--- title: "LLC Attorney" description: "How to change your LLC name in Alabama in 2026. Form, fee ($50), processing time, name availability check, and what to update after filing." canonical: https://llcattorney.com/states/al/change-llc-name-alabama image: https://llcattorney.com/images/share-cover.png source_path: /states/al/change-llc-name-alabama --- ## Alabama LLC Name Change — At a Glance Detail Information Filing form Certificate of Amendment Filing agency Alabama Secretary of State Filing fee $50 Processing time 3–5 business days Expedited Not available Online filing Available Name reservation Available — $10 ## Alabama LLC Name Requirements Your new LLC name must meet the same requirements as your original name: - **Must include a designator** — the name must include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C." - **Must be distinguishable** — the name must be distinguishable from other entity names already registered with the Alabama Secretary of State - **No restricted words without approval** — words like "Bank," "Insurance," "University," or similar regulated terms may require additional approval or licensing - **Check availability first** — search the Alabama Secretary of State business name database before filing to confirm your chosen name is available **Name reservation available:** For $10, you can reserve your new LLC name with the Alabama Secretary of State before filing the amendment, securing it while you prepare the documents. ## How to Change Your LLC Name in Alabama 1 ### Check Name Availability Search the Alabama Secretary of State's business database to confirm the name is available. Use the state's business name search at https://arc-sos.state.al.us/cgi/corpname.mbr/input. 2 ### Authorize the Name Change Your LLC's operating agreement specifies how amendments must be approved. Typically this requires a vote of the members or managers. Document the approval in writing before filing. 3 ### File Certificate of Amendment Complete the amendment form from the Alabama Secretary of State at sos.alabama.gov. Include your current LLC name, file number, and the new name. Submit it online or by mail with the $50 filing fee. 4 ### Wait for Processing 3–5 business days. Plan ahead if you have a deadline — expedited processing is not available. Once processed, the new name appears in state records. 5 ### Update Everything Else After the state processes the amendment, update your operating agreement, EIN records with the IRS, business bank accounts, licenses, contracts, and website to reflect the new name. ## What to Update After Changing Your LLC Name - **Operating agreement** — update to reflect the new legal name throughout - **IRS / EIN** — notify the IRS of the name change; your EIN stays the same - **Business bank accounts** — bring a certified copy of the amendment to your bank - **Business licenses and permits** — may need to be reissued in the new name - **Contracts and agreements** — update all active contracts that reference the old name - **Domain name and website** — update or redirect if the domain name changes - **Marketing materials** — business cards, signage, email signatures, social profiles **LLC Attorney clients:** Name changes are free within the first 90 days of formation. After that window, LLC Attorney handles the amendment and operating agreement update at a flat rate. ## Need to Change Your Alabama LLC Name? LLC Attorney handles Alabama LLC name changes end-to-end — filing the amendment, updating your operating agreement, and keeping your business record consistent. Name changes are free within the first 90 days of formation. Ready to Launch Your Business in al?Follow our fast, easy process to get started right now.[Start My Business](https://app.llcattorney.com/formation?intake_type=formation) ## Changing Your Alabama LLC Name — FAQs ### How much does it cost to change an LLC name in Alabama? ![icon](/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Ficons%2FfaqPlus.png&w=128&q=75) The filing fee for a Alabama LLC name change (Certificate of Amendment) is $50. Name reservation is available for $10. Additional costs may include operating agreement update services. ### How long does an LLC name change take in Alabama? ![icon](/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Ficons%2FfaqPlus.png&w=128&q=75) 3–5 business days. Expedited processing is not available — plan around the standard timeline if you have a deadline. ### Does changing my LLC name change my EIN? ![icon](/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Ficons%2FfaqPlus.png&w=128&q=75) No. Your EIN stays the same when you change your LLC name. However, you should notify the IRS of the name change by sending a written notice to the IRS office that issued your EIN, or by noting it on your next tax return. Your bank will also require a certified copy of the amendment. ### Do I need to update my operating agreement after a name change? ![icon](/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Ficons%2FfaqPlus.png&w=128&q=75) Yes. Your operating agreement should reflect your LLC's current legal name. Update it immediately after the state processes the amendment to keep your internal governance documents consistent with the public record. ### Can I use a DBA instead of changing my LLC name? ![icon](/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Ficons%2FfaqPlus.png&w=128&q=75) Yes. If you want to operate under a different business name without changing your legal LLC name, you can file a DBA (Doing Business As) or assumed name with the Alabama Secretary of State. This allows you to use a trade name publicly while keeping your legal entity name unchanged. It is typically faster and less expensive than a formal name change. ### Does LLC Attorney handle Alabama LLC name changes? ![icon](/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Ficons%2FfaqPlus.png&w=128&q=75) Yes. LLC Attorney handles Alabama LLC name changes — filing the Certificate of Amendment with the Alabama Secretary of State and updating your operating agreement. Name changes are free within the first 90 days of formation for LLC Attorney clients. ## Related Alabama LLC Resources - [Alabama LLC Formation Guide](/states/al) - [How to Amend Your Alabama LLC](/states/al/llc-amendment-alabama) - [Alabama Registered Agent Service](/states/al/registered-agent-alabama)