Alabama lesson 1 of 6
Name your Alabama LLC
Alabama requires a separate, mandatory Certificate of Name Reservation before you can file the Certificate of Formation, which is a stricter sequence than most states use.
Required wording
An Alabama LLC name must contain the words limited liability company or an abbreviation such as LLC or L.L.C. Wording implying the entity is a bank, a different type of business organization, or a government agency, without the necessary approval, is not permitted.
- Acceptable: Yellowhammer Logistics LLC, Yellowhammer Logistics L.L.C.
- Certain regulated words may require documentation from the relevant state board before the reservation is approved
Reserving the name first
Unlike most states, Alabama requires you to reserve your LLC name with the Secretary of State and obtain a Certificate of Name Reservation before you can file the Certificate of Formation. The Probate Judge's office will not accept the formation filing without that reservation number attached.
Search the Secretary of State's business entity records before submitting the reservation request, since Alabama applies a distinguishable-name standard similar to other states.
Budget time for this extra step. Because the reservation has to come through before the formation filing, rushing the sequence is the most common reason an Alabama LLC filing gets delayed.
🇺🇸 Check United States company name availability
Search the official United States state registry before you file. Opens the government portal in a new tab.
Tip: also confirm the .com domain and matching social handles are free before you commit.
Key takeaways
- End the name with LLC, L.L.C., or the words limited liability company in full.
- A Certificate of Name Reservation from the Secretary of State is required before you can file the Certificate of Formation.
- Search the Secretary of State's records for conflicts before submitting the reservation.
Official sources
Or let us file your Alabama LLC for you
Everything above is yours to use for free. If you would rather hand it over, we prepare and file the Certificate of Formation, act as your registered agent, and track your ongoing deadlines.
Last reviewed: September 2026 - reviewed by Gullia Filing Legal & Formation Team