Lookup Business Entity | Form Corporation | FAQ
A search on the Alabama Secretary of State website may be performed using the entity’s name, number, officer, registered agent, incorporator, month and year of formation, date, and registration by ID. The Alabama Secretary of State provides a searchable database for corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships (LPs), limited liability partnerships (LLPs), limited liability limited partnerships (LLLPs), and professional organizations.
| Official website: | https://www.sos.alabama.gov/businessservices/Default.aspx |
| Address: | RSA Union Building – Suite 770 100 North Union Street Montgomery, Alabama 36103-5616 |
| Telephone: | 1(334) 242-5324 |
| Fax: | 1(334) 240-3138 |
| E-Mail: | mailto:rebecca.morris@sos.alabama.gov |
Alabama Business Search Shortcut
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How To Lookup An Entity In Alabama
Alabama Secretary Of State Business Search By Name
- To begin, go to the Alabama Business Entity Search homepage
- Input the entity’s name; however, you may opt to further limit your search by supplying the entity type, place of formation, and city of principal address
- To continue, click the Search button after inputting the name and any other information you want to use to refine your search.
- On the following page, a list of matched results will emerge, including the entity ID number, city of office, type, and status with the secretary, in addition to the name.
- To get more information about the entity, click on the entity ID in the blue lettering. You will be able to examine the required details about the entity on the following page.
Alabama Secretary Of State Business Search By Entity Number
When looking for an entity using this approach, there is no way to refine your search.
- Enter the six-digit entity number on the Alabama Business Search homepage.
- To continue, click the Search button once the details have been input.
- On the next page, you’ll get all of the information you need about the entity.
Alabama Secretary Of State Business Search By Officer, Agent, Or Incorporator
- Go to the Alabama Business Search website and type in the last name, first name format of the person who is associated with the business you want to search for.
- You may narrow your search by providing the officer type and place of formation
- On the following page, you can see all of the entities with which the individual is associated in the state, as well as the business’s entity ID, entity name, officer, agent, incorporator, and position.
- To get more information about an entity, click on the entity ID in the blue lettering.
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Alabama Secretary Of State Business Search By Month And Year
- Begin your search of the Alabama Business Search database by entering the month and year the entity was formed at the Secretary of State’s office.
- To continue your search, click the Search button. You’ll be taken to a page that lists all of the entities created in the month and year you specified, in alphabetical order.
- To acquire more information about an entity, click on the entity ID in the blue lettering.
Alabama Secretary Of State Business Search By Date
- Start your search on the Alabama Business Search page by entering the precise date the business was created. By putting the Place of Formation in your search, you may narrow down your results.
- To search the Alabama Secretary of State’s business database, click the Search button. The results will be listed alphabetically.
- To acquire more information about an entity, click on the entity ID in the blue lettering.
Steps To Forming A New Corporation In Alabama
1. Choose a name
The name of your corporation must include the terms “Incorporated,” “Corporation,” “Company,” or “Limited,” or a short version of one of those phrases. The name of your corporation must be distinct from that of other corporate names that are currently on record with the Alabama Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
2. Ensure the availability of the name
By checking the Alabama business name database, names may be examined for availability. By submitting an Application for Reservation of Name to the Alabama Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Commercial Services, you can reserve a name for six months.
3. Formally appoint a Registered Agent
The state of Alabama requires every business to have an agent for legal process serving. If a company is sued, this person or business consents to take court documents on the company’s behalf. An entity with a certificate of power to conduct business in Alabama such as Northwest Registered Agent and GoDaddy, a Alabama resident, a Alabama company, or a foreign entity may serve as a registered agent.
4. File Articles of Incorporation in Alabama
The articles must contain the following information: the corporation’s name; its intention; the number of shares it is permitted to issue; the name and address of the agent receiving service of process; the name and address of the resident agent receiving service of process; and the names and addresses of all incorporators.
5. Establish bylaws and corporate records
The fundamental guidelines for running your organization are outlined in the bylaws, which are internal corporate documents. They are not reported to the government. Corporate bylaws are not legally needed for your company, but you should nonetheless adopt them since they define how your company will operate and demonstrate to lenders, creditors, the IRS, and other parties that your company is genuine.
6. Initial Directors should be appointed
The first corporate directors are chosen by the incorporator and serve on the board up until the inaugural annual shareholder meeting.
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7. Organize an organizational meeting
At the first board meeting, the directors pick corporate officials, choose a corporate bank, establish the corporation’s fiscal year, approve the issuing of shares of stock, and adopt a formal stock certificate form and official seal.
8. Stock certificates are issued
The number of shares issued should be stated in the company’s annual report. Most firms offer certificates to shareholders stating their shares, even though it is not usually necessary. Stock can be privately or publicly issued. Typically, founders, management, workers, or a small group of investors receive privately issued shares. A public corporation offers some of its equity shares for sale to the general public.
9. Apply for an Employer Identification Number
Obtaining an employer identification number (EIN) is required for your business. For taxation reasons, this identification number serves as the corporation’s Social Security number. Among other things, it enables you to recruit staff and create a company bank account. The IRS website has an online application that you may use to get an EIN. You will require this number for future documents and to file your company’s tax filings, so keep a record of it.
10. Obtaining Business Permits and Licenses
Take time to investigate any necessary permissions or licenses to maintain your new firm on the legal straight and narrow. Depending on the type of company services you offer, the county or city where your firm is situated, and if you employ people, different permissions and licenses may be required.
Frequently Asked Question on Alabama Secretary Of State Business Search
Is it necessary to add “LLC” after my business name?
Alabama will require you to include LLC after your new business’s name if you opt to employ a limited liability corporation structure. You may also use the word “limited liability company” in its entirety. If you’re promoting your company, you normally don’t need to add LLC to the end of the name.