Alabama LLC Name Search
(2025 Guide)

  • ByAhmad Adil
  • updatedJune 18, 2025
Home » 1. Alabama LLC Name Reservation
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🔍 Alabama LLC Name Reservation & Business Name Search – 2025 Guide

Congratulations on taking the exciting step to form your Alabama LLC! An absolutely critical early step in this process is ensuring your chosen business name is available and compliant with state regulations. This involves both a thorough Alabama Business Name Search and, uniquely for Alabama, an Alabama LLC Name Reservation.

This comprehensive 2025 guide will walk you through everything you need to know about searching your Alabama LLC name and securing it. We’ll cover the process, important Alabama LLC name rules, and offer practical tips to ensure your LLC filing is accepted the first time.

✍️ Searching Your Alabama LLC Name: First Steps

Once you’ve brainstormed and chosen a potential Alabama LLC name, your next crucial task is to compare it against existing businesses already registered in the state. This critical step is performed using the official Alabama Business Entity Search tool.

Why is this necessary?

It’s vital because business names registered in Alabama:

  • Can’t be the same as an existing entity.
  • Can’t be too similar to an existing entity (must be “distinguishable”).

If you submit your LLC paperwork with a name that is not available or doesn’t meet the Alabama LLC name rules, your entire LLC filing will likely be rejected, leading to frustrating delays. Additionally, unlike many other states, Alabama specifically requires you to file an LLC Name Reservation.

🛠️ Changes to Alabama LLC Filings: A Streamlined Process

Before 2021, forming an Alabama LLC was typically a two-step process: first, you would file an LLC Name Reservation, and only then would you file your Certificate of Formation.

However, with the introduction of online LLC formation in Alabama, the process has become more streamlined! Now, you can actually complete both the LLC Name Reservation and the Certificate of Formation in a single, combined online step. This makes getting your Alabama LLC up and running much faster.

When to Reserve Your Name:

  • If you are ready to form your Alabama LLC now: We highly recommend only searching your LLC name to confirm its availability. You don’t necessarily need to file the LLC Name Reservation separately beforehand. Instead, head over to our comprehensive Alabama LLC Certificate of Formation lesson, where you can file the LLC Name Reservation and Certificate of Formation together seamlessly online.
  • If you are not ready to form your Alabama LLC yet: You can still search your LLC name to see if it’s available. If it is, you can then file the LLC Name Reservation independently (which lasts for 1 year). When you’re ready to officially form your LLC, you can then file the Certificate of Formation online and simply enter your Name Reservation ID Number.

🧭 Ensuring Your Alabama LLC Name Passes Muster

If you file your Alabama LLC paperwork with a name already in use by another Alabama business entity – or one that doesn’t meet the specific Alabama name rules – your filing may be rejected.

  1. Step 1: Check for Uniqueness using the Alabama Business Entity Search. The first critical step is to make sure your desired LLC name is not already taken by another business. You accomplish this using the Alabama Business Entity Search. This is essential because, as mentioned, no two business entities in the state can have the same name or one that is too similar.

  2. Step 2: Adhere to Alabama Secretary of State’s Naming Rules. The second step involves ensuring your LLC name complies with the specific regulations set forth by the Alabama Secretary of State. We’ve broken these down in detail below.

  3. Step 3: Proceed with Reservation or Formation. The final step is to either formally file an LLC Name Reservation (if you’re not ready to form your LLC immediately) or to proceed directly with filing your LLC Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation together online.

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🔍 How Do I Search the Alabama Business Entity Name Database?

You can use the Alabama Business Entity Search on the state website to search your proposed business name against the existing entities registered in Alabama.

Note: This tool is sometimes referred to as the Alabama Business Name Search or the Alabama Business Entity Search. Both terms refer to the same official website, providing the same search records.

Steps to Perform Your Search:

  1. Visit the Alabama Business Entity Search page: Navigate to the Alabama Secretary of State: Business Entity Search By Entity Name.
  2. Enter Your Name: In the “Name” field, type your desired LLC name. It’s often best to leave out the ending “LLC” and any punctuation. Capitalization does not matter. For optimal results, enter only the first few words or the beginning of a word, especially if your name is multi-part. If your name is a single word, just enter that.
  3. Default Settings: Leave “Type,” “Place of Formation,” and “Status” on “All Records.” Leave “Principal City” blank.
  4. Click “Search”: Hit the “Search” button to view results.

