Find Alabama LLC & Corporation Records
This guide helps you search Alabama business records using official Secretary of State tools, without wasting time on fake lookup pages or random third-party links.
Use it to find an LLC, corporation, nonprofit, foreign entity, registered agent, officer, entity ID, certificate path, document copy option, and official contact details.
Fast answer: Start on the Alabama Secretary of State Business Entity Records page. You can search by entity name, entity number, officer / agent / incorporator, or reservation / registration ID. For most users, entity name search is the best first click.
Important ID note: Alabama has switched from a 6-digit to a 9-digit entity ID format. If you see leading zeroes added to an older number, copy the full number exactly for certificates, copies, forms, and future searches.
Best practical workflow: Search name broadly → open close matches → confirm entity type and status → copy entity ID → review registered agent and address → order a certificate or record copy only if official proof is required.
I Want To… Pick the Right Official Path
Most visitors do not need every Alabama SOS service. Pick your real task first, then use only the official page that solves it.
Find an LLC or corporation
Use entity name search when you know the company name, brand name, or a partial legal name.
Search nameUse entity ID
Use entity number search when you already have the Alabama entity ID from a filing, certificate, bank form, or record.
Search numberCheck agent or officer
Use officer, agent, or incorporator search when you only know the person, organizer, or registered agent connected with the entity.
Search agentOrder proof
Use Certificate of Existence when a bank, vendor, lender, state agency, marketplace, or contract asks for official proof.
CertificateGet filed documents
Use record copies when you need formation documents, amendments, registered agent changes, or certified filing copies.
Document copiesCheck name availability
Search existing business names first. Then use the official name reservation menu if you are preparing to form or register a business.
Name reservationStart a new Alabama entity
Use the official online services menu for domestic formation, foreign registration, amendments, dissolutions, and forms.
Online servicesAsk the SOS office
For business entity questions, call Business Entities Division at 334-242-5324 during business hours.
View contactAlabama Business Search Helper Before You Click
Tap the option closest to your situation. This helper tells you which official search screen to use first.
Choose your search situation
How to Search an Alabama Business by Name Micro Step Guide
Name search is the best first step for LLC lookup, corporation lookup, vendor verification, and name availability research.
Short description: use this screenshot near the official search instructions so users can recognize the correct Alabama SOS search area before choosing Entity Name, Entity Number, Officer / Agent / Incorporator, or Reservation / Registration by ID.
Open the official Alabama entity name search
Use the Secretary of State Business Entity Records hub or go directly to the Entity Name search screen.
Open Entity Name SearchStart broad, then narrow
Search the strongest unique words first. Remove punctuation, commas, apostrophes, and endings like LLC, Inc, Co, Corporation, Limited, or Holdings if the first search fails.
Open every close match
Do not stop at the first result. Alabama names can be similar. Open close matches, abbreviations, plural versions, older names, and different entity types.
Confirm entity type and status
Check whether the record is an LLC, corporation, nonprofit, limited partnership, LLP, foreign entity, or another filing type. Then review status and filing date.
Save the full entity ID
Copy the Alabama entity ID exactly as displayed. If it has leading zeroes, keep them. This number is useful for certificates, copies, bank forms, vendor onboarding, and later lookup.
Check registered agent and address
The registered agent receives official notices and legal papers. Address fields may show registered office, mailing address, or principal office, not always a storefront.
Order proof only when needed
If a bank, lender, marketplace, vendor, or government agency wants official proof, use Certificate of Existence or business record copies after confirming the correct record.
Certificate of ExistenceEntity Number, Agent, Officer and Reservation Search When Name Search Is Not Enough
Alabama provides multiple search paths. Use the right one based on what you already know.
| Search option | Use it when | What to enter | Official action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entity Name | You know the LLC, corporation, nonprofit, or partnership name. | Unique business words. Try without punctuation and suffix first. | Search by name |
| Entity Number | You have the Alabama entity ID from a record, filing, certificate, or document order. | The full entity number. Keep leading zeroes if shown. | Search by number |
| Officer / Agent / Incorporator | You know a registered agent, incorporator, officer, organizer, or connected person. | Person name, company agent name, or registered agent business name. | Search agent/officer |
| Reservation / Registration by ID | You have a name reservation or registration ID from the filing process. | The reservation or registration number exactly as given. | Search reservation ID |
| Online Services Menu | You need formation, foreign registration, amendments, certificate, dissolution, withdrawal, or copies. | Choose the correct service after verifying the entity. | Open online services |
How to Read an Alabama Business Entity Record Without Misunderstanding It
A business record is useful only if you understand what each field can and cannot prove.
