Key Takeaways

  • Alabama requires a name reservation before filing an LLC, unlike many other states.
  • The Alabama Secretary of State offers multiple search options: by name, entity number, or officer/agent.
  • Search results provide key business details, including status, formation date, and principal address.
  • Some industries and words in business names (e.g., “bank,” “insurance,” “engineer”) require additional approval.
  • An Alabama business entity search helps verify availability of names, check business standing, and conduct due diligence.

Alabama Business Entity Search

Performing an Alabama business entity search can help you get to know more about a local LLC or find out if a business name you wanted to call your LLC is already taken. The process can be somewhat difficult, but you can make it easier with a few simple steps.

Alabama LLC Name Search and Name Reservation

If you're looking to form an LLC in Alabama, the first thing you need to do is check the availability of your desired name with a name search. Most states actually don't require this to be done first, but Alabama is one of the few exceptions. You can fill out a name reservation form online, which is much easier and typically has a faster approval time. For a $28 fee, you can get instant approval online. If you do it by mail, it will cost $10 for approval in 1 week and $25 for approval in 3 days.

There are a few rules about naming conventions that you must follow when naming an LLC.

  • Your company name must end in LLC or L.L.C.
  • You cannot use any form of incorporated or corporation
  • It must be clearly distinguishable from existing company names (differences in grammar and designators do not qualify)

Other Name Reservation Methods

In addition to reserving a name online, Alabama allows name reservations through mail and in person. Mail applications typically require one week for processing, while expedited service (three business days) is available for an extra fee. If submitting by mail, applicants must complete a Name Reservation Request Form and include the $10–$25 fee, depending on the processing option chosen. For businesses that anticipate filing formation documents later, reserving a name in advance helps prevent competitors from registering it first.

Name Reservation Online

To get the process started, go to the Alabama Secretary of State website. The site is fairly easy to navigate. Just follow these simple steps:

  • Click Name Reservation Menu
  • Click Name Reservation
  • Click Non-Subscriber
  • Fill out necessary info then click Continue
  • In the New Name Reservation space, make sure you include LLC at the end of your company name
  • Type of Reservation - Domestic
  • Type of Entity - LLC
  • Click Name Reservation Only
  • Requestor is an - individual

After you've completed these steps, you'll have to agree to terms and conditions and pay the required $28 fee. Shortly after submission, you should receive approval. Then, all you have to do is select the LLC's registered agent and file the certificate of formation.

Tips for Choosing a Business Name

When conducting an Alabama business entity search for naming purposes, keep in mind:

  • Distinctiveness matters: Small differences such as punctuation or “LLC” vs. “L.L.C.” do not make a name unique.
  • Avoid misleading words: Terms suggesting government affiliation, professions, or regulated industries may require prior approval.
  • Trademark conflicts: A name may be available with the state but still infringe on a federal or state trademark. It is wise to search the USPTO database as part of your process.
  • Future growth: Choose a name that allows room for expansion into other goods, services, or regions.

Restricted Industries in Alabama

There are a few industries in Alabama with some specific stipulations you need to consider if you want to open that kind of business. For example, you cannot use any banking related terms in your name without approval from the Alabama State Banking Department. The Alabama Department of Insurance has to approve if you want to use insurance or insurer in your name. Finally, if your company wants to use the word engineer or engineering in their name, you must prove that you are a licensed engineer by the Alabama Board of Engineers & Land Surveyors.

Speaking of licenses, you must also provide proof of a license if you want to hold any professional designation. These include professions such as doctor, veterinarian and attorney, among others.

Why Use an Alabama Business Entity Search?

The Alabama business entity search is useful for more than just reserving names. Key purposes include:

  • Checking availability: Ensure your preferred business name is free before filing formation documents.
  • Due diligence: Verify the legal status of potential partners, suppliers, or competitors.
  • Compliance: Confirm that your business remains active and in good standing with the Secretary of State.
  • Transparency: Access to public records helps protect consumers and fosters accountability in the business community.

Alabama Business Entity Search: Corporation, LLC, Partnership

Any member of the public can search the database of the Alabama Secretary of State for a variety of legal entities such as limited liability companies, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, limited liability limited partnerships, corporations and professional associations.

When you get the results, you have access to more details about each entity if you want to investigate further. There are a few ways you can conduct your search that might make the process easier.

Information Available in Search Results

When you click into a business entity record, you will typically see:

  • Legal name of the business
  • Entity type (LLC, corporation, LLP, etc.)
  • Formation or registration date
  • Entity ID number
  • Status (active, dissolved, cancelled, etc.)
  • Principal office address
  • Registered agent name and address
  • Officers, directors, or incorporators (if applicable)

These details help confirm whether a business is active, who is legally responsible, and how to contact them.

Search by Name

There's a quick link you can follow if you want to search the Alabama database for business by name. The search can be enhanced if you input additional information like entity type, place of formation, status, and city of principal address. When you click on one of the results, you'll have access to a lot more information about the business including the type, ID number, address, formation date, and more.

Search by Entity Number (6 Digits)

Each business registered in Alabama has a 6-digit entity number that's assigned once a business is formed and registered. You have no option to refine the search using this method, as it will only return the single business that holds the corresponding entity number.

Search by Agent, Officer or Incorporator

With this method, you can search for a business by entering the last name and first name of an individual connected to the company. The search can be refined if you know the type of officer the person is as well as the business' place of formation.

How to Access and Use Search Results

Search results are displayed in a list format. Clicking an entity name opens a detail page, which may include filing history, amendments, or dissolution records. Businesses often use this information when:

  • Filing a lawsuit or claim against an entity.
  • Negotiating contracts, to confirm the other party’s legal authority.
  • Evaluating competitors, to learn how long they’ve been operating.
  • Maintaining compliance, by checking your own entity’s record for accuracy.

Certified copies of documents, such as Certificates of Existence, can also be ordered directly through the Secretary of State’s office for a small fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Do I need to reserve a business name before forming an LLC in Alabama? Yes. Alabama requires you to reserve your business name before filing your Certificate of Formation.
  2. How much does it cost to reserve a business name in Alabama? Online reservations cost $28. By mail, fees range from $10 to $25 depending on processing speed.
  3. What information can I find in an Alabama business entity search? You can find business status, formation date, registered agent details, principal address, and officer or incorporator information.
  4. Can I use restricted words in my Alabama business name? Yes, but you must obtain approval from the appropriate state department (e.g., banking, insurance, or engineering).
  5. How do I get a Certificate of Existence in Alabama? You can request it online from the Secretary of State’s website once you locate your entity record in the database.

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