Alabama Secretary of State Business Search

Where to Conduct the Search

Business searches in Alabama can be conducted on the Alabama Secretary of State's website. The Business Entity Search page provides the tools needed for users to verify business names, retrieve entity information, and access publicly available business data. This resource, under the Government Records Inquiry System, organizes and delivers essential details about Alabama-registered business entities in electronic format.

Options Available for Conducting the Search

The Alabama Secretary of State's search platform offers several options, each tailored to retrieve specific details regarding business names or entity information.

• Entity Name Search: This function allows users to check for the availability of a business name or locate entities with similar names. By entering the full or partial name of a business, users can retrieve a list of entities that closely match the provided name. This search option is particularly useful for those confirming the availability of a business name before proceeding with registration.
• Entity Number Search: Each business registered in Alabama is assigned a unique identification number. This nine-digit Entity ID, which previously existed in a six-digit format, includes three leading zeros in its new format. Users can enter this Entity ID to access precise information regarding a specific business.
• Officer, Agent, or Incorporator Search: This option provides an alternative means of locating businesses. By inputting the name of an officer, registered agent, or incorporator associated with a business, users can retrieve a list of entities linked to those individuals. This search helps track affiliations between individuals and various registered businesses in Alabama.
• Reservation or Registration by ID: For searches focused on name reservations or other registrations, this option uses reservation or registration ID numbers to retrieve specific information related to name reservation filings.

Steps for Performing the Search

• Access the Website: Navigate to the Alabama Secretary of State's website at www.sos.alabama.gov. This portal provides access to the Business Entity Search page.
• Select the Business Entity Search Tool: On the website, locate and click the Business Entity Search option. This will take you to the section of the site where searches are conducted.
• Choose the Appropriate Search Option: Select the option that best matches your search criteria, whether searching by name, entity number, or other identifiers.
• Enter Relevant Search Information: For a name search, type in the full or partial business name. If searching by ID, officer, agent, or other identifiers, enter the specific information in the corresponding field.
• Initiate the Search: Click the "Search" button to generate results matching the entered criteria.
• Review Search Results: Once the search results appear, examine each entry to access details about the business entities. Information includes the business type, Entity ID, registered agent, mailing address, and current status.

Information Displayed in the Search Results

Search results from the Alabama Secretary of State's database reveal key details about each listed entity. This information aids users in confirming business name availability and evaluating the status of existing entities.

• Business Type: Results display the classification of each business, such as For-Profit Corporation, Non-Profit Corporation, Limited Liability Company, or Limited Partnership.
• Entity ID Number: The unique nine-digit Entity ID assigned to each business appears next to the business name. This ID distinguishes businesses with similar names.
• Registered Agent: The results identify the registered agent for each business. A registered agent is the designated individual or entity responsible for receiving legal and formal correspondence on behalf of the business.
• Mailing Address: Each business entry lists a mailing address, providing the primary location or contact information associated with the entity.
• Entity Status: The current status of each business is indicated in the search results. Possible statuses include "Exists," "Registered Name," or "Name Reservation." An "Exists" status implies the business is active, while "Registered Name" or "Name Reservation" indicates that the name is protected but not necessarily in active use.
  

Guidelines for Selecting Business Names

To register a business in Alabama, the chosen name must meet state-specific requirements. It must not duplicate or closely resemble the name of an existing entity. Further, specific terms within a business name may require authorization from related professional boards or regulatory agencies.

• Distinctiveness Requirement: A business name must be sufficiently distinctive. Names that resemble existing registered entities or infringe upon reserved names may not be accepted.
• Special Approvals: Certain industries are regulated by specific agencies within the state, and business names reflecting these professions may need formal approvals. For instance, businesses with "engineering" in their names require authorization from the Alabama Board of Engineers, while those involving "insurance" must seek approval from the Alabama Department of Insurance.

Fees and Filing Costs

The Alabama Secretary of State imposes fees for various filings and name reservations. These fees range according to the type of service:

• Name Reservation Fee: Reserving a business name in Alabama incurs a fee of approximately $28. This fee ensures the chosen name is held temporarily, preventing others from claiming it during the reservation period.
• Business Formation Fees: Establishing an LLC or other business entity entails additional costs. Fees for forming an LLC typically amount to $200. Other types of businesses may have different filing fees.
• Additional Filing Fees: Beyond initial registration, Alabama businesses may incur fees for permits, amendments, or other filings.

Contact Information for Assistance

The Alabama Secretary of State's Business Entities Division provides contact options for those requiring further information or clarification. Available contact details include:

• Phone: For direct inquiries, the division can be reached at 334-242-5324 for direct inquiries.
• Physical Address: In-person assistance is available at 770 Washington Avenue, Suite 580, Montgomery, AL 36104.
• Mailing Address: For mailed correspondence, use PO Box 5616, Montgomery, AL 36103-5616.

Public Access to Information

Alabama law mandates that the Secretary of State's office makes certain public records accessible in electronic format. The Government Records Inquiry System facilitates this, allowing users to review records and information about registered businesses.

Fraud Awareness and Reporting

Complaints regarding fraudulent filings have been reported to the Alabama Secretary of State's Office. However, the office lacks investigative authority for fraud and cannot provide legal guidance to citizens or businesses regarding fraud issues. Those suspecting fraud are encouraged to seek legal counsel or report concerns to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.

Business Database and Daily Operations

The Alabama Secretary of State's Business Entity Division manages an extensive database encompassing approximately 250,000 business filings. Staff members handle an average of 500 daily requests for information, supporting public access to business registration data.

Historical Corporate Records

For corporate records dating from 1949 to 2010, users may need to consult the Alabama Department of Archives and History website. This external resource complements the records maintained by the Secretary of State's office, providing additional historical data that may not be immediately available in the current database.

Entity Identification Number Format

The Alabama Secretary of State previously issued Entity ID numbers in a six-digit format, but recent updates have transitioned to a nine-digit format. To facilitate this change, three leading zeros have been added to older six-digit numbers, ensuring continuity and compatibility with current system requirements.

Annual Reports and Filing Requirements

Corporations authorized to operate within Alabama are no longer legally required to file annual reports with the Secretary of State's office. This change reduces reporting obligations for registered entities while streamlining administrative processes within the Business Entity Division.

Additional Recommendations for Comprehensive Business Name Protection

In addition to conducting a business name search with the Alabama Secretary of State, potential registrants may also consider checking federal trademark databases and domain name availability. These extra steps offer broader protection for business names, reducing the likelihood of future name conflicts across different registration and branding platforms.