Alabama LLC Name Reservation and Business Name Search Guide
Search the Name of Your Alabama LLC
Though it might be difficult to navigate Alabama business name rules, choosing a unique business name is essential for branding.
By using this guidance, you can confirm that the LLC name you have selected is both available and compliant with Alabama's naming requirements.
LLC Name Reservation Requirement in Alabama
LLC in Alabama must conduct an LLC Name Reservation as the initial step in forming your LLC. Unlike many other states where this step is optional, Alabama mandates it.
Changes in Alabama LLC Filing Procedures
Before 2021, establishing an Alabama LLC involved a two-step process: filing an LLC Name Reservation, followed by the Certificate of Formation.
This requirement has been updated. You can now file both the Name Reservation and the Certificate of Formation simultaneously online.
Instructions on this page cover:
- Checking if your LLC name is available.
- Filing an LLC Name Reservation.
If you are prepared to form your Alabama LLC, we suggest checking the availability of your name but not filing the Name Reservation separately. Instead, go directly to the Alabama LLC Certificate of Formation process where you can submit both the Name Reservation and Certificate of Formation online.
If you are not yet ready to form your LLC, you can search for your desired name to confirm its availability and reserve it for up to one year. When you are prepared to proceed with formation, you can file the Certificate of Formation online using your Name Reservation ID Number.
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Verifying the Availability of Your Alabama LLC Name
Your LLC name must not only be unique but also adhere to Alabama's naming regulations. If your name is identical to or too similar to an existing business name, your filing may be rejected.
Use the Alabama Business Entity Search Tool:
- Access the Alabama Business Entity Search through the Secretary of State's website.
✎ Note:
This tool may also be referred to as the Alabama Business Name Search. Both terms lead to the same database.
Follow these steps:
- Go to the Business Entity Search page for Alabama.
- Put your preferred LLC name here, omitting the "LLC" and all punctuation. It is not necessary to capitalize.
- Use the first part of your name while searching for better results (e.g., "Riverwalk Studio" instead of "Riverwalk Studios LLC").
- Sort the fields "Type", "Place of Formation", "Principal City", and "Status" to "All Records".
- Press "Search".
★ Tip:
Searching for just the main part of your name (e.g., "Riverwalk") is advisable to capture all potentially similar names.
Understanding Alabama LLC Search Results
Interpreting the search results:
- If your search results display names that are distinct and not too similar to yours, then your desired LLC name is likely available.
- If no results are found, it indicates that the name is unique. To be thorough, perform another search using only part of the name.
- If an exact match appears, your name is unavailable.
- If a name very similar to yours is found, your desired name might not be available.
What to Do if Your Desired LLC Name Isn’t Available
If your chosen name is not available, you will need to create an alternative name or variation.
★ Tip:
Wait until your LLC is officially approved before applying for an EIN or purchasing marketing materials to avoid spending on unusable resources.
Contact the Secretary of State for Confirmation
You can verify name availability with the Alabama Secretary of State's office. They can assist you in using the Business Entity Search tool to determine if your name is available.
Business Services Division contact information:
- Phone: 334-242-5324
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM Eastern Time
Alabama LLC Name Requirements
Rules for naming your LLC in Alabama:
Comma Usage: Including or excluding a comma in your name is acceptable
- Green Leaf Innovations LLC
- Green Leaf Innovations, LLC
Designators (Endings):
Your LLC name must include one of the following designators:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Limited Liability Company
★ Tip:
Note: Most people select "LLC".
The following designators are not allowed
Your Alabama LLC must not give the impression that it is an Alabama Corporation or any other type of business entity other than an LLC.
- Inc.
- Corp.
- Incorporated
- Corporation
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Which Words Are Prohibited in My Alabama LLC Name?
Certain terms are restricted and cannot be used in your LLC name unless you have special permission or licenses.
Examples include:
- Architect
- Engineer
- Doctor
- Attorney
- Insurance
- Bank
- Trust
For a detailed list of restricted terms, refer to the Name Reservation Request form.
Your Alabama Business Name Must Be Unique and Distinguishable
Your LLC name must be distinguishable from existing business names in Alabama. This means:
Designators
Different designators do not make names distinguishable.
- Eagle River Ventures, Inc.
- Eagle River Ventures, Corp.
- Eagle River Ventures, L.L.C.
Filler Words
Adding words like "the", "a", or "&" does not make names distinct.
If you wish to use the name Green Meadows LLC, it is unavailable if any of the following names are found:
- The Green Meadows LLC
- A Green Meadows Ltd.
- Green Meadows Enterprises L.L.C.
- Green Meadows Incorporated
Plural or Possessive Forms
Changing a name from singular to plural or possessive does not create distinguishability.
If you wish to use the name Sunny Skies LLC, it is unavailable if any of the following names are found:
- Sunny Skies Creations LLC
- Sunny Sky Creations Inc.
- Sunny Sky Creations, L.L.C.
Numerals
Using numerals instead of spelling out numbers does not ensure distinctiveness.
If you wish to use the name 36 Stars LLC, it is unavailable if any of the following names are found:
- Thirty-Six Stars LLC
- Thirty 6 Stars Inc.
If Your Business Name is Rejected
Should your Name Reservation Request or Certificate of Formation be rejected due to name issues, you will receive a notification from the state with reasons for the rejection.
You can then file again with a revised name.
Filing an Alabama LLC Name Reservation
Steps to file:
Ready to form your LLC now?
You can file both the Name Reservation and the Certificate of Formation simultaneously online.
Not ready yet?
Reserve your LLC name by following the steps below, then use the reservation number when you are ready to file the Certificate of Formation.
