How to Get Certificate of Compliance in Alabama (2024)

The Certificate of Compliance in Alabama is a significant document that is required if you expand your business to another state. When you file an LLC in Alabama, you must submit a handful of documents to the Secretary of State. In case you take your business beyond the state border, you need this additional document, commonly known as the Certificate of Good Standing.

In this article, LLCBuddy editors share the ins and outs of Alabama Certificate of Compliance. You’ll also learn what the uses of this document are other than having a foreign LLC out of state. We shared how to get the Certificate of Compliance in Alabama. The Certificate of Compliance is one of the most important documents your business needs. Whether it is the LLC filing or a corporation filing in Alabama or any other form of business, the Certificate of Compliance must be obtained. Let’s dive in and get your business one step closer to achieving its goals!

What is Certificate of Compliance in Alabama

The Certificate of Compliance is a document that every business in Alabama requires to obtain. This document states that the company (LLC, Corporation in Alabama, Partnership, etc.) complies with the State government. In other words, the business has fulfilled all the legal requirements in Alabama. Whether you form an LLC or any other form of business, you must get this document.

If you take your business to a different state, Certificate of Compliance will be a necessary document to be produced. It shows that your business does not have any illegitimate or outlawed activities. Besides, LLCs that are reinstating or restoring after dissolution must obtain this document.

What Information You Have in Alabama Certificate of Compliance

The Certificate of Compliance consists of very pivotal information related to your business. Following is the information your Certificate of Compliance will have-

The entity type (LLC, Corporation, LLP, LP, or any other registered entity type) when it was formed
The date of filing the business entity (filing the formation document).
The current name and address of the business entity
Whether the business entity exists today
Name and address of the Resident Agent
The State where the document is issued
A declaration that the business entity has paid all the required taxes and complies with all applicable legal requirements.
A declaration that the business entity met all the requirements to get the document.

Who Should Obtain the Certificate of Compliance

Any business entity, a Limited Liability Company (LLC), a Corporation, a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), a Limited Partnership (LP), or any other registered business structure in Alabama is eligible to obtain the Certificate of Compliance. Anyone with a sole proprietorship does not need to obtain the Certificate of Compliance because sole proprietorship companies do not have to register their business.

How to Obtain Alabama Certificate of Compliance

The Alabama Secretary of State issues this document. To obtain the Certificate of Compliance, you must fill out the form and send it to the Alabama SOS along with the required filing fees. There is some information you will need to enter while submitting the form. Here are the points to add-

Step 1: Get the Form

In Alabama, you must request a Certificate of Compliance through the ADOR – Department of Revenue – Certificate of Compliance. The Alabama Revenue Department carefully reviews the application and issues the Certificate. $14 must be paid to the Revenue Department for the application ($10) and processing ($4).

The following points are required to be mentioned in the form-

Details of The Requester: The first information you need to provide is the details of the requester. Provide your full name, address (which can be your business address), and phone number.

Name of Your Business: Provide the exact name of your business. Make sure no spelling mistakes are made. The spelling must be the same as mentioned in the Certificate of Formation. Besides the name, provide the company registration number or file number. The SOS issues this number after you file the Certificate of Formation. This is not mandatory, but it is recommended that you share the file number to get the process done quickly.

Details of Return Method: The certificate can be collected in person or by mail from Alabama SOS. If you request the document in person, you can take the return in person or by mail. Choose which way you want it.

Copies of the Certificate: You can request the number of copies of the certificate from SOS. There is a box in the form you need to check for multiple copies of this document. You can obtain more than one copy of the Certificate of Compliance for various purposes. It is recommended that more copies of the certificate be obtained for future use.

Fax Copy of the Certificate: You might get a Fax copy before receiving the certificate’s hard copy. This is one of the options available in some of the states. If you want to receive the fax copy of the certificate, you must provide the fax number while filing the form.

