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.
If you’re wondering “How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in Alabama?” you are not alone. If you have decided to form a company, the first step is to reserve a name. Listed below are the steps to reserve an LLC name in Alabama. You must first visit the Alabama Secretary of State’s website to fill out a Certificate of Formation form. You can choose from the categories of Organization and Individual. After you’ve selected the category, type in the name of your business. You may pay $10 or $25 for name reservation, which is a small fee compared to what you’ll pay for filing your business documents.
Before you can begin filing your business formation documents, you must reserve your LLC name in Alabama. You can either file a Name Reservation Request Form for Domestic Entities online or by mail. You must pay a fee of $25 if you choose to file by mail or online. Mail-in Filers must submit the name reservation form at least two weeks before filing the Certificate of Formation. You may also submit it when filing your Certificate of Formation. Mail-in filers must submit the name reservation form two weeks before registration.
You must pay a fee of $25 to the Secretary of State to reserve an LLC name. In Alabama, you can file your name reservation application online or by mail. The online application process is faster and more convenient than the paper application, but filing by mail requires a $25 filing fee. In Alabama, you can file online with the Secretary of State’s Business Services. When filing online, make sure to check if the name you’ve selected is already reserved by another entity.
If you’ve decided to form an Alabama LLC, you will need a name. Your LLC name must be distinguishable from other companies operating in the state. You cannot use restricted words in your name, which can make the name appear like an official institution. If your name contains banking or insurance terms, you’ll need to get a letter from the state’s Banking Commissioner’s office. Similarly, if you intend to use a professional designation in your name, you’ll need a letter from the state’s governing body.
Before you file your Certificate of Formation, you’ll need to submit a Name Reservation Form to the Alabama Secretary of State. In addition to paying a fee of $25, you’ll also need to complete the Name Reservation Request Form for Domestic Entities. Make sure you submit your name reservation request form at least two weeks before your business’s scheduled date of filing. You can file the name reservation online or mail your application. When you’ve finished completing the form, the Secretary of State will send you a copy of your completed name reservation certificate.
Once you have your business name and registered agent, you need to find a registered agent in Alabama. A registered agent can either be a resident of the state or a corporation authorized to conduct business there. The person you select will act as your registered agent and must contact the Secretary of State’s office regularly. Make sure to publicize the address of your registered agent. This person will act as your company’s registered agent, ensuring that all LLC communications reach the proper party.
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