Alabama Business Name Search


Before you form an LLC, register a trade name, or start a corporation, you'll need to complete a business name search with the Alabama Business Entity Search tool to see if your name is unique.

In our Alabama Business Name Search guide, we'll show you exactly how to check LLC name availability in Alabama.

Recommended: Northwest Registered Agent will register your business name when they form your LLC for $29 (plus state fees).

SKIP AHEAD:

Complete an Alabama Business Entity Search

Complete a Domain Name Search

Register Your Business Name

A laptop with a search engine open that says "LLC Name Search"

Alabama LLC Name Search

The Alabama Secretary of State requires all business names to be distinguishable from other business entities in the state.

It's also important to search for a matching domain name (URL).

How to Search Available LLC Names

You can check your business name availability by searching the Alabama Business Entity Search online database.

Recommended: If you don’t have a business name yet or find that yours is taken, use our LLC Name Generator.

How to Check Available Domain Names

When choosing a business name you'll need to find out whether or not a good web domain name is available. Having a URL that clearly matches your business name is important. This small step can make a big difference in how prospective customers find your business.

The best way to determine if your desired URL is available is to search for it using your preferred domain registry, such as GoDaddy.

Find a Domain Now

How to Register Your Business Name

Register Your Name

An LLC name is officially registered when you file your LLC application documents and form an LLC.

Ready to register your LLC name? Use our Alabama LLC guide to get started.

Registering a DBA in Alabama (also known as a trade name) is a separate process that requires filing with the Secretary of State.

Reserve Your Name

Alabama requires LLCs to reserve their name before they can register it.

A Name Reservation Request Form for Domestic Entities can be filed online or by mail with the Alabama Secretary of State. The filing fee is $25 by mail, $27 for online subscribers, and $28 for online non-subscribers. You can reserve a name for at least one year prior to formation.

Note: Online filers can reserve their name when filing their Certificate of Formation, while mail-in filers must submit their name reservation at least two weeks before registration.

Alabama Naming Requirements

Some key guidelines for Alabama LLC names include:

  • Your name must contain the words "Limited Liability Company" or the abbreviation "L.L.C." or "LLC."
  • Your name must be distinguishable from any existing business in the state. This includes Alabama reserved names.

Keep an eye out for restricted words. These words, such as “FBI” or “Treasury,” are often restricted to keep your LLC from sounding like an official institution.

Alabama also has the following restrictions for LLC names:

  • Any banking-related name needs a letter from the Alabama Banking Commissioner’s Office, and any insurance-related name needs a letter from the Alabama Insurance Commissioner’s Office.
  • Any name using a professional designation in the name (i.e., engineering, attorney) requires a copy of the license of one officer/member or a letter from the governing agency allowing the use of the name without licensing.
  • The name cannot include any words that indicate or imply that the LLC is engaged in a business that is not authorized by law to pursue.

For more information, check out Alabama’s official state statutes.

Distinguishability

It is important that your name be distinguishable from all other business names. In Alabama, a distinguishable name is one that is substantively different from all other existing or reserved business names in the state.

Words or abbreviations indicating the type of company, such as “LLC,” “Inc.,” etc. do NOT make a name distinguishable in Alabama.

Failure to use a distinguishable name could result in your formation filing being rejected.

Is your name already taken? Our free AI-powered LLC name generator will generate thousands of new ideas.

Alabama LLC Name Search FAQ

How do I check if an LLC name is taken in Alabama?

You can use the Alabama Business Entity Search tool to see if your business name is available.

Learn more about business entity name availability in the How to Search Available LLC Names section.

Should I name my LLC after myself?

While there’s no rule against naming an LLC after yourself, most experts advise against doing this. 

One of the benefits of starting an LLC is the ability to choose a different name for your business, which can make it sound more professional.

To explore other naming options, use your free AI-powered LLC Name Generator.

What words can’t be used in an Alabama LLC name?

Business names generally can’t include words that imply the company is a banking or financial institution or that it’s affiliated with a local, state, or federal government agency.

Additionally, Alabama LLC names cannot imply that the LLC is organized for an unlawful purpose, include certain banking-related words without permission, or use a professional designation without permission. 

Learn more about LLC naming requirements in the Alabama Naming Requirements section.

Should I use an LLC name generator?

If you’re having trouble choosing a name for your LLC, an LLC name generator can help you come up with some ideas.

What is a brand name?

A brand name is a name a company gives to a product or line of products. It can be the same as the company’s name or something different.

Learn more about branding with your business entity name with our How to Name an LLC guide.

Do I have to include LLC in my name?

Yes. Alabama requires that its LLCs use “Limited Liability Company” or one of its abbreviations (e.g., LLC or L.L.C.) in their legal name.

Learn more about LLC naming requirements in the Alabama Naming Requirements section.

Do I need to renew my business name in Alabama?

Alabama doesn't require LLCs to renew their legal name, but trade names must be renewed every five years with the Secretary of State.

You can renew online or by mail. The filing fee is $30.

Learn more about trade names with our Alabama DBA guide.

Can my business name be different from my LLC name in Alabama?

Some companies choose to operate under a name that’s different from their legal name. This can either be called a “doing business as” (DBA) name or a trade name in Alabama. 

In Alabama, LLC trade names are filed with the Secretary of State.

Learn more about trade names with our Alabama DBA guide.

Does my LLC need a DBA name?

Your LLC doesn’t need a DBA name unless it plans to do business under a name other than its legal name. Learn more about Alabama DBAs by reading our guide to filing for a DBA and selecting Alabama from the dropdown menu.