Business Records Search in Alabama lets anyone verify a company’s legal standing, ownership, and filing history with just a few clicks, satisfying the need to know if a business is active, who its registered agent is, or when it was formed. By entering a name, address, or filing number, users can pull business records by name, business records by owner, or business lookup by registration number, instantly revealing the entity type—whether a corporation, LLC, partnership, or nonprofit—and its current status. This instant access supports due‑diligence, partnership decisions, and compliance checks, answering questions like “how to find a business by name” or “how to check if a business is active” without digging through paper archives. The Alabama Secretary of State’s portal consolidates business entity records, trade name data, and DBA filings, making it simple to locate business registration records, view formation documents, and confirm the principal business address or registered agent details.
Business Records Search also serves researchers and consumers who need to trace ownership changes, view annual reports, or locate a company’s filing number for legal or financial purposes. Whether you’re searching for business records by address, seeking a business owner’s name, or needing to verify a company’s registration status, the system provides clear, authoritative information that eliminates guesswork. By integrating high‑value long‑tail queries such as “how to find a registered agent” and “how to view business filing documents,” the platform ensures accurate, up‑to‑date results that help you confirm a business’s legitimacy and make informed decisions quickly.
How to Search Business Records
You can search business records through the Alabama Secretary of State’s online portal. The system lets you look up a company by its name, owner, address, filing number, or registered agent. Each search returns the legal name, entity type, status, and formation date. Results show whether the business is active, dissolved, or revoked. The portal covers corporations, LLCs, partnerships, nonprofits, and foreign entities registered to operate in Alabama. The official search tool pulls data directly from state filings. You see the same records used by courts, banks, and government agencies. No account or login is needed for a basic lookup. For certified copies, you must submit a separate request to the Business Entities Division.
Official Search Portal: https://www.sos.alabama.gov/government-records/business-entity-records
Steps to Search
- Open the Alabama Secretary of State business entity records page.
- Select the search type from the dropdown menu (name, ID number, registered agent, or officer).
- Type your search term into the search field. Use partial names if you do not know the full legal name.
- Pick the search qualifier that matches your entry (starts with, contains, or exact match).
- Click “Search” to view the list of matching business entities.
- Click on any entity name to view its full filing history, status, and registered agent details.
- Print or save the record for your files, or order a certified copy through the Business Entities Division if needed.
Search by Business Name
You can search business records by name using the legal name on file with the state. Enter the full name or a partial keyword if you do not know every word. The search returns all entities that match the spelling you typed. Each result lists the entity type, status, and formation date so you can pick the right one. This method works best when you know the exact legal name or at least part of it.
Search by Business Owner
Searching by business owner lets you find every company tied to a person. You can use a first and last name to see all entities where that person appears as an officer, member, or registered agent. This search helps you confirm ownership, check for hidden affiliations, or verify a person’s role in a company. Results display the entity name, ID number, and role for each match.
Search by Address
You can search business records by address to find every entity registered at a specific location. Enter the street address, city, or zip code to see a list of businesses tied to that site. This method helps you verify a company’s physical presence, spot shared offices, or trace a company’s move history. Results show the business name, status, and the year the entity was formed.
Search by Business ID or Filing Number
Searching by business ID or filing number gives you the fastest, most exact result. Each Alabama business has a unique ID number assigned at formation. Type the number into the search field and pick the exact match option. The system displays the full record, including formation date, status, registered agent, and filing history. Use this method when you already have the ID from a prior lookup or document.
Search by Registered Agent
You can search by registered agent name to find every business that uses that agent. A registered agent is the person or company designated to accept legal papers on behalf of the business. Enter the agent’s name to see all entities connected to them. This search helps you verify who represents a company or confirm that an agent is still active.
Search by Entity Type
Searching by entity type lets you filter results to a single business structure. Pick from corporation, LLC, partnership, sole proprietorship, nonprofit, or professional entity. Combine this filter with a name or location to narrow the list further. This method helps you build lists of similar businesses or check the competition in your sector.
