Alabama LLC Name Search

Check if your business name is available in Alabama before you file, then see Alabama's LLC naming rules, fees and filing requirements

Alabama
Filing Fee
$200
Certificate of Formation
Business privilege tax
None for most small LLCs
No annual report. See costs below.
Name Reservation
$25
Required before you file. Holds a name for one year

How Much Does an LLC Cost in Alabama?

Filing your Certificate of Formation in Alabama costs $200. Alabama doesn’t require LLCs to file an annual report. Instead, LLCs may owe a business privilege tax to the Department of Revenue, though LLCs whose tax would be the $100 minimum have been exempt since 2024.

  • Certificate of Formation

    Attach your name reservation certificate. Source →

    $200

  • Business privilege tax

    It’s filed with the Department of Revenue and based on net worth. Since 2024, LLCs whose tax would be the $100 minimum don’t owe or file it. Source →

    None for most small LLCs

  • Name reservation

    Required before you file. Holds a name for one year. Source →

    $25

  • Trade nameOptional

    Only if you do business under a name other than the LLC’s legal name. Source →

    $30

Checked against official Alabama sources on October 23, 2026. Fees change, so confirm with the state before you file.

LLC Requirements in Alabama

Formation Requirements

Basic Requirements

  • Operating Agreement (recommended)
  • Federal Tax ID (EIN)
  • Business Licenses (if applicable)

Registered Agent

Alabama requires all LLCs to maintain a registered agent in the state.

Contact the Alabama Business Filing Office

Search LLC Name isn’t a government website. For an official answer about a name or a filing, contact the state office directly.

Contact Details

Fax

334-242-4993

Address Information

Mailing Address

PO Box 5616, Montgomery, AL 36103-5616

Physical Address

11 S. Union St, Suite 2017, Montgomery, AL 36104

Official Alabama Resources

Alabama LLC Name Search FAQ

Enter the name in the search at the top of this page. It checks Alabama Secretary of State records and lists businesses with the same or a similar name. Search close variations too: Alabama law requires a new LLC name to be distinguishable on the records of the Secretary of State (Ala. Code § 10A-1-5.03). A clear search is a good sign, but the state makes the final call when it reviews your filing.

It must include “Limited Liability Company” or an abbreviation such as “LLC” or “L.L.C.”. Alabama law requires a new LLC name to be distinguishable on the records of the Secretary of State (Ala. Code § 10A-1-5.03). Words like Bank, Insurance or Trust usually need approval from another agency.

Alabama requires you to reserve the name before you file. A reservation costs $25 and holds the name for one year. Online requests cost $28. You can renew it for another year.

Filing your Certificate of Formation in Alabama costs $200. Alabama doesn’t require LLCs to file an annual report. Instead, LLCs may owe a business privilege tax to the Department of Revenue, though LLCs whose tax would be the $100 minimum have been exempt since 2024.

Yes, Alabama requires every LLC to keep a registered agent in the state who can receive legal documents for the business.

Alabama doesn’t require LLCs to file an annual report. Business privilege tax: none for most small llcs. It’s filed with the Department of Revenue and based on net worth. Since 2024, LLCs whose tax would be the $100 minimum don’t owe or file it. You also need to keep a registered agent in the state.

Registering a trade name with the Secretary of State is optional and costs $30. It lasts five years, and you send three samples showing the name in use.

LLC Name Search in Other States