Registered Agent Services In Alabama
Our Alabama Registered Agent Service offers professional support and reliable business services for LLCs, corporations, and foreign entities operating in Alabama.
Our address is listed on every page of our website. It’s the same one we’ll list as your Alabama registered agent. If you’re looking for registered agent services in Alabama, we hope this is the end of your search.
This page lays out what a registered agent is, why you need one, and the services we offer to help you start your new enterprise, maintain compliance with Alabama law, and establish your business identity.
“Arnold is extremely helpful he has helped us straighten out and streamline our registrations across several states and has freed me up to focus on our business!”
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— Zac Fagan, Google Review
“I just signed up with ARA and my experience was more than I expected. Customer service is #1 especially Cleo. She is the best in my opinion. ~ :)”
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— Pamela Smith, Google Review
What Is a Registered Agent?
A registered agent is a person or company designated to receive official state and legal documents on behalf of your business. These documents include service of process, tax notices, compliance mail, and government correspondence.
Alabama law requires every LLC, corporation, and other registered business entity to continuously maintain a registered agent and a physical registered office in the state.
Why You Need a Registered Agent
A registered agent ensures your business:
- Receives critical legal documents on time, including lawsuit notifications and service of process, which are legally required to be delivered.
- Maintains compliance with state law. Failing to have an agent can jeopardize your good standing and lead to penalties or administrative issues.
- Has a reliable point of contact during business hours. Agents must be available at a physical street address in Alabama during normal business hours.
Our Service Helps You Stay Compliant
We act as your company’s registered agent in Alabama, meaning we:
- Accept official state mail and legal documents on your behalf.
- Notify you promptly via email when documents arrive.
- Provide a physical Alabama address that meets state requirements.
Our service helps you stay compliant and avoid missed deadlines or legal issues.
More Than Mail Processing
We believe your registered agent should do more. That’s why our services also include everything a business needs to get started on the right foot, including:
- Security and Privacy
- Access to State Forms
- Annual Report Reminders
- Formation Service
- AL Business Identity (Phone Service, Domain Name, Website Hosting, Email, Mail Scanning, and more!)
The Right Price
Our Alabama Registered Agent Service offers professional support and reliable business services for LLCs, corporations, and foreign entities operating in Alabama. Our address is listed on every page of our website. It’s the same one we’ll list as your Alabama registered agent. If you’re looking for registered agent services in Alabama, we hope this is the end of your search.
Have you ever found a really rock-bottom price on something and found out later that it was missing a critical piece, becoming obsolete, or didn’t include a crucial feature you wanted?
We charge less than most, but you may find a registered agent that charges less upfront and decide to give them a try. Based on experience, we can tell you it’s not a good idea. We receive change of registered agent orders on a weekly basis from clients who went with “cheaper” options and ended up paying more than our $49/year after hidden costs and surprise fees.
Our pricing is enough to earn a living and stay in business, and that’s all we need. Most importantly, it keeps our pricing simple, meaning that we don’t need to upsell you a million products or charge you sneaky fees to keep ourselves in the black.
How do our costs compare?
We work hard to offer more value for an affordable cost than our national competitors. Our goal is to provide you with a quality service at a price that means you’ll want to partner with us for the long run.
| Service | Us | National Competitors |
| Alabama State Fees | $236 | $236 |
| One Year of Registered Agent Service | $49 | $199-$249 |
| Filing Fee | $100 | $0-$99 |
| One Month of Alabama Business Identity | $28.80 | $34-$75+ |
| Annual Total for All Services | $730.60 | $843-$1,484 |
Additional Services
We also offer a slate of business formation and identity services.
| Business Formation Services If you’re starting a new LLC or corporation, our business formation experts can file your documents quickly and correctly. We include a year of registered agent service with our formation packages. Save yourself the hassle and let our experts file on your behalf. | Annual Report Reminders All Alabama corporations and LLCs must file an annual report. The state does not send any reminders when these reports are due. If you fail to file, they will contact you to collect a late fee. We provide reminders for Annual Report deadlines and business privilege tax filings so you don’t get stuck with penalty fees. |
| Secure Online Client Account Once you sign up, you’ll have access to a secure online account where: • Incoming documents are scanned and uploaded • You’ll get an email and can download documents instantly • You can add up to five additional email addresses (e.g., attorney, CPA, spouse) This gives you both convenience and peace of mind. | First Class Service Our customers are our highest priority: • Our experts are real people who can actually respond to your questions and help • Fast, accurate help is our goal, whether it’s mail, filings, or help setting up your website • Your privacy is our priority Our goal is to create a smooth start for your new business so you can focus on your actual work and building your new endeavor. |
| Access to State Forms Your account includes pre-filled Alabama Secretary of State forms for: • LLC formation and foreign entity registration • We provide forms for all business types, including LLC, foreign entities, corporations, and nonprofits • Change of registered agent forms • Annual report and tax filing instructions This lets you file quickly and accurately. | Alabama Business Identity Service Build your brand’s online and in-person presence with: • A pre-built open-source website • Custom domain name (free for one year) • SSL security • Email and business phone services This service is optional but helps you launch your new business like the pros. |
How to Get Started
- Choose your service package
- Sign up online or reach out to us via our contact form or phone (205) 383-1667
- We assign you a registered agent and set up your secure account
- You receive immediate access and document handling begins
Our team is available if you have questions at any step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Alabama businesses need a registered agent?
