Lee County Business License: Auburn-Opelika Licensing
Lee County Business License: Auburn-Opelika Licensing Guide
Lee County, Alabama, home to Auburn and Opelika, requires every business operating in the county to obtain a business license. If you are launching a business in either city, you will need both a county-level business privilege license and a separate municipal license from your city. This guide walks you through exactly what you need, where to get it, and what it costs.
The Lee County Business License Structure
Alabama law does not issue a single statewide business license. Instead, every business must hold a county business privilege license issued by the county probate judge or license commissioner, and if the business operates within a city limit, a municipal license as well.
For Lee County, this means you need to apply to:
- Lee County Probate Judge or License Commissioner for the county business privilege license
- City of Auburn or City of Opelika for the city business license (depending on your location)
These are separate filings with separate fees. The county license covers the right to operate in unincorporated Lee County; the city license covers operation within city limits.
Lee County Business Privilege License
What It Is
The county business privilege license is required under Title 40, Chapter 12 of the Alabama Code. It authorizes you to conduct business within Lee County and is issued by the county probate judge or license commissioner's office.
Who Must Apply
Every person, firm, company, or corporation engaged in a business, vocation, occupation, or profession in Lee County must obtain a business privilege license unless specifically exempted by law.
Where to Apply
Contact the Lee County Probate Judge's office or the Lee County License Commissioner to apply. Both offices are typically located in the Lee County Courthouse in Opelika. You can also contact the Lee County Commission directly to confirm the current location and hours.
What You Will Need
When you apply for a Lee County business privilege license, have the following information ready:
- Your full legal name and address
- Type of business or profession
- Physical business location in Lee County (street address, not a post office box)
- Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) if you have one
- Social Security number if you are a sole proprietor
- Ownership structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, partnership)
If your business requires a state professional license (contractors, electricians, plumbers, cosmetologists, health care providers), bring proof of that license or a copy of your application for it.
Fees and Processing Time
Lee County business privilege license fees vary depending on the type of business and are set by county ordinance. Contact the Lee County Probate Judge's office or License Commissioner directly for current fee schedules, as fees can change annually. Historically, fees range from modest amounts for service businesses to higher amounts for retail operations or professional practices, but you must verify the exact amount for your industry classification with the county.
Processing is typically same-day or within one business day once you submit a complete application in person. If you apply by mail, allow 2 to 3 weeks.
Auburn City Business License
Overview
If your business operates within Auburn city limits, you must obtain an Auburn business license in addition to your Lee County business privilege license. Auburn has its own local licensing authority and fee structure.
Application Process
Contact the City of Auburn's Business License Office or Planning Department. Auburn's city hall is located in downtown Auburn. You can also reach them by phone or visit the city website for current application forms.
Required Information
Auburn will ask for:
- Business name and address
- Owner name and contact information
- Type of business
- EIN or Social Security number
- Proof of Lee County business privilege license (once obtained)
- If applicable, proof of professional licensure
Auburn License Fees
Auburn's business license fees are set by city ordinance and depend on the type of business. Contact the Auburn Business License Office directly for current fees, as they are subject to change. Generally, fees are modest for home-based service businesses and increase for retail, food service, and professional offices.
Timeline
Auburn typically issues licenses within one business day if you apply in person with a complete application. Mailed applications take 2 to 3 weeks.
Opelika City Business License
Overview
If your business is located in Opelika, you will need an Opelika city business license plus the Lee County business privilege license.
Application Process
Apply through the City of Opelika's Business License Office, typically found in city hall. Opelika's city government offices are located on the north side of downtown. The city also provides application forms online.
Required Information
Opelika requires:
- Business name and street address
- Owner name and contact information
- Business type classification
- EIN or Social Security number
- Proof of Lee County business privilege license (once obtained)
- Professional license or permit, if required for your business
Opelika License Fees
Like Auburn, Opelika's business license fees vary by business type and are set by city ordinance. Call the city's Business License Office or check the city website for the current fee schedule applicable to your business classification.
Timeline
Opelika issues licenses the same day or within one business day for in-person applications with complete paperwork. Mail-in applications take 2 to 3 weeks to process.
Application Steps in Order
Follow this sequence to set up your Lee County business license correctly:
- Prepare your information. Gather your legal name, business address, EIN, and business classification before you apply anywhere.
