Alabama business search
Alabama's official business search is Business Entity Records, run by the Alabama Secretary of State. It's free, and you can search by name, file number, officer or agent.
Search Alabama recordsHow to check if a name is taken in Alabama
- Type the main words of the name into the search. Leave off endings like LLC or Inc.
- Look for exact matches and close ones. States usually refuse a name that only differs by punctuation, spacing or the ending.
- If nothing close comes up, run a free trademark search. A state accepting your name doesn't give you the right to use it as a brand.
LLC name endings in Alabama
An LLC's name has to end with one of these: LLC, L.L.C., Limited Liability Company.
Once the name is clear
Alabama charges $200 to form an LLC and $200 to form a corporation. See how to start an LLC in Alabama, or a Alabama DBA if you only need a trade name.
Alabama business search questions
Is the Alabama business search free?
Yes. The Alabama Secretary of State doesn't charge to search its records.
Does searching reserve a name in Alabama?
No. A search only shows what's on record today. The name is yours once your filing is accepted, and most states also let you pay to hold a name for a set time.
Can I see who owns a Alabama LLC?
The record shows what Alabama requires a company to file, which is often its registered agent and sometimes its managers or members. Many states don't list owners at all.