Living in Baldwin (A-Z Guide)
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O, P | Q | R | S | T | U, V | W | X, Y, Z
A
Absentee Voting Information
Visit baldwin.alacourt.gov/absentee-voting for applications, instructions, and deadlines
Alabama, does not have early voting. Instead, any qualified voter may vote using an absentee ballot if they meet certain requirements, either by mail or in person at the Office of Brenda Q. Ganey.
Questions about Absentee Voting, including how to apply for an Absentee Ballot, how to apply and vote Absentee in Person, where to find applications to vote Absentee, deadlines, how to return your ballot, who can return your ballot, and other requirements to Vote Absentee should be directed to the Office of Brenda Q. Ganey. Visit baldwin.alacourt.gov/absentee-voting
View Absentee Voting FAQ
Absentee voting is a two-step process:
- 1. Apply for an absentee ballot:
Learn where to find absentee ballot applications and requirements here: baldwin.alacourt.gov/absentee-voting
Detailed application instructions: Absentee Application Instructions (PDF)
2. Complete and return your absentee ballot: If your application is approved, complete your absentee ballot and return it to the Absentee Election Manager (AEM). Detailed instructions: Absentee Ballot Instructions (PDF)
Voters may choose to vote by mail or in person
Addressing
The Baldwin County 911 GIS & Addressing Division creates and maintains 911 addresses outside city limits.
Services include:
- Assigning new 911 addresses
- Verifying existing addresses
- Road/street naming for private drives, easements, and subdivisions
Contact: - Website: baldwin911.org/gis-addressing
- Email: addressing@baldwin911.org
- Phone: 251-947-3911 Call 251-937-0200
Agendas, Minutes & Meeting Information
Looking for Baldwin County meeting agendas, minutes, or videos?All official meeting information is available online at:
baldwincountyal.legistar.com
🔎 You Can View or Search:
- Official meeting agendas
- Approved meeting minutes
- Available meeting videos
- Meeting files and supporting documents
- Upcoming meeting schedules
- Historical Commission records (1901–Present)
🏛️ Types of Meetings Available
The site includes:
- Baldwin County Commission Meetings
- Board of Adjustment Meetings
- Planning & Zoning Meetings
- Baldwin County Local Emergency Planning Committee Meetings
- Baldwin County Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee Meetings
- Eastern Shore Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Technical Advisory Committee Meetings
- Eastern Shore Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Citizens Advisory Committee Meetings
Historical Commission Meetings
View meeting minutes from Commission meetings dating back to 1901. Historical Commission meetings are available from 1901 to present, though very early records may include minutes only.
- Go to: baldwincountyal.gov/government/baldwin-county-commission
- Select Meeting Agendas/Minutes
- Select: baldwincountyal.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
Use the drop down next to the “Search” field. Years available are 1901 to present
Appointments for ALEA Services
Visit alabamadl.alea.gov Schedule, cancel, or reschedule an appointment for any of the services below
- Boating License
- CDL Test
- Motorcycle License/Endorsement
- Non-Driver/State ID
- Driver License Renewal
- Permit/Driving Test
- Road Test
- STAR ID
Appointments for Probate Services
Schedule, cancel, or reschedule an appointment for any of the services below at services.baldwincountyal.gov/probateappointments
- Business Licenses
- Boat Registration
- Boat Renewal
- Business Licenses
- Driver License Renewal
- Manufactured/Mobile Home Registration
- License Plate or Tag Registration and Renewal
- Trailer Registration
- Vehicle Registration
B
Baldwin Count Services or CRO: 251.580.1666
COURT REFERRAL OFFICERS or CRO's oversee the education, treatment, monitoring and drug testing for individuals convicted of alcohol and drug-related offenses offers educational programs that include Anger Management, and some Court Ordered Driving School.
Burn Ban
If you are asking about burn bans, open burning laws, fire restrictions, Red Flag Warnings, Fire Alerts, Fire Danger Advisories, or drought conditions in Baldwin County, see the information below.
Annual State Law Burn Ban (includes Baldwin County)
Effective May 1 through October 31 each year.
