Alabama business licenses (2024)

Navigating the Alabama licensure laws can be time-consuming and confusing. In most cases, a license is required in every county where the business is conducted. In addition to the business privilege license, you will likely need other licenses from the local municipality as well as the state or federal government. These licenses are issued by the county Probate Judge or License Commissioner. To learn more about the specific registration and licensing requirements in Alabama, click on the Alabama industry or county tabs for more information or to order the proper forms.

For more information, please contact CT Corporation for a consultation with a business licensing specialist.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a license to sell DME in Alabama?
Alabama requires all Home Medical Equipment Service Providers (HME) must obtain a license before they can operate in the state of Alabama. Home Medical Equipment Services is defined as “the delivery, installation, maintenance, replacement of, or instruction in the use of medical equipment and related supplies used by a sick or disabled individual to allow that individual to obtain care or treatment and be maintained in a residential setting.” See AL Board of Home Medical Equipment Services Providers Law, Section 34-14C-1.
To obtain a DME license in Alabama, all applicants must request the license through the HME Board with the following documentation:

A completed HME service provider application

A city or county business license for the physical location within AL

Certificate of insurance, documenting at least $300,000 in general liability coverage

Copy of pharmacy permit (where oxygen supplied)

A copy of elevator permit (where chair/stair lifts supplied).
The Alabama Board of Home Medical Equipment (HME Board) has recently passed and attached the Emergency Rule to Act 2014-172, which pertains to a new in-state physical location requirement.
Effective June 1, 2014, all out of state Durable Medical Equipment (DME) licensees must have an AL location.
If you are not currently license, CT Corporation will begin the Alabama DME licensing processTODAY. If you are licensed, let us store and handle all renewals in our easy-to-use web portal CLiC! To get started, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
Do mail order pharmacies need a licensed Pharmacist in Charge in Alabama?

See Also
Section 6-10-7 - Wages, salaries, or other compensation of laborers or employees for personal services, Ala. Code § 6-10-7 Fair Debt Collection Practices Act | Montgomery Bankruptcy Lawyers Judgment Liens on Property in Alabama SB 1286: Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act: covered debt: commercial debts.

Effective June 9th, 2014, all new applicants for an Alabama Mail Order Pharmacy Permit must have an Alabama licensed Pharmacist in Charge (PIC).
All currently licensed Mail Order Pharmacies must have an Alabama licensed PIC by December 31st, 2014. This date coincides with the AL biennial license renewal deadline and the license will not be renewed unless the pharmacy has a PIC licensed in AL.
Per Code of Alabama (1975) Section 4l-22-6, rule 680-X-2-.07, all Mail Order Pharmacy Permit holders must "designate a supervising pharmacist who shall be licensed by the Alabama State Board of Pharmacy. The supervising pharmacist shall be responsible for ensuring that the holder of the permit referenced herein complies with the requirements of this rule and all applicable statutory provisions and rules."
To obtain a license as a Pharmacist in Alabama, all applicants must request the license through NABP, prepare an official application for the Alabama Board of Pharmacy, and pass the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE). The Alabama licensed PIC does not need to be the same PIC of the home state of the pharmacy. All other pharmacists working under the PIC simply need a valid pharmacist license in the state where the pharmacy is located.
CT Corporationwill begin the Alabama Pharmacist licensing process TODAY. Don't wait another minute! To get started, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.

How do I obtain a Reinsurance Brokerage License?

In order to obtain a Reinsurance Brokerage (or Reinsurance Intermediary Broker) license an applicant must generally: (1) Complete a NAIC Uniform Individual Application to be registered with the National Insurance Producer Registry; and (2) Pay both the state license application and state license fee. For non-resident applicants, a certification from their home state is often required as well. However, different states have requirements that vary depending upon their respective jurisdiction.
Some states have simplistic requirements. In Massachusetts an applicant must: (1) Complete an application form; and (2) Write a check made payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Division of Insurance, in the amount of $200.00. For non-resident applicants, a Certificate of Good Standing from your home state indicating you are licensed in good standing as a reinsurance broker is required as well. In Florida, an applicant must: (1) Complete an application for the license and submit appropriate fees. In addition, the applicant must be fingerprinted. Each person applying for the first time in Florida and qualifying for a license as a reinsurance broker shall attach a full detailed credit and character report for the 5-year period immediately prior to the date of application.
Some states have stringent requirements. In Georgia, applicants need to file a Certification Application for Certified Reinsurer. The applicant must be domiciled and licensed to transact insurance or reinsurance in what is called a "Qualified Jurisdiction." A qualified jurisdiction is a jurisdiction that is 1) an accredited jurisdiction in accordance with the NAIC financial and standards accreditation program; 2) qualified by the Commissioner as a qualified jurisdiction in accordance with the standards set forth in Ga. Reg. § 120-2-78-.08(3)(b); or 3) is a jurisdiction that is designated as a qualified jurisdiction by the Reinsurance Task Force, or working group thereof, and published through the NAIC Committee Process. The application fee is $600 for the initial application, and $700 for an annual renewal. There is a litany of additional requirements for licensure as well.
We will help you obtain all the licenses your reinsurance company needs. Our license experts will compile all applications for you and provided detailed instructions on how to apply and the fees associated with each application. CT Corporation can complete all applications for you and streamline the process. Please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
What is a business license?

A business license is an approval or permit issued by a government agency that authorizes a business to operate within a specific jurisdiction. This license is often an additional requirement beyond the registration of a business at the state level. Whether a business is required to have a specific license depends on such factors as the nature of the business, types of products sold, and location.
How often do business licenses renew?

Businesses are often reliant upon their own compliance tracking to stay on top of renewals. While the licensing jurisdiction may send a renewal notice, entities should not rely on this reminder method. CT Corporation has developed a Client License Information Center, CLiC, to help manage the renewal process and avoid delinquent charges and fines.
How long are business licenses valid?

The term of a license is entirely dependent on the type of license. Some licenses are good for the life of the business while others must be renewed annually or every two years. However, laws can change frequently so businesses must stay abreast of changes that affect the term of their license.
What is a sales tax ID?

Although Sales and Use Tax registrations would seem to be the most basic of business license filings, the requirements can vary from state to state, county to county and sometimes even by municipality. These applications can be confusing and time consuming. Contact CT Corporation for assistance.
What is an EIN?

An EIN is a unique nine digit number assigned by the IRS is used to identify business entities and is also known by other names such as 'Federal Tax Identification Number' and 'Tax Identification Number (TIN)'.