File Alabama LLC Name Change Guide – Changing the legal name of your Alabama LLC is a straightforward process when you follow the official requirements from the Alabama Secretary of State (SOS). Whether you’re rebranding, merging, or simply updating your business identity, this guide walks you through every step using the most current procedures as of 2026. This article is designed for U.S. business owners operating in Alabama and focuses on domestic LLCs. Always verify the latest details directly on the official Alabama SOS website before filing, as rules can evolve.
Why Change Your Alabama LLC Name?
Business owners in Alabama commonly change their LLC name for several practical reasons:
- Rebranding to better reflect new products, services, or market positioning
- Mergers, acquisitions, or partnerships that require a unified identity
- Avoiding confusion with similar businesses
- Personal or legal reasons, such as removing a partner’s name
A formal name change updates your LLC’s legal identity in the state’s public records. It differs from simply registering a DBA (doing business as) trade name, which does not alter the underlying Certificate of Formation.
Alabama LLC Name Requirements You Must Meet
Alabama law requires every LLC name to:
- Include the words “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or the abbreviation “L.L.C.”
- Be distinguishable from any other active business entity on file with the SOS
- Avoid restricted words (e.g., “bank,” “insurance,” “engineer,” “architect”) unless you attach proper approval letters from the relevant state agency
The name must comply with Alabama Code § 10A-1-5.01 et seq. Before any name change filing, you must reserve the new name.
Step 1: Check Name Availability and Reserve Your New Alabama LLC Name
You cannot file a name change without first obtaining an official Name Reservation Certificate.
- Go to the Alabama SOS Business Entity Search: sos.alabama.gov → Business Services → Business Entity and Name Search.
- Search your desired name to confirm availability.
- File a Name Reservation Request Form for Domestic Entities.
- Online (recommended – fastest): Visit the Alabama Interactive SOS Online Services Name Reservation portal. Fee: $28 (includes convenience fee). You receive the certificate immediately.
- Mail: Download the form from the SOS Business Downloads page, include the $25 fee, and mail to the address on the form. Processing is slower.
Name reservations are valid for 1 year. Attach the original certificate to your amendment filing.
Step 2: Prepare the Domestic LLC Certificate of Amendment
The official form is the Domestic LLC Amendment to Formation/Organization (available as a free PDF on the SOS website).
Key sections to complete:
- Current LLC name and Alabama Entity ID Number (find it via the SOS entity search)
- Date the original Certificate of Formation was filed
- Exact wording of the amendment (e.g., “Article I – Name is hereby amended to read: [New Name] LLC”)
- Signature of an authorized member or manager
Critical note for name changes: You must attach the Name Reservation Certificate. Registered agent changes cannot be made on this form—use a separate Change of Registered Agent form.
Step 3: File Your Alabama LLC Name Change with the Secretary of State
You have two convenient filing options:
Option A: Online Filing (Fastest)
- Log into Alabama SOS Online Services.
- Select the amendment filing for Domestic LLC.
- Upload the completed form and Name Reservation Certificate.
- Pay the fee electronically.
Option B: Mail Filing
- Print and complete two copies of the Domestic LLC Amendment form.
- Attach the Name Reservation Certificate.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Mail to:
Secretary of State, Business Services
P.O. Box 5616
Montgomery, AL 36103
Include payment (check, money order, or credit card authorization) made payable to “Secretary of State.”
Current Filing Fees and Processing Times (2026)
- Certificate of Amendment: $100 (standard processing)
- Name Reservation: $25 (mail) or $28 (online)
- Total typical cost: Approximately $125–$128
Expedited options may be available for name reservations; check the SOS portal for current turnaround times. Standard mail processing depends on volume but is generally completed within 1–2 weeks. Online filings are usually faster.
Pro tip: Always request a stamped copy of the approved amendment for your records.
What to Do After Your Alabama LLC Name Change is Approved?
Once the SOS approves and returns your filed amendment:
- Update internal documents: Revise your operating agreement, member resolutions, and company records.
- Notify the IRS: Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) remains the same. Send a letter to the IRS (or update via their online portal) with the new name and old name for reference.
- Contact Alabama Department of Revenue: Update your state tax account and sales tax permit.
- Update banks and financial institutions: Provide the approved amendment to change account names and checks.
- Revise licenses, permits, and contracts: Update with the Alabama Department of Revenue, local county probate offices (if required), vendors, insurance providers, and any professional licenses.
- Refresh marketing and branding: Update your website, business cards, signage, domain names, and social media.
- Consider filing a new DBA if you plan to operate under a trade name different from the new legal name.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Filing the amendment without first obtaining and attaching the Name Reservation Certificate (your filing will be rejected).
- Attempting to change the registered agent on the amendment form.
- Using the old name on new contracts or tax filings after approval.
- Forgetting to update county-level records if your LLC has additional local filings.
- Delaying updates to banks or the IRS, which can cause payment or tax issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About Filing an Alabama LLC Name Change
How long does the process take?
Online filings are typically processed within days; mailed filings take 1–3 weeks depending on volume.
Can I change my LLC name and address at the same time?
Yes, but use the amendment form and clearly state all changes. Registered office/agent changes require a separate form.
Do I need a lawyer?
Not required for a simple name change. However, if your LLC has complex operating agreements or multiple members, consulting an Alabama business attorney is wise.
What if my new name is already taken?
The SOS will reject it. Always reserve the name first and have backup options ready.
Does the name change affect my EIN or tax ID?
No. The EIN stays the same; you simply notify the IRS of the name update.
Final Thoughts: File Your Alabama LLC Name Change Confidently
Filing an Alabama LLC name change is simple and affordable when you follow the Secretary of State’s exact process: reserve the name, complete the Domestic LLC Amendment, attach the reservation certificate, and file online or by mail. By handling this correctly, you keep your business compliant and protected under Alabama law.
For the most up-to-date forms, fees, and online filing portal, visit the official Alabama Secretary of State Business Entities page.
Need help with the paperwork? Many Alabama business owners use registered agent services or formation companies for assistance, but the official SOS resources are free and authoritative.
Start your Alabama LLC name change today and give your business the fresh identity it deserves!