Copies of Other Documents: If you want, you can request copies of other documents filed with the SOS. Other documents include the Alabama Certificate of Formation for LLCs, Certificate of Incorporation for corporations, LLC amendment, corporation amendment, and other registered documents with the SOS. This is optional, and you can avoid this. You must pay a stipulated fee for every copy you request.

Step 2: Submit the Form

You can submit the form online, by mail, or in person, whichever is available and more convenient. Send the form to the Secretary of State, P.O. Box 5616, Montgomery, AL 36103 for offline filing. You must search the Alabama SOS official website for the appropriate form.

Step 3: Filing Fee and Processing Time

A filing fee of $28 (online) OR $10 (offline) OR $105 (for expedited processing) must be paid to the SOS to obtain the Certificate of Compliance. The amount might be more depending on the number of copies you request. If you request other document copies, you might have to pay an additional fee for that.

Processing Time: The Certificate of Compliance’s processing time varies from state to state. Also, it depends on the expedited filing as well. It can take a few days to a few months to obtain the Certificate of Compliance in Alabama.

Step 4: Receive the Certificate of Compliance

Once you submit the form and the necessary filing fee, your forms start processing. The process might take a lot of time. If you do not want to wait, you can check with the Alabama SOS if they have expedited filing or not. In Alabama, it can take up to a few months to receive the Certificate of Compliance.

Why Do You Need a Certificate of Compliance

The Certificate of Compliance in Alabama is a character certificate of any business. Obtaining this document makes your business legitimate officially. You need this document every now and then while making business decisions. You must obtain the document for the following reasons,

To get business loans and advances or investors
To get business bank accounts
To purchase insurance for business coverage
To renew licenses & permits
To set up your business in other states, for example, a Foreign LLC.
To sell or transfer your business completely or partially to another.
To get into a legal business contract with other businesses or clients.
If your LLC is dissolved for any administrative reasons and you want to restore it, you must obtain the Certificate of Compliance for reinstatement.

The document is required as much as the formation document. Hence, obtaining the Alabama Certificate of Compliance is needed.

FAQs

What is an Alabama Certificate of Compliance?

An Alabama Certificate of Compliance is a document that certifies a vehicle meets the state’s emissions and safety standards.

How do I obtain an Alabama Certificate of Compliance?

You can obtain an Alabama Certificate of Compliance by having your vehicle inspected at an authorized inspection station.

Where can I get an Alabama Certificate of Compliance?

Alabama Certificates of Compliance can be obtained at authorized inspection stations throughout the state.

How often do I need to get an Alabama Certificate of Compliance?

Alabama Certificates of Compliance are usually valid for one year, so you will need to renew it annually.

Do I need an Alabama Certificate of Compliance to register my vehicle?

Yes, in Alabama, you typically need a current Certificate of Compliance to register your vehicle.

Can I get an extension on my Alabama Certificate of Compliance?

Extensions on Alabama Certificates of Compliance are generally not granted, so be sure to plan ahead for your inspection.

How much does an Alabama Certificate of Compliance cost?

The cost of an Alabama Certificate of Compliance varies depending on the type of inspection required for your vehicle.

What documents do I need to bring to get an Alabama Certificate of Compliance?

When getting an Alabama Certificate of Compliance, make sure to bring your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and any previous inspection records.

What happens if my vehicle fails the Alabama Certificate of Compliance inspection?

If your vehicle fails the inspection, you will need to make necessary repairs and have it re-inspected to receive a Certificate of Compliance.

What are the consequences of driving a vehicle without an Alabama Certificate of Compliance?

Driving a vehicle without a current Alabama Certificate of Compliance could result in fines, penalties, or even the suspension of your vehicle registration.

Can I transfer an out-of-state emissions test to an Alabama Certificate of Compliance?

Alabama usually requires vehicles to undergo an Alabama-specific emissions test, so you may need to have a separate inspection done here.

Are there any exemptions to the Alabama Certificate of Compliance requirements?

Some vehicles, such as classic cars or certain commercial vehicles, may be exempt from specific Alabama Certificate of Compliance requirements.

