Run by the Alabama Secretary of State, Business Entities Division. It covers corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, LLPs, and nonprofits.
Alabama Secretary of State | Business Entity Search
The Alabama Secretary of State keeps the official register of every business formed or qualified to do business in the state. Through its Government Records Inquiry System, anyone can confirm whether a company exists, see who its registered agent is, and review the documents it has filed — without an account and at no cost.
Business Name Availability Check
State of Alabama
What the Alabama Business Search Covers
Each record lists the entity type, status, formation date, principal address, registered agent, officers or organizers, and filed documents.
Searching and viewing document images cost nothing. Only certified copies and a Certificate of Existence carry a fee.
How to Search by Business Name
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Open the Business Entity Records search
Go to the Secretary of State's Government Records Inquiry System and choose Entity Name, or use the direct link below. Each search option opens in a new browser window, so close it or toggle back to return to the records page.
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Type the business name (and narrow it if needed)
Enter the entity name. You do not need the full legal name. If you get too many results, use the drop-downs to narrow by entity type, the county where it was formed, city, and status.
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Read the results list
Results show the entity name, the 9-digit Entity ID number, the entity type, and the current status such as Exists or Dissolved.
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Open the entity's detail record
Click the entity name to open its full record with the registered agent, principal address, officers or organizers, formation date, and a list of filed documents. See "Reading the detail page" below for what each field means.
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Mind the timing and older records
Newly approved filings usually appear within 24-48 hours. Corporation records from 1949-2010 are held by the Alabama Department of Archives & History rather than the live database.
Ready to try it? Open the official records search and run your query.
Search Alabama records by name ↗All the Ways to Search Alabama Records
Entity Name
Find a business by its name. You can refine the search by entity type, county of formation, city, and status. The most common starting point.
Open this search ↗Entity Number
Go straight to one record using its 9-digit Entity ID. Older 6-digit numbers now carry three leading zeros, but you do not need to take any action.
Open this search ↗Officer / Agent / Incorporator
Search by a person's name to find the entities where they are listed as an officer, registered agent, or incorporator. Useful for finding every company tied to an individual.
Open this search ↗Reservation / Registration by ID
Look up a name reservation or a trade-name or trademark registration by its assigned ID number.
Open this search ↗Rules That Make Your Search Work
- Each search option opens in a new browser window. Close it or toggle between windows to return to the records page.
- Alabama switched from 6-digit to 9-digit Entity IDs. Three leading zeros were added to older numbers automatically, so no action is needed on your part.
- You do not need the complete name. Use the entity type, county, city, and status drop-downs to narrow a broad result set.
- Searching and viewing records is free. Fees apply only when you order certified copies or a Certificate of Existence.
- Newly approved filings typically appear in the search within 24-48 hours of being processed.
- Corporation records from 1949-2010 may be held by the Alabama Department of Archives & History rather than the online system.
Reading the Entity Detail Page
| Field | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Entity ID Number | The 9-digit number the Secretary of State assigned to the entity when it was filed. It uniquely identifies the record. |
| Entity Type | The structure of the entity, such as Domestic or Foreign LLC, For-Profit or Non-Profit Corporation, Limited Partnership, or LLP. |
| Entity Status | The current condition of the filing. "Exists" generally means active and on record; other values such as "Dissolved" indicate the entity is no longer active. |
| Formation / Registration Date | The date the entity was formed in Alabama, or the date a foreign entity qualified to transact business in the state. |
| Place of Formation | The entity's home state and, for domestic entities, the Alabama county where it was formed. |
| Registered Agent | The name and Alabama address of the person or company designated to receive legal and official documents on the entity's behalf. |
| Principal Address | The entity's principal office address as most recently reported to the state. |
| Officers / Organizers / Incorporators | Names and addresses of the people associated with the entity. The exact roles shown depend on the entity type. |
| Document Images | A list of every filed document for the entity, such as the formation document and amendments, viewable online for free. |
Two official references help you plan a filing:
How to View and Download a Company's Filings
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1
Open the entity’s detail page
Search by name or Entity ID number and click the entity to reach its record.
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Find the document list
On the detail page, locate the list of filed documents: the formation document, amendments, name reservations, and more.
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View the images online for free
Filed documents can be viewed through the search system at no charge. A free PDF reader is all you need.
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Need a certified or official copy?
Order certified copies ($2.00 per page plus a $10.00 certification fee) or a Certificate of Existence ($25 by mail, $27.50 online) from the Secretary of State. Requests are accepted by mail, courier, or online.
No annual report: Unlike many states, Alabama no longer requires LLCs and corporations to file an annual report with the Secretary of State (eliminated effective October 1, 2024). Any Business Privilege Tax obligations are handled separately by the Alabama Department of Revenue ↗.
Alabama Business Search - Common Questions
Is the Alabama business entity search free?
Yes. Searching the database, viewing entity details, and viewing filed document images are all free. You only pay if you order a certified copy or a Certificate of Existence.
What is the Entity ID number?
It is the unique number the Secretary of State assigns each entity at filing. Alabama moved from 6-digit to 9-digit IDs, and older numbers simply gained three leading zeros.
What does the "Exists" status mean?
"Exists" generally means the entity is active and currently on the state's records. A status such as "Dissolved" means the entity is no longer active.
Do I have to reserve my business name before forming in Alabama?
Yes. Alabama requires a Certificate of Name Reservation before you file formation documents for a domestic entity. Once approved, the name is reserved for one year.
Does Alabama require an annual report?
No. As of October 1, 2024, Alabama eliminated annual report filings with the Secretary of State for corporations and LLCs. Business Privilege Tax obligations, if any, are handled separately by the Alabama Department of Revenue.
A name is available in Alabama. Does that mean I can use it?
Not necessarily. State availability does not clear a name against federal trademarks. Run a USPTO trademark screen and check domain and social-handle availability before committing.