HOME  |  Add to Your Favorites  |  Make Us Your Homepage  |  Site Map  |  Contact Us

You Are Here:  Lauderdale County Online --->  License Commissioner Office --->  Business License

The State of Alabama and Lauderdale County require all persons, firms, or corporations that engage in or transact any trade, business, commerce, occupation, vocation or profession for gain or profit to pay a license fee. You may need a State License, a Lauderdale County License, or a combination of the two depending on the nature of your business.  You may also need a license from the City that you will be operating the business in also.  You should obtain a business license prior to opening your business.

Fees - License fees are determined by the exact nature and type of your business. You should contact the Lauderdale County License Commissioner's office for more information. Some licenses require State Regulatory Permits in order to issue, such as auto dealers, food establishments, and air conditioning contractors.

Frequently Asked Questions Pertaining to Business License:

Will I also need to file a sales tax report?

All persons or businesses who sell tangible property at retail, or operate machines or places of entertainment or amusement must collect sales tax and make reports and payments to:

Yes, State and Lauderdale County business licenses are valid for a fiscal year beginning October 1 and ending September 30 of the following year. All licenses expire September 30th of each year. You should renew your business license between October 1st and October 31st. You may receive a renewal notice in the mail. However, renewal is your responsibility; any notification is a courtesy.

What if I move my business to a new location?

If your business changes location, your original license may be brought Lauderdale County License Commissioner's Office, or it can be mailed with a written request to change the location. An address change may affect your license rate, as many State License fees are based on municipal population.

What if I sell my business or buy a business from someone else?

State and County business licenses may be transferred to new owners. Transfer requires the original license(s) be endorsed on the face of the license by the Seller, a Bill of Sale, and fee (fees vary with the number of licenses to be transferred.) 

Note: Business licenses issued to professionals (doctors, engineers, accountants, etc.) are not transferable.