Registering a DBA (Assumed Name) in Alabama

Where and how to file a DBA, trade name or assumed name in Alabama, and the fee.

Short answer: Alabama's Secretary of State registers trade names (names used to identify a business), along with trademarks and service marks, by application with three specimens and a fee. Registrations last five years and can be renewed. Ala. Code §§ 8-12-8, 8-12-10; Alabama Secretary of State Trademarks page and Fee Schedule

DBA / assumed name	Alabama's Secretary of State registers trade names (names used to identify a business), along with trademarks and service marks, by application with three specimens and a fee. Registrations last five years and can be renewed. The fee schedule lists $30.00 for registration or renewal. The Secretary of State notes that a rejected registration does not prevent use of a name; ownership rights come from common-law use. Source: Ala. Code §§ 8-12-8, 8-12-10; Alabama Secretary of State Trademarks page and Fee Schedule
Name rules and reservation	The name must contain the words "Limited Liability Company" or the abbreviation "L.L.C." or "LLC" (a professional LLC may use "Professional" or PLLC). Alabama requires you to obtain a Certificate of Name Reservation before filing the formation document. The name reservation processing fee is $25.00, and reservations can be requested online or by mail. The Secretary of State pages reviewed did not state how long a name reservation lasts. Source: Ala. Code §§ 10A-1-5.06, 10A-1-4.02(f), 10A-1-5.11; Alabama Secretary of State LLC page and Name Reservation Request Form

DBA / assumed name

Alabama's Secretary of State registers trade names (names used to identify a business), along with trademarks and service marks, by application with three specimens and a fee. Registrations last five years and can be renewed. The fee schedule lists $30.00 for registration or renewal.

The Secretary of State notes that a rejected registration does not prevent use of a name; ownership rights come from common-law use.

Source: Ala. Code §§ 8-12-8, 8-12-10; Alabama Secretary of State Trademarks page and Fee Schedule

Name rules and reservation

The name must contain the words "Limited Liability Company" or the abbreviation "L.L.C." or "LLC" (a professional LLC may use "Professional" or PLLC). Alabama requires you to obtain a Certificate of Name Reservation before filing the formation document. The name reservation processing fee is $25.00, and reservations can be requested online or by mail.

The Secretary of State pages reviewed did not state how long a name reservation lasts.

Source: Ala. Code §§ 10A-1-5.06, 10A-1-4.02(f), 10A-1-5.11; Alabama Secretary of State LLC page and Name Reservation Request Form

Where to get help in Alabama

Alabama Secretary of State, Business Entities Division

More Alabama starting an llc & small business

FAQ

How do you register a DBA in Alabama?

What are the LLC name requirements in Alabama?

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.