Managed Doing Business As (DBA) Services

We handle your DBA project from conception through maintenance. We navigate registration requirements across state lines, check name availability, prepare and file DBA registrations, track renewals, and prepare and file renewals.

  • Access to a compliance specialist who consults with you on your project
  • Complete document preparation, filing, and follow-up with government agencies through approval
  • Full transparency of your project status and renewal tracking via the new DBA List feature in our software
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Alabama DBA / Fictitious Name / Trade Name Registrations

Registration requirements for Alabama business entities

Business entities that plan to use a name other than their legal business name may need to register an assumed name. Assumed name registration can take place at the state, local, or state and local levels of government. State specific registration information is available below.

Alabama Fictitious Name Registrations

Alabama Trade Name Registration

Is registration mandatory?

Trade name registration is optional.

County Level Filing:

Not required at the county level.

Does registration prevent others from using the name I choose?

Rights of ownership of a particular mark are achieved through the common laws of adoption and usage, not registration. Filing an Alabama trademark provides more protection than a common law trademark, but less protection than filing a federal trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Separately, filing a trademark with the Alabama Secretary of State prevents other businesses in Alabama from filing an LLC, corporation, or other business entity with the same name.

Agency:Alabama Secretary of State - Lands and Trademarks/Authentications Division
Law:

AL Code § 8-12

Initial Registration
Trade Name

Form:

Application to Register or Renew Trademark, Service Mark or Trade Name

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$30 filing fee + $1.20 processing fee

Is registration mandatory?:

Trade name registration is optional.

Notarization Required?:Required
County Level Filing:

Not required at the county level.

Does registration prevent others from using the name I choose?:

Rights of ownership of a particular mark are achieved through the common laws of adoption and usage, not registration. Filing an Alabama trademark provides more protection than a common law trademark, but less protection than filing a federal trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Separately, filing a trademark with the Alabama Secretary of State prevents other businesses in Alabama from filing an LLC, corporation, or other business entity with the same name.

Notes:
  • If you choose to register, the application process is the same as filing a trademark application for a trade name.
  • A completed application should include the notarized form, the schedule of classifications, three specimens, the filing fee, and a copy of federal trademark registration (if applicable).
  • Submit multiple applications if you wish to apply for multiple classifications.
  • Publication of registration is not required in Alabama.

Registration Renewal
Trade Name

Form:

Application to Register or Renew Trademark, Service Mark or Trade Name (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$30 filing fee + $1.20 processing fee

Due:

Due by the date of registration every 5 years.

Notarization Required?:Required
Notes:
  • One sample of the mark in use must be submitted with the renewal filing.