Business Law | Alabama
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When you form an LLC in Alabama, the document that officially creates your business entity is called the Certificate of Formation — equivalent to what some states call Articles of Organization. Filing it correctly is the critical first step. And Alabama has a requirement most online LLC formation guides get wrong: you must file in two places, not one. Missing the second filing means your LLC may not be fully and properly formed under Alabama law.
At Colvin & Sawyer Law Offices, Christopher Colvin helps entrepreneurs across Birmingham, Mountain Brook, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, and throughout Alabama form their LLCs correctly from day one.
"Alabama's two-step LLC filing requirement catches a surprising number of new business owners off guard — especially those who used an online service that only handles the Secretary of State filing."
What Is the Alabama Certificate of Formation?
The Alabama Certificate of Formation is the official formation document filed with the Alabama Secretary of State that legally creates your LLC as a distinct legal entity in the state. Until this document is filed and accepted, your LLC does not legally exist — you are operating as a sole proprietor or general partnership regardless of what you call your business.
What Must the Certificate of Formation Include?
Under the Alabama Limited Liability Company Law, the Certificate of Formation must include:
- Name of the LLC — must include "Limited Liability Company," "L.L.C.," or "LLC" and must be distinguishable from existing Alabama entities
- Street address of the registered office — a physical Alabama address (not a P.O. box) where legal documents can be served
- Name and address of the registered agent — a person or entity available during business hours at the registered office address
- Duration — typically "perpetual" unless you have a specific end date in mind
- Organizer information — the name and address of the person filing the Certificate
- Management structure — whether the LLC is member-managed or manager-managed
Alabama's Two-Step Filing Requirement
Alabama still has a genuine two-step process, but it is not the one many older guides describe. Since January 1, 2021 (Act 2020-73), everything is filed with the Alabama Secretary of State, and the county probate court filing no longer exists for LLCs. The two steps today are:
1
Reserve Your LLC Name ($25 by mail, $28 online)
Alabama requires a Certificate of Name Reservation before you can file. This is the step out-of-state guides miss, because most states do not require it. Reserve the name through the Secretary of State, confirm it is distinguishable from existing entities, and keep the certificate, because the next filing must include it.
2
File the Certificate of Formation ($200)
Submit the Certificate of Formation online through the Alabama Secretary of State or by mail, with a copy of your name reservation attached. The filing fee is $200. Online filing is typically processed within a few business days, and once approved, your LLC legally exists. There is no second filing anywhere else.
Ready to form your Alabama LLC and get it done right the first time?
Call Colvin & Sawyer Law Offices at (205) 202-9801 or send us a message. We handle both filings and set you up for compliance from day one.After Filing: What Comes Next
Filing the Certificate of Formation is just the beginning. After your LLC is formed, you should:
- Draft an operating agreement — Alabama doesn't require one but every LLC should have one. See: Do I Need an LLC Operating Agreement?
- Get an EIN — apply for a federal Employer Identification Number from the IRS (free, done online)
- Open a business bank account — keeping business and personal finances separate is essential for maintaining your liability protection
- File the initial Business Privilege Tax return — due within 2.5 months of formation. See: Alabama Business Privilege Tax
- Obtain required licenses — check city and county requirements for your specific business type
Alabama LLC Formation Checklist
- Choose and reserve your LLC name — $25 name reservation, required before filing
- Designate a registered agent — must have a physical Alabama address
- File Certificate of Formation with Secretary of State — $200 filing fee
- Attach the name reservation certificate — filings without it are rejected
- Draft an operating agreement — not required but essential
- Get your EIN — free from IRS.gov
- Open a business bank account — separate from personal accounts
- File initial Business Privilege Tax return — due 2.5 months after formation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Alabama Certificate of Formation?
The Alabama Certificate of Formation is the official document filed with the Alabama Secretary of State to legally create your LLC. It establishes the LLC as a distinct legal entity in Alabama. Until this document is filed and accepted, your LLC does not legally exist.
Does Alabama require a two-step filing to form an LLC?
Yes, but not the one older guides describe. The two steps today are a mandatory Certificate of Name Reservation ($25, or $28 online) followed by the Certificate of Formation ($200), both filed with the Alabama Secretary of State. Since January 1, 2021 (Act 2020-73), there is no county probate court filing for LLCs; instructions that mention one are out of date.
How much does it cost to file the Alabama Certificate of Formation?
The Alabama Secretary of State filing fee is $200, plus $25 for the required Certificate of Name Reservation ($28 online). Since 2021 there is no county recording fee. Total state filing costs are approximately $225 to $230, not counting professional fees if you work with an attorney.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Alabama?
Online filings with the Alabama Secretary of State are typically processed within a few business days. Total turnaround from reserving the name to having a fully formed Alabama LLC is typically one to two weeks.
Christopher Colvin
Christopher Colvin is an Alabama attorney and honor graduate of the Birmingham School of Law. A former small business owner and pastor, he helps families and entrepreneurs across Birmingham, Mountain Brook, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, and all of Alabama protect their assets and build legally sound businesses.
Legal Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Alabama laws are subject to change. Please consult a qualified Alabama attorney before taking action. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship with Colvin & Sawyer Law Offices.
Ready to Form Your Alabama LLC the Right Way?
Christopher Colvin helps Alabama entrepreneurs form their LLC correctly from day one — including the name reservation step most out-of-state guides miss. Serving Birmingham, Mountain Brook, Hoover, and all of Alabama.
Schedule a Consultation Call (205) 202-98014 Office Park Circle, Suite 305, Mountain Brook, AL 35223
Serving Birmingham, Mountain Brook, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, and all of Alabama.