Select Your Name in Step One
You must pick a name that is available in Alabama before you can reserve it for your company. The name must be original and unclaimed by another company operating in the state. On the website of the Alabama Secretary of State, you can look up names that are available.
Once you’ve decided on a name, you must submit a name reservation request to the Secretary of State of Alabama. The request can be sent in via mail or online. You must register for an account on the Secretary of State’s website in order to file documents electronically.
Step 3: Submit the Fee
In Alabama, reserving a name costs money. If you file online, the cost is $28; if you file by mail, the cost is $10. The fee may be paid by check or credit card.
You must wait for approval after submitting your name reservation request and paying the price. Your request will be examined by the Secretary of State’s office, and you’ll be informed if your name has been accepted.
A certificate of existence from Alabama demonstrates that your company is officially registered with the state. As a Certificate of Good Standing, it is also known. The paper demonstrates that your company complies with all applicable state rules and regulations.
To conduct business in Alabama, you could occasionally need a Certificate of Existence. For instance, the bank can ask for a Certificate of Existence if you wish to create a company account. In addition, if you want to conduct business in another state, that state could ask for an Alabama Certificate of Existence.
Alabama charges a $28 online filing cost and a $10 postal filing fee to reserve a name. This payment is not transferable.
If you are conducting business under your own name in Alabama, a DBA (Doing Business As) is not necessary. However, you must submit a Certificate of Formation to the Secretary of State and register your business name if you are using a name that is distinct from your own.