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

Last updated: March 19th, 2024
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If you’re planning on starting a new business in the state of Alabama, you’ll need to conduct a name availability search. The following step-by-step guide will show you how to conduct an Alabama business entity search.

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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.

Alabama search tips

When conducting your Alabama business entity search, keep the following guidelines in mind:

    • The search is not case-sensitive, and all alphabets are treated as uppercase, so using small letters is acceptable, even the letters that the name starts with

    • Adding or removing spaces in business names will give you inaccurate results, so avoid doing so

    • If you’d like to narrow down your search to a specific business structure, like limited liability partnerships, then add designators such as LLC, LLP, Corp., Inc., etc.

    • Punctuation marks are ignored during the search, so there’s no need to enter them even if the business name contains them

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:

  • Entity name
  • Entity number
  • Officer/Agent/Incorporator
  • Month and year
  • Date
  • Reservation number
  • Select “Entity name”

1
Enter the name of the business entity

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:

  • Type
  • Place of formation
  • Principal city
  • Status

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

Click “Search”

2
Review the results

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

  • Entity name
  • Entity ID
  • City
  • Type
  • Status

3
Review additional business information

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

  • ID number
  • Type
  • Mailing address
  • Principal address
  • Qualify date
  • Place of formation
  • Formation date
  • Nature of business
  • Registered agent name
  • Registered agent street address
  • Capital paid in
  • Capital authorized
  • Incorporator name, address, and mailing address
  • Business filings
  • Any/all scanned documents

Business search by the entity ID

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

1
Enter the entity ID

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”

2
Review the results

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.”

1
Enter the official’s name

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.

2
Review the results

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.

3
Review detailed business information

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.

1
Enter the month and year

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.

2
Review the results

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

  • Entity name and ID
  • Type
  • Date
  • Transaction

3
Review detailed business information

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.

1
Enter the reservation ID number

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

2
Review the results

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:

  • Entity name
  • Entity ID
  • City
  • Status
  • Type
  • Mailing address
  • Principal address
  • Qualify date
  • Place of formation
  • Formation date
  • Nature of business
  • Registered agent name
  • Registered agent street address
  • Capital paid in
  • Capital authorized
  • Incorporator name, address, and mailing address
  • Any/all scanned documents

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:

Physical address:
RSA Union Building – Suite 770, 100 North Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36130

Mailing address:
PO Box 5616
Montgomery, AL 36103-5616

Phone: 334-242-5324
Fax: 334-240-3138

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:

  • Withdrawn
  • Merged
  • Previous name

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.

FAQs

How do I find out if a name is taken for a business?

The best way to find out if a business name is taken or not is to conduct a name search on the state’s website. If there are matching entries, they will be displayed as the state keeps a record of all registered business entities.

What is the difference between a company name and a business name?

A company name is a legal entity that is distinct from its owners. A business name might simply be the first and last name like John Smith if you are a sole trader.

What are some tips for naming a business?

Some tips for naming an Alabama base- business include choosing a name that people can pronounce and spell, making your name web-friendly, and picking a name that’s consistent with your brand and also not too similar to a competitor’s name. Ultimately, when choosing a name for your business, you should follow state naming guidelines.

What is service of process?

Service of process refers to the legal process of letting a business know that legal action has been taken against them. The individual responsible for serving the legal correspondence is referred to as a service of process or registered agent.

What are for-profit corporations?

A for-profit corporation is simply an organization that intends to earn profits via its operations. Some examples of for-profit organizations or for-profit corporations are construction companies, airlines, publishing companies, retail stores, and restaurants.

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