Under Alabama state law, open burning of vegetative debris and land-clearing debris is prohibited in Baldwin County during this period.
This restriction is enacted by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) to help prevent wildfires during peak dry season.
This applies to: Yard debris burning, Land clearing burns, Outdoor debris piles
Official Burn Restrictions: forestry.alabama.gov/Pages/Fire/BurnRestrictions.aspx
Fire & Weather Alerts – What They Mean If you are searching for current fire danger level, weather fire warnings, or emergency burn notices, these are the official alert types:
🔴Red Flag Warning
Issued by the National Weather Service
Critical fire weather conditions
Check current warnings: weather.gov/bmx/firewx4
🔥 Fire Alert
Issued by the Alabama Forestry Commission
⚠️Fire Danger Advisory
Issued by the Alabama Forestry Commission
Updates available at:
forestry.alabama.gov
Local news & official social media
🌵Drought Emergency
Issued by the Office of the Governor of Alabama
Check:
Governor’s Newsroom
forestry.alabama.gov
Local media & official social media
🌲 Fire Weather Resources
forestry.alabama.gov/Pages/Fire/Burn_Weather.aspx
Burn Permits
If you are searching for burn permits, how to get a burn permit, prescribed burn permit, agricultural burn permit, forestry burn permit, Alabama burn permit number, or online burn permit application, see the information below.
Burn permits are issued by the Alabama Forestry Commission.
Under Alabama Law (9-13-11), a permit is required for:
Permits are issued through the Alabama Forestry Commission Dispatch Center.
How to Get a Burn Permit
By Phone
Call: 800-392-5679
Certified Prescribed Burn Managers can get a permit online at Burnpermits.Forestry.Alabama.Gov.
C
Child Support
Child support services in Baldwin County involve multiple agencies: DHR, district attorneys office and circuit clerk's office depending on the type of child support case. Questions about child support can be answered by the Agency involved in your case or depending on your specific situation.
Circuit Clerk’s Office Child Support Division
Handles filings, transfers, and records for child support cases
Contact Circuit Clerk’s Child Support Division
251.937.0280
baldwin.alacourt.gov/child-support
Department of Human Resources (DHR) Child Support
Handles child support cases involving
- Separated but married parents
- Paternity cases (when paternity is established without a child support order)
- Acknowledgment of Paternity (completed at the hospital or DHR office)
Contact DHR Child Support
251.945.2400
dhr.alabama.gov/child-support-enforcement-division
District Attorney’s Office Child Support Division
provides legal assistance in child support cases
- assists families to establish paternity
- secure compliance with support orders
Contact DA Child Support
251.945.2400
baldwincountyal.gov/government/district-attorney/child-support
Color Code
Color code is the randomized drug testing system used by CRO officers. Participants are assigned an individual color (e.g., teal, watermelon, brown, indigo, bronze, gray, blue) and must call a specific number daily to learn which colors are required to report for testing that day. If a participant's assigned color is called, they must report to a designated collection site within the specified time frame. Contact Baldwin Court Services at 251.580.1666 if you have issues or questions
Compost
Compost, when available, can be picked up at the Magnolia Landfill, MacBride Lanfill or Bay Minette Transfer Station.
Call 251.972.6878 to check availability
For more information about compost including pick up times, price,and other informatioon, please visit baldwincountyswda.org/solid-waste-faq
Court Referral Office/CRO
COURT REFERRAL OFFICERS or A court official who evaluates and monitors individuals convicted of alcohol- or drug-related offenses. CROs oversee court-ordered education, treatment, drug testing, and monitoring; refer individuals to approved programs (such as counseling, AA/NA, Anger Management, or driving school); track compliance; They manage the Color Code program. Call 251.580.1666 to reach the Baldwin Court Services CRO office.
Covenants, Rules and Restrictions for Subdivisions
Use the Baldwin County Probate Office Records Division online portal at baldwin.al.publicsearch.us to locate Subdivision covenants, rules or restrictions that were recorded in Baldwin County. Search using the subdivision name, the select a document in the results provided to view the original recorded document. You can download and print copies of documents, however you will need to register for an account to do this or order certified copies.