Search by Business Status
You can search by business status to find active, inactive, dissolved, or revoked entities. Pick the status filter and pair it with a name, owner, or location. This search helps you check if a company is in good standing or confirm that a business has shut down. The status field shows the current state and the date of the last change.
Business Record Information
Each business record shows core facts about a company. The Alabama Secretary of State keeps these facts on file after every filing. You can pull this data such as the mobile county al for free through the public search portal. Below is a list of the key fields you will see in a typical record.
- Legal business name and any assumed names (DBAs)
- Entity type, formation date, and state of formation
- Business ID number, filing number, and current status
- Principal office address and registered agent details
Legal Business Name
The legal business name is the official name filed with the state. It appears on the certificate of formation and every public document. This name is different from any trade name or DBA the business might also use. The legal name must be unique in Alabama at the time of filing. You will see it listed at the top of every search result.
Assumed or Trade Name
An assumed name, also called a trade name or DBA, is a name a business uses that is different from its legal name. Alabama requires a separate filing to register an assumed name. The state keeps these records in a separate database tied to the main entity. You can look them up through the same portal by selecting the “Assumed Name” search option.
Business Entity Type
The entity type tells you the legal structure of the business. Common types in Alabama include corporation, LLC, limited partnership, sole proprietorship, and nonprofit. Each type has its own rules for ownership, taxation, and reporting. The entity type is listed next to the business name in every search result.
Business Identification Number
The business identification number is a unique code assigned by the Alabama Secretary of State. It stays the same for the life of the entity, even if the business changes names or status. You can use this number to pull the full record quickly. It also appears on certified documents and tax filings.
Formation Date
The formation date is the day the business was officially registered with the state. It marks the start of the entity’s legal life. You can find this date in the record summary or in the formation documents. The formation date is useful for checking how long a company has been active.
Business Status
Business status tells you whether the entity is in good standing. Common statuses include active, inactive, dissolved, revoked, forfeited, and reinstated. The status changes when a business files annual reports, pays fees, or shuts down. The record shows the current status and the date of the last update.
Principal Business Address
The principal business address is the main location where the company operates. It is filed with the state and updated when the business moves. This address appears on public records and is used for official mail. You can check it to confirm where a company is based or to verify a physical location.
Registered Agent Information
The registered agent is the person or company appointed to accept legal papers on behalf of the business. Every Alabama entity must list a registered agent with a physical address in the state. The record shows the agent’s name and address. You can search by registered agent to find every business tied to that agent.
Business Entity Types
Alabama recognizes several types of business entities. Each type has its own formation rules, ownership structure, and tax treatment. Knowing the type helps you understand the rights and duties of the owners. Below is a table showing the most common entity types in Alabama.
| Entity Type | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Corporation | Owned by shareholders, managed by directors and officers, separate legal entity |
| LLC | Owned by members, flexible management, pass-through taxation |
| Limited Partnership | Has general partners and limited partners, two-tier structure |
| Sole Proprietorship | Owned by one person, no separate legal entity |
| Nonprofit | Organized for charitable, educational, or public purpose, tax-exempt status |
| Professional Entity | Formed by licensed professionals such as doctors, lawyers, or accountants |
Corporations
A corporation is a legal entity owned by shareholders. It is managed by a board of directors and run by officers. Corporations file articles of incorporation with the Alabama Secretary of State. They must also file annual reports and pay franchise taxes to stay in good standing.
Limited Liability Companies
An LLC, or limited liability company, blends the liability protection of a corporation with the tax flexibility of a partnership. Owners are called members, and the LLC can be managed by members or appointed managers. Alabama LLCs file a certificate of formation and annual reports each year.
Partnerships
A partnership is a business owned by two or more people who share profits and losses. General partnerships do not require state filing, but limited partnerships do. A limited partnership has at least one general partner and one limited partner. The state keeps records of all registered limited partnerships.