Entity name
Match spelling, punctuation, suffix, and close variations carefully. Similar names may belong to unrelated businesses.
Entity ID
Use the exact ID for certificate orders, copy orders, banking, vendor onboarding, legal paperwork, and future searches.
Entity type
LLC, corporation, nonprofit, LP, LLP, and foreign registration have different meanings and filing requirements.
Status
Status helps you understand whether the record appears active, dissolved, withdrawn, cancelled, or otherwise changed.
Registered agent
The registered agent receives official papers. It may be an individual, company, law office, or commercial agent service.
Address fields
Address fields may show registered office, mailing address, or principal office. They may not be a customer-facing location.
Alabama LLC Name Availability Search Before You Reserve
A business name search is not the same as official approval. Use it as a screening step before name reservation or formation.
Good screening method
- Search the exact name first.
- Search the main unique words only.
- Search singular and plural versions.
- Search abbreviation and full-word versions.
- Search without LLC, Inc, Corporation, Co, The, and punctuation.
Do not rely on these alone
- Google results or social profiles.
- Domain name availability.
- County business license listings.
- Trademark search only.
- A third-party business lookup page.
Certificate of Existence and Business Record Copies When You Need Official Proof
Search results are useful for quick verification. Certificates and copies are used when someone needs official documentation.
Certificate of Existence
Use this when a bank, lender, vendor, marketplace, state agency, or contract asks for proof that the business exists in Alabama records.
Order certificateBusiness record copies
Use this when you need formation, amendment, agent change, merger, termination, or other filed document copies.
Order copiesSave immediately
After ordering online documents, download, print, and save a backup immediately so you do not lose access later.
Alabama Business Entity Fees Common Costs Users Ask About
The free lookup is separate from paid filings, certificates, reservations, and copies. The official checkout controls the final total.
| Service or filing | Listed fee | Best for | Practical note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business entity search | Free | Looking up LLCs, corporations, agents, IDs, and public records. | Use the official Alabama SOS records pages. |
| Domestic Certificate of Formation | $200.00 | Creating a domestic Alabama entity filing with SOS. | County/probate or other filing steps may also matter depending on entity and process. |
| Foreign Entity Registration | $150.00 | Registering an out-of-state entity to transact business in Alabama. | Confirm foreign registration requirements before filing. |
| Amendment to Certificate of Formation | $100.00 | Changing filed information after formation. | Use the amendment path, not a new formation. |
| Agent change | $100.00 | Changing registered agent or registered office information. | Keep agent information current for notices and service. |
| Agent resignation | No fee | Registered agent resignation filing. | The entity should handle replacement agent needs quickly. |
| Name reservation, correction, or transfer | $25.00 | Holding or managing a business name before filing. | Online print-immediately total is listed as $28.00. |
| Certificate of Existence | $25.00 | Official proof for banks, lenders, vendors, or agencies. | Online print-immediately total is listed as $28.00. |
| Copies of documents | $2.00 per page | Getting filed document copies. | Online print-immediately fee is listed as $3.50 per page. |
| Certification of documents | $10.00 per document | When a plain copy is not enough and certification is needed. | Certified copies may also include per-page copy cost. |
Common Alabama Business Search Problems and Fast Fixes
Most failed searches happen because the user enters too much, too little, or the wrong legal version of the name.
No results found
Remove LLC, Inc, Corp, commas, apostrophes, periods, and The. Search only the strongest unique word group.
Too many results
Add one more unique word, city word, owner word, or abbreviation. Then compare entity type, address, and agent.
Entity ID looks different
Alabama now uses a 9-digit entity ID format. Leading zeroes may appear on older IDs, so copy the full number.
Old corporation record
Certain corporation records from 1949 through 2010 may require checking Alabama Archives guidance from the SOS records page.
Business changed agent
Use agent/officer search and record copies if you need to track agent changes or understand who currently receives official notices.
Fraud concern
The SOS record can show filings, but the SOS office states it is not authorized to investigate business fraud or provide legal advice.
Local Insider Tips for Alabama LLC and Corporation Lookup
These practical habits make Alabama SOS searching faster, cleaner, and safer.
For name search
- Search the root brand words first, not the full legal name.
- Try both and and ampersand versions if the business may use either.
- Check similar spellings before assuming a name is available.
- Do not treat an inactive-looking record as legal permission to use the same name.
- Save the entity ID immediately when you find the correct record.
For verification
- Compare SOS name with invoice, contract, W-9, bank account, and website footer.
