get clarity on the issue.

We are told they are looking into it.