How to File an Alabama LLC Amendment
An Alabama LLC amendment is a filing used to update information in your LLC’s Certificate of Formation, such as your LLC name or address. Alabama encourages online filing as the fastest way to submit your amendment. Filing the amendment by mail requires you to include up to four forms total—the original amendment, two copies, and a Name Reservation Certificate if the amendment includes a name change—and a $100 filing fee to the Secretary of State.
Not all LLC changes require an amendment—for example, Alabama registered agent changes are filed separately. Below, we provide step-by-step instructions for how to amend your Alabama Certificate of Formation yourself.
Amend a Certificate of Formation for an Alabama LLC
As your Alabama LLC begins to grow and expand, you may need to update some of the information provided on your original Certificate of Formation. For the most part, these changes can be made by filing a Domestic LLC Certificate of Amendment form.
Do I even need to file an Alabama Certificate of Amendment for my change?
You need to file a Certificate of Amendment to update your Alabama LLC name, or principal/mailing address. Alabama LLCs can often update certain address information through annual business privilege tax filings as well.
To change your Alabama registered agent or registered office, you must file a separate Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office form ($25) with the Secretary of State. Listing a registered agent change on your amendment alone does not officially update the state’s records.
What do I need to include on my Alabama LLC Certificate of Amendment?
Your Certificate of Amendment must include the following information:
- Business name: Provide the full name of your Alabama LLC listed on the original Certificate of Formation.
- Date of formation: Include the month, date, and year your Certificate of Formation was initially filed.
- Alabama entity ID number: This is the six digit number assigned to your LLC by the Secretary of State. If you don’t know your number, you may find it by searching the Alabama business database.
- Preparer name and address: Type the full name and address of the individual preparing your amendment.
- Previous Certificates of Amendment: If applicable, include the dates and counties any previous amendments were filed in.
- Amendment(s): Type a full list of changes and dates they were adopted. You may attach an additional list if necessary.
- Signature: Include the signature, printed name, and title of the authorized person filing the amendment.
- Additional documents: If changes are being made to your business’s name, you must also include a copy of your Name Reservation Form issued by the Secretary of State.
- Fees: Include a payment for $100 (standard processing) OR $200 (expedited) made out to the Secretary of State. If required by your county, also include a separate check or money order for the county processing fee.
Your Certificate of Amendment must be typed if submitted by mail. Handwritten documents will not be accepted.
How do I file an Alabama Certificate of Amendment?
The Alabama Domestic LLC Certificate of Amendment can be filed online or by mail, although the state encourages online filing.
To file your Certificate of Amendment online, use a Secretary of State Online Services application.
When filing by mail, send the original completed Certificate of Amendment and two copies, and a Name Reservation Certificate if applicable (along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you’d like a receipt) to:
Secretary of State
Business Services
P.O. Box 5616
Montgomery, Alabama 36103.
How much does it cost to file an Alabama Certificate of Amendment?
For the Certificate of Amendment, the Alabama Secretary of State charges $100 for standard processing OR $200 to expedite service for mailed certificates.
How long does it take to process an Alabama Certificate of Amendment?
The Alabama Secretary of State will process your Certificate of Amendment within 1-2 business days (standard processing) OR the same day it’s received (expedited).
Can I restate the initial Certificate of Formation instead of filing an Alabama LLC amendment?
Yes, you can restate the initial Certificate of Formation instead of filing a Certificate of Amendment. However, you must generate your own form. The Alabama Secretary of State will not provide you with one. Filings fees are the same—$100 for standard processing OR $200 for expedited.
Alabama Certificate of Amendment FAQs
If your Alabama LLC amendment is rejected, the state will typically return the filing with an explanation of the issue that needs to be corrected. You’ll need to fix the problem and resubmit the amendment before the change becomes official.
Possibly. If your LLC amendment changes information covered in your operating agreement—such as the company name, management structure, or ownership details—you should update your operating agreement to match your state records. Operating agreement amendments are internal business documents and are not filed with the Alabama Secretary of State. To amend your operating agreement, follow the amendment process outlined in the agreement itself and keep the updated copy with your business records.
Common amendment filing mistakes include using the wrong form, submitting an unavailable LLC name, forgetting required county filings, or leaving out required signatures or filing information. Filing errors can delay approval or cause the state to reject your amendment.