A Guide to Alabama LLC or INC Business Name Search

Alabama Business Entity Search

A business name is a powerful driver of business or customers if given the right direction. You will need to choose a name that not only reflects the brand identity but also helps impress investors. This is one of the many reasons why it is important to conduct an Alabama business name search. This type of search will not only reveal availability of your chosen name but also open the doors to creativity. You will be able to see other names or names of various LLCs and corporations in the state thus providing a platform to choose the right name. Business names can vary from simple (Pizza Hut) to extremely creative (Nike). The sky’s the limit but you need to also maintain compliance with Alabama business name rules.

• First and foremost is to choose a name that people can spell and pronounce
• It is also important to follow the Alabama LLC or Corporation name rules and guidelines
• Choose a name that is easy to remember
• Ensure that the chosen company name is consistent with your brand
• Be careful and ensure your company name is not similar to that of a competitor
• You can be creative with a company name
• Always conduct an Alabama business entity search prior to finalizing the name
• Try to make the entity name web-friendly as this ensures availability of domain
• Last but not the least; you can use online business name generators for identifying a name

What is an Alabama business name search?

Once you have chosen the entity structure, the next important step would be to identify a business name. The name of a company will define the future of the business and increase customer’s brand recall value. If you have chosen a name following the naming guidelines then conducting an Alabama business entity search becomes necessary. This type of entity search is available in all states of the USA although the governing or facilitating authority will be different. The governing authority for an entity name search is facilitated by the office of the Alabama Secretary of State.

Naming your Alabama LLC

If you have taken a decision to form a limited liability company then there are several processes that you need to follow in order to successfully establish your business. One of the most important processes is that of naming your LLC, as a business name helps in creating an identity among the customers as well as competitors. If you think of an effective business name then it will influence the decision of your prospective customers. When choosing a name, you can conduct an Alabama LLC name search to get some ideas as well as to check availability of the chosen name in the state. Let’s look at the two important aspects to consider when it comes to naming your limited liability company.

General Alabama LLC naming rules

One of the most important areas to focus on during naming of your limited liability company is Alabama business name rules and regulations. The business naming guidelines are regulated by 2022 Code of Alabama, Title 10A – Alabama Business and Nonprofit Entities Code, Chapter 1 – General Provisions, Section 10A-1-5.06 – Name of Limited Liability Company or foreign limited liability company. The general rules for an LLC name are:

• It should have words like Limited Liability Company or abbreviations like LLC or L.L.C. pursuant to AL Code § 10A-1-5.06 (2014)
• The business name should be distinguishable from any other name in the Alabama Secretary of State database
• It is important to note that the reservation of certain names are prohibited pursuant to AL Code § 10A-1-5.12 (2014)

Alabama LLC business search

Once you have identified a name for your limited-liability company then the next step will be to conduct an Alabama LLC name search. The Alabama Secretary of State offers an online portal that will enable LLC name search through the entire state database or business entity records. There are different ways to conduct the search and the main method is:

• Search by Entity Name: This is the most common form of Alabama business name availability search. This search will help both new domestic as well as foreign LLC’s to check if their chosen name is available. You can search using variables like searching with the chosen name, type of company (LLC), place of formation (county), principal city, and the status of the company that has a similar name like exists or dissolved. Let’s look at an example to understand this process.

  Example: If you want to start a business skilled in Computer Consulting/Computer Software Development then the name should be appropriate to the services being offered. If you chose a name like “Software Architects LLC” and conducted an Alabama LLC name search in the state database then it will show an active company with such a name operating out of Albertville, AL. Now, if you change the name to “Software Specialists LLC” then the Alabama business entity search shows “no matches”. This means the new name is available and you can reserve it.

• Business Entity Search By Agent or Officer or Incorporator
• Entity ID
• Reservation ID

Are you planning to form an LLC in Alabama?

Naming your Alabama Corporation

One of the most popular forms of businesses is a traditional corporation also known as a C Corp. If you are thinking of starting a domestic corporation in the state then it is important to start by identifying a corporate name. You will have to reserve this name pursuant to AL Code § 10-2B-4.01 (2022) prior to incorporating your business. A corporate name is a powerful driver of brand identity and recognition and hence it is important to follow Alabama business name rules as suggested by the state. There are several ways to pick out a name for your company thanks to the online business name generators available. Once you come up with a name, you will also need to conduct an Alabama Corporation name search to check for availability of the said name. This process will facilitate reservation of your corporate name. Let’s look at the important aspects to consider when it comes to naming your business corporation.

General Alabama C & S Corporation naming rules

If you are planning to form a domestic or foreign corporation then you will need to reserve a name prior to applying for incorporation. If you want an S Corporation then the naming guidelines will vary according to the entity structure chosen. An S corporation (S corp) is tax designated and you can form a limited liability company and then elect S Corp status or form a corp and then opt for S Corp status. Either ways, you will need to conduct an Alabama business name availability and the name reserved for your LLC or corporation will be the name for the S Corporation.

• It should have words like “Corporation,” “Incorporated,” or abbreviations like Corp. or INC pursuant to AL Code § 10A-1-5.04 (2014)
• The name should be unique and should not imply that the said corporation has been organized for any purpose other than what is outlined in the articles of incorporation.
• According to Alabama business name rules, use of certain words or names are prohibited pursuant to AL Code § 10A-1-5.03 (2014) like Bank, Banking, Engineer, etc.

Alabama Corporation Business Search

Once you have identified a name for your corporation in compliance with state naming rules and guidelines, the next step is to look for Alabama business name availability. This is facilitated by the online portal of Alabama Secretary of State also known as business entity records search. There are different ways by which you can conduct this search and the main method is:

• Search by Entity Name: This is the most popular method of conducting Alabama Corporation name search. This search can be used by both domestic and foreign corporations. You can search using variables like search using a chosen name, the type of entity structure (Corporation), place of formation (county), principal city, and the status of the company like it exists or has been dissolved. Let’s look at an example to understand this process.

  Example: If you want to start a business focusing on the Architecture industry then try to choose a name that is in-sync with the services offered or the industry. If you choose a name like “Bay Area Architects Inc.” then follow it up with an Alabama Corporation name search. The process will search the entire state entity database and show a dissolved company with such a name. Since the company is dissolved, you will be able to reserve this name. Now, if the corporation was active then you would have had to choose another name and conduct an Alabama business entity search again and if available, reserve it.

There are other search options available, which are:

• Search for business entity By Agent or Officer or Incorporator
• Search using Entity ID
• Search using Reservation ID

Are you thinking of Incorporating in Alabama?

Need any Assistance in Alabama Business Name Search?

A corporate or an LLC name is the top branding vehicle as consumers, competitors, partners, and vendors will associate the business name with your products and services. An Alabama business name search will facilitate the entire process of reservation of a name without which you will not be able to proceed with company formation or incorporation. Business name reservation also facilitates several other important sub-processes like opening a business bank account and issuance of licenses.