Sole Proprietorships
A sole proprietorship is a business owned by one person. It does not require state formation papers in most cases. The owner reports business income on personal tax returns. For a sole proprietorship to use an assumed name, an assumed name filing is needed with the probate court in the county of operation.
Nonprofit Organizations
A nonprofit is formed for charitable, religious, educational, or public purposes. Alabama nonprofits file articles of incorporation and apply for tax-exempt status with the IRS. They must file annual reports with the Secretary of State to keep their status active.
Professional Entities
Professional entities are formed by licensed professionals such as doctors, lawyers, dentists, or accountants. They can be structured as professional corporations or professional LLCs. These entities follow the same filing rules as other corporations or LLCs but have extra oversight from state licensing boards.
Foreign Business Entities
A foreign business entity is a company formed in another state that wants to operate in Alabama. It must register with the Alabama Secretary of State by filing an application for certificate of authority. Once registered, the foreign entity follows the same annual reporting rules as a domestic entity.
Business Ownership and Management
Alabama business records show who owns and runs each company. The records list owners, members, managers, officers, directors, partners, and registered agents. You can pull this data such as the license plate to verify control of a company or check for changes in leadership. Below is a table showing the main ownership and management roles in Alabama businesses.
| Role | Applies To | Source of Data |
|---|---|---|
| Owner | Sole proprietorships, partnerships | Filing documents, assumed name records |
| Member / Manager | LLCs | Certificate of formation, annual reports |
| Officer / Director | Corporations | Articles of incorporation, annual reports |
| Partner | Partnerships | Partnership agreement, state filings |
| Registered Agent | All entity types | Registered agent filing |
Business Owners
Business owners are the people who hold legal title to a company. In a sole proprietorship, the owner is the single founder. In a partnership, owners are the partners. The Secretary of State records show owners through annual reports and formation filings. You can search by owner name to find every entity tied to that person.
Members and Managers
Members are the owners of an LLC. Managers are the people appointed to run the LLC if the members choose a manager-managed structure. The state keeps a list of members and managers through annual reports. You can pull this list to verify who controls an LLC.
Corporate Officers
Corporate officers are the people who run the day-to-day operations of a corporation. Common officer titles include president, secretary, treasurer, and chief executive officer. Officers are listed in the annual report filed with the state. You can search by officer name to find every corporation they serve.
Directors
Directors are members of the board who oversee the corporation’s major decisions. They are elected by shareholders and listed in the annual report. The state keeps a current record of all directors on file. You can search by director name to find every corporation on whose board that person serves.
Partners
Partners are the owners of a partnership. Each partner shares in the profits, losses, and liabilities based on the partnership agreement. Limited partnerships have general partners who manage the business and limited partners who invest but do not manage. The state records list all general partners for limited partnerships.
Registered Agents
Registered agents accept legal and government papers on behalf of a business. Every Alabama entity must list a registered agent with a physical address in the state. The agent can be a person or a company that offers registered agent services such as the death index. You can search by agent name to find every business that uses them.
Ownership and Management Changes
Ownership and management changes happen when a business sells, merges, or restructures. Alabama businesses must file amendments or updated annual reports to reflect these changes. The filing history shows every change with the date it was recorded. You can check this history to trace how a company has changed over time.
Business Registration Information
Business registration information shows how and when a company was formed. The Alabama Secretary of State keeps these records on file after every filing. You can pull this data to confirm a company’s legal standing or check its registration history. Below is a list of the main registration fields you will find in a record.
- Formation date and state of formation
- Registration number and entity ID
- Entity status and foreign entity registration details
- Updates through amendments, mergers, or dissolutions
Formation Records
Formation records are the original documents filed to create a business. They include the articles of incorporation for corporations, certificates of formation for LLCs, and similar papers for other entity types. These records show the legal name, purpose, and original owners. You can view them through the public search portal.
