The following is from a 2014 NPR article, except that now it's 2022 and the same still applies...  As a state, are we incapable of being logical and responsible with government spending?  Other states have adjusted their license plate reissuance policies and so should Alabama.

"If you’re like most Alabama residents, you received a new license plate in the mail this year. There was actually nothing wrong with your old one. Still, every five years, the state sends replacement plates for the majority of registered vehicles in the state. But have you ever stopped to think why? It costs the state millions of dollars and some are asking questions."

"[Alabama] spends $15 million every year on license plates. That includes $4 million for manufacturing, transportation and postage.
There’s actually a state panel called the License Plates Legislative Oversight Committee which helps decide when plates in Alabama should be reissued." Representative Margie Wilcox is the Chairman of this committee: https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/motor-vehicle/legislative-oversight-committee/

If you're left scratching your head about this issue, and you think your old license plate was unnecessarily replaced, and if you think that $15 million per year could be better spent elsewhere...  Please sign this petition.