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Name Registration FAQ

Special note: Name registration is not the same as a name reservation. If you are forming a domestic corporation or changing the name of your domestic corporation and need a name reservation, click here for the name reservation page.


Q: What is the purpose of the name registration statute?
A: The purpose of the name registration statute is to provide foreign corporations who may wish to qualify in the future a means by which they can hold the name of their corporation in the state of Alabama. As long as the name is registered under the name registration statute, the Secretary of State is prohibited from allowing another corporation to use the foreign corporation's name in Alabama.

Q: Who may take advantage of the name registration statute?
A: Only corporations domiciled outside of Alabama may take advantage of the name registration statute.

Q: What happens to the name registration when the corporation files a certificate of authority to transact business in Alabama?
A: The name registration terminates when the corporation qualifies as a foreign corporation.

Q: What do I have to provide to the Alabama Secretary of State as evidence that my foreign corporation is a legal entity?
A: An original certificate of existence must accompany the name registration or name registration renewal application.

Q: When do name registration filings expire?
A: All name registration expire on December 31.

Q: When should we renew our name registration?
A: Between October 1 and December 31.

Q: Where can I obtain a name registration form or a name registration renewal form?
A: Please click the link below.

Q: What is the fee for renewing your name registration?
A: The name registration renewal fee is $12.00.

Q: What are the fees if you are registering for part of the year?
A: If registered in January, the fee is $12.00
    If registered in February, the fee is $11.00
    If registered in March, the fee is $10.00
    If registered in April, the fee is $9.00
    If registered in May, the fee is $8.00
    If registered in June, the fee is $7.00
    If registered in July, the fee is $6.00
    If registered in August, the fee is $5.00
    If registered in September, the fee is $5.00
    If registered in October, the fee is $5.00
    If registered in November, the fee is $5.00
    If registered in December, the fee is $5.00


Foreign Corporate Name Application for Registration
Registered Foreign Corporate Name Application for Renewal

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P.O. Box 5616
Montgomery, AL 36103-5616
Phone:  (334) 242-7200
Fax:  (334) 242-4993
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