County contact
Marshall County Judge of Probate — Licensing
Judge of Probate: Andrea LeCroy
Physical: 425 Gunter Avenue, Suite 110, Guntersville, AL 35976
Phone: 256-571-7764
Region: North Alabama — Tennessee Valley / Sand Mountain
Marshall County specifics
Marshall County operates a single probate office in Guntersville. A direct call to 256-571-7764 will typically get you a specific fee and classification in one conversation — smaller county offices are often faster and more responsive by phone than large ones.
The county's economy includes poultry processing, manufacturing, and lake-related tourism around Lake Guntersville. Businesses in food processing, agriculture-adjacent services, and marine or recreational services should expect additional state regulatory permits alongside the county license. Contact the relevant state board before applying.
Boaz — the county-line caution
Boaz sits in both Marshall and Etowah counties. A business in Boaz needs to determine which county its physical address falls in. A business operating across the city, or conducting business on both sides of the county line, may need licenses in both Marshall County (256-571-7764) and Etowah County (256-549-5342). Since a license is required in every county where business is conducted, assume both are in play until the county offices confirm otherwise.
Principal municipalities
Guntersville, Albertville (the county's largest city), Boaz (partial — see above), Arab, Grant, Douglas, and Union Grove all issue municipal licenses separately from the county. Contact each city's clerk or license office directly.
Adjacent counties — mobile and contracting businesses
Marshall County borders DeKalb, Etowah, Blount, Morgan, and Jackson counties. Contractors and mobile service businesses operating across these lines need a license in each county where they conduct work — not just Marshall County. Budget accordingly before taking jobs in adjacent areas.
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 |