What is an Alabama certificate of authority?
Companies are required to register with the Alabama Secretary of State before doing business in Alabama. Businesses that are incorporated in another state will typically apply for an Alabama certificate of authority. Doing so registers the business as a foreign entity and eliminates the need to incorporate a new entity.
In Alabama, before applying for a certificate of authority, you must first reserve your entity name, which you can submit online for a $28 fee.
Operating without a certificate of authority may result in penalties or fines. In addition to the state’s requirements, licensing agencies, banks, and vendors will often request a certificate of authority.
When do I need a certificate of authority?
The most common reasons for applying for a certificate of authority include:
- Opening an office or physical location within the foreign state
- Hiring an employee who resides within the state
- Before beginning a contract or a job in a new state
- A vendor or bank’s requirements
- Licensing authority requirements
How do I get an Alabama certificate of authority?
To obtain your Alabama Certificate of Authority, you will submit an Application for Certificate of Authority, along with required certificates or certified copies from your home state. You will need to appoint a registered agent in order for your filing to be approved. Be sure to follow the state’s instructions carefully, as they can reject a document for the smallest error.
For Foreign Corporations:
| Agency: | Alabama Secretary of State - Business Services Division |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $150 |
| Law: | |
| Penalties: | The Secretary of State may collect a $150 late filing fee for each year of delinquency if the entity has transacted business in Alabama for more than 90 days prior to foreign qualification. |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Good standing certificate not required. |
For Foreign Limited Liability Companies:
| Agency: | Alabama Secretary of State - Business Services Division |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $150 |
| Law: | |
| Penalties: | The Secretary of State may collect a $150 late filing fee for each year of delinquency if the entity has transacted business in Alabama for more than 90 days prior to foreign qualification. |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Good standing certificate not required. |
For Foreign Nonprofit Corporations:
| Agency: | Alabama Secretary of State - Business Services Division |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $150 |
| Law: | |
| Penalties: | The Secretary of State may collect a $150 late filing fee for each year of delinquency if the entity has transacted business in Alabama for more than 90 days prior to foreign qualification. |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Good standing certificate not required. |
For Foreign Professional Corporations:
| Agency: | Alabama Secretary of State - Business Services Division |
| Form: | Foreign Professional Corporation Application for Registration |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $150 |
| Law: | |
| Penalties: | The Secretary of State may collect a $150 late filing fee for each year of delinquency if the entity has transacted business in Alabama for more than 90 days prior to foreign qualification. |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Good standing certificate not required. |
What do I need from my home state?
Alabama does not require a certificate of good standing or certified copies for this filing.
What is a registered agent?
A registered agent receives service of process and government notices on behalf of your business. When you prepare your Alabama Certificate of Authority application, you must list a registered agent with a physical address within the state (P.O. Boxes are not allowed).
Many businesses do not have an individual or physical address in a new state. Listing our local registered agent address on your certificate of authority application meets the state’s requirements. Additionally, you get same day document scanning from our local office in all 50 states and DC. Our registered agent service is a flat rate of $99 per year, and you can easily add our service to any certificate of authority order.
What is the contact information for the state?
Alabama Secretary of State - Business Services DivisionPhysical Address:
RSA Union Building - Suite 770, 100 North Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36130
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 5616
Montgomery, AL 36103-5616
Phone: (334) 242-5324
Fax: (334) 240-3138
Website: https://www.sos.alabama.gov/business-entities
Name Search: http://sos.alabama.gov/government-records/business-entity-records
Forms: https://www.sos.alabama.gov/business-entities/business-downloads
Online Filing: https://www.alabamainteractive.org/sos/welcome.action
