New to Mobile? Start water with MAWSS, power with Alabama Power and gas with Spire, register your car with the License Commission and swap your license within 30 days.

Last checked Oct. 17, 2026. This page is an index for new residents; it links to our other guides and to each provider’s own sign-up page. Sources are linked in each section.

Welcome to Mobile. First, check that your address is inside the city limits with the city’s MyPlace tool. It also shows your garbage day, trash day, City Council district and county commission district. Mobile expanded west in 2023, so some newer neighborhoods are now in the city.

Who to call

  • City services: Mobile 311, 311 or 251-208-5311
  • Water and sewer: MAWSS, emergencies 251-694-3165 (24 hours); new service request
  • Power: Alabama Power, 1-800-888-2726
  • Natural gas: Spire, 800-292-4008; gas emergencies, 911
  • Car tags and titles: Mobile County License Commission, mobilecountylc.gov
  • Driver’s license: ALEA, 3400 Demetropolis Road, 251-315-0201

Our guides for new residents

Water and sewer: MAWSS

The Mobile Area Water and Sewer System (MAWSS) is the city’s water and sewer utility for emergencies and service calls, according to the City of Mobile. Check that MAWSS serves your address with its provider lookup, then request new service online. From MAWSS:

  • Orders take 24 to 48 hours; incomplete applications are delayed.
  • You need photo ID and your Social Security number, plus a valid lease or deed. MAWSS may ask for proof of service from another utility.
  • A security deposit and service charge apply.
  • Someone must be home to sign a ticket saying it is safe to turn on the water. If no one is there, the meter is left off with instructions to turn it on yourself.

To move service within the area, use MAWSS’s transfer service page.

Power: Alabama Power

The City of Mobile lists Alabama Power as its electric utility. Start service through alabamapower.com or the company’s customer service line, 1-800-888-2726. Sign up for outage alerts by texting ENROLL to 272688.

Natural gas: Spire

The city lists Spire for natural gas. Start service at spireenergy.com or call customer service at 800-292-4008. For a gas leak, leave and call 911.

Internet

Providers and speeds vary by street. Look up your exact address on the FCC National Broadband Map, which lists the providers that report service there, then sign up through the provider’s own site.

Your car: tag, title and insurance

Register your vehicle and transfer your title with the Mobile County License Commission, which lists offices at 3925 Michael Blvd., 151 Government St., 5808 U.S. 90 West, 4557 St. Stephens Road and 19135 S. Main St. Check wait times and hours and the vehicle registration page before you go. You will need a valid Alabama insurance card with the NAIC number, policy number and VIN.

Your driver’s license

You can drive on a valid license from your previous state for 30 days after becoming an Alabama resident, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. If your out-of-state license has not been expired more than a year, you do not have to take the driving test. You must surrender all other licenses to get an Alabama one. The Mobile County office is at 3400 Demetropolis Road, 251-315-0201. Check the STAR ID document list before your visit.

Homestead exemption

If you bought a home, record your deed with Mobile County Probate Court, assess the property with the Revenue Commission and claim your homestead exemption by Dec. 31 for a home you owned and lived in on Oct. 1. See our property tax guide or call 251-574-8530.

Your dog

Mobile requires a city license for dogs over 3 months old, with proof of rabies vaccination, from Mobile Animal Services. Under a November 2022 ordinance, a dog that is microchipped and registered with a national microchip registry does not need the city license. Licenses are sold at the shelter from noon to 4 p.m. weekdays or by mail. Call 251-208-2800.

Register to vote

Update your registration online or with the Mobile County Board of Registrars, 251-574-8586. Registration closes 14 days before each election. See our voting guide.

Frequently asked questions

How do I start water service in Mobile, Alabama?

Request new residential service from the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System, MAWSS, online. Bring photo ID and a lease or deed; orders take 24 to 48 hours, and someone must be home to sign a service ticket when the water is turned on.

Who provides electricity and gas in Mobile?

Alabama Power provides electricity and Spire provides natural gas, according to the City of Mobile. Alabama Power’s line is 1-800-888-2726 and Spire customer service is 800-292-4008.

How long do I have to get an Alabama driver’s license after moving to Mobile?

A new resident with a valid license from their previous state may drive on it for 30 days, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. The Mobile County driver license office is at 3400 Demetropolis Road, 251-315-0201.

Do I need a dog license in Mobile?

Dogs over 3 months old need a city license with proof of rabies vaccination, unless the dog is microchipped and registered with a national microchip registry, under a 2022 city ordinance. Call Mobile Animal Services at 251-208-2800.

When is the homestead exemption deadline in Mobile County?

Claim it with the Mobile County Revenue Commission by Dec. 31 for a home you owned and lived in on Oct. 1. Call 251-574-8530.