Pro Tip for Searching: It’s highly recommended to enter only the main part of your desired Alabama LLC name in the search bar. For example, if your desired LLC name is Oakwood Studios LLC, first perform a search for “Oakwood Studio”. Then, do a broader search for just “Oakwood”. This methodical approach helps ensure you uncover any potentially similar names that might prevent your Alabama LLC name from being available.

🎯 How to Interpret the Alabama LLC Search Results

Understanding the search results from the Alabama Business Entity Search is crucial for determining your LLC name availability:

  • Name is Available (Distinguishable): If the results display names that are not too similar to yours (meaning your proposed name is clearly distinguishable), then your Limited Liability Company name is likely available for use.

    • Example: If your desired name is Oakwood Studios LLC, and the only similar names you found were Oakwood Apartments and Oakwood Studio Starters, your name should be available.

  • No Matches Found: If the search screen indicates “No matches found,” this generally means your LLC name is unique and should be available for use. However, to be absolutely safe, always run your search again using only a partial segment of your LLC name (e.g., search just “Oakwood” instead of “Oakwood Studios”) to double-check for any similar components.

  • Exact Name Appears (Not Available): If your exact LLC name appears in the list of search records, your LLC name is not available for use because another Alabama business entity is already registered with it.

  • Very Similar Name Appears (May Not Be Available): If the results show a name that is very similar to yours, your LLC name may not be available for use, as it may not be considered “distinguishable.”

    • Example: If your desired name is Oakwood Studios LLC, and the search results show an “Oakwood Studio”, then your name is not available.

What if my desired LLC name isn’t available?

If your chosen name is not unique or distinguishable, don’t worry! You’ll simply need to come up with a variation or an entirely different name for your LLC.

Tip: Always wait until your LLC is officially approved by the state before you apply for your LLC EIN Number or purchase any other branding or marketing materials. This strategy prevents you from spending money on business supplies or assets that you can’t use if your desired business name isn’t available.

When in Doubt, Call the Secretary of State!

Not all states offer this valuable service, but the representatives at the Alabama Secretary of State’s office are generally very helpful. You can call them to confirm that your LLC name is available and to get assistance navigating the Alabama Business Entity Search tool.

  • The Business Services Division phone number is 334-242-5324.
  • Their operating hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

Alabama Limited Liability Company Name Requirements

Beyond availability, your Alabama LLC name must also comply with specific rules outlined in the Alabama Business and Nonprofit Entities Code. Knowing these Alabama LLC name rules is crucial.

Do I Have to Use a Comma in My LLC Name?

No, you are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. The Alabama Secretary of State accepts both versions.

  • For example: If your desired business name is Grandpa Joe’s, you can file it as:
    • Grandpa Joe’s LLC
    • Grandpa Joe’s, LLC

What Designators (Endings) Can I Use in My LLC Name?

Your Alabama LLC name must contain one of the following designators at the very end:

  • LLC
  • L.L.C.
  • Limited Liability Company

Note: Most people choose the simple “LLC” for clarity and ease of use.

Prohibited Designators:

Your Alabama LLC name cannot make itself sound like an Alabama Corporation or any other business entity type besides an LLC. The following words and designators cannot be used anywhere in your LLC name:

  • Inc.
  • Corp.
  • Incorporated
  • Corporation

What Words Are Not Allowed in My Alabama LLC Name?

Your Alabama LLC name cannot contain words or abbreviations that are restricted by law. This ensures the public isn’t misled about your business’s nature. For example, you cannot make your LLC name sound like it’s a bank, a government agency, or any other entity that would confuse or deceive the public.

Furthermore, you cannot use words that are specifically reserved for licensed professionals unless your LLC is appropriately licensed. These vary by state, but common examples include terms related to:

  • Architects
  • Engineers (including “engineering and landscaping”)
  • Doctors
  • Attorneys
  • Insurance providers
  • Banks
  • Trusts

In Alabama, if you wish to use any of these reserved words in your LLC name, you must obtain a letter of approval (or a relevant professional license) and submit it with your filing. For more detailed information about restricted words for an Alabama business entity, please refer to the official Name Reservation Request form provided by the state.

