Short answer: Must include LLC designator. Restricted words like Bank or Insurance require licensing. Mandatory Certificate of Name Reservation required before forming.
We've pulled these figures from the Alabama Secretary of State's own pages. If something's changed since our last check, the state's portal wins, so it's worth a quick look before you pay.
Alabama naming rules
Must include LLC designator. Restricted words like Bank or Insurance require licensing. Mandatory Certificate of Name Reservation required before forming.
Open the official Alabama name search
Reserving a name
Alabama lets you reserve a name for $28, which holds it for 120 days.
Doing business under another name
Alabama DBAs are filed with: county. Fee: UNCONFIRMED.
How Alabama compares
Alabama's name reservation fee is $28. That's the 17th highest of 50 jurisdictions we track. The national median is $25, so Alabama runs $3 above it.
| State | Fee | National rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $28 | 17 of 50 |
| Georgia | $35 | 12 of 50 |
| Mississippi | $25 | 18 of 50 |
| North Carolina | $10 | 41 of 50 |
| South Carolina | $25 | 18 of 50 |
| Tennessee | $20 | 33 of 50 |
Alabama fees that apply here
| Filing | State fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Formation | $208 | $200 by mail or $208 online ($100 county, $100 state, $8 portal fee) |
| Name reservation (optional) | $28 | 120 days |
| Amendment | $100 | |
| DBA / assumed name | UNCONFIRMED | county |
Name search and rules: Alabama questions
How do I check if an LLC name is available in Alabama?
Use the official Alabama Secretary of State business search. A name that's distinguishable from existing records can usually be registered.
What words must an Alabama LLC name include?
Must include LLC designator. Restricted words like Bank or Insurance require licensing. Mandatory Certificate of Name Reservation required before forming.
Can I reserve an LLC name in Alabama?
Yes. Reservation costs $28 and holds the name for 120 days.
Do I need a DBA in Alabama?
Only if you'll do business under a name other than your exact LLC name. DBAs are filed with: county. Fee: UNCONFIRMED.
Sources and verification
Last checked against official state sources on . States change fees with little notice, so confirm on the filing portal before you pay. How we verify.
Still being confirmed with the state: dba fee.