New to Huntsville? Start power, gas and water with Huntsville Utilities (256-535-1200), transfer your tag and license, claim the homestead exemption by Dec. 31.

Last checked Oct. 17, 2026. This page links our own guides and the official start-service pages. Sources: Huntsville Utilities, the City of Huntsville’s utilities, sewer and pet license pages, and the Madison County License Department.

Welcome to Huntsville. Most of the city is in Madison County, and one utility, Huntsville Utilities, handles your power, natural gas and water. Use this checklist; each line links to the official page or to our fuller guide.

Your first calls

  • Power, gas and water: Huntsville Utilities, 256-535-1200, or start service online
  • Car tag and title: Madison County License Department, 256-532-1080, 1918 N. Memorial Parkway
  • Driver’s license: Drivers License Test Center, 7262 Governors West; book with ALEA
  • Garbage cart questions: City Sanitation, 256-883-3964
  • Everything else at City Hall: our who to call guide

Utilities

  • Electricity, natural gas and water: Huntsville Utilities, which is owned by the city and run as a separate authority. Start, transfer or stop service through the My HU portal or at 256-535-1200 (business accounts: 256-535-1317). Bring a STAR ID, or two valid, unexpired government IDs with at least one from HU’s primary list, such as a driver’s license or passport. HU’s requirements page has the full list.
  • Sewer: billed by the city’s Water Pollution Control, based on the water use HU’s meter records. No separate sign-up is listed.
  • Garbage: the city’s weekly pickup fee appears on your HU bill. See our trash and recycling guide.
  • Recycling: opt-in and free; register for a cart with the Recycling Alliance of North Alabama.
  • Outages: 256-535-4448; see our power outages guide.

Internet

Providers that publish Huntsville service pages; check your own address on each:

Car, license and ID

  • Register your vehicle and get Alabama tags at the Madison County License Department, 1918 N. Memorial Parkway, Huntsville, 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. weekdays (motor vehicles 256-532-1080, titles 256-532-3312). The department also has an office at 100 Plaza Blvd. in Madison. Old plates can go in its blue recycling bins.
  • Transfer an out-of-state driver’s license at the Drivers License Test Center, 7262 Governors West, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Madison County says STAR ID, first-time and out-of-state applicants must apply there, and recommends an appointment through ALEA. Driver’s license questions: 256-532-3320.

Home and taxes

  • Homestead exemption: own and live in your home on Oct. 1, then claim it with the Madison County Tax Assessor by Dec. 31. Record your deed with the Probate Office first. See our property tax guide.
  • Property tax: City of Huntsville property in Madison County pays 58 mills; bills are due Oct. 1 and payable through Dec. 31.
  • Building, remodeling or adding a fence or pool? See building permits and zoning.
  • Home values: our home prices page.

Schools

Look up your zoned school on the city’s School Zone Locator, then register online with Huntsville City Schools. See our schools guide.

Voting

Register with the Madison County Board of Registrars or online with the Alabama Secretary of State; the registration deadline for the Nov. 3, 2026, general election is Monday, Oct. 19. See our voting guide.

Pets

Huntsville requires every dog and cat over 4 months old to be registered and licensed each year through Huntsville Animal Services, online or at the shelter, 4950 Triana Blvd., with proof of a current rabies vaccination. Exotic pets do not need a license but must be registered with the city. Register your pet’s microchip with Animal Services at 256-883-3783.

Getting around

Roads, transit, the airport and downtown parking are in our getting around guide; current road work is on road construction and closures.

What this means for you

  • Day one: start Huntsville Utilities service and sign up for recycling.
  • First month: transfer your license and tag, and license your pets.
  • Before Dec. 31: claim your homestead exemption.

More guides: parks and trails, population and history and landmarks.

Frequently asked questions

How do I set up utilities in Huntsville, Alabama?

Huntsville Utilities provides electricity, natural gas and water. Start service online through My HU or call 256-535-1200. You need a STAR ID or two valid government IDs, at least one from its primary list.

Where do I transfer my driver’s license in Huntsville?

Out-of-state license applicants must apply at the Drivers License Test Center, 7262 Governors West, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Madison County recommends booking an appointment on ALEA’s scheduling site.

Where do I register my car in Madison County?

At the Madison County License Department, 1918 N. Memorial Parkway, Huntsville; motor vehicles line 256-532-1080; titles 256-532-3312.

Do I need a pet license in Huntsville?

Yes. All dogs and cats over 4 months old must be registered and licensed each year through Huntsville Animal Services, online at licensepet.com/huntsville or at the shelter, 4950 Triana Blvd., with proof of rabies vaccination.

When is the homestead exemption deadline in Madison County?

Dec. 31. Apply with the Madison County Tax Assessor, 256-532-3350, after you record your deed.