How to start an LLC in Alabama
Forming an LLC in Alabama costs $200 and online filings are typically approved in a few business days to about two weeks online. Here's the whole process, step by step.
Filing fee
$200
One-time, paid to the state
Approval time
a few business days to about two weeks online
Typical for online filings
Ongoing fee
$0 for most small LLCs
What the state charges each year
Fees and processing times change — always confirm the current figures with the Alabama Secretary of State before you file.
The 4 steps in Alabama
Pick a name that works in Alabama
Reserve your name with the Secretary of State first, which is a required step in Alabama. It must include “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” or “Limited Liability Company.”
File the paperwork
Alabama requires you to reserve your LLC name before you file. Then you file a Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State. The filing fee is $200. Also write a simple operating agreement — it's free, and it keeps your liability protection clear.
Get your free EIN
Apply at IRS.gov and get your Employer Identification Number immediately, for free. You'll need it for taxes and your business bank account.
Open a business bank account
Bring your approved Articles of Organization, EIN, and operating agreement. Keeping business money separate is what makes the liability protection hold.
Optional: name a registered agent service
Every Alabama LLC needs a registered agent with a physical address in the state. You can be your own for free — or pay a service to keep your address private. Learn how registered agents work.
If your Business Privilege Tax would come to more than $100, you must file the return and pay by the deadline to keep your Alabama LLC in good standing. Most small LLCs fall under that threshold and file nothing.
File directly with the Alabama Secretary of State.
Common questions about Alabama LLCs
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Alabama?
The Alabama filing fee is $200, paid once when you submit your Articles of Organization. Getting your EIN from the IRS is free, and you can be your own registered agent for free. Ongoing, Alabama charges $0 for most small LLCs. Fees change over time, so confirm the current amount on the Alabama Secretary of State website before you file.
How long does it take to get an LLC in Alabama?
Online filings are typically approved in a few business days to about two weeks online, though times vary with the state's workload. Mail filings take longer. Check the Alabama Secretary of State website for current processing times.
Do I need a registered agent in Alabama?
Yes — every Alabama LLC must list a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. You can be your own agent for free, or hire a commercial service (roughly $100–$150 a year) to keep your address off the public record.
Does Alabama require an annual report?
Alabama LLCs owe a yearly Business Privilege Tax to the Department of Revenue, due by April 15 for most. LLCs whose tax would be $100 or less don't have to file the return at all, which covers most small LLCs.
Can I form my Alabama LLC myself, without a service?
Yes. Filing directly with the Alabama Secretary of State is straightforward: pick a name, submit the Articles of Organization online, and pay the $200 fee. A formation service is optional convenience, not a requirement.
Where to go next
Ready to make your Alabama LLC official?
Grab the free checklist so nothing gets missed, or compare formation services.