What are the emissions requirements for an Alabama Certificate of Compliance?

Alabama has specific emissions standards that vehicles must meet in order to receive a Certificate of Compliance.

What is included in the safety inspection for an Alabama Certificate of Compliance?

The safety inspection for an Alabama Certificate of Compliance typically includes checks of your vehicle’s brakes, lights, tires, and more.

Can I renew my Alabama Certificate of Compliance online?

Alabama’s Certificate of Compliance renewal process may vary by county, so it’s best to check with your local DMV for renewal options.

Does my new vehicle need an Alabama Certificate of Compliance?

New vehicles typically do not need an immediate Alabama Certificate of Compliance, but it’s always best to check with state regulations for specifics.

How long does it take to get an Alabama Certificate of Compliance?

The time it takes to get an Alabama Certificate of Compliance can vary depending on the inspection station’s workload and the condition of your vehicle.

What do I do if my Alabama Certificate of Compliance sticker is lost or damaged?

If your Alabama Certificate of Compliance sticker is lost or damaged, you will need to contact the inspection station for a replacement.

Can I have my out-of-state vehicle inspected for an Alabama Certificate of Compliance?

If you recently moved to Alabama with an out-of-state vehicle, you may need to have it inspected for an Alabama Certificate of Compliance.

Where can I find a list of authorized inspection stations for an Alabama Certificate of Compliance?

You can find a list of authorized inspection stations on the Alabama Department of Revenue’s website or by contacting your local DMV.

What are the penalties for not having an Alabama Certificate of Compliance?

Penalties for not having a current Alabama Certificate of Compliance may include fines, vehicle impoundment, or suspension of registration.

Can I appeal if my vehicle fails the Alabama Certificate of Compliance inspection?

If you believe your vehicle was unfairly failed during an Alabama Certificate of Compliance inspection, you may have the option to appeal the decision.

Are there alternative methods to obtaining an Alabama Certificate of Compliance?

Some counties in Alabama may offer alternative methods, such as remote sensing testing, for obtaining a Certificate of Compliance.

Do electric vehicles need an Alabama Certificate of Compliance?

Yes, even electric vehicles in Alabama may require a Certificate of Compliance, as they still need to meet safety and emissions standards.

How do I know if my vehicle needs an Alabama Certificate of Compliance?

In Alabama, most vehicles need a Certificate of Compliance to register, so it’s best to check with your local DMV for specific requirements.

Can I renew my Alabama Certificate of Compliance before it expires?

It is recommended to wait until your Alabama Certificate of Compliance is closer to expiring before renewing to ensure you have a valid certificate.

What do I do if my Alabama Certificate of Compliance expires while I am out of the state?

If your Alabama Certificate of Compliance expires while you are out of state, you may need to address it promptly upon returning to ensure compliance.

Are there any government assistance programs for obtaining an Alabama Certificate of Compliance?

Certain counties or municipalities in Alabama may offer programs to assist low-income individuals with obtaining a Certificate of Compliance for their vehicles.

Can I have a mobile mechanic inspect my vehicle for an Alabama Certificate of Compliance?

In Alabama, the inspections for a Certificate of Compliance must be performed at authorized inspection stations, not by mobile mechanics.

What types of businesses need an Alabama Certificate of Compliance?

Any business operating in Alabama that is required to comply with state regulations may need to obtain an Alabama Certificate of Compliance.

In Conclusion

The Certificate of Compliance is a vital document for any business entity in Alabama, as it enables you to expand your operations throughout the United States. It’s essential to provide accurate and truthful information in this document. If you plan to establish the same business in another state, obtaining a Certificate of Compliance is necessary.

While forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a Corporation in Alabama, it is necessary to have some documents filed with the State authority. The Certificate of Compliance is one of them. In some cases, if the business gets shut down or dissolved due to administrative reasons, this document helps the owners retrieve their business in the future. In this article, we shared DIY ways to get the document, but you can always hire a professional to get that for you.