Understanding Certificates
An Alabama certificate of good standing verifies that an LLC or corporation was legally formed and is properly maintained.
A Certificate of Compliance shows an LLC, Corporation, LP, LLP, or Non-Profit is authorized to do business in Alabama. Also known as Certificate of Good Standing or Existence.
A certificate of cancellation proves a debt was paid in full. This document shows a debt is satisfied and no longer owed. The fee is $200.
What is an Alabama Certificate of Authority? An Alabama Certificate of Authority states that a business is authorized to conduct business in Alabama. To obtain a Certificate of Authority, submit an application along with the required fee and documentation from your home state.
Business Name Protection
How do I protect my business name? A trademark protects the name of your business, goods, and services nationwide.
Contact Information
Alabama Secretary of State – Lands and Trademarks/Authentications Division.
- Physical Address: 11 South Union St., Suite 224 Montgomery, AL 36130.
- Mailing Address: PO Box 5616 Montgomery, AL 36103.
- Phone: (334) 242-5325
- Fax: (334) 353-8269.
- Website: Alabama Secretary of State.
Certification and Compliance
What is a certification? Certain countries require authentication of corporate documents before transacting business abroad. Certification is authentication for non-Hague Convention countries.
Common reasons to obtain a Certificate of Compliance:
- Opening a bank/merchant account.
Complete Certificate of Compliance Application with $25 fee. Processing takes 30 days. Renew annually.
An Alabama Good Standing Certificate proves an AL company can legally do business in Alabama.
Must appoint an Alabama Registered Agent and include the agent’s information on Certificate of Authority application. We provide this service for $99 per year.
Submit Foreign Qualification application with $150 fee for LLCs and corporations. Additional $10-$15 processing fees may apply.
How to Obtain Certificates
How to obtain an Alabama certificate of existence:
- Complete the Certificate of Existence form provided by the Alabama Secretary of State.
- Pay the required fee, typically around $30.
- Provide accurate and up-to-date information about your business, including its name, address, and registered agent.
Why should you obtain a certificate of existence?
- Banks, investors, and government agencies may require it for financing options.
How do you get a certificate of compliance?
- Reach out to your local Chamber of Commerce for approved methods of testing.
How to get an Alabama certificate of good standing:
- Request it from the Alabama Department of Revenue.
A Certificate of Compliance can be requested from the Department of Revenue for $14 ($10 for the certificate plus $4 for processing).