The Alabama Secretary of State’s Office needs business owners to complete a Name Reservation Application form, which may be downloaded from their website, in order to reserve a business name. The form needs to be filled out and sent together with the required payment. The name may be reserved for up to 120 days after approval.
Business owners in Alabama must additionally get a Certificate of Good Standing or a Short Form of Certificate of Standing in addition to name reservations. A Certificate of Good Standing is a legal document that attests to a company’s ability to operate legally in the state and compliance with all regulations. An overview of the company’s present state is given in the Short Form of Certificate of Standing.
Business owners in Alabama must make a request to the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office in order to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing or a Short Form of Certificate of Standing. It is possible to submit this request electronically, by mail, or in person. A Short Form of Certificate of Standing costs $10, whereas a Certificate of Good Standing costs $28.
Although acquiring a Certificate of Good Standing or a Short Form of Certificate of Standing is not needed in Alabama, banks and other financial institutions frequently demand it when making loan or financing applications. Additionally, it may be necessary when conducting business with other businesses or when submitting a proposal for government contracts. Last but not least, Alabama business owners who choose to utilize a trade name or DBA (Doing Business As) must file a registration with the Secretary of State’s office in Alabama. A DBA can be registered either online or by mail for a fee of $30.
Finally, there are a few crucial actions that must be taken in order to start a business in Alabama, including reserving a name, acquiring a Certificate of Good Standing or a Short Form of Certificate of Standing, and registering a Trade Name or DBA. Even though these criteria may appear onerous and expensive, they are essential for making sure that the company is legitimate and in accordance with state laws.
The cost of trademarking a name in Alabama is not mentioned in the article. However, it does say that companies in Alabama can reserve a name for $28. It is advised to speak with a trademark lawyer or visit the website of the United States Patent and Trademark Office for information on trademarking.