Registering an Alabama DBA (Doing Business As), known as a trade name, is a simple process that you complete with the Secretary of State. In Alabama, you must already be using your trade name before you file your registration.
Learn How to Register a DBA in Alabama yourself in three simple steps:
- Choose and Search for Your Alabama DBA
- Begin Operating Under Your Alabama DBA
- Register Your Alabama DBA with the State
You can hire a professional service such as LegalZoom to file your DBA for you. Their packages start at $99 (plus state fees).
How to Get a DBA in Alabama - Three Easy Steps
NOTE: A DBA doesn't offer any protection for your personal assets in the event that your business is sued. For this reason we strongly recommend that a DBA should only be used by a formal business structure such as an LLC or corporation for the purpose of changing or adding a new brand to their business.
If you are an informal business structure (sole proprietorship or partnership) we strongly recommend you form an LLC. An LLC is usually the most suitable choice for most small businesses. The name of the LLC can also act as your brand name, hence, you will not need a DBA.
Step 1: Start With an Alabama Trade Name Search
If you haven't already, head on over to the Alabama Secretary of State's website to complete an Alabama trade name search. You will need to make sure your Alabama trade name isn't taken by another registered business. Your name can be similar to other business names, but it’s still a good practice to create a unique name.
TIP: Our business name generator tool is a great resource for entrepreneurs who are still working to create the perfect business name or website address. You can also use our free logo generator tool to make a logo yourself! No design experience necessary!
Next, a quick search on the U.S. Trademark Electronic Search System will tell you whether someone else has already trademarked your name.
Now would be the perfect time to make sure there’s a web domain available for your DBA as well.
After registering a domain name for your DBA, consider using a business phone service to improve customer satisfaction and further establish credibility. Our top pick is Nextiva because of its affordable pricing and useful features. Start calling with Nextiva.
Step 2: Begin Operating Under Your Alabama DBA
Alabama requires that you have operated under your trade name before you can register it. So, if you'd like to register and protect a trade name in Alabama, you need to start using it right away.
Alabama will require three "specimens" of your trade name being used. Some examples of acceptable specimens include:
- Business Cards
- Brochures
- Flyers
- Labels
- Decals
Specimens must be unaltered and legible. The trade name application will ask where and when you used the trade name for the first time in any state and in Alabama specifically, so keep track!
Step 3: Register Your Alabama DBA With the State
In Alabama, you register your trade name with the Secretary of State. You can file online on the Alabama Secretary of State's website or you can complete the Application to Register or Renew a Trade Name form.
The application will ask for your desired trade name and information about your business, such as:
- Section 6: How the trade name will be used
- Section 8: Mark type (e.g. trademark, service mark, trade name)
- Section 11a: Date when and state where the name was first used
- Section 11b: Date when the name was first used in Alabama
- Section 13: Examples of the name being used in your business
A DBA does not offer any protection for your personal assets in the event that your business is sued. For more information on setting up a limited liability company (LLC), visit our How to Form an LLC page and select your state.
Submit Your Application
In-Person Delivery:
State of Alabama
Office of the Secretary of State
Trademarks Division
11 South Union St., Suite 224
Montgomery, AL 36130
Mail:
State of Alabama
Office of the Secretary of State
Trademarks Division
P.O. Box 5616
Montgomery, AL 36103-5616
Fees:
$30 Filing Fee
Alabama also provides a credit card authorization form.
Manage Your Alabama DBA
DBA Questions
Call the Alabama Secretary of State’s trademarks division: (334) 242-5325
Renew Your DBA with the State
Your Alabama DBA should be renewed every five years. You can renew online or by completing and mailing the trade name registration or renewal form. Mail the completed form and the $30 fee to:
State of Alabama
Office of the Secretary of State
Trademarks Division
P.O. Box 5616
Montgomery, AL 36103-5616
Change Your DBA
Call the Alabama Secretary of State’s trademarks division: (334) 242-5325
Withdraw Your DBA
Call the Alabama Secretary of State’s trademarks division: (334) 242-5325
Need Help Filing Your Alabama DBA?
Have a Professional Service File Your Alabama DBA For You
A professional service will handle filing your DBA on your behalf, allowing you to focus on the other needs of your new business.
We recommend using LegalZoom ($99 + state fee) for a personalized DBA service.
Alabama DBA FAQ
Can I file a trade name online in Alabama?
Yes, you can file your DBA online on the Alabama Secretary of State's website.
How often should I renew my Alabama trade name?
Your Alabama DBA should be renewed every five years. You can renew online or by completing and mailing the renewal form.
How can I insure my Alabama DBA?
DBAs don’t require insurance because DBAs aren't a business entity. However, the business entity that the DBA is under will need protection from losses that can happen naturally in the course of business, such as property damage or lawsuits.
We recommend Tivly because they provide coverage for a large variety of businesses. Get a free quote from Tivly or call 855-965-3168 to learn more.
When is a trade name required in Alabama?
A trade name is not required in Alabama. However, you may want to register one to protect the name of your business.
How do I transfer my trade name in Alabama?
To transfer ownership of your trade name in Alabama, you must fill out and submit this form and have it notarized. Mail the completed, notarized form and the $30 filing fee to the address below:
State of Alabama
Office of the Secretary of State
Trademarks Division
P.O. Box 5616
Montgomery, AL 36103-5616
Is my Alabama trade name protected from being used in other places?
There are some state-level laws that prevent trade names that are too similar to existing ones from being used, but your name is not protected outside of Alabama. It is possible to create a federal trademark for a DBA, which would offer stronger protection across state lines.
How many DBAs can I have?
You can have as many DBAs as you can afford to create and are able to keep track of. However, more isn’t necessarily better. Each one will come with additional incremental expense and paperwork, so you will want to make sure you have a good reason for each one you have.
Can a DBA get an EIN or Tax ID?
DBAs aren’t required to have a separate EIN because DBAs aren’t a business entity. The business entity that the DBA is under would have an EIN if an EIN is required.
To learn more about EINs and when you would need one for your business, read What is an EIN from our friends at TRUiC.
Can a DBA become an LLC?
Your DBA is just a name. A DBA is often confused with a sole proprietorship. If you mean “can my sole proprietorship become an LLC?” then the answer is “Yes. Absolutely.”
To learn how to form an LLC, visit our Form an LLC state guides.
Can a DBA have "Inc." in the name?
A DBA can only have "Inc." in the name if the business entity the DBA is attached to is a corporation.
How do I set up a DBA for a rental property?
It’s always best to consult an attorney. Usually, the best option is to form an LLC to protect your personal assets in the event of an issue with the rental property. Holding the rental property in your name and with a DBA will not afford you any protection.