Quick Answer
Use the Alabama Secretary of State’s Business Entity Records page to search Alabama business entities by entity name, entity number, officer, agent, incorporator, or reservation and registration ID. For a basic LLC name check, start with the Entity Name search option, then review exact and similar results before relying on a name.
How to Search Alabama Business Entity Records
The Alabama search flow starts from the Secretary of State’s Business Entity Records page. That page lists multiple search paths, and each option opens in a separate browser window.
- Open the official Alabama Business Entity Records page.
- Choose Entity Name for most business name and LLC lookup searches.
- Enter the distinctive part of the name first. Avoid adding punctuation, commas, or extra words unless you need to narrow a large result set.
- Review exact matches and close variations.
- Open any relevant entity record to check the entity ID, status, registered agent, and filing details shown by the state.
How to Interpret Alabama Results
An Alabama result does not automatically mean a name is unavailable, and no result does not guarantee approval. Look for exact matches, names that differ only by entity ending, and records that may create a conflict because they are too similar. If you are forming an LLC, compare the core wording of your proposed name before the LLC designator.
Alabama notes that it moved from a six-digit to a nine-digit entity ID format, so older references may show shorter IDs. If you are searching by entity number, include leading zeros when the official record uses them.
Alabama LLC Name and Filing Notes
The Alabama Secretary of State lists a domestic LLC filing fee of $200. The state’s LLC guidance also says a domestic LLC name must include “Limited Liability Company” or an abbreviation such as “L.L.C.” or “LLC.” Alabama requires a Certificate of Name Reservation before filing formation documents, so name search should be treated as one part of the filing workflow rather than final approval.
For current filing forms, fees, and name reservation requirements, use the official Alabama Secretary of State pages linked below.
Common Mistakes
- Searching only one exact spelling and missing close variations.
- Assuming “no results” is the same as state approval.
- Adding “LLC” too early and missing records that use the same core name with a different ending.
- Confusing the business entity record search with legal advice or a formal name reservation.
Sources Reviewed
FAQ
Is the Alabama business entity search free?
The public Business Entity Records search is available through the Alabama Secretary of State’s website. Fees may apply for filings, copies, certificates, or other state services.
Can I check Alabama LLC name availability from this page?
You can enter a name here to prepare your search, but the official check must happen on the Alabama Secretary of State website. EntitySearch.us does not perform live Alabama name availability checks.
What is the Alabama LLC filing fee?
The Alabama Secretary of State lists the domestic LLC filing fee as $200 on its LLC guidance page. Verify the current fee with the state before filing.