Real Documents You’ll Need for an Alabama LLC

Starting a business in Alabama is exciting, but you’ll need to file the right documents to make your LLC (Limited Liability Company) official. This article will walk you through the real Alabama LLC documents, what they look like, and how they compare to LLC documents in Texas, Delaware, Georgia, and Wyoming.

We’ve even added a slider tool below so you can see how Alabama’s documents compare to other states. Don’t worry—we’ll explain everything in simple terms, with examples. 

What Are “Alabama LLC Documents”?

LLC documents are the official papers you must file with the state to create your business. The most important document is called the Certificate of Formation.

Let’s break that down:

• Certificate – this means it’s an official paper
• Formation – this means you’re forming or starting something (your business)

In Alabama, you must file this document with the Alabama Secretary of State to legally start your LLC.

Sample Alabama Certificate of Formation (Real Example)

Here’s what a real Alabama Certificate of Formation includes:

1. Name of the LLC
You must pick a name that is not already taken. It must include “LLC” or “L.L.C.” at the end.

2. Name of the Registered Agent
This is the person or company that receives official mail for your business. (Yes, we can help with this—more on that below!)

3. Address of the Registered Agent
This must be a physical address in Alabama, not a P.O. Box.

4. Date the LLC Starts
You choose the date your business will officially begin.

5. Signed by Organizer
The person starting the LLC must sign the form.

Note: In Alabama, you also must file a Name Reservation form before you submit your Certificate of Formation. This is not required in every state, but it is in Alabama!

What Is a Registered Agent and Why Do You Need One?

A Registered Agent is someone who accepts legal papers for your business. In Alabama, the law says your LLC must have a registered agent with a local address.

If you don’t have one, your LLC filing will be rejected.

Alabama vs Other States: What’s Different?

Use the slider below to compare the documents from these states:

Each state uses a different name for their main form—either “Certificate of Formation” or “Articles of Organization”—but they all do the same thing: officially form your LLC.

Example Breakdown: Alabama Certificate vs Texas Certificate

Let’s say you’re filing in Alabama and Texas. Here’s what you’d see:

Alabama:

• Must file Name Reservation first
• Must list local registered agent and address
• Form is 1-2 pages
• Filed online or by mail

Texas:

• No name reservation needed 
• Can use registered agent company or person 
• Form is 2-3 pages 
• Filed online with SOSDirect 

So while both states want similar info, Alabama asks for your name reservation first, and your agent must be in Alabama. 

Helpful Tips for Filing in Alabama 

• Double-check your LLC name: Use the Secretary of State’s business search tool to make sure it’s not already taken 
• Don’t skip the name reservation: It’s a separate step from the main form, and Alabama won’t accept your filing without it.
• Choose the right registered agent: They must have an Alabama address and be available during business hours.

Need a Local Alabama Agent? See Our Rapid Office Hours 

We’re here to help! If you need a trusted, local registered agent in Alabama, our Rapid Registered Agent office is ready. 

We offer: 

• Fast filings 
• Local support 
• Low yearly fees 
• Real people, real office hours 

Need a local Alabama agent? See our Rapid office hours 

Final Thoughts: Why These Documents Matter 

Forming an LLC in Alabama isn’t hard, but you must get the Alabama LLC documents right. If you file the wrong form or leave something blank, the state can reject your filing.

The Alabama Certificate of Formation is the key to starting your LLC. By comparing it to documents from Texas, Delaware, Georgia, and Wyoming, you can see how each state has different rules. Alabama asks for a few extra steps, but they help keep your business official and protected.