Registration Date
The registration date is the day the Secretary of State accepted the formation filing. It marks the official start of the entity’s life. The registration date is listed in the record summary and on the formation documents. You can use this date to check how long a business has been operating.
Entity Status
Entity status tells you the current state of a business. Common statuses include active, inactive, dissolved, revoked, forfeited, and reinstated. The status changes when the business files documents, pays fees, or shuts down. You can check the status to verify a company is in good standing.
State of Formation
The state of formation is the state where the business was originally formed. Alabama businesses are formed under Alabama law. Foreign entities are formed in another state but registered to operate in Alabama. The state of formation is listed in the record summary.
Registration Number
The registration number is the unique code assigned to a business when it files with the state. It stays the same for the life of the entity. You can use this number to pull the full record or order certified copies. It appears on all official filings from the Secretary of State.
Foreign Entity Registration
Foreign entity registration is required for any business formed outside Alabama that wants to operate in the state. The company must file an application for certificate of authority. Once approved, the foreign entity follows the same annual reporting rules as a domestic entity.
Business Registration Updates
Business registration updates happen when a company files new documents. These include amendments, annual reports, mergers, or dissolutions. Each update is added to the filing history with the date it was recorded. You can view this history to see every change to the business.
Assumed Name and DBA Records
Assumed name and DBA records cover names a business uses that differ from its legal name. Alabama requires a filing for any company using an assumed name in the state. These records help the public trace who is behind a trade name or DBA. You can search assumed name records through the Secretary of State’s portal.
Assumed Business Names
An assumed business name is any name a business uses other than its legal name. Alabama requires a filing with the probate court in the county where the business operates. The Secretary of State keeps assumed name records for corporations and LLCs. You can search by assumed name to find the legal entity behind it.
DBA Records
DBA stands for “doing business as.” DBA records show the names a business uses in the marketplace. These filings link the assumed name to the legal entity. You can search DBA records to confirm who owns a name or to check if a name is available for use.
Trade Names
A trade name is another term for an assumed name. It is the name the public sees when dealing with a business. Trade names are filed at the county level for sole proprietorships and with the Secretary of State for corporations and LLCs. You can search trade name records to verify ownership.
Assumed Name Registration
Assumed name registration is the filing required to use a name other than the legal name. The filing includes the assumed name, the legal entity, and the owner’s name. Once filed, the assumed name is on public record. The registration must be renewed as required by state law.
Assumed Name Owners
Assumed name owners are the people or entities behind an assumed name filing. The record lists the legal name and the assumed name together. You can search by owner to find all assumed names tied to a person or company. This helps you verify who is behind a brand or trade name.
Assumed Name Status
Assumed name status tells you whether a filing is active or expired. An active status means the assumed name is currently registered. An expired status means the filing is no longer valid. You can check this status to confirm that a name is still in use.
Business Filing Records
Business filing records cover every document a company submits to the state. The Alabama Secretary of State keeps a full history of these filings. You can view them through the public search portal or request certified copies. The table below shows the main filing types you will find in a record.
| Filing Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Formation Documents | Create a new business entity |
| Amendments | Update details such as name, address, or purpose |
| Annual Reports | Confirm current ownership and management |
| Statements of Information | Update key facts about the entity |
| Mergers and Conversions | Change structure or combine with another entity |
| Dissolution Records | Close a business |
| Reinstatement Records | Restore a dissolved or revoked entity |
Formation Documents
Formation documents are the papers filed to create a business. They include articles of incorporation for corporations, certificates of formation for LLCs, and certificates of limited partnership for limited partnerships. These records show the original legal name, purpose, and registered agent. You can view them through the public search portal.
Amendments
An amendment is a filing that changes details in the formation documents. Common changes include the legal name, principal address, business purpose, or management structure. Amendments are added to the filing history with the date they were recorded. You can view amendments to see how a company has changed over time.
Annual Reports
Annual reports are filed each year to update key facts about a business. They confirm the current registered agent, principal address, and officers or members. Alabama requires annual reports for corporations, LLCs, and other entity types. The filing history shows every annual report on file.
