How to look up Alabama business entity information

Alabama business entity information, including entity name, type, number, and formation date, is available through the Alabama Secretary of State business search portal. This free online database provides immediate access to the four key details you need for onboarding, compliance, or business transactions.

Below, we'll walk you through exactly how to search the Alabama database, where to find each piece of information, and what format each data point takes in Alabama's system. We'll also cover Alabama's flexible search options and the specific terminology the state uses for entity identification.

Summary table: Finding your Alabama entity information

How to search for Alabama business entities

Access the Alabama business entity search to look up any registered business. Alabama's search system is notably flexible, supporting multiple search methods to accommodate different levels of information. You can search by entity name (full or partial), entity ID number, or even by officer, agent, or incorporator names.

The system supports wildcard searches and isn't case-sensitive, making it forgiving if you're unsure about exact spelling or capitalization. For entity name searches, you can omit designators like "LLC" or "Inc." to broaden your results, though using your complete legal name as registered provides the most accurate matches.

Alabama's system returns results immediately, with basic entity details visible in the search results. Click on either the entity name or entity ID number to access the complete details page, which includes formation date, registered agent information, principal address, and filing history.

What you'll see in search results

• Legal entity name (exact spelling and punctuation)
• Entity type (LLC, Corporation, LP, LLP, PLLC, Nonprofit Corporation, etc.)
• Entity ID (unique 9-digit identifier)
• Formation date
• Current status (Active, Dissolved, Revoked, Withdrawn, etc.)
• Principal address and registered agent details

How to find your entity number in Alabama

Your Alabama entity number, officially called your "Entity ID," is a 9-digit number assigned by the Alabama Secretary of State when your entity was formed.

Where to locate your Alabama entity number

1. Alabama business search (fastest method)

• Located: Displayed prominently in search results as a clickable blue link
• Labeled as: "Entity ID"
• Format: 123456789 (9 digits)

2. Certificate of Formation/Organization/Incorporation

• Usually at the top of the document
• May be labeled as "Entity Number," "File Number," or "Entity ID"
• Stamped by the Alabama Secretary of State upon filing

3. State correspondence

• Appears on all official Alabama Secretary of State documents
• Used as your account identifier for all state filings
• Referenced in compliance notifications and fee assessments

Alabama entity number format

• Format: 9 digits
• Example: 123456789
• Pattern note: Alabama now uses a standardized nine-digit Entity ID for business entities, with each ID being unique to a registered entity

How to find your entity type in Alabama

Alabama recognizes multiple business entity types, listed exactly as shown in your business search results and formation documents.

Where to find your Alabama entity type

1. Alabama business search (most accessible)

• Displayed: Prominently in search results under the entity name
• Listed as: "Limited Liability Company," "Corporation," "Limited Partnership," etc.
• Shows the full legal designation rather than abbreviations

2. Certificate of Formation/Organization/Incorporation

• At the top of your formation document
• May state "Certificate of Formation of [Entity Type]" or similar
• Uses the formal legal terminology

3. Old annual reports

• Listed in the entity information section
• Cannot be changed without a formal amendment filing
• Determines applicable filing requirements and fees

How to find your formation date in Alabama

Your formation date (when the Alabama Secretary of State officially filed and approved your business entity) appears in Alabama business search results. Still, it is not always listed on your Certificate of Formation.

Where your Alabama formation date appears

1. Alabama business search (easiest access)

• Listed as: "Formation Date"
• Location: Displayed in the entity details page after clicking on the entity
• Format: MM/DD/YYYY

2. Certificate of Formation/Organization/Incorporation

• Top of the document
• May say "Filed on [date]" with the Secretary of State's official stamp
• Sometimes includes both the filing date and the effective date

Formation date vs. effective date

Alabama allows business entities, such as LLCs, to specify a delayed effective date – up to 90 days after the formation paperwork is filed. 

The date shown in business search results will match the effective date indicated on the paperwork, which may differ from the formation date if a delay is chosen.

Onboard your entity to Discern

Managing one Alabama LLC or fifty entities across multiple states? Discern ensures you never miss a filing deadline. Our platform automates your state annual report requirements and manages registered agent services in Alabama and across other states, tracking deadlines so nothing falls through the cracks.

Ready to eliminate the complexity of tracking different filing schedules and compliance requirements across jurisdictions? Book a demo to see how Discern provides the compliance certainty that lets you focus on growing your business.