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.
How Do I reserve an LLC name in Alabama? Having a name in mind is crucial when starting a new business. The state of Alabama requires that all businesses register their name with the Secretary of State of Alabama. You can reserve an LLC name in Alabama online or print a PDF version. To reserve a name, you must enter your company information and select the desired LLC name. In Alabama, you must also appoint a registered agent. This individual must be physically located in Alabama and be available to receive documents and answer questions.
If you wish to use the name of an existing company, you can do this online or by mail. The process is quick and painless, and will cost you only $28 online. Once completed, you will receive a reservation certificate in your email. Be sure to double check your filing for any typos or inaccuracies. After completing the application form online, you can submit it. If you prefer to file your LLC name by mail, you can receive approval almost immediately.
Once you have your company name reserved, you will need to file formation documents with the Alabama Secretary of State within the required time frame. The name reservation will protect your preferred business name for up to one year. Regardless of whether you are forming a limited liability company or an LLC, you should reserve your name as soon as possible so that your company can avoid having your name stolen by someone else. It’s vital to reserve your LLC name before someone else does!
To reserve an LLC name, you must file a Certificate of Formation with the Judge of Probate in the county where you live or plan to establish your business. Once you have this document, the judge will stamp it with an LLC name and forward it to the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State has a list of probate judges and their addresses, and submitting the name reservation certificate with the certificate is the next step.
When forming an LLC in Alabama, you must first file for a Certificate of Name Reservation with the Secretary of State. If you have a foreign LLC, you should follow the instructions provided for the Certificate of Formation. If you have an Alabama-based LLC, you can also register online with the Secretary of State’s online services. If you need help with the name reservation process, the Secretary of State will send you the completed name reservation certificate.
The name of your Alabama LLC should be unique and distinguishable from other businesses in the state. It should not contain words or phrases that are restricted in some ways. These words are often used by LLC owners to avoid sounding like an official organization. You may also want to choose a trade name, which is known as a DBA (doing business as) or “assumed name.”
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