Your Alabama Business Name Must Be Distinguishable (Unique)

When you perform your Alabama Business Entity Search, you are primarily comparing your desired LLC name to existing businesses to ensure it is unique. As per Code of Alabama: Section 10A-1-5.12, your LLC cannot have the same name (or too similar a name) to another business in Alabama.

Below are common rules and examples of LLC names that are not distinguishable in Alabama:

  • Designators: Differences in designators (endings) do not create distinguishability.

    • Example: If your desired LLC name is Jake’s Fishing Company LLC, it’s not available if any of the following are found in the Alabama Business Name Search results:
      • Jake’s Fishing Company, Inc.
      • Jake’s Fishing Company, Corp.
      • Jake’s Fishing Company, L.L.C.
    • Source: Code of Alabama: Section 10A-1-5.03

  • Filler Words: Adding non-meaningful or filler words (such as “the,” “a,” “an,” “and,” “&,” “of,” “or”) won’t create distinguishability.

    • Example: If your desired LLC name is Pleasant Farms LLC, it’s not available if any of the following are found:
      • The Pleasant Farms LLC
      • A Pleasant Farm Inc.
      • Pleasant and Farms L.L.C.
      • Pleasant & Farms Corp

  • Plural or Singular Words and Possessive Words: Changing a word from plural to singular (or vice-versa), or making a word possessive by adding an “s” doesn’t create distinguishability.

    • Example: If your desired LLC name is Paulo’s Balloons LLC, it’s not available if any of the following are found:
      • Paulos Balloons LLC
      • Paulo’s Balloon Inc.
      • Paulos Balloon, L.L.C.

  • Numerals or Spelled Out Numbers: Using numerals (like 5 or 101) instead of spelling out the number (like “five” or “one hundred and one”) doesn’t create distinguishability.

    • Example: If your desired LLC name is 25 Stars LLC, it’s not available if any of the following are found:
      • Twenty-Five Stars LLC
      • Twenty 5 Stars Inc.

What if my Alabama Business Name is Rejected?

If you file your Name Reservation Request or your Alabama Certificate of Formation (the document that creates your Alabama LLC) and the business name is not available, don’t panic! The state will notify you and clearly explain why your filing was rejected.

You will simply need to file again with a variation of your LLC name or a completely different LLC name that meets the state’s requirements.

How to File an Alabama LLC Name Reservation

Before you proceed with filing an Alabama LLC Name Reservation, consider your readiness to form your LLC:

  • Are you ready to create your Alabama LLC right now? If you’ve already chosen an LLC name and an Alabama Registered Agent, you can proceed directly to file your Certificate of Formation. You do not have to file a Name Reservation separately ahead of time. When you file the Certificate of Formation online, you can actually complete the Name Reservation as part of the same seamless process.
  • If you’re not ready to file your new Alabama LLC yet, then follow the instructions below to reserve your LLC name. Once you’re prepared to formally establish your LLC, you can simply use the Name Reservation ID Number when filing your Certificate of Formation.

You can file an LLC Name Reservation either by mail or online. Here’s a quick comparison of the Alabama LLC Name Reservation process:

Filing Method Approval Time Fee
By Mail
4-7 days
$25
Online
Instantly
$28

Our Recommendation:

We highly recommend the online filing method for your Alabama LLC Name Reservation. It’s significantly easier to complete, approval time is instant, and downloading your LLC name approval certificate is much more convenient.

How to File an Alabama Name Reservation by Mail

If you choose to file your Alabama LLC Name Reservation by mail:

  1. Download the paper Name Reservation Request form.
  2. Type the form on your computer. Do not print it out and handwrite the information, as this can lead to rejection.
  3. Prepare payment: Create a check or money order for $25 made payable to “Secretary of State.” Alternatively, you can pay by credit or debit card by completing the Credit Card Authorization form.
  4. Mail your documents: Send the completed Name Reservation Request and your payment to: Secretary of State Business Services PO Box 5616 Montgomery, AL 36103

Important Note for PLLCs: If you’re forming a Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC), you must reserve your PLLC name by mail. You cannot file online for a PLLC name reservation, as you are required to include a copy of your professional license with the submission.

