You can add a DBA (doing business as) to your LLC in Alabama if you have one and want to operate under a different name. This enables you to run your company under a different name while keeping your LLC’s liability protection and tax advantages. Here is a guide on how to add a DBA to your Alabama LLC.
Step 1: Select a Name You must first decide on a name for your DBA. Verify that no other company in Alabama is already using the name. On the website of the Alabama Secretary of State, you can look up name availability.
File a Certificate of Formation in Step 2 You must submit a Certificate of Formation to the Alabama Secretary of State if you haven’t already incorporated an LLC. The legal status of your LLC in the state is established by this document.
File a Certificate of Amendment in Step 3 You must submit a Certificate of Amendment to the Alabama Secretary of State in order to add a DBA to your LLC. This form modifies the name of your LLC to include the DBA. The new name you’ve selected for your DBA must be written down on the form.
Step 4: Post a Notice You must post a notice of the amendment in a local newspaper in the county where your LLC’s principal office is situated after you have submitted your Certificate of Amendment. For three weeks straight, you must perform this action once a week.
In Alabama, do I require a Certificate of Existence? Yes, adding a DBA to your LLC in Alabama requires a Certificate of Existence (also known as a Certificate of Good Standing). This document serves as evidence that your LLC is legitimate and in good standing with the state. Is it possible to register a business name without using it?
Yes, it is possible to register a company name in Alabama without using it. The state may, however, remove your registration if you don’t use the name within a specific period of time (often one to three years). How Do I Acquire a DBA?
You must submit a Name Reservation Request to the Alabama Secretary of State in order to obtain a DBA there. This holds the name of your choice for up to 120 days. The Alabama Secretary of State will then require you to submit a Certificate of Formation and a Certificate of Assumed Name. What exactly are a DBA vs. LLC?
A DBA is a name used to do business that differs from the company’s legal name. An LLC is a type of business entity that offers its owners liability protection and tax advantages. A business can operate under a different name while still benefiting from the legal protections of an LLC by adding a DBA to the LLC.