D
Divorce
What is the divorce process?
For information about the divorce process in Baldwin County, contact the Baldwin County Circuit Clerk's Office – Domestic Relations Division
- Website: baldwin.alacourt.gov/domestic-relations/
- Phone: 251.937.0280
How/Where do I file for divorce?
Divorce filings must be made through the Baldwin County Circuit Clerk's Office – Domestic Relations Division.
- Website: baldwin.alacourt.gov/domestic-relations/
- Phone: 251.937.0280
What documents are required to file for divorce?
For a list of required documents and filing instructions, contact the Baldwin County Circuit Clerk's Office.
- Website: baldwin.alacourt.gov/domestic-relations/
- Phone: 251.937.0280
How do I get a copy of my divorce certificate?
A divorce certificate provides basic information such as names of the parties and the date of divorce.
You may request a copy from the Alabama Department of Public Health – Baldwin County Health Department – Vital Records Division.
- Website: alabamapublichealth.gov/baldwin/vitalrecords
- Phone: 251.947.3618
How do I get a copy of my divorce decree?
A divorce decree contains the full details of your divorce judgment.
Copies can be requested from the Baldwin County Circuit Clerk's Office.
- Website: baldwin.alacourt.gov/domestic-relations/
- Phone: 251.937.0280
How do I find my divorce date?
To obtain your official divorce date, contact the Baldwin County Circuit Clerk's Office.
- Website: baldwin.alacourt.gov/domestic-relations/
- Phone: 251.937.0280
E
F
G
H
I
J
Job Resources
- Search The Alabama Department of Labor’s job postings alabamaworks.workforce.alabama.gov
- Baldwin County Commission governmentjobs.com/careers/baldwincountyal
- Baldwin County Public Schools bcbe.org/departments/human-resources/job-postings
- Baldwin County Top Employers belonginbaldwin.com/grow-your-career
- Municipalities in Baldwin County have job openings on their individual pages baldwincountyal.gov/municipalities
- State of Alabama Jobs personnel.alabama.gov/Jobs:
L
Baldwin County Public Libraries
Public Library Locations
Library locations are available throughout Baldwin County.
View a list of library branches and locations on the BCPLS website:
baldwincountyal.gov/community/bcpls
Search, reserve, and borrow books from all Baldwin County libraries
How do I search for books across all Baldwin County libraries?
Use Baldwin TLCdelivers. Enter a title, author, subject, or keyword in the search bar to find books in all county libraries.
How do I place a hold on a book/reserve a book?
Log in using your library card, select the item, and choose Place Hold to request pickup at your preferred library location.
What if the book isn’t at my home library?
Place a hold anyway. Our courier service will deliver it from another library to your home library for pickup.
Can I choose a specific copy of a book?
Yes. When placing a hold, select a specific copy or choose “First Available” for the fastest option.
How can I check if a book is available?
The book’s page shows availability, number of copies, and any current holds.What details will I see about a book?
You’ll see the author, subjects, tags, summary, location, and availability.
How do I renew library materials?
Books, audiobooks, videos, and other materials can be renewed online at baldwin.tlcdelivers
How do I get a library card?
You can get a Baldwin County library card by visiting your local library location in person. A library card provides access to physical materials and digital resources offered by BCPLS.
How do I search the library catalog?
You can search the BCPLS library catalog online to find books,audiobooks, videos, and other materials available at Baldwin County libraries.
Search the library catalog: baldwin.tlcdelivers.com
Digital and online resources available with a library card with a valid Baldwin County library card, BCPLS provides access to a varietyof digital and online resources, including:
- Alabama DMV Practice Test
- Alabama Virtual Library with magazine, journal, and newspaper databases for research
- CamelliaNet digital resources: camellia.overdrive.com
- Children’s (Kids) catalog and family-friendly resources
- Homework Alabama – free one-to-one tutoring, test preparation, learning tools,and job search assistance: tutor.com/homework-alabama
- Learning Express Library for test preparation, skill building, and career development
- Libby access for eBooks and audiobooks:
libbyapp.com
M
Mosquito Control
Mosquito Control – Baldwin County
Get help or apply:
- Inside city limits: Contact your municipality for mosquito control services. Find city contacts at baldwincountyal.gov/municipalities
- Outside city limits (county-maintained roads): Baldwin County contracts with Vector Disease Control International (VDCI). Request additional spraying at vdci.net or call 1-800-256-1784
N
O, P
Passports
General Passport Information
- The U.S. Department of State provides official guidance on passport applications, processing times, required photos, fees, and forms.
