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COLUMBIANA – The Shelby County Commission heard updates from county leaders regarding the status of license offices and other entities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

County Manager Chad Scroggins said on May 26 that all Shelby County license offices – located in Columbiana, Inverness and Pelham – are open with limited access and are performing most driver license renewals, replacements and name changes on-site.

However, only state Alabama Law Enforcement Agency offices can conduct road tests, permit tests, out-of-state transfers or STAR IDs, Scroggins said.

The ALEA office is open in Pelham but is closed in Columbiana.

“All other Shelby County offices with direct public interaction and essential operations have modified public access to essential required business to mitigate exposure and spread of the virus during this COVID-19 pandemic,” Scroggins wrote in a statement published on the county’s website. “Please call first as many business functions may be handled over the phone or online.”

Most vehicle and boat renewals can be completed online and mailed directly to residents’ homes.

Driver license renewals can be completed online at DLrenew.shelbyal.com.

Shelby County Emergency Management Agency Supervisor Hub Harvey said the Shelby County Health Department is offering COVID-19 testing on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30-10:30 a.m.

“No appointment is necessary, no cost is involved, but you do have to meet their criteria: age, underlying health issues, fever and cough,” Harvey said.

In addition, nine locations in Shelby County, including several American Family Care clinics, Walgreens on Valleydale Road, Birmingham Internal Medicine Associates and Columbiana Clinic, are offering COVID-19 testing.

“We have really been ramping up the testing that people have been able to do,” Harvey said. “Most of those tests continue to be the three-day tests, so there is a lag in how we’re going.”

Regarding finances, Scroggins said sales tax revenue has been relatively stable, but the lodging category has taken a huge hit since the start of the pandemic.

Scroggins said budget meetings have been held with every county department, and leaders will continue to monitor the financial situation as it develops.

Scroggins also said the county’s projects on the books with cities and other partners will continue as planned.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office resumed normal office operations on Monday, June 1, and saw an increase in pistol permit applications and renewals at the main office in Columbiana.

Residents can apply for a permit or renew a permit by mailing a check or money order to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, P.O. Box 1095, Columbiana, AL 35051.

Those who are renewing a Shelby County pistol permit should send their renewal notice or old permit card with the payment.

You do not need to send a new application for a renewal.

Payments should be made payable to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, and cash is not accepted by mail.

The application is available online at Shelbyso.com/164/Pistol-Permits.

Lines may be closed earlier than 4:30 p.m. to ensure everyone in line is assisted before the administrative offices close.

Residents may also apply for a pistol permit at the Sheriff’s Office North Substation, which is located at 5511 U.S. 280, Suite 117. The north substation is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.