Exciting attractions, fascinating history, colorful characters and terrific food. That’s what you’ll discover in Montgomery, a city that offers Old- South charm and New-South dazzle. Today, Montgomery combines the qualities of a leading cultural and recreational center with such assets as a world class theatre, museums, history, family activities and irresistible down home Southern food. Experience Montgomery, where the heart and soul of the South is ready to welcome you!

Relocating to Montgomery?

As soon as possible, notify individuals, companies and institutions that your address will be changing. Either call or mail the change-of-address cards you can get at your local Post Office. It will be important to arrange for extablishing services and utilities at your new home. You will need to contact the following businesses:

Driver License/Auto Registration

In addition to utilities, new Montgomery residents will need to update driver licenses and automobile registration. New residents have 30 days after entering the state to obtain an Alabama driver license. Driver licenses are available from the driver license examiner's office. If you have a valid out-of-state driver license, you do not have to take a road test, but will be required to take a written exam and an eye test. If you have no license, you must also take a road test.

An Alabama driver license is valid for four years from the date of purchase. The cost for taking the written exam is $5 (cash only); and the cost of the driver license is $20.

Here is the information to help you fulfill these requirements:

Driver License Examiner's Office
1040 Coliseum Boulevard
Montgomery, AL 36109
(334)272-8868 or (334)242-4141

Offices for renewals only

• 100 S. Lawrence Street (334)832-1605.
• 3032 Woodley Road, in Capitol Plaza (334)281-9999.
• 5340-A Atlanta Highway, in Eastmont Plaza Shopping Center (334)272-8505.

Tags/Registration:

Newcomers must transfer their vehicle title and obtain their Alabama automobile license plates within 30 days of establishing residency. Tags may be purchased in the Commissioner of Licenses Office in the Courthouse or one of the satellite offices.

Call for information on what you will need to bring.

Montgomery County Commissioner of Licenses
100 S. Lawrence Street
Montgomery, AL 36109
(334)832-1233.

Satellite Offices

• 3032 Woodley Road in Capitol Plaza (334)281-9999
• 5340-A Atlanta Highway, in Eastmont Plaza Shopping Center (334)272-8505

Voter Registration

It is important to remember to register to vote in your new hometown. Voter registration must be completed at the County Courthouse 10 days before any election. You may be able to register at other locations around the city. Please call the Courthouse to find the nearest location. You will need a valid driver license or other form of identification, and your Social Security number. Special assistance for people with disabilities is available.

For more information or to register contact:

Board of Registars
Montgomery County Courthouse
100 S. Lawrence Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
(334)832-1215

Hunting/Fishing/Boating

Hunting, fishing and boating licenses are issued yearly.
Boat registration is required. Licenses can be obtained at any of the three Probate Office branches, between 8a.m.-5p.m. Monday through Friday. Office locations are:

• 100 S. Lawrence Street, (334)832-1233.
• 3032 Woodley Road, in Capitol Plaza (334)281-9999.
• 5340-A Atlanta Highway, in Eastmont Plaza Shopping Center (334)272-8505.

Marriage

The minimum age is 18 years; men and women age 14-17 must have written parental consent and both parents must be present. Marriage Licenses may be obtained at the Montgomery County Probate Office, located in the Montgomery County Courthouse, 100 S. Lawrence Street. The cost is $40.00 Call (334)832-1235 for more information.

Volunteer Opportunities

The Volunteer and Information Center, Inc., is a clearinghouse, matching individuals and groups wishing to volunteer, and those with special needs, with agencies and organizations in the tri-county area. A major focus of the center is recruiting and placing volunteers in community services. The center produces several publications, including The Community Resources Directory, The Clubs and Organizations Directory, and The Senior Solutions Brochure. For more information about volunteering, or to receive one of the center's publications, write or call:

Volunteer and Information Center
P.O. Box 4206
312 Montgomery Street, Suite 303
Montgomery, AL 36103
(334)264-INFO (4636)

Registering a Child in School

To register a child in local public schools, the child must be age 5 (for kindergarten) or age 6 (for first grade) on or before Sept. 2. The following documents are needed:

1. Proof of residence.
2. Social Security card for the child.
3. An Alabama immunization certificate.
4. An official copy of the birth certificate.
   
   For registration or information, call the MPS public information office at (334)269-3828.

Commercial Real Estate Starting a Business - Utilities

Telephone Service:
Call BellSouth to arrange for business service and phone number. Businesses automatically receive a one-line, one-heading listing in the White Pages and in the Yellow Pages. For Small Business service, call (334)557-6000 in Alabama, or 1-800-285-4410 outside Alabama. For Complex Business service, call 1-800-945-6500 in Alabama, or 1-800- 770-4766 outside Alabama. Visit the BellSouth Website at www.bellsouth.com.

