How to Do a Alabama Business Name Search
Selecting the right name is an essential first step for your Alabama LLC, requiring you to ensure the name’s availability. Doing an Alabama business name search is vital to avoid infringing on existing business names and intellectual property rights within the state.
Our Alabama LLC name search guide offers essential tips on checking LLC name availability, reservation, and registration, helping you secure a unique and compliant business identity efficiently.
Alabama Secretary of State: Business Entity Name Search
To search the Alabama business entity database, follow these steps:
- Visit the official website of the Alabama Secretary of State. The Secretary of State’s website provides a business entity search tool that allows you to search for registered business names in the state.
- Go to the Alabama Business Entity Database Search: On the website, locate the section related to business services or business entities. It may be titled “Business Services” or “Business Filings.”
- Within the business services section, you should find a link or tab for searching business entities or business name availability. Click on that link.
- You will be directed to the business entity search page, where you can enter the business name you want to search for. Enter the name in the designated search field and click the search button.
- The search results will display a list of business names matching your search criteria. You can review the list to see if the desired name is available or if it is already registered to another entity.
- Clicking on a specific business name in the search results will provide more detailed information about the entity, including its registration status, address, and filing history.
Here are the links to the relevant websites for conducting a business name search in Alabama:
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By using these resources, you can easily search and find information about registered business names in the state of Alabama.
The Alabama Secretary of State offers a search engine that allows the public to look up any type of entity, including corporations and limited liability companies ( LLC), as well as limited partnerships (LP), limited partnership (LLP), and limited liability limited partnerships(LLLP) through the Secretary of State.
You can search for the entity’s name and number, registered agents, incorporation, and date.
You will be able to view detailed information on the entity after you receive the search results.
How Do I Look Up an LLC in Alabama? (Summary)
If you want to look up an LLC (Limited Liability Company) in Alabama, you can do so through the Alabama Secretary of State website. Here are the steps:
- Go to the Alabama Secretary of State website (https://www.sos.alabama.gov/).
- On the homepage, click on the “Business Services” tab at the top of the page.
- In the “Business Services” dropdown menu, select “Business Entities.”
- On the “Business Entities” page, click on the “Search for a Business Entity” link.
- Choose “LLC” from the “Entity Type” dropdown menu.
- Enter the name of the LLC you are searching for in the “Entity Name” field.
- Click on the “Search” button.
- The search results will display the LLC’s name, entity ID, status, and registered agent information.
If you don’t have the exact name of the LLC, you can also search by the registered agent’s name or by the entity ID. Additionally, you can access other information such as the LLC’s formation date, principal address, and member names by purchasing a business entity report on the website.
Search Business Names in Alabama (Alabama LLC Lookup Guide)
1. Alabama Naming Guidelines
Before you begin your search for a business name, we recommend that your business name meet the guidelines.
The first step to starting an LLC is choosing a name. You should choose a name that is both compliant with Alabama’s naming requirements and that potential customers can find easily.
Follow these naming guidelines:
- Your name must contain the phrase “limited liability company” or one its abbreviations (LLC, L.L.C. ).
- Check with the LLC name availability checker for name availability
- Your name cannot contain words which could cause confusion between your Alabama LLC and a government agency (FBI or Treasury, State Department, etc.). ).
- Restricted words (e.g. Bank, Attorney, and University may need additional paperwork. A licensed individual such as a doctor, lawyer or other professional can also be required to join your Alabama LLC.
2. Search Alabama LLC Name Availability
To check the availability of the entity name you are interested in, use the Alabama Business Entity Search before you submit your name reservation request.
For the best search, enter the entity name that you want to use. This will return all entities with the same or similar name. If the name you are looking for is not found, it means that the name is not available.
When you file online, you will be prompted to conduct a search before you submit your form. To avoid rejection if you file by post, make sure to do a thorough internet search before you submit your paperwork.
3. Register Your Alabama Business Entity Name
Alabama’s Secretary of State Business Entities Division deals with all LLC naming queries and requests. To ensure that the name chosen is available for use, all foreign and domestic LLCs must obtain a Certificate Of Name Reservation. You can request this certificate online or by post.
