Alabama Certificate Of Existence
How to Get an Alabama Certificate of Existence
What you need to obtain a certificate of existence in Alabama:
- Money: $28 online; $10 for normal processing ($1.50 for nonprofits); $105 for expedited processing ($11.50 for nonprofits)
- An Alabama Application for Certificate of Existence (only if you order by email, mail, fax, or in person)
What you need to know before ordering your Alabama certificate of existence:
In general, there is no difference between a certificate of good standing and a certificate of existence—they’re the same thing, like pop and soda. Except in Alabama. If an Alabama official were to ask you for a Certificate of Good Standing, they are requesting a form from the Alabama Department of Revenue that shows you’ve paid your taxes. The Alabama Certificate of Existence will show that your LLC in Alabama or Alabama corporation exists and is what you’ll need to provide if registering your business in a different state.
How to order your Certificate of Existence:
Online:
Order on the Alabama website. Wait time: instant.
By Phone:
Call (334)242-5324 and request a Certificate of Existence. Have your credit card information handy. You will probably be transferred to Elaine, since she normally handles these types of requests. She is very friendly and can give you an idea of how quickly your request will be processed. Requests by phone will be expedited only if paying the additional fee and providing a FedEx account number.
By Email:
Email in your request to anyone in the Corporations Department and provide the Application for Certificate of Existence form and a daytime phone number or email for any questions, as well as your credit card information. However, they will return the certificate by regular mail unless you provide your FedEx account number. Requests by email will be expedited only if paying the additional fee and providing a FedEx account number.
By Mail:
Provide the Application for Certificate of Existence form and provide a pre-addressed prepaid envelope with your cover letter. Requests by mail will be expedited only if paying the additional fee and providing a FedEx account number.
By Fax:
Provide the Application for Certificate of Existence form as well as your credit card information on your fax coversheet. They will only return the certificate by regular mail if you provide your FedEx account number. Requests by fax will be expedited only if you pay the additional fee and provide a FedEx account number.
In Person:
Documents requested in person can usually be provided the same day, but only if you pay the additional expedite fee.
Is expedited processing available?
Yes. An expedited service fee of $100 (for profit) or $10 (for non-profit) is required in addition to the regular $5 fee.
Payment options?
Check, Money Order, Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover.
Make check or money order payable to: Secretary of State.
How long does it take the Alabama Secretary of State to issue a Certificate of Status or Existence?
| Counter Service: | Usually the same day (in person only) |
| Expedited processing: | 1-2 business days, plus additional time for mailing |
| Normal processing: | 4-5 business days, plus additional time for mailing |
How will the Certificate of Status or Certificate of Existence come back after I order from the Alabama Secretary of State?
They will fax it back to you only if you pay the expedite fee and request that they do so. Otherwise, it will be mailed by regular mail, unless you request differently and provide a pre-addressed prepaid envelope or FedEx account number. Return service by email is not available.
If you need a Good Standing Certificate for taxes:
| Alabama SOS Certificate of Good Standing Request but it is not a certificate of existence for your company. |
Forms:
Contact Info:
Alabama Secretary of State
Corporations Division
11 S. Union St. Suite 207
PO Box 5616
Montgomery, AL 36103-5616
(334)242-5324 phone
(334)353-9630 Elaine’s direct line
(334)240-3138 fax
Email: [email protected]