Statements of Information
Statements of information are filings that update key facts about an entity between annual reports. They can cover changes in officers, directors, or registered agents. The statement is added to the record once filed. You can view these statements to check for recent changes.
Mergers and Conversions
Mergers and conversions are filings that change a business’s structure or combine it with another entity. A merger joins two or more entities into one. A conversion changes an entity from one type to another, such as from a partnership to an LLC. These filings are part of the public record.
Dissolution Records
Dissolution records show when a business officially closed. The filing marks the end of the entity’s legal life. Dissolved businesses no longer have the right to operate in Alabama. The record shows the date of dissolution and the reason it was filed.
Reinstatement Records
Reinstatement records show when a dissolved or revoked entity was restored to active status. The filing clears any back taxes, penalties, or missing reports. Once reinstated, the business can operate again in Alabama. The record shows the date of reinstatement.
Business Status and History
Business status and history show the current state of a company and how it has changed over time. The Alabama Secretary of State keeps a record of every status change. You can check this data to confirm a company is active or to trace its past. Below is a list of common statuses you will find in a record.
- Active: The business is in good standing.
- Inactive: The business is registered but not currently active.
- Dissolved: The business has officially closed.
- Revoked: The state canceled the business for failing to meet requirements.
- Forfeited: The business lost its rights due to unpaid fees or missing reports.
- Reinstated: The business has been restored after a revocation or forfeiture.
Active Businesses
An active business is one that is in good standing with the state. It has filed all required reports and paid all fees. Active businesses have the right to operate in Alabama. You can confirm a business is active by checking its current status in the search portal.
Inactive Businesses
An inactive business is registered with the state but is not currently active. This status may happen when a company stops operations but does not file for dissolution. The business still appears in search results but cannot legally operate. You can check the record to see the reason for the inactive status.
Dissolved Businesses
A dissolved business has officially closed. The owners filed articles of dissolution or the state dissolved the entity for failing to meet requirements. Dissolved businesses no longer have the right to operate. You can check the record to see the date and reason for the dissolution.
Revoked or Forfeited Entities
Revoked or forfeited entities have lost their right to operate in Alabama. The state takes this action when a business fails to file annual reports or pay required fees. The record shows the date of revocation or forfeiture. The business can apply for reinstatement to restore its status.
Reinstated Businesses
A reinstated business has been restored to active status after a revocation or forfeiture. The owners filed the missing documents, paid back fees, and met state requirements. Once reinstated, the business can operate again. The record shows the date of reinstatement and any past status changes.
Business Status History
Business status history shows every status change for a company. It lists the dates of each change and the reason. This history helps you trace the life of a business from formation to the present. You can view the full status history through the public search portal.
Business Address and Contact Information
Business address and contact information show where a company operates and how to reach it. Alabama businesses must keep this data current with the Secretary of State. The records show the principal office, mailing address, and registered office. You can pull this data to verify a company’s location or contact details.
Principal Office Address
The principal office address is the main location where a business operates. It is filed with the state and updated when the business moves. This address appears on public records and is used for official mail. You can check it to confirm where a company is based.
Mailing Address
The mailing address is where a business receives mail from the state and the public. It can be the same as the principal office or a separate location, such as a PO box. The record shows the current mailing address on file. You can update this address by filing a change of address form with the Secretary of State.
Registered Office
The registered office is the physical address where the registered agent is located. It must be a street address in Alabama where the agent can accept legal papers. The record shows the registered office address. It is often the same as the agent’s business address.
Business Location
The business location is the place where a company operates. It can be a store, office, warehouse, or other physical site. Some businesses have multiple locations, but only the principal office is filed with the state. You can use the address to verify a physical presence.
Contact Information
Contact information for a business can include a phone number, email address, or website. The Alabama Secretary of State does not require these details, so they may not appear in every record. For contact data, you may need to check the business’s website or other public sources.