You will need to pay a filing fee when you reserve your name. You must make checks payable to the “Secretary for State”. To submit an online request, those who aren’t subscribers to Alabama Interactive will need to pay $28 additional. You do not need to pay an additional fee to file a request by mail.
Visit the Alabama Business Entity Records Page
Business Entity Search Options
Entity Name
Entity Number
Officer | Agent | Incorporator
Month and Year
Date
Reservation | Registration by ID
Search by Alabama Entity Name
First, you must navigate to Alabama’s Business Entity Search website. Only the name of the entity to search for is required. However, you can refine your search by entering additional information:
- Name
- Type of entity
- Place of formation
- City of principal address
- Status
Simply enter the required fields and click search. The Alabama business name search is free.
Alabama Business Name Search – Additional Steps
1. Trademark Search
When searching for a business name, it’s important to note that availability doesn’t necessarily mean the name is free to use if it’s already a registered trademark.
To avoid potential complications down the line, it’s wise to conduct a thorough trademark search using the Trademark Electronic Search System before finalizing a business name.
When searching for a business name, it’s important to note that availability doesn’t necessarily mean the name is free to use if it’s already a registered trademark.
To avoid potential complications down the line, it’s wise to conduct a thorough trademark search using the Trademark Electronic Search System before finalizing a business name.
2. Choose a Registered Agent
After you have chosen an LLC name that is distinctive and unique, you can now choose your LLC’s Registered Agent.
3. Check if the Domain Name is Available
To check if a domain name is available, you can follow these steps:
- Go to a domain registrar website, such as GoDaddy.com or Namecheap.com.
- In the search bar on the homepage, type in the domain name you want to check.
- Click on the search button to see if the domain name is available or not.
- If the domain name is available, you will be prompted to purchase it. If it’s not available, the registrar will suggest some alternative options or you can try a different domain name.
4. Check if Social Media Name is Available
Check if a social media name is available for a new business name
5. Register Alabama Business Entity
When you complete the required documents for filing a new business entity, you then register your business and business name with the state. The state of Alabama will either approve your business name or reject it.
If you hire a good LLC service like Northwest Registered Agent, ZenBusiness or Incfile, these LLC services have business name tools available for you to do a quick search.
6. Register an Employer ID Number (EIN) With the IRS
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify businesses and other entities for tax purposes.
7. Create a Brand Logo
Creating a business logo involves several steps. There are affordable online services that can design a logo for you and assist with the process.
Define your brand: Before you start creating a logo, you need to define your brand’s personality, values, and mission. This will help you create a logo that accurately represents your brand.
8. Write a Business Plan
Writing a business plan involves a comprehensive process that covers various aspects of your business, including the industry, market research, marketing and sales strategies, financial projections, and more.
9. Open a Business Bank Account in Alabama
A bank account is generally required for a new Limited Liability Company (LLC) or corporation to separate personal finances from business finances and to establish a clear record of business transactions.
As someone who recently went through the process of starting a business in Alabama, I can truly appreciate the information presented in this article. It is an excellent resource for entrepreneurs seeking guidance on how to conduct a business name search in the state.
Olivia
Thanks Olivia
Brian, I like that the article emphasizes the importance of a thorough name search, highlighting the potential legal and branding implications of choosing a name that is already in use. I found the step-by-step instructions provided to be clear and easy to follow, making the process much less daunting.
Ethan
Thanks Ethan
Brian,
I found this article to be very helpful and well-structured for anyone looking to start a business in Alabama. You did a great job explaining the importance of conducting a business name search and the step-by-step process involved.
The article rightly highlights the significance of performing a thorough search to ensure that the chosen business name is not already in use by another entity. This step is crucial in avoiding potential legal issues and conflicts down the road. The explanation of the various sources available for conducting the search, such as the Alabama Secretary of State website and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, was particularly useful.
I also appreciated the tips provided on refining the search and ensuring uniqueness by considering factors like variations in spelling, abbreviations, and different business structures. The inclusion of potential naming restrictions and guidelines set by the state of Alabama added another layer of insight to the article.
Overall, this article serves as a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners in Alabama. It offers clear and concise guidance on how to navigate the business name search process, helping to lay a solid foundation for starting a successful business. Kudos to Brian for providing such a comprehensive guide!
Thanks Adam