How to File an Alabama Name Reservation Online

Filing your Alabama LLC Name Reservation online is the fastest and most convenient method:

  1. Get Started:

  2. Contact Information:

    • Enter your contact information (phone number and email address) and your physical address. Click “Continue.”
    • The email address you provide here is where the state will send your LLC Name Reservation Certificate. It doesn’t need to be a formal “business email”; use your preferred email address.
    • Don’t worry: This contact information is for administrative purposes only and does not go on public record. The Secretary of State uses it to contact you regarding your filing and to send your approval documents.
    • The address can be any address you choose; it doesn’t have to be the address used on your LLC filing and can be located anywhere in the U.S.

  3. Name Reservation:

    • In the “New Name Reservation” box, enter your desired LLC name in the “Name Requested” field. Enter it exactly as you wish it to appear, including your preferred capitalization and the required designator (e.g., “LLC”).
    • Do not enter anything in the “Reservation ID” box in the “Existing Name Reservation” section unless you are renewing an already filed Name Reservation.

  4. Entity Details:

    • Type of Reservation: Select “Domestic.”
    • Type of Entity: Select “Limited Liability Company (LLC).”
    • Note: A Foreign LLC is an LLC that has already been formed in another state and is now registering to do business in Alabama.
    • Legal Name: The name you entered on the previous page should automatically appear in the “Legal Name” field. No further action is needed here.
    • Click “Continue.” The system will automatically perform an Alabama Business Name Search to check if your desired business name is available.
    • If your LLC name is available, you will proceed to the next screen (“Filing Online”).
    • If it’s not available for use in Alabama, you’ll see an error message. Simply enter a new name in the “Legal Name” field and try again until an available name is found.

  5. Filing Online (Important Choice!):

    • If you intend to proceed with only the Name Reservation filing at this time, click “Name Reservation Only.”
    • If you’re ready to file your Alabama LLC now (which we often recommend for efficiency), click “File of Formation Data.” Then, you can refer to our Alabama LLC Certificate of Formation lesson for step-by-step instructions on completing the combined filing.

  6. Requestor Information:

    • The “Requestor” is the person submitting the Alabama LLC Name Reservation. Select “Individual.”
    • If the Requestor’s contact information is the same as what you entered earlier, you can use the provided link at the top to auto-populate the fields. Otherwise, enter the correct information for the Requestor.
    • Click “Continue” to proceed.

  7. Summary & Payment:

    • Carefully review your Alabama LLC Name Reservation filing details on the summary screen. Check for accuracy and any potential typos.
    • Click the “Edit” buttons if you need to make any corrections.
    • Once everything looks correct, check the box at the bottom to confirm accuracy and click “Continue.”
    • Finally, enter your contact and billing information, and submit your online payment.

Congratulations! Your Alabama LLC Name Reservation has been successfully submitted to the state.

Alabama LLC Name Reservation Approval Time (Online Filing)

When filing your Alabama LLC Name Reservation online, it will be processed and approved instantly. You will typically receive a download link via email within a few minutes. This email will be sent to the email address you provided in the “Contact Information” section during the application process.

Important: You must save your LLC Name Reservation Certificate to your computer or print it out immediately. The download link provided by the state will only remain active for 15 days. If you fail to download the LLC Name Reservation Certificate within this timeframe or happen to lose it, you will unfortunately need to order a duplicate copy and incur the $28 fee again. We highly recommend saving a digital copy to your computer and printing out several physical copies for your records.

❓ FAQs - Alabama LLC Name Reservation

Yes, Alabama uniquely requires an LLC Name Reservation. However, if filing online, you can often do the Alabama LLC Name Reservation and Certificate of Formation in a single, combined step.

You can search for an Alabama business name using the Alabama Business Entity Search tool on the Alabama Secretary of State website (External Link – Verify actual URL).

Your Alabama LLC name must be distinguishable from other registered entities, include an approved designator (like “LLC”), and not contain restricted words unless licensed to do so.

If your Alabama LLC name is rejected, the state will notify you. You will then need to file again with a different or modified LLC name that meets the state’s rules.

If you file your Alabama LLC Name Reservation online, it is approved instantly. If filed by mail, it typically takes 4-7 days for approval.

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