- Check registered agent and principal address, but remember the address may not be a storefront.
- Use Certificate of Existence when a third party needs official proof.
- Use certified copies when a plain screenshot is not accepted.
- For licenses, taxes, insurance, or permits, check the separate agency that controls that requirement.
Alabama Secretary of State Business Services Phone, Address and Map
Use this contact information for Alabama business entity search, filings, certificates, copies, and official service questions.
Business Entities Division
Phone: 334-242-5324
Office hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time.
Use for: business records, entity filings, certificates, forms, and official service help.
Physical address
RSA Plaza – Suite 580
770 Washington Avenue
Montgomery, AL 36104
Mailing address
PO Box 5616
Montgomery, AL 36103-5616
Use the mailing address only when the official filing instruction says to mail documents.
Official Alabama Business Entity Resources Use These After Reading
These links are included only where they help the user take action. Use official Alabama SOS and Alabama.gov services instead of third-party lookup pages.
Business Entity Records hub
Main official page for entity name, entity number, agent/officer, and reservation/registration searches.
Open records hubEntity name search
Best first search for Alabama LLC, corporation, nonprofit, partnership, or foreign entity lookup.
Search by nameEntity number search
Use when you already have the exact Alabama entity number or need to confirm one record quickly.
Search by numberAgent / officer search
Use when you know the registered agent, officer, incorporator, organizer, or connected person.
Search agentCertificate of Existence
Order official proof when a bank, lender, vendor, agency, or contract asks for business existence proof.
Order certificateBusiness record copies
Order certified or non-certified copies of Alabama business entity filings.
Order copiesName reservation
Use this after you screen the name and before formation if you need to reserve or manage a name reservation.
Reserve nameOnline services menu
Use for domestic formation, foreign registration, amendments, dissolutions, withdrawal, certificates, copies, and forms.
Open servicesBusiness Services contact
Use for official questions about Alabama business entity services, policy questions, and service problems.
Contact SOSAlabama Business Entity Search FAQ
Is the Alabama business entity search free?
Yes. The Alabama Secretary of State business entity search is free for public lookup. Paid services apply only when you order certificates, record copies, name reservations, or filings.
Where do I search for an Alabama LLC or corporation?
Use the official Alabama Secretary of State Business Entity Records page. The most common starting point is the Entity Name search option.
Can I search Alabama businesses by entity number?
Yes. Use the Entity Number search if you already have the Alabama entity ID. Keep all digits exactly as shown, including leading zeroes.
Why does my Alabama entity ID have leading zeroes?
Alabama moved from a 6-digit to a 9-digit entity ID format, so some records may show leading zeroes. Keep the full number for searches, certificates, and document orders.
How do I check if an Alabama business name is available?
First search existing business names through the Alabama SOS entity name search. Then use the official Name Reservation Menu if you want to reserve or manage a business name.
What is an Alabama Certificate of Existence?
A Certificate of Existence is official proof often requested by banks, lenders, vendors, marketplaces, contracts, or agencies to confirm the business exists in Alabama records.
How much is an Alabama Certificate of Existence?
The listed certificate fee is $25.00, and the online print-immediately total is listed as $28.00.
How do I get Alabama business filing copies?
Use the official Business Entity Record Copies service. You can order certified or non-certified copies, but confirm the correct entity name and entity ID before ordering.
Do Alabama corporations file annual reports with the Secretary of State?
The Alabama Secretary of State states that corporations authorized to transact business in Alabama are no longer required by law to file an annual report with the Secretary of State.
Who do I call for Alabama business entity search help?
Call the Alabama Secretary of State Business Entities Division at 334-242-5324. The office is located at RSA Plaza, Suite 580, 770 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104.
Does an Alabama SOS record prove a business is licensed or trustworthy?
No. An Alabama SOS record mainly shows business filing information. Licenses, permits, taxes, insurance, professional approvals, and fraud concerns may require checking other agencies or getting legal advice.
Final Practical Advice
For most users, the safest Alabama business entity search workflow is simple: search the name broadly, open close matches, confirm entity type and status, copy the full 9-digit entity ID, check agent and address details, then order a certificate or copy only when required.
Best path: Entity Name Search → confirm exact record → save entity ID → review registered agent → compare address/details → use Certificate of Existence or Record Copies only when official proof is needed.
Editorial verification note: official Alabama Secretary of State and Alabama.gov resources checked on July 7, 2026. This guide is informational and does not provide legal, tax, licensing, fraud-investigation, or business formation advice.