Visit: travel.state.gov
Applying for a New Passport
- Information about applying for a New Passport can be found at travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
- Certain facilities that accept passport applications on behalf of the U.S. Department of State include select post offices, public libraries, local government offices and Clerks of Court
- To find a nearby acceptance facility, search by ZIP code using the Passport Acceptance Facility Search Tool at: iafdb.travel.state.gov
- The Circuit Clerks office in Bay Minette, Fairhope and Foley accept Passport Applications. For details, visit baldwin.alacourt.gov/passport-information
Emergency, Urgent, or Expedited Passport Services
- Emergency, urgent, and expedited passport services, including fast processing options, are provided by the U.S. Department of State.
Visit: travel.state.gov/passports/get-fast
Renewing or Replacing a Passportstrong>
- Information on how to renew or replace a U.S. passport is available through the U.S. Department of State.
Visit: travel.state.gov/passports/have-passport
Pistol Permits
Pistol permits in Baldwin County are issued by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Department.
Apply or manage your permit:
- Online: baldwinal.permitium.com/ccw/start (new permit, renewals, replacements for lost permits, address changes)
- Questions: Call 251-937-0200
Prescription Drug Disposal in Baldwin County
Year- round Prescription drug drop off locations can be found using the US Department of Justice DEA Search at apps.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch.
R
Road Name Request
- The Baldwin County 911 GIS & Addressing Division processes request for roads/street names for private drives and easements.
Contact:
- Website: baldwin911.org/gis-addressing
- Email: addressing@baldwin911.org
- Phone: 251-947-3911 Call 251-937-0200
S
Social Security
Local SSA Office:- 101 Courthouse Drive
- Request a new Social Security card
- Request a replacement Social Security card
- Social Security benefits information
More information: Visit: ssa.gov Call: 1-800-772-1213
Fairhope, AL
(Next to the Fairhope Satellite Courthouse)
Local Office Phone:
📞 866-837-5964
Social Security services include:
T
U, V
Visitation Baldwin County Jail
For information on scheduling a visit with an inmate incarcerated at Baldwin County Corrections Center including
- how to create an account with their online scheduling vendor
- how to make appointments,
- and
visitation rules
- visit sheriff.baldwincountyal.gov
W
The Circuit Clerk serves as the official record keeper and business manager for all District and Circuit Court proceedings in Baldwin County, part of the 28th Judicial Circuit of Alabama. Visit https://baldwin.alacourt.gov/baldwin.alacourt.gov for information on judges, courts, filing fees, juror information, and more. The office can answer questions about court cases, filing procedures, and accessing public records.
Court Case Information
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find information about a court case?
Court case information can be found by contacting the Circuit Clerk's Office.
Baldwin County Circuit Clerk’s Office:
Phone: tel:12519370280
Website: https://baldwin.alacourt.govbaldwin.alacourt.gov
How do I find my court date?
You can find your scheduled court date by contacting the Circuit Clerk's office.
Baldwin County Circuit Clerk’s Office:
Phone: tel:12519370280251-937-0280
Website: https://baldwin.alacourt.gov
How do I request copies of Court Records?
Court records can be requested from the Circuit Clerk's Office.
Baldwin County Circuit Clerk’s Office:
Phone: tel:12519370280
Website: https://baldwin.alacourt.govbaldwin.alacourt.gov
Court Date Changes
How do I reschedule or postpone my court date / Request a Continuance?
To reschedule or postpone your court date / Request a Continuance, you must submit your request directly to the court handling your case. Continuance requests are not automatically approved.
The Baldwin County Circuit Clerk’s Office can provide information about the continuance process and required forms but cannot offer legal advice.
