This page helps users handle a Business Entity Search in Alabama by showing the main official search paths, what details to enter, and where to go for help with business entity records.
The Alabama Secretary of State provides Business Entity Records searches through its Government Records Inquiry System, including searches by entity name, entity ID, and officer, agent, or incorporator.
Alabama Secretary of State Business Entity Search
Use the Alabama Secretary of State business entity search options to look up public business entity records. The search screens show filings completed through 05/18/2026.
- Entity name, when searching by business name
- Entity ID, when searching by number
- Officer, agent, or incorporator name
- Place of formation, principal city, type, or status, when those filters are available
Choose the search path that matches the information you already have.
- Open the appropriate Alabama Secretary of State search page.
- Enter the name, ID, or person-related search information.
- Review the returned business entity records for the matching filing details.
- Use another search option if the first search does not identify the correct entity.
Business Entity Records search options
The Alabama Secretary of State offers several search choices for different lookup needs.
| Search option | Use it for | Official search page |
|---|---|---|
| Entity name | Searching by business name, with filters such as type, place of formation, principal city, and status | Search by entity name |
| Entity ID | Searching when you already have the entity’s assigned ID number | Search by entity ID |
| Officer, agent, or incorporator | Searching by a person or agent name and place of formation | Search by officer, agent, or incorporator |
| Reservation ID | Searching by reservation ID when that number is available | Search by reservation ID |
Entity ID format and older records
The Alabama Secretary of State notes that entity IDs changed from a 6-digit format to a 9-digit format. Users may see three leading zeros added to an older number.
If you are looking for certain corporation records from 1949 through 2010, the Alabama Secretary of State directs users to the Alabama Department of Archives and History.
Business filings, copies, and certificates
Business Entity Search is for finding public entity records. For related business services, the Alabama Secretary of State’s online services include business filings, business forms, domestic formation, foreign registration, business document copies, filing amendments, certificates of existence, domestic dissolutions, and certificates of withdrawal.
Annual report note: Corporations authorized to transact business in Alabama are no longer required by law to file an annual report with the Secretary of State.
Business entity fees and online service costs
Business entity searches may lead to filing, copy, or certificate tasks that have separate fees. The Alabama Secretary of State fee schedule lists these general service amounts.
| Request or filing type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Name reservation, correction, or transfer | $25.00 |
| Online name reservation | $28.00 |
| Certificate of existence | $25.00 |
| Online certificate of existence | $28.00 |
| Copies of documents | $2.00 per page |
| Online copies of documents | $3.50 per page |
| Certification of documents | $10.00 per document |
Online fees combine the statutory fee for the most expeditious service available with a portal fee for the vendor.
Business Services Division contact information
For questions about Alabama business entity records or related business services, use the Business Services Division contact information.
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Business Services Division, RSA Plaza - Suite 580, 770 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 242-5324
Email: business.services@sos.alabama.gov - Alabama Secretary of State mailing address, P.O. Box 5616, Montgomery, Alabama 36103-5616
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Online services technical assistance
Phone: (866) 353-3468
Email: support@alabamainteractive.org
Common questions
Where do I search for an Alabama business by name?
Use the Alabama Secretary of State’s entity name search. It includes fields for name, type, place of formation, principal city, and status.
Can I search Alabama business records by entity ID?
Yes. Use the Alabama Secretary of State’s entity ID search when you already have the assigned business entity number.
How do I search by registered agent or officer?
Use the Alabama Secretary of State’s officer, agent, or incorporator search. The search page accepts a name and place of formation.
Why does an Alabama entity ID have leading zeros?
The Secretary of State changed from a 6-digit to a 9-digit Entity ID format. You may see three leading zeros added to the number.
Who can help with business entity record questions?
Contact the Alabama Secretary of State Business Services Division at (334) 242-5324 or [business.services@sos.alabama.gov](mailto:business.services@sos.alabama.gov).