Registering a DBA in Alabama
Registering a DBA in Alabama is easy! Start with an Alabama Trade Name Search to ensure your trade name is unique. Registering a DBA establishes your branding. DBAs allow sole proprietors or partnerships to use a business name without owners’ names. An Alabama DBA filing is valid for ten years and requires renewal. To cancel a DBA, contact the Alabama Secretary of State. To start a DBA for an LLC, follow the same steps as for a sole proprietor.
Alabama requires businesses filing a DBA to already be using the name when registering. This sets Alabama apart, as most states frown upon DBA use before registration. Corporations, LLCs and limited partnerships must file for DBAs as foreign entities doing business under a different name.
Filing and Costs
To file an Alabama DBA, check if your name is available using the Secretary of State’s search tool. The filing fee is $28. You can file amendments to change your DBA name. DBAs in Alabama cannot be sold or transferred.
Exemptions and Legal Protections
Sole proprietors and partnerships don’t need to file DBAs since there are no state filing requirements. However, corporations, LLCs and limited partnerships must file for DBAs as foreign entities doing business under a different name.
DBAs don’t provide the legal protections of LLCs or Corporations. A DBA allows a business to operate under a different name than its legal name. Filing a DBA is the easiest way to register a business name in Alabama.