Phone: tel:12519370280
Website: https://baldwin.alacourt.gov
Filing Fees
Filing fees for Civil, Criminal, Small Claims, Divorce, Custody, and Domestic Relations cases can be found by contacting the Circuit Clerk's Office.
Baldwin County Circuit Clerk’s Office:
Phone: tel:12519370280251-937-0280
Website: https://baldwin.alacourt.govbaldwin.alacourt.gov
Fine Payments
General Information
Fine payment instructions depend on the agency handling the case. Payments may be managed by:
- Baldwin County Circuit Court
- Baldwin County District Attorney’s Office
- A Municipal Court within Baldwin County
Some fines can be paid online, while others require payment by mail or in person. Questions about Municipal Court fines must be directed to the specific municipality.
ONLINE PAYMENTS (District or Circuit Criminal / Traffic Cases)
Eligible District Criminal, Circuit Criminal, or Traffic fines can be paid online.
Website: alapay.com
CIRCUIT CLERK'S OFFICE FINES
Information for fines handled through the Baldwin County Circuit or District Court is available through the Clerk's website.
baldwin.alacourt.gov/baldwin.alacourt.gov
Municipal Court Fines and Payments
Municipal Court fines must be paid directly through the municipality handling your case. Please contact the appropriate Municipal Court for payment options and instructions.
Municipal Courts in Baldwin County include:
JUDGES
Honorable J. Clark Stankoski
- Contact
Phone: 251-937-0237
Mailing Address:
312 Courthouse Square, Suite 21
Bay Minette, AL 36507
🌐baldwin.alacourt.gov/circuit-court/j-clark-stankoski
Honorable Byron Brackin, Circuit Judge
- Contact
Phone: 251.937.0273
Mailing Address:
312 Courthouse Square, Suite 30
Bay Minette, AL 36507
🌐baldwin.alacourt.gov/circuit-court/byron-brackin
Honorable Laurie A. Hoyt, Circuit Judge
- Contact:
Phone: 251.937.0273
Mailing Address:
312 Courthouse Square, Suite 23
Bay Minette, AL 36507
🌐baldwin.alacourt.gov/circuit-court/laurie-a-hoyt
Honorable Karol J. Kemp, Circuit Judge
- Contact
Phone: 251.580.1628
Mailing Address:
312 Courthouse Square, Suite 27
Bay Minette, AL 36507
🌐baldwin.alacourt.gov/circuit-court/karol-j-kemp
Honorable Ashley Siebert, Circuit Judge
- Contact
Phone: 251.937.0290
Mailing Address:
312 Courthouse Sq. Suite 24
Bay Minette AL 36507
🌐 baldwin.alacourt.gov/district-court/ashley-siebert
Honorable Scott P. Taylor, Circuit Judge
- Contact
Phone: 251.580.2570
Mailing Address:
312 Courthouse Square, Suite 22
Bay Minette, AL 36507
🌐baldwin.alacourt.gov/circuit-court/scott-p-taylor
Honorable William E. Scully, Jr., Presiding District Judge
- Contact
Phone: 251.580.1647
Mailing Address:
312 Courthouse Square, Suite 28
Bay Minette, AL 36507
🌐baldwin.alacourt.gov/district-court/william-e-scully-jr
Honorable Michael J. Hoyt, District Judge
- Contact
Phone: 251.990.4655
Mailing Address:
1100 Fairhope Ave
Fairhope, AL 36532
🌐baldwin.alacourt.gov/district-court/michael-j-hoyt
Honorable J. Langford Floyd District Court
- Contact
Phone: 251.972.8573
Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency (EMA)
Get preparedness information, videos, disaster checklists, and emergency alert sign-ups from the Baldwin County EMA.
Prepare & plan:
Storm & emergency updates:
Stay informed:
Monitor local news
Follow official Baldwin County EMA social media
Sign up for Alert Baldwin for emergency notifications
Law enforcement in Baldwin County includes county, municipal, and state agencies.
Who is responsible for law enforcement in unincorporated areas?
The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of the county.
