Deal alert! Northwest will form your LLC for $39 (60% discount). See details.
You can get an LLC in Alabama immediately if you file online (or 1 week if you file by mail).
Alabama LLC Processing Times
| Normal LLC processing time: | Expedited LLC: | |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama LLC by mail: | 1-2 business days (plus mail time) | Not available |
| Alabama LLC online: | immediately | Not available |
What is LLC processing time? This is the time it takes for the state of Alabama to review your LLC filing and enter it in their system. After your LLC is approved, the state sends back your approved documents electronically or by mail.
Alabama LLC Approval Times
Mail filings: In total, mail filing approvals for Alabama LLCs take about 1 week. This accounts for the 1-2 business day processing time, plus the time your documents are in the mail.
Online filings: Online filings for Alabama LLCs are approved immediately. Since you can download your documents as soon as they’re approved, there is no extra transit time.
What is LLC approval time? This is the total turnaround time to get your LLC approved from start to finish. It includes the processing time plus any transit time to and from the state.
Alabama expedited LLC
Since all LLC filings in Alabama are approved within 1-2 business days (plus mail time), there is no expedited filing option.
What’s the fastest way to get an LLC in Alabama?
The fastest way to get an LLC in Alabama is to file it yourself online. This option has the fastest approval time, because the filing system issues your LLC approval almost immediately.
Should I hire an LLC filing service in Alabama?
Hiring an LLC filing service isn’t going to get your LLC approved any faster. Filing companies still have to wait for the state to approve your LLC.
However, the benefit of hiring a filing company isn’t to reduce LLC approval time. It’s to have someone else take care of the paperwork for you (and make sure it’s filed correctly).
Need to save time? Hire a company to form your LLC:
Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee)
(Learn why Northwest is #1 in Northwest vs LegalZoom)
Why we recommend Northwest? Northwest Registered Agent has been in business for over 20 years and they have the best customer support. Our favorite thing about Northwest is that you can use their address throughout your LLC filing. This can provide you with additional privacy by keeping your address off public records. No other filing company offers this.
Even though Northwest is our favorite company, you may want to look at other companies and compare your options. Check out Best LLC Services in Alabama for additional recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an LLC cost?
The one-time cost to start an LLC varies by state. There are also LLC Annual Fees to maintain your business that vary by state.
Here are the costs for an Alabama LLC:
| Requirement | Cost |
|---|---|
| LLC Name Reservation | $28 |
| Registered Agent | $0 or $125 per year |
| Certificate of Formation | $200 |
| Operating Agreement | $0 (free on our site) |
| EIN Number | $0 (free through IRS) |
| Annual Report & Business Privilege Tax Return | $50 or more (every year) |
| Taxes | varies (filed and/or paid every year) |
How to start an LLC in Alabama?
Here are the steps to starting an LLC in Alabama:
- Search your Alabama LLC name
- Choose your Alabama Registered Agent
- File Alabama Certificate of Formation with the state
- Sign your Alabama LLC Operating Agreement
- Get an EIN for your Alabama LLC
- Open an LLC bank account
How long does it take to get an LLC in every state?
Important: Just because one state is faster than another doesn’t mean you should form your LLC there. If you form your LLC out-of-state, you’ll need to register it as a foreign LLC in your home state. For more information, please see the best state to form an LLC.
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Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in business from Drexel University with a concentration in business law. He performs extensive research and analysis to convert state laws into simple instructions anyone can follow to form their LLC - all for free! Read more about Matt Horwitz and LLC University.
Do I need my business license before I apply?
Hi Cindy, no, it would be the other way around. You’d first form an LLC, and then check if the LLC needs a business license to operate.