Alabama Secretary of State Business Search
Free access to Alabama's official Secretary of State business entity database (ARC-SOS (arc-sos.state.al.us)). Search corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and verify business entities registered in Alabama. Complete step-by-step guide and FAQ included.
Alabama Business Database
Direct link to ARC-SOS - Free Alabama business search
How to Search Alabama Business Entities
Step 1: Access the Official Alabama SOS Website
Navigate to the official Alabama Secretary of State business search portal at arc-sos.state.al.us/CGI/CORPNAME.MBR/INPUT or visit alabamainteractive.org/sos/welcome.action. You can also access it through sos.alabama.gov/government-records/business-entity-records. These are the free, government-operated databases for all Alabama business entities.
Step 2: Choose Your Search Method
Select how you want to search: by business name (most common), entity number, or registered agent name. The business name search allows partial matches and is the most frequently used method for finding Alabama businesses.
Step 3: Enter Search Criteria
Type the business name in the search field. Try variations: with and without business suffixes (LLC, Inc, Corp, L.L.C.), partial names if exact match doesn't work, and check for common abbreviations. Alabama's search is case-insensitive but be aware of punctuation differences.
Step 4: Review Search Results
Browse the results list to find your business. Each result shows the entity name, type, and status. Click on a result to view detailed information. Alabama's database typically shows multiple results if there are similar business names.
Step 5: View Detailed Entity Information
The detailed view shows registration date, current status (Active, Dissolved, Merged), registered agent name and address, principal office address, officers and directors, and filing history. Verify all information matches what you expect for the business you're researching.
Step 6: Verify Business Status
Check that the business status is 'Active' or shows 'Good Standing'. If it shows 'Dissolved', 'Merged', or 'Withdrawn', the business may not be in good standing with the state. Active status indicates the business is current with all required filings.
Official Alabama Business Database
The Alabama Secretary of State maintains the official business entity database through <strong className="text-white">ARC-SOS (arc-sos.state.al.us)</strong>. This free government database contains information about all business entities registered in Alabama.
What's Included in the Database:
- • Corporations: C-Corps, S-Corps, Non-profit corporations, Professional corporations
- • LLCs: Limited Liability Companies (domestic and foreign), Professional LLCs
- • Partnerships: General partnerships, Limited partnerships, Limited liability partnerships
- • Foreign Entities: Out-of-state businesses registered to do business in Alabama
- • Business Trusts: Statutory trusts and other business structures
- • Professional Entities: Professional corporations and professional LLCs
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search for a business in Alabama?
To search for an Alabama business, visit the official Alabama Secretary of State website at arc-sos.state.al.us or alabamainteractive.org/sos. You can search by business name, entity number, or registered agent name. The database includes corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other business entities registered in Alabama.
What is the official Alabama Secretary of State business search website?
The official Alabama Secretary of State business search portal is available at arc-sos.state.al.us/CGI/CORPNAME.MBR/INPUT (the direct search interface) or through alabamainteractive.org/sos/welcome.action. You can also access it via sos.alabama.gov/government-records/business-entity-records. This is the free, government-operated database where you can search for all business entities registered in Alabama.
What information can I find in the Alabama SOS business database?
The Alabama SOS database provides business entity name, entity type (Corporation, LLC, Partnership), registration date, current status (Active, Dissolved, Merged), registered agent name and address, principal office address, officers and directors information, and filing history including annual reports and amendments.
Is the Alabama business search free?
Yes, the Alabama Secretary of State business entity search is completely free. The official search portals (arc-sos.state.al.us and alabamainteractive.org/sos) provide free access to search and view business entity information. Some third-party sites may charge fees, but the official state database is free.
How do I verify an Alabama business is legitimate?
To verify an Alabama business, search the SOS database for the business name, check that the status shows 'Active' or 'Good Standing', verify the registered agent and address match what you expect, review recent filing history, and cross-reference with business licenses if applicable. Always use the official Alabama SOS database for verification.
Can I search Alabama businesses by owner name?
The Alabama SOS database primarily searches by business entity name, entity number, or registered agent name. To find businesses by owner name, you may need to search by the business name if the owner is listed as an officer or director in the entity details, or use the registered agent search function.
What is the difference between arc-sos.state.al.us and alabamainteractive.org?
Both arc-sos.state.al.us and alabamainteractive.org/sos are official Alabama Secretary of State portals. arc-sos.state.al.us provides direct access to the business entity search interface, while alabamainteractive.org offers a more comprehensive portal with additional services. Both provide access to the same official business entity database.
How do I check if a business name is available in Alabama?
To check if a business name is available in Alabama, use the official Alabama SOS business search at arc-sos.state.al.us. Search for the exact name you want to use. If no results appear, the name may be available. However, you should also check for similar names and consult with the Alabama Secretary of State for official name availability confirmation before filing.
About Alabama Secretary of State Business Search
What is the Alabama SOS Business Search?
The Alabama Secretary of State business search is the official government database that contains information about all business entities registered in Alabama. This includes corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and other business structures operating in AL.
When you search "secretary of state al business search," you're looking for this official database to verify business registrations, check entity status, and conduct due diligence on Alabama businesses.
What Information Can You Find?
- •Business entity name and type (Corporation, LLC, etc.)
- •Registration date and current status
- •Registered agent information
- •Principal office address
- •Officers and directors (for corporations)
- •Annual report filing status
Why Use the Official Alabama SOS Database?
The official Alabama Secretary of State database (ARC-SOS (arc-sos.state.al.us)) is the most reliable source for business entity information. It's free, updated in real-time, and provides authoritative data directly from the state government. Unlike third-party services that may charge fees or have outdated information, the official database ensures you're getting accurate, current business entity data for Alabama. Always verify business entities through the official AL SOS database before entering into business relationships or financial transactions.
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