Contact
Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency: 251-937-0210
🌐sheriff.baldwincountyal.gov/home
Which cities and towns within Baldwin County maintain their own police forces.
Municipality Police Departments in Baldwin County can be found below:
- Bay Minette Police: 251-580-2559
- Daphne Police: 251-621-9100
- Elberta Police: 251-965-5300
- Fairhope Police: 251-928-2385
- Foley Police: 251-943-4431
- Gulf Shores Police: 251-968-2431
- Loxley Police: 251-964-6000
- Orange Beach Police: 251-981-9777
- Robertsdale Police: 251-947-2222
- Silverhill Police: 251-945-5200
- Spanish Fort Police: 251-626-4914
- Summerdale Police: 251-947-4010
What State or Specialty Law Enforcement Agencies operate in Baldwin County?
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), including Highway Patrol and State Troopers, operates throughout Baldwin County.
- Mobile office: 251-315-0103
Schools in Baldwin County
Baldwin County Council on Aging serve as an advocate for Baldwin County seniors. To educate and enlist the support of all levels of government, service agencies and private organizations that can assist with securing resources and implementing programs.
- BRATS Public Transportation provides affordable, door-to-door, and deviated fixed-route services via an on-demand app, helping residents and visitors with essential trips like work, shopping, and appointments across the large rural area. BRATS uses technology, including a smartphone app and web booking, to manage demand-response services for the general public, including connecting to other regional transit systems like Wave Transit and Baylinc.
- Website: baldwincountyal.gov/departments/brats-public-bus-transportation
- Get the Mobile App: baldwincountyal.gov/departments/brats-public-bus-transportation
- Phone: 251-972-6817
Contact:
Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA)
The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs has an office located at the Foley Satellite Courthouse, 201 E. Section Avenue, Foley, AL. Phone: 251-937-0218
Office hours and appointment information are available at:
Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) assist veterans, their dependents, and survivors with applying for and processing benefits and entitlements through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as state benefits provided by Alabama law for those who served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Services Available Through the Baldwin County Veterans Affairs Office
- The Baldwin County Veterans Affairs Office can assist veterans and their families with:
- Answering general questions by phone, email, or in person
- Filing original disability claims
- Reopening claims for increased disability ratings
- Appeals
- Clothing allowance claims
- Combat-related special pay
- Non-service-connected pension claims
- Survivor pension claims
- Medical expense reports for proportionate pension recipients
- Survivor Benefit Plan assistance
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) claims
- Burial benefit claims
- VA healthcare enrollment or transfer
- Education benefits
Below is a list of potential utility providers for properties located in towns, cities, and communities throughout our County.
Utility services vary by location based on factors such as:
- Inside or outside city limits.
- Located in a subdivision.
- Proximity to Municipal Utilities.
Services can overlap and you may receive services from multiple providers.
You may need to contact multiple providers to determine which services are available for your specific property.
Baldwin County Commission is not affiliated with Utility Providers.
 |
City of Loxley, City of Robertsdale, Town of Silverhill and Town of Summerdale Gateswood, Clear Springs, Rosinton, Elsanor and Seminole |
City of Spanish Fort, City of Daphne, and City of Fairhope Belforest, Historic Marlow, Fish River, Barnwell, Battles Wharf, Point Clear and Montrose |
City of Bay Minette Little River, Blacksher, Latham, Vaughn, Stockton, Redtown, Lottie, Rabun, Perdido, Carpenter, Blakeley, Bromley, Cottage Hill, Pine Grove, Whitehouse Fork, Crossroads, Dyas, Phillipsville, Vangordon, Stapleton and Steelwood |
City of Foley, Town of Elberta, City of Gulf Shores, City of Orange Beach, Town of Perdido Beach and Town of Magnolia Springs Historic Marlow, Fish River, Bon Secour, Oyster Bay, Miflin, Josephine, Ono Island, Fort Morgan and Lillian |
Contact Baldwin County Citizen Service Center
251.580.1695
Email Citizen Services
Email Webmaster for Web Inquiry
Baldwin County Commission, Alabama. All rights reserved.
Powered by BCC CIS