You can submit an LLC Name Reservation online or in the mail.
If you file by mail, your LLC reservation will be accepted for a $25 cost and be authorized in 4–7 days.
If you want to submit it online, there is a $28 cost, but your Alabama LLC Name Reservation will be authorized right away.
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Filing Methods
By Mail
- Download and complete the Name Reservation Request form.
- Prepare a check or money order for $25 payable to the "Secretary of State" or use a credit/debit card (complete the Credit Card Authorization form).
- Mail the form and payment to:
Secretary of State
Business Services
PO Box 5616
Montgomery, AL 36103
Online
- Visit the Alabama Secretary of State's Online Services Name Reservation Menu.
- Select "Name Reservation".
- Click "Continue to Application".
Contact Information
Enter your contact details and preferred email address. This email will be used to send your Name Reservation Certificate.
Enter your desired LLC name exactly as you wish it to appear, including capitalization and designator (e.g., "LLC").
Name Reservation
If filing online, choose "Name Reservation Only" if you’re not ready to form your LLC. For immediate formation, select "File of Formation Data" and follow the instructions provided.
- Review and confirm your filing details.
- Complete payment and submit your reservation.
Entity
Type of Reservation:
- Choose "Domestic".
Type of Entity:
- "Limited Liability Company (LLC)".
✎ Note:
Confirm the name's availability; if it is, proceed with the filing. If unavailable, try a different name.
Legal Name
The name you entered previously should automatically populate in the Legal Name field. No further action is required here.
Click Continue. The system will then automatically verify the availability of your desired business name.
Online Filing
If you wish to proceed with just the Name Reservation, select "Name Reservation Only".
Requestor
The Requestor is the individual filing the Alabama LLC Name Reservation. Choose "Individual" for this role.
Click Continue to proceed.
Summary
Review your Alabama LLC Name Reservation submission carefully. Ensure all information is correct and check for any typographical errors.
If you need to make any adjustments, click the Edit buttons.
After verifying that all information is accurate, check the box at the bottom and click Continue.
Payment
Provide your contact and billing details, then submit your payment online.
Congratulations! Your Alabama LLC Name Reservation has been successfully filed with the state.
Alabama LLC Name Reservation approval time (online filing)
When you file your Alabama LLC Name Reservation online, it will be processed and approved immediately.
You will receive an email with a download link within a few minutes. This will be sent to the email address you provided in the "Contact Information" section.
✏️ Important:
Be sure to save your LLC Name Reservation Certificate to your computer or print it out. The download link will be valid for only 15 days.
If you do not download the LLC Name Reservation Certificate within 15 days or if you misplace it, you will need to request a duplicate and pay an additional $28.
We suggest saving a digital copy on your computer and printing several physical copies for your records.
Alabama Business Name FAQs
Do I need a name reservation in Alabama?
Yes, in Alabama, a name reservation is required before you can form an LLC. You must either file a Name Reservation Request and use the reservation number when filing your LLC Certificate of Formation, or complete the Name Reservation at the same time as your Certificate of Formation online filing.
How long does an Alabama LLC Name Reservation last?
An Alabama LLC Name Reservation is valid for one year. According to Section 10A-1-5.14 of the Alabama Code, it remains effective for 365 days from the date of approval. After this period, the reservation expires, and you would need to file a new reservation if you wish to use the same name.
Does Alabama require LLC in the name?
Yes, Alabama requires that your LLC name includes one of the following designators:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Limited Liability Company
Does my Alabama LLC need a DBA?
No, you are not required to file a DBA (Doing Business As) for your Alabama LLC. However, if you want your LLC to operate under a name different from its legal name, you would need to file a Trademark Application, which costs $30. There is no limit to the number of Trademarks or Trade Names an LLC can have.
When would my LLC use a DBA?
For instance, if you form an LLC named Skytree Cruise Lines LLC but wish to operate under the name Sky Cruises, you would need to file a Trademark Registration for Sky Cruises. Without this registration, you can only use the legal name Skytree Cruise Lines LLC. Similarly, if you prefer to omit "LLC" from your name and just use Skytree Cruise Lines, a Trademark for that name is required.
How do I get a business domain name?
Before forming your LLC, it's wise to check if your desired domain name is available. You can search for available domain names through services like GoDaddy.
What does "distinguishability" mean?
Distinguishability means that each business name must be unique and not identical to any existing names on record with the Secretary of State. For example, if you want to name your LLC Camellia Landscapers LLC but another entity is already registered as Camellia Landscapers, Inc., you cannot use that name. Your LLC name must be distinguishable from existing business names.
How do I come up with a business name?
Choosing a business name is crucial for branding. Start by listing the features of your company and potential names. Refine your list by eliminating less suitable options and consider variations. Get feedback from others and revisit your list periodically. Trust your instincts and choose the name that feels right for your business.
Can I use the name of another Alabama entity?
No, you cannot use the same name as another Alabama business, regardless of the entity type. Even if the existing entity is not in good standing, you cannot use its name. However, if the entity is dissolved, the name becomes available for use.
How do I change my LLC name?
To change your LLC's name, file an Amendment form with the Secretary of State. Detailed instructions for changing an LLC name in Alabama can be found in our step-by-step guide.
How to start an LLC in Alabama?
Starting an LLC in Alabama involves these steps:
- Choose an LLC name and ensure it's available.
- Select an Alabama Registered Agent.
- File the Alabama LLC Certificate of Formation.
- Complete and sign an LLC Operating Agreement.
- Obtain a Tax ID Number (EIN) from the IRS.
- Open an LLC bank account.
- Check if you need a business or sales tax license in Alabama.