County contact
Lee County Probate Office — Licensing Division
Probate Judge: Jere Colley
Physical: 215 S. 9th Street, Opelika, AL 36801 (Lee County Courthouse)
Mailing: P.O. Box 1530, Opelika, AL 36803-1530
Phone: 334-745-9761 (ADOR directory) | 334-737-3670
Website: leeco.us — Probate Judge, Licenses
Lee County's own advice: The Probate Office recommends calling ahead rather than relying on published fee information, because of the "many types of licenses, rules, regulations and prices." Call 334-745-9761 before filing — you will get the classification and fee in one conversation.
Lee County specifics
Lee County is home to Auburn University and the adjacent cities of Auburn and Opelika — two substantial municipalities, each with its own license office, in the same county. A business serving both markets typically needs the Lee County license plus a separate license from each city where it operates.
The Probate Office makes the rule clear: "If your business is located inside the city limits of a Municipality, you need to contact the City Clerk of that Municipality." That is the starting point — confirm with both the county and each relevant city.
Opelika city business license
City of Opelika Business License Office: 204 S. Seventh Street (physical) / P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 (mailing). Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Businesses inside Opelika's city limits need both the Lee County license and the Opelika city license.
Auburn city business license
Auburn maintains its own business licensing office. Contact the City of Auburn directly for current fees and requirements. Student-economy businesses — retail, food service, services targeting the university community — should expect municipal requirements in addition to the county license.
Phenix City — the county-line caution
Phenix City spans Lee and Russell counties. Your physical address determines your county. A business operating on both sides of the line may need licenses in both Lee County (334-745-9761) and Russell County Probate (501 14th St., Phenix City, 334-298-7979). Confirm your county before filing.
Principal municipalities
Auburn, Opelika, Smiths Station, Phenix City (partial), Loachapoka, Notasulga, and Waverly all issue municipal licenses separately from the county.
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 |