- Apply to Lee County first. Visit the Lee County Probate Judge or License Commissioner to obtain your county business privilege license. This is your foundation; cities will ask for proof of it.
- Pay the county fee and receive your license. Expect this to take a few hours if you are in person.
- Visit your city (Auburn or Opelika). Bring a copy of your Lee County license and apply for the city business license at city hall.
- Pay the city fee and receive your city license.
- Register for sales tax. If you sell goods or taxable services, register for a sales tax account at the same time or immediately after. This is free and takes 3 to 5 days to process.
Special Requirements by Business Type
Professional Services
If you operate as a contractor, electrician, plumber, HVAC technician, roofer, accountant, attorney, or other licensed professional, bring proof of your state professional license or a copy of your pending application. You may need additional city permits depending on the work you plan to do.
Home-Based Businesses
Home-based businesses in Auburn and Opelika may face zoning restrictions. Before you apply for a license, check with the city planning or zoning office to confirm that your business is allowed in your residential zoning. Some cities allow certain home-based service businesses (consulting, freelance writing, bookkeeping) with no issues; others restrict commercial activity in residential zones. Do this check first.
Food Service
Restaurants, food trucks, and food manufacturing require health permits and food service licenses in addition to your business license. Contact the Lee County Health Department for health permits and the Alabama Department of Public Health for food service licensing if applicable.
Retail and Online Sales
Retail businesses and online sellers that ship products into Alabama must register for a sales tax permit. This is free and is handled separately from your business license, though you should do it at the same time. Register at the Alabama Department of Revenue website.
Sales Tax Registration
If your business sells tangible goods or certain services, you must register for Alabama sales tax. Alabama's state sales tax rate is 4%, but Lee County and the cities of Auburn and Opelika may have additional local sales taxes. Your total sales tax responsibility varies by your exact location and goods or services sold.
Register for free at https://myalabamataxes.alabama.gov. You can complete registration online, and your account and sales tax permit will arrive within 3 to 5 business days. No fee is charged for registration.
Alabama Business Privilege Tax (Separate from License)
Do not confuse the business privilege license with Alabama's Business Privilege Tax. The license is a permission to operate; the tax is a biennial fee charged by the Alabama Department of Revenue based on your net worth in Alabama.
The Business Privilege Tax rate ranges from $0.25 to $1.75 per $1,000 of net worth, with a maximum of $15,000 for most entities. If your calculated tax is $100 or less, you are exempt from filing and paying as of tax years beginning after December 31, 2023. File your Business Privilege Tax return by March 15 each year (for calendar-year filers) with the Alabama Department of Revenue, not the county or city.
Renewal and Compliance
License Renewal
Lee County business privilege licenses and city business licenses typically require annual or biennial renewal. Confirm the renewal deadline and fee with the county and your city when you receive your initial license. Mark your calendar so you do not miss the deadline.
Name or Address Changes
If you change your business name or relocate within Lee County, notify the county and city immediately. You may need to apply for new licenses or file change-of-address forms depending on local rules.
Closure
If you close your business, cancel your business license with both the county and city to avoid renewal notices and potential fees.
Contacts and Resources
Lee County Probate Judge or License Commissioner
Lee County Courthouse
Opelika, AL
Phone: Contact Lee County Commission for current number
City of Auburn Business License Office
Auburn City Hall
Auburn, AL
Website: city.auburn.al.us (check official city website)
City of Opelika Business License Office
Opelika City Hall
Opelika, AL
Website: opelikaal.gov (check official city website)
Alabama Department of Revenue (Sales Tax Registration)
Sales Tax Permit Registration: https://myalabamataxes.alabama.gov
Phone: 334-242-1170
Website: https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/
Lee County Health Department
For health and food service permits: Contact Lee County Health Department directly for hours and location.
Alabama Small Business Development Center
For free business counseling and startup resources: https://www.asbdc.org/
Disclaimer
This guide is informational only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Business licensing requirements, fees, and procedures are subject to change and vary by business type. Always verify current requirements directly with the Lee County Probate Judge, the City of Auburn, the City of Opelika, or a qualified attorney or CPA before starting your business. If you operate a business requiring a professional license or permit, consult with the relevant state or local authority to confirm all compliance obligations.