Forming an LLC requires a distinct business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is Alabama’s Secretary of State page includes a name availability checker. Check out our LLC Name Search to learn more.
Meanwhile, if you’re interested in learning more about starting an LLC in Alabama or forming an LLC in general, you can check out How to Start an LLC.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
How to Name an LLC in Alabama
Time needed: 5 minutes
Here is a guideline on how to do an Alabama LLC name search. Check out LLC Naming Guidelines to learn more or read Foreign LLC Application for Registration if you’re planning to register a foreign LLC.
- Check Name Availability
Search the Business Entity Records in Alabama’s Official Secretary of State page to check if your chosen business name is available. You may also try searching for your trademark, business, or domain name using any search engine to generate businesses with similar names and to ensure your trademark meets the state’s requirements.
Check out How to File a DBA to learn more about registering a DBA or trademark. For social media pages, use Social Searcher to avoid using similar page names. - Check Domain Availability
If your business name is still available, you must register for a domain name using Namecheap, Google Workspace, or other domain name sites. So customers can easily find your business over the Internet. Use the Kinsta app to manage your domains efficiently.
- File Name Reservation
A Name Reservation Certificate is required along with a Certificate of Formation. You can reserve a name online, by mail, or in person with a $25 filing fee (plus tax for online).
File your Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of Alabama. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to Secretary of State Business Services P.O. Box 5616, Montgomery, Alabama 36103-5616.
Guidelines to Follow in Naming LLC
- Use a business name with the abbreviation “LLC” or the phrase “Limited Liability Company.”
- Your decided business name must not coincide with any existing government entity. Otherwise, you might have to face legal lawsuits when filing your LLC.
- Use the LLC name availability checker to ensure your business name is unique.
- Get a license first if you plan on using restricted words to avoid any complications.
Note that you must put adequate effort into naming your LLC because this name will be with your business for a long time. Making your LLC name unique is vital as it would prevent people from confusing your business with others, not to mention it would be easier for them to recall your business, products, or services.
How to do an Alabama LLC Online Name Search
Business names are essential. When you’re starting an LLC in Alabama, choosing a name is hard as it will have to be appealing to customers and following some guidelines. To ensure that the name you want is still available, you may do an online search in several ways:
Search by the name
Once you reach the official business entity search page, just type in the business name in the search field to find out if it has already been used. To get a more refined search, you may fill out other details such as the following:
- Name
- Type
- Place of formation
- Principal City
- Status
After entering these details, press the search button. You will see a much better search result on the screen. You can check them out to help you decide.
Search by entity number
Another option is searching for a business entity is by entering the unique six-digit entity ID number. You just have to type the entity number in the search field and then press the search button. You will get all information about the LLC registered under the entity ID. Make sure to check the search results to ensure your LLC stands out.
Search by Agent, Officer, or Incorporator
Aside from the name and entity ID, you can also enter the name of the person connected with the business you want to find. You may also want to indicate the location of the LLC to get a better outcome.
Search by Month and Year
You can use the month and year when the entity was registered on the website of the Secretary of State to get information about all entities registered within the specific month or year.
Search by Date
If the month and year search yields many businesses, you should use the exact date when the business entity was formed or registered to get a more refined search. You can also use the place of formation to find all necessary details of the business.
Search by Reservation ID
Business entities are also required to have a business reservation number, which is generally found at the bottom-left corner of the reservation certificate. You may type in a reservation ID and you’ll find the information about the specific entity. Since the reservation ID is unique, you will have a more precise search result than using a name or date.
How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in Alabama
To reserve an LLC name in Alabama you need to submit a name reservation request form to the Alabama Secretary State by mail, in person or online by paying a filing fee of $25.
The first step in reserving an LLC name in Alabama necessitates performing a thorough search to ensure your desired name is unique and available for use. You don’t want to inadvertently use a name that is already claimed by another business, as this could lead to legal disputes down the road. Before making any reservations, a careful search should be conducted on the Alabama Secretary of State’s website to check if the name is already reported.
Once you’ve determined that your desired name is available, the next step is to file an Application for Reservation of Name with the Alabama Secretary of State. This application can be conveniently completed online, saving you time and effort. The form will require you to provide basic information such as your personal details, the name you wish to reserve, and any additional information needed to process the application.
When submitting your application, it is important to remember that there is a non-refundable fee involved. The current fee can be found on the Alabama Secretary of State’s website, and it may vary from time to time. It is advisable to double-check the fee before submitting your application to ensure accurate payment. While this fee may seem like an unnecessary expense, it is a small price to pay for the security and exclusivity that come with reserving a unique name for your LLC.
Upon successful submission of your application, the Alabama Secretary of State will undertake a review process to verify the given information and to ascertain the uniqueness of your desired name. You will be notified of the status of your application within the specified timeframe provided by the authority. During this stage, patience is key, as the administrative process may take some time. If your application is approved without any issues, congratulations! You have successfully reserved a name exclusive to your business.
It’s worth noting that the reservation of an LLC name in Alabama is valid for a limited timeframe. As of the time of this writing, a reserved name will be valid for a period of 120 days. Therefore, it is important to stay proactive and act quickly if you plan to convert your reservation into an official LLC. Failing to do so may result in the loss of your reservation, potentially derailing all the efforts put into securing that name.
Reserving an LLC name, while a relatively simple task, is an important step on your entrepreneurial journey. By ensuring your desired name remains unique to your business, you can prevent future legal complications, safeguard your brand, and establish a distinctive presence in the market. So, take the necessary steps, follow the guidelines provided by the Alabama Secretary of State, and secure your preferred name today.
F.A.Qs
A trade name (doing business as (DBA) name) is the official name under which a proprietor or company chooses to do business.
Having a domain isn’t necessary, but it is recommended. If you have a domain name, customers will find you more accessible through online means with your online website.
For domestic LLC, you can simply brainstorm for another name if the one you pick is no longer available. For foreign LLC, you must think up a “fictitious name,” which you’ll use only in the state.
In Conclusion
LLC names are important as it is the main identity of your business. While naming your LLC make sure to choose the one that suits the nature of your business. Follow the naming guidelines before you start filing your LLC name