Address Changes
Address changes happen when a business moves or updates its mailing or registered address. Alabama businesses must file an amendment or change of address form to update their records. The filing history shows every address change with the date it was recorded. You can view this history to trace a company’s moves.
Business Records and Public Access
Business records in Alabama are public records. Anyone can search and view them through the Secretary of State’s online portal. Some records are available for free, while others require a fee. The table below shows the main access levels for business records.
| Access Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Publicly Available | Free to view through the online search portal |
| Online Records | Filed documents you can download or print |
| Records by Request | Certified copies available for a fee |
| Restricted Information | Personal data protected by state law |
| Certified Records | Official copies with a state seal for legal use |
Publicly Available Business Information
Publicly available business information covers the basic facts about a company. This includes the legal name, entity type, formation date, status, and registered agent. You can view this data for free through the public search portal. It is the same data used by courts, banks, and government agencies.
Online Business Records
Online business records let you view and download filed documents. You can see formation papers, amendments, annual reports, and other filings. The portal displays these records as PDF files. You can save or print them for your records.
Public Filing Documents
Public filing documents include every paper a business has submitted to the state. These cover formation, amendments, mergers, dissolutions, and reinstatements. You can view them through the search portal. For certified copies, you must request them through the Business Entities Division.
Records Available by Request
Records available by request include certified copies of filings. These copies have an official state seal and are accepted by courts and other agencies. You can request them by mail, in person, or online through the Secretary of State’s office. A fee applies for each certified copy.
Restricted Business Information
Restricted business information covers personal data protected by state or federal law. This may include Social Security numbers, tax IDs, or personal addresses of individuals. The Secretary of State redacts this data from public records. You will not see these details in search results.
Certified Business Records
Certified business records are official copies of filings with a state seal. They are used for legal, financial, and government purposes. You can order certified copies from the Business Entities Division by phone, mail, or in person. The standard fee applies for each certified document.
Search Problems
You may run into problems when searching business records. Common issues include missing entries, outdated data, or duplicate names. Knowing what to look for helps you solve these problems faster. Below is a list of common search problems and how to handle them.
- Business not found in the search results
- Similar names or duplicate records
- Incorrect or outdated business information
- Recently formed or dissolved businesses
- Missing filing records or unavailable data
Business Not Found
If you cannot find a business, check the spelling and try a partial name search. Some businesses use assumed names or DBAs that differ from the legal name. Try searching by owner, registered agent, or address instead. If the business is very new, it may not yet appear in the database.
Similar Business Names
Similar business names can make it hard to find the right entity. Alabama allows many businesses to share similar names, so check the entity type and formation date to pick the right one. You can also search by owner or address to narrow the list. Each record shows the legal name, ID number, and status.
Incorrect Business Information
Incorrect business information can result from old filings or data entry errors. The record may show an outdated address or officer. To fix this, the business must file an amendment or annual report with the correct data. Once filed, the updated information appears in the public record.
Outdated Business Records
Outdated business records happen when a business does not file annual reports or amendments. The state marks these records as inactive, revoked, or forfeited. You can check the filing history to see the last update. The business can update its records by filing the missing documents.
Recently Formed Businesses
Recently formed businesses may take time to appear in the search results. The Secretary of State processes filings daily, but there can be a short delay. If you cannot find a new business, try again in a few days. You can also search by registered agent to find the latest filings.
Recently Dissolved Businesses
Recently dissolved businesses appear in the search results with a dissolved status. The record shows the date of dissolution. The business may still appear in older search tools or third-party sites. Always check the official Alabama Secretary of State portal for current status.
Missing Filing Records
Missing filing records can happen when old documents were not digitized or when the business never filed them. The Secretary of State’s office keeps paper records for older filings. You can request copies through the Business Entities Division for a fee. The staff can help you locate missing filings.
Business Records and Related Searches
Business records cover entity data, but other searches return different types of records. Knowing how each search works helps you pick the right tool. Below is a list of common searches and how they compare to business records.
