Alabama Business Entity Search (Step-by-Step Guide)

The Alabama Secretary of State’s online services allows the general public to search the office for various types of entities, including limited liability companies, limited partnerships, nonprofit organizations, professional associations, etc. You may use various search criteria to get the results you are looking for, and upon reviewing the results, you’ll have the option to view further information pertaining to the business entity.

Business search by entity name

Refer to the business entity records page on the Secretary of State’s website.

The following search options will be available:

Once you’ve navigated to the specific webpage, you may enter the name of the business you are searching for. To narrow down your search results even further, enter the following information:

If you have this information on hand, it’s a good idea to filter your search by adding in the relevant info.

Click “Search”

If there are results that are an exact match or partial match, then the table will display the following information:

For further information on the business entity, simply click on the entity ID number. The following information will become available:

Business search by the entity ID

Go back to the Alabama business records webpage and select “Entity Number.”

Enter the six-digit entity number into the search bar.

The is no need to refine your search as that option is not available when searching by entity ID.

Click “Search”

The results will either display a message that says, “No match found.” Alternatively, if the entity ID number exists, it will take you to the business’s information page, where you’ll be able to view detailed company information.

Business search by agent/incorporator/officer

The next search type for an Alabama business is to search using the “Officer/agent/incorporator” names. Simply click on the link that says, “Officer/incorporator/agent.”

Enter the name of the agent, officer, or incorporator you are looking up. The best way to narrow down your search or get the most accurate results is to add the last name first and the first name thereafter. Furthermore, you can refine your search by entering the officer type and place of formation.

As with the entity name and entity ID search options, you’ll have access to the name of the entity name and ID, officer/agent/incorporator, and the position they hold in the company.

By clicking on the entity’s name, you’ll have access to detailed information as you did in the steps above with the previous search criteria.

Business search by month/year/date

Next, you may continue to search by using the month and year link or the exact date of the business’s formation.

In this step, you’ll need to enter the month and year of the business’s formation.

Click the “Search” button or hit Enter on your keyboard.

If there are matching results, you’ll have access to the following:

Simply click on the entity name to view further business information on any company on the list.

Business search by reservation

Another option when searching Alabama registered businesses is to search by reservation ID. This is the number you will have received when requesting a name reservation.

Enter the reservation ID number into the search bar and click “Search.”

If matching results are found, they will display in the table. If not, you will see a message that says, “No matches found.”

Alabama search results

The information that you’ll have access to after using the above-mentioned search methods includes:

Copies of documents and certificates

After conducting an Alabama name search, you may want to obtain copies of specific business documentation.

You’ll need to obtain these copies from the Alabama Secretary of State – Business Services Division.

You may reach out to the Business Services Division via the following methods:

You may request either a plain copy of an Alabama business document which is simply a photocopy of the business’s paperwork. There are no stamps, seals, or endorsements on a plain copy.

However, in the event that you need certified copies of business documents for legal purposes or to submit to financial institutions, then you may request them from the Secretary of State, which includes an endorsement along with a certificate or seal of the Alabama SOS stating that it is a true copy.

The cost of certified copies from the Secretary of State website at https://www.sos.alabama.gov/, varies based on the total number of pages you are requesting to be certified. It’s approximately $17.50 for up to five pages for certified copies, and thereafter an additional $2.50 per page after the first five pages.

Business name availability

Conducting a name search is highly recommended for various reasons. For one, it will save you the hassle of submitting formation documents only to have your business registration declined because your preferred name is too similar to another registered business in the same state.

Additionally, even if the business name has no matching results on the state’s database, it could be trademarked in another state. So you’ll also need to check the trademark database to ensure that no other business entity is using that name either as a legal entity name or trademark.

Another way to tell if the name is available for business registration is to look at the status of the business. If you come across a status that says “exists,” then it means that the company is in good standing and currently conducting business. Alternatively, if you come across statuses that say:

Then is a possibility that the name is available for use. However, you’ll need to double-check this with the business entity records department to make sure. Additionally, if the business name is available, but you do not want to register it at this point, you can put in a name reservation request via the Secretary of State’s office, and this will set it aside for a period of 90 days.

Domain name availability

A suitable domain name is just as important as a professional business entity name. Domain names should be short, uncomplicated, and relevant to your brand. This way, it becomes easier for potential customers to remember and search for your website.

One of the best ways to search for available domain names is to use a professional service like namechk.com. It helps you filter your options and also offers suggestions for alternative domain names in the event that your preferred one is taken.

In terms of cost, domain names are relatively cheap in exchange for giving your brand an online presence and reaching customers from all over the globe.

Fictitious business name search

If you plan on doing business under another name aside from the legal name, then you should register an assumed name or DBA name. A DBA is an abbreviation for “doing business as” name. It must be registered with the state’s office for you to legally operate under that name.

Additionally, a DBA name is separate from your legal name and is especially useful for sole proprietorships and general partnerships. This is because sole proprietorships and general partnerships are required by law to operate under their individual names; registering a DBA will allow these business structures to operate under another name from their personal or individual name.

DBA is also especially useful for established companies looking to operate multiple businesses. If you’re interested in registering a DBA, you may do so with the Department of State.

However, you should ensure that the DBA name does not contain any banking-related words or words that may confuse your organization with a government agency.

Also, keep away from names with any professional designation in DBAs or words that imply that your business is not authorized to pursue by law.