When forming or researching a business in Alabama, the Alabama Business Entity Search tool is an essential resource. Whether you are a business owner, entrepreneur, investor, legal professional, or just someone researching company information, this tool gives you complete access to business records registered with the Alabama Secretary of State. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about using the Alabama business search portal, including how to perform detailed lookups, what kind of information you can find, and why it’s vital for due diligence, compliance, and market research.
What Is the Alabama Business Entity Search?
The Alabama Business Entity Search is a free online service provided by the Alabama Secretary of State. It allows users to search for details about corporations, LLCs, LLPs, and other entities registered to operate in the state. This includes both domestic (in-state) and foreign (out-of-state) businesses.
Why Use the Alabama Business Search Tool?
Here are the primary reasons users rely on this tool:
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Verify Business Legitimacy
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Check Entity Status
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Track Name Availability
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Research Business Ownership
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Perform Due Diligence Before Partnership
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Download Certified Documents
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Locate Registered Agent Information
How to Perform an Alabama Business Entity Search
To access the official search page, go to the Alabama Secretary of State Business Services page.
1. Accessing the Search Portal
You can reach the search function directly here:
👉 Alabama Business Entity Search Page
2. Search Options Available
There are multiple ways to perform a search:
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By Entity Name
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By Entity Number
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By Officer/Agent/Organizer Name
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By Date of Formation
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By Reservation ID (for name reservations)
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
a. Visit the Search Page
Head to the official search portal and select the search by name option for general inquiries.
b. Enter Business Name or Keyword
Type in the business name or even a partial keyword. You can use the asterisk (*) as a wildcard.
c. Review the List of Results
You will see a list of businesses matching your query. Click on the entity name to view more information.
d. View Detailed Entity Information
The entity details include:
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Entity ID and Name
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Type of Entity (LLC, Corporation, etc.)
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Status (Active, Cancelled, Dissolved)
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Formation Date
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Principal Office Address
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Registered Agent Name and Address
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Nature of Business
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Governing Authority (Officers or Members)
Understanding the Business Entity Details
Each business profile gives you insightful legal and operational data. Let’s look at the key elements:
Business Name and Entity Number
These uniquely identify the company and are needed to order certified documents.
Status of the Entity
Indicates whether the business is in good standing. For example:
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Active – Compliant and currently operating.
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Dissolved – No longer legally recognized.
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Cancelled – Inactive due to compliance failures or voluntary closure.
Formation and State of Origin
Shows the original filing date and whether the company is domestic or foreign.
Registered Agent Information
Critical for legal processes. Includes the name and address of the person or organization authorized to receive service of process.
Governing Persons
Lists the names of members, managers, officers, or directors.
How to Check Business Name Availability in Alabama
Planning to start a new business in Alabama? Before you register your LLC or corporation, it’s essential to check whether the business name is already taken.
Steps to Check Name Availability:
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Go to the Alabama Name Reservation Search
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Enter the desired name.
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If no exact matches are found, the name may be available.
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Reserve the name online for up to one year.
How to Order Business Documents
Once you find the entity you’re looking for, you can request official documents:
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Certificate of Existence
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Certified Copies of Formation Documents
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Annual Reports
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Amendments or Mergers
To order, follow these steps:
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Navigate to the business’s detail page.
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Scroll down and select “Order Documents.”
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Choose the document type, pay the required fees, and receive it by mail or electronically.
Searching by Officer or Registered Agent
This feature is incredibly useful if you’re trying to:
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Locate all businesses under the same individual
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Identify related companies
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Investigate corporate networks
Enter the full name or partial name in the Officer/Agent search field.
How to File a New Business Entity in Alabama
You can file your new entity directly through the Secretary of State’s portal.
Steps to File:
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Reserve a Business Name (Required)
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Prepare Articles of Organization (LLC) or Incorporation (Corporation)
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Submit Online or via Mail
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Pay the Filing Fee (Varies by entity type)
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Wait for Processing (Usually 1–2 business days)
All filings are done via the Alabama Business Services Portal.
Maintaining Compliance with Alabama SOS
Once your business is formed, stay in compliance by:
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Filing Annual Reports (only for some entity types)
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Maintaining a Registered Agent
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Renewing Name Reservation (if applicable)
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Notifying SOS of Structural Changes
Failure to comply can lead to administrative dissolution.
Alabama Business Resources and Help Desk
For additional help, you may contact:
Alabama Secretary of State – Business Services
📍 Montgomery, AL
📞 Phone: (334) 242-5324
🌐 https://www.sos.alabama.gov
Common Questions About Alabama Business Search
Can I find businesses by EIN?
No. The system does not allow search by Employer Identification Number (EIN) for privacy reasons.
Is there a fee to use the business search?
No. Searches are completely free. Fees apply only when you order official documents.
Can I search for expired or dissolved entities?
Yes. Historical data remains accessible in the system.
Final Thoughts
The Alabama Business Entity Search is a robust and accessible platform for verifying business information, conducting due diligence, or planning a new venture. By understanding how to use this tool properly, you can avoid legal pitfalls, research your competition, and ensure your own business is fully compliant with Alabama state laws.
If you’re starting or managing a business in Alabama, make it a regular habit to use this system for monitoring compliance, researching partnerships, and protecting your brand.