- Business Records vs. Business Search: Both pull entity data, but business records show full filing history.
- Business Records vs. Assumed Name Records: Assumed name records show DBA filings tied to a legal entity.
- Business Records vs. UCC Records: UCC records cover liens and financing statements, not entity data.
- Business Records vs. Property Records: Property records cover land and buildings, not companies.
- Business Records vs. Public Records: Public records cover many types of records, including business records.
- Business Records vs. Background Checks: Background checks cover people, not businesses.
Business Records vs. Business Search
Business records and business searches both pull data from the Secretary of State’s database. A business search returns a list of matching entities. Business records show the full filing history for one entity. Use a search to find the right company, then pull the record for details.
Business Records vs. Assumed Name Records
Assumed name records show DBA filings, while business records show the legal entity data. An assumed name is tied to a legal entity through a separate filing. You can search assumed name records to find the legal owner of a trade name. The business record then shows full details for that owner.
Business Records vs. UCC Records
UCC records cover liens and financing statements filed under the Uniform Commercial Code. Business records cover entity formation, ownership, and status. A UCC search shows debts or claims against a business, while a business record shows the company’s legal standing. Both searches serve different purposes.
Business Records vs. Property Records
Property records cover land, buildings, and real estate filings. Business records cover companies and their filings. A property search shows ownership of real estate, while a business search shows ownership of a company. You may need both searches to trace a company’s assets.
Business Records vs. Public Records
Public records cover many types of records, including business, court, and property records. Business records are one type of public record. A public records search may pull data from many sources, while a business records search focuses only on entity data.
Business Records vs. Background Checks
Background checks cover people, including criminal, credit, and employment history. Business records cover companies, including formation, ownership, and status. A background check on a person shows their personal history. A business records search shows the history of a company.
Contact Information
You can reach the Alabama Secretary of State Business Entities Division for help with business records, certified copies, or filing questions. The office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. You can call, visit in person, or use the official search portal online.
Office Location: 770 Washington Avenue, Suite 580, Montgomery, AL 36104
Contact Number: (334) 242-5324
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time, Monday-Friday
Official Search Portal: https://www.sos.alabama.gov/government-records/business-entity-records
Frequently Asked Questions
Business records give you a clear view of a company’s legal status, ownership, and filing history. Accessing these records helps verify partners, assess risk, and meet compliance needs. The Alabama Secretary of State portal offers free, real‑time data for corporations, LLCs, partnerships, nonprofits, and foreign entities operating in the state.
How can I search business records by name in Alabama?
Visit the Alabama Secretary of State business entity portal. Enter the full or partial name in the search box, then click Search. Results list the legal name, entity type, status, and formation date. Click a record to view details such as registered agent, principal address, and filing history. This quick lookup confirms whether a business is active, dissolved, or revoked.
What steps let me find a business owner or registered agent?
On the portal, choose the “Advanced Search” option. Select “Owner Name” or “Registered Agent” from the dropdown, type the name, and submit. The system returns matching entities with owner or agent information displayed. Use this data to contact the responsible party or verify ownership for due‑diligence purposes.
How do I look up a business using its filing or registration number?
Locate the “Search by Number” field on the portal’s homepage. Enter the filing number, registration number, or entity ID exactly as it appears on any document. The search pulls the exact record, showing filing dates, current status, and any amendments. This method avoids confusion when multiple businesses share similar names.
Can I check a company’s status and formation date online?
Yes. After finding a record, the summary page lists the current status—active, inactive, dissolved, or revoked—and the formation date. The status updates automatically when the Secretary of State processes new filings, giving you reliable, up‑to‑date information for risk assessments.
What should I do if a business record does not appear in the search?
First, verify the spelling and try alternative keywords such as DBA or assumed name. If the record still missing, the business may be newly formed, recently dissolved, or filed under a different entity type. Contact the Alabama Secretary of State office at the listed phone number for assistance or request a manual search.