County contact
Baldwin County Judge of Probate — Licensing Division
Judge of Probate: Harry D'Olive, Jr.
Mailing: P.O. Box 459, Bay Minette, AL 36507-0459
Phone: 251-937-0260 (ADOR directory) | 251-972-6845 or 251-990-4633 (call for amount due)
Citizen Service Center: 251-580-1695
Website: baldwincountyal.gov — Probate Office, Licensing Division
What makes Baldwin County different
Baldwin County is Alabama's largest county by area and one of the fastest-growing. Its licensing office is more developed than most — with four in-person locations, an online renewal portal, and a detailed FAQ that addresses the questions most other county offices leave unanswered. That detail is reproduced here because it answers the questions most businesses actually have.
Four in-person office locations
Baldwin allows you to apply in person at any of four locations — choose the one nearest you rather than driving to the county seat:
- Bay Minette (county seat)
- Fairhope
- Foley
- Robertsdale
Online renewal — October only
Baldwin offers online renewal through Ingenuity, Inc. (altags.com), but only during the month of October. Outside that window you must file in person or by mail. A processing fee applies and is not paid to the county. Plan ahead — if you miss October, you are filing by mail or in person, and delinquency begins November 1.
Payment methods
| Method | By mail | In person |
|---|---|---|
| Check | Pre-printed Alabama address only | Pre-printed Alabama address only |
| Money order / cashier's check | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cash | ✗ | ✓ |
| Credit/debit card | ✗ | ✓ (except American Express; card fees apply) |
Baldwin's zoning disclaimer: The business license application states explicitly: "The issuance of this license does not grant nor imply that the business location address is properly zoned." Confirm zoning with the city or Baldwin County Planning and Zoning BEFORE signing a lease.
City limits, police jurisdiction, or county?
Baldwin's application asks you to circle one: CITY LIMITS, POLICE JURISDICTION, or COUNTY. A business outside city limits can still owe a municipal license if it sits inside the city's police jurisdiction. If you are not certain which applies to your address, ask the city before filing.
Principal municipalities — each issues its own license
Bay Minette, Daphne, Fairhope, Foley, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Robertsdale, Spanish Fort, Loxley, Elberta, Silverhill, and Summerdale all issue separate municipal licenses. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have significant short-term rental and seasonal business licensing requirements — ask specifically about the interaction between the October 1–September 30 license year and a season that runs March through October.
The two-license rule — what every business must know
Alabama requires a business privilege license in every county where business is conducted — not just where you are based. That obligation runs under Title 40, Chapter 12, Code of Alabama 1975 and is enforced by the county Probate Judge or License Commissioner. It is separate from, and in addition to, any city or municipal license.
The rule most businesses get wrong: A city business license does NOT replace the county license. If you are inside city limits, you almost certainly need both — the state/county license through the Probate Office and a separate municipal license through the city. These are different agencies, different fee schedules, and sometimes different deadlines.
| License type | Issued by | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| State & county privilege license | County Probate Judge or License Commissioner | State and county requirement under Title 40, Ch. 12 |
| Municipal business license | The city or town | Operating inside that city's limits — and often its police jurisdiction |
License year and renewal deadlines
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| October 1 | New license year begins |
| October 31 | Renewal deadline — pay by this date to avoid penalties |
| November 1 | Renewals become delinquent |
| Before opening | New businesses must obtain the license BEFORE operations begin — no grace period |
| Oct 1 – Dec 31 | Business personal property must be listed with the county Revenue Commissioner |