Electrical Service:
You may call Alabama Power Company's 24- hour Customer Service Center at (334)223-5000. You will need to provide your business address, and the clerk will give you deposit and fee requirements. If you are out of the service area of Alabama Power Company, you may need to contact Dixie Electric Cooperative at (334)288-1163. Provide the clerk with your business address for information on rates, fees, and deposit requirements. If your business will be located outside the service range of both Alabama Power Company and Dixie Electric Cooperative, contact the Alabama Rural Electric Association at (334)215-2732 for more information.

Water Service:
Call the Montgomery Water Works & Sanitary Sewer Board at (334)206-1600. The clerk will check the account for your business address and tell you the amount of deposit required.

Gas Service:
Call the Alabama Gas Corporation at (334)263- 2341. If gas was used at your business address previously, your deposit will be based on previous usage. If you need new service, the clerk will arrange for marketing personnel to contact you for a site inspection to determine the amount of deposit. Visit the Alabama Gas Corporation online at www.alagasco.com

Alabama Requirements

Contact the alabama Department of Revenue ((334)242-1170 for information) to determine if a priviledge license is required. If so, purchase it from County and State Licenses, at the Montgomery County Courthouse, Priviledge License division: call for information at (334)832-1248. Domestic corporations (incorporated in the state of Alabama) need to contact the Alabama Department of Revenue, Corporate Tax Division, at (334)242-9800 for instructions, This office is located at 50 N. Ripley Street, 36104. You must register for any corporate taxes administered by the Alabama Department of Revenus.

Also, contact the Alabama Department of Revenue, Withholding Tax Section, (334)242-1300, to determine if requirements for Alabama Individual Estimated Income Tax (Form 40ES) are met.

This will include requirements for proprietors, partners, corporate shareholders, etc.

For more information about Alabama Department of Revenue requirements for businesses in the state, visit the department's Website at www.ador.state.al.us

Income Tax
For all questions and requirements about withholding income tax on any employees (including yourself), you may call the Alabama Department of Revenue, Income Tax Division, at (334)242-1000 for information. You must file an Application for Alabama Withholding Tax Code Number (Form WH-1) with the Alabama Department of Revenue, Income Tax Division-- Withholding Tax Section, 50 North Ripley, Montgomery, AL 36104.

Sales Tax
If you sell tangible property or amusement, you must collect state sales tax of 4 percent. Counties and cities charge additional sales taxes. File an Application for Sales Tax License and Sales Tax Return (Form St-1) with the Alabama Department of Revenue, Sales and Use Tax Division, P.O. Box 327710, Montgomery, AL 36132; or call (334)242-1490 for more information. As a business owner, you are responsible for finding out if you must collect sales tax.

County Requirements

The county has specific licensing fees and requirements depending on the type of business you plan to own and operate. For specific information about the requirements for what you have planned, please contact the Montgomery County Courthouse Business License Division at (334)832-1248 and ask to speak to the clerk.

City Requirements

If your place of business is within the city limits of Montgomery, you will need to check with City Hall about obtaining a business license and filing correct tax information; and to check on regulations such as zoning and traffic as they apply to your business. The following offices will help you get started: City Hall, 103 N. Perry Street; information: (334)241-4400.

Building Permits/Inspections

• Building: (334)241-2072
• Electrical: (334)241-2081
• Plumbing/Gas Mechanical: (334)241-2088
• Business License: (334)241-2036
• Zoning: (334)241-2722
• Sales Tax & Business License Division: (334)241-2036
• Health Department: (334)263-6671
• Fire Department, Bureau of Codes and Standards: (334)241-2891
• Planning Controls--zoning and land use: (334)241-2722
• Planning, Programming, and Transportation: (334)241-2712
• Traffic Engineer: (334)241-2910
• City Engineer: (334)241-2690
• Water works & Sanitary Sewer Board: (334)206-1600
• Sanitation Department: (334)241-2750

Bus Service

In 1886 the Capitol City Railway Company began service in downtown Montgomery with America's first city wide Electric Trolley system. Soon to be known as the "Lightning Route," the system enjoyed great success. Operational until 1936, when they were replaced by buses, the Lightning Route served Montgomery for nearly fifty years.

As a special service, the Montgomery Area Transit System offers a special charter-service "Lightning Route"Trolley, a replica of the first electric railway system trolley in the world.

The charming trolley-styled bus can be reserved for special occasions including weddings and after-rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, conventions, client entertainment, association meetings and industrial groups.

There are now eleven (11) Fixed Standard Bus Routes that serve the greater Montgomery area. For time tables and maps and information on Demand Response Services or Montgomery Area Paratransit Service , see the Montgomery Area Transit systems website, or call (334)262-7321.

National bus transportation is also available from Montgomery at the Greyhound Bus Station, 210 S. Court Street. For information, call Greyhound Bus Lines at 800-231-2222; or speak to the local agent by calling (334)834-1114.