File a DBA in Alabama

How to file a DBA in Alabama: Step-by-step

You can file your DBA with the Alabama Secretary of State (SOS) through the following steps.

Step 1: Search Alabama business name availability

To register a DBA in Alabama, the name needs to be unique from all other registered businesses. That’s why it's very important to verify that the name is available before you file a DBA application. You can do this by conducting an entity search through Alabama's Business Entity Records.

Step 2: Gather required information

What you need differs slightly based on your circumstances. Most businesses will file an application to register a trademark, service mark, or trade name. In this case, you’ll need the following things:

• Date of first use in any state: When your business first began using the DBA
• Date of first use in Alabama: When you first started using the DBA within Alabama
• Business description and classification: A brief explanation of your business type and activities 
• Disclaimer and consent: Notarized, written permission that the owner of the trade name has authorized you to use it (only if this applies to you)
• Three specimens: Clear evidence that you’re already using the trade name

Foreign entities that wish to register in AL but can’t file under their legal name can state their DBA in their foreign registration documents. 

Here’s what you need to register a foreign entity: 

• Your business’ information (name, DBA name, and street address) 
• Your Alabama registered agent’s information (name and address)
• A copy of the name reservation from the SOS ($25)

Step 3: Submit the application and pay the filing fee

Once you’ve gathered all the necessary information, you can complete your application online or by mail.

• To file a trade name (DBA), file an application to register a trademark, service mark, or trade name. Attach your three specimens and a check for $30 addressed to the Alabama Secretary of State. Sign and get the form notarized before sending it in the mail. 
• To declare a DBA in your foreign entity registration, fill out the correct form for your business structure and attach your completed name reservation along with a check, money order, or credit card payment for $150. 

If you decide to file by mail, make sure to type out your answers first and then print the document out. 

Step 4: Await confirmation and maintain records

After submission, the Alabama Secretary of State will process your application and send confirmation to the address on file. Trade name registration lasts for five years. Keep your registration documents in a safe place, as you'll need them for renewal and other business record purposes.

Important: Ensure your address is correct in state records, as the Alabama Secretary of State will send renewal notices to the one on file.

Tax and legal considerations for Alabama DBAs

Tax implications

A DBA in Alabama doesn’t change your business's tax status. If you’re a sole proprietorship or partnership, you’ll still report business gains and losses through your own tax return. 

Here are other key tax considerations to keep in mind:

• The DBA is simply an assumed name, not a separate legal entity.
• Your federal tax ID (EIN) remains the same.
• State tax obligations continue under your original entity structure.
• You may need to notify the Alabama Department of Revenue if conducting business under the DBA name.

Legal protections

A DBA registration in Alabama has important limitations:

• A DBA doesn’t provide trademark protection—usage does. 
• It doesn’t create liability protection (unlike an LLC or corporation).
• It doesn’t establish exclusive rights to the name.

If you want legal protections for your name in other states, you should consider registering a federal trademark.