Yes. All LLCs, corporations, and registered business entities are required by Alabama state law §10A-1-5.31 to maintain a registered agent.
Should I be my own registered agent in Alabama?
That depends on your business needs. If you meet Alabama’s legal requirements, including being available at a physical Alabama address during business hours, then it can save you some costs. However, many business owners prefer professional services to ensure compliance and their own privacy.
It’s important to consider all the factors before deciding to be your own registered agent:
| Benefits | Deficits |
|---|---|
| It’s free. You save $49 annually or about $4 per month. If you’re bootstrapping, that can matter. | You must be available at the address provided to the Alabama Secretary of State from 9 – 5 during the work week |
| Keeps things simple if you work from a fixed location and have someone to cover when you travel or take a vacation. | Lawsuits and state notices may be delivered in front of clients or at your home. |
| Legal and state mail comes direct to you. No delay. | Your address becomes public record. Anyone can look it up, from marketers to litigators to random weirdos. |
| A great option for hobbyists or anyone unconcerned about privacy. | You might miss important documents. Especially if you move, travel, or run an errand without coverage. |
How do I start my own business in Alabama?
Starting a new business can feel overwhelming, but the truth is that actually getting your business formed in Alabama is one of the simpler parts of starting a new business. The Secretary of State maintains a list of the forms you’ll need on their Business Entities site. We also have some tips and custom guides for LLC and Corporation formation that can help make the process easier.
You’ll need to pick out a name and check that it’s not already in use ahead of filing. You’ll also need to designate a registered agent and choose what kind of business you’d like to start. The state fees are typically $236, but there can be additional costs.
What happens if I don’t maintain a registered agent?
Failure to maintain a registered agent can lead to administrative penalties, compliance issues, and default legal judgments if you miss critical notices. It can also result in the dissolution of your business.
What is Alabama business identity service?
People interact with businesses in a variety of ways, from visiting in person, shopping on your webpage, giving you a call, or emailing. We offer a unified group of services from phone lines to domain hosting so that your business can put it’s best face forward on all the fronts a person might interact with it.
Can you help me form my business in Alabama?
Absolutely! Our experts are well-versed in all the ways you might choose to create your new Alabama business. For just $100, you can rely on us to help you navigate all the ins and outs of formation.
How do I start my LLC in Alabama?
We put together a guide to help you do just that, but the quick version is:
- Settle on a name and make sure it’s not already in use.
- Next, choose what kind of LLC you want to create.
- Then, choose your registered agent.
- Finally, you can reserve your business name with Alabama’s Secretary of State and file your Certificate of Formation online.
How do I start my corporation in Alabama?
Here is a guide that walks you through it. In brief:
- Choose a name that includes the word “corporation” or “incorporation” and make sure it’s not already in use in Alabama.
- Next, choose what kind of corporation you want to create.
- Then, choose your registered agent.
- Draft your bylaws.
- Elect a board of directors and adopt those bylaws.
- You can then use your business name with Alabama’s Secretary of State and file your Certificate of Formation online.
Do I need to live in Alabama to form an LLC there?
No, you do not. Many companies do business in the Yellowhammer State whose main stakeholders don’t reside here. The steps are similar to those for starting an LLC that we specified above, but there are some special considerations you’ll need to make. That’s why we created this guide to help you. In addition to the above steps, you’ll need to:
- Appoint an Alabama registered agent. Luckily, we know a few great ones you can hire!
- File an Alabama Foreign Limited Liability Application for Registration Form for $150.
What is the Alabama Business Privilege Tax?
In Alabama, all LLCs, Corporations, as well as many other business types (like trusts) must file a Business Privilege Tax return (§40-14A-21 through §40-14A-29) for the “privilege of doing business in Alabama.” This return also serves as your annual report (commonly referred to as “Form PPT“).
What happens if my registered agent’s address changes?
You or your agent can file a Change of Registered Office form with the Alabama Secretary of State in order to update their address for a $100 fee. You’ll need to mail two copies of the form to the address listed on the form or email them to miscellaneous.filings@sos.alabama.gov.
If you need to change your registered agent, you can use the same form.