Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Starting this December, the city will no longer send business and rental license renewal forms through traditional U.S. mail. Instead, all renewal forms will be delivered only by email. City officials say the change is meant to be more efficient. They also hope it will save money and reduce paper waste.

According to the city, the new email system will begin in December 2025 for the next renewal cycle. Renewals may be submitted on or after January 1, 2026. All renewals are due no later than January 31, 2026. The same January 31 deadline will remain in place every year going forward.

The city is urging all business and rental license holders to check their contact information now. Email will be the primary way the city sends renewal forms and important updates. Officials stress that it is each license holder’s responsibility to keep their email address current in the city’s license records.

Leaders say this change is part of a larger effort to modernize routine city services. By moving away from paper forms and postage, the city expects to lower mailing costs. Staff members also hope the new system will speed up communication with local businesses. Digital delivery is expected to make it easier to track and resend forms when needed.

Under the new rules, payments received after January 31 will be considered delinquent. Late renewals will face penalties as set by city policy. The city is advising business owners to plan ahead and not wait until the last minute. Officials note that electronic systems can still be busy close to a deadline.

City staff are encouraging businesses to review their email spam and junk filters. They want to make sure renewal messages from the city do not get blocked or overlooked. License holders who do not see an expected email are advised to contact the city for help. Keeping a record of emails from the city could also help resolve future questions.

The city’s Revenue Department will handle questions about the new process. Businesses and rental property owners can call 251-968-1120 for assistance. Staff there can confirm email addresses and explain how to submit payments. They can also answer questions about deadlines and possible penalties.

Officials emphasize that the main details of the renewal schedule are not changing. Renewals open at the start of January and must be completed by the end of that month. What is changing is how forms and notices reach customers. The city hopes that by relying on email, it can serve local businesses faster and more reliably.