New to Birmingham? Start power with Alabama Power, water with Central Alabama Water (205-244-4000) and gas with Spire; tag your car with Jefferson County.

Last checked Oct. 17, 2026. This page links our detailed guides and adds the start-service and registration steps they do not cover. Every link goes to the provider or agency itself.

Welcome to Birmingham. Most of what a new resident needs is split between the City of Birmingham (trash, permits, police, 311), Jefferson County (property taxes, car tags, sewer, voter registration) and the private and public utilities below. Start with the checklist, then use our detailed guides.

First-week checklist

  • Power: Alabama Power, Start, Stop or Move
  • Water: Central Alabama Water, start service or 205-244-4000
  • Gas: Spire, start, stop or move service or 800-292-4008
  • Sewer: Jefferson County Environmental Services, billing 205-325-5390
  • Trash cart: no city cart? Call 311 (205-254-2489) to buy one, the city says

Our guides for new residents

Electricity

Alabama Power supplies Birmingham. Set up service online through its Start, Stop or Move page. Sign up for outage alerts at the same time; the outage line is 1-800-888-2726.

Water and sewer

Central Alabama Water now runs the system that served Birmingham Water Works customers; the utility says all accounts moved to its new customer portal. Start, stop or transfer service through the portal, or call 205-244-4000. Its office is at 3600 1st Ave. N. (caw-al.gov).

Sewer is separate: Jefferson County Environmental Services bills for sewer service; billing is 205-325-5390, and the 24-hour sewer emergency line is 205-942-0681.

Natural gas

Spire serves Jefferson County. Use its start, stop or move service page or call 800-292-4008, weekdays 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for customer service; the same number takes gas emergencies.

Internet

Providers publish their own service maps, so check your exact address with each one. AT&T says it serves Birmingham and posts plans and availability on that page. The Federal Communications Commission’s National Broadband Map lists every provider that reports service at a given address.

Car tags and driver’s license

  • Vehicle registration: the Jefferson County Revenue Department collects motor vehicle taxes and registration fees (Revenue Department); main number 205-325-5171, with offices in Bessemer (205-481-4110), Center Point (205-714-7175), Hoover (205-497-8976) and Gardendale (205-909-3610).
  • Driver’s license: licenses are issued by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Driver License Division (ALEA driver license). Check its page for the documents a new resident needs before you go.

Homestead exemption

If you bought the home you live in, file for the homestead exemption by Dec. 31 for the next tax year at a Jefferson County Tax Assessor office (Birmingham office, 205-325-5505), with your deed or proof of ownership. It is not automatic. Details are in our property tax guide.

Schools

Find your zoned school on Find My Zone, then register new students through the Birmingham City Schools registration page. Central office: 205-231-4600.

Register to vote

Register online through the Alabama Secretary of State or with the Jefferson County Board of Registrars, 205-325-5550. For the Nov. 3, 2026, election the deadline is Monday, Oct. 19.

What this means for you

  • Set up power, water and gas a week before you move in.
  • Tag your car with Jefferson County and get an Alabama license through ALEA.
  • File the homestead exemption by Dec. 31.

Related: Birmingham home prices, Birmingham population and parks and trails.

Frequently asked questions

How do I start electric service in Birmingham?

Through Alabama Power’s Start, Stop or Move page online. Its outage and service line is 1-800-888-2726.

Who provides water in Birmingham?

Central Alabama Water, which took over Birmingham Water Works accounts. Start, stop or transfer service through its customer portal, or call 205-244-4000.

Where do I register my car in Birmingham?

With the Jefferson County Revenue Department, which collects motor vehicle taxes and registration fees. Its main number is 205-325-5171.

When do I need to file for a homestead exemption in Jefferson County?

By Dec. 31 for the next tax year. Bring your deed or proof of ownership to a Jefferson County Tax Assessor office.

How do I register my child for Birmingham City Schools?

New families create a PowerSchool account and complete the district’s online new student registration. Use the district’s Find My Zone tool to see your zoned school first.