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How to Get a Certificate of Good Standing in Alabama

Alabama calls it the Certificate of Existence (SOS) and Certificate of Compliance (ALDOR) and charges $25. Here is how to order it and what must be current first.

At a glance

Document name
Certificate of Existence (SOS) and Certificate of Compliance (ALDOR)
State fee
$25
Online ordering
Yes
Typical turnaround
Immediate online ($27.75)
Issuing office
Alabama SOS ↗

How to order it

  1. Clear any past-due filings first. The Alabama SOS will not issue a certificate while you have unpaid tax or an unfiled report. The state-specific requirements are in the points below.
  2. Order it online. Search your LLC in the Alabama portal, request the certificate, and download it. Link in the table above.
  3. Pay the $25 fee. Pay by card at checkout. A small card surcharge usually applies.
  4. Use it inside the recipient's window. The certificate has no state expiration, but banks and other states usually want one dated within the last 30 to 90 days. Order it close to when you need it.
Full ordering details for Alabama

Alabama has two distinct documents often both referred to as "good standing." The Secretary of State issues a Certificate of Existence ($25 mail / $27.75 online) confirming the entity exists and has not been dissolved. The Alabama Department of Revenue (ALDOR) separately issues a Certificate of Compliance ($14) confirming state tax compliance - this is technically the "good standing" document. Most out-of-state foreign qualifications accept the SOS Certificate of Existence. Order the SOS certificate at sos.alabama.gov or by mail. ALDOR Certificate of Compliance is ordered at alabamainteractive.org/ador_tax_compliance.

Processing and expedited tiers: Immediate online ($27.75); 24-48 hours mail ($25)

Important to know about Alabama

  • Alabama has TWO separate documents that might both be called "good standing": the Certificate of Existence ($25) from the Secretary of State and the Certificate of Compliance ($14) from the Alabama Department of Revenue. Ask the receiving party which they require.
  • Alabama eliminated the SOS annual report requirement under Act 2024-213 (HB230), effective October 1, 2024. LLCs no longer file annual reports with the Secretary of State. The Business Privilege Tax return filed with ALDOR remains required.
  • Alabama Business Privilege Tax minimum was reduced to $0 for entities owing $100 or less under Act 2022-252 - many small LLCs now owe nothing. But the BPT return must still be FILED annually with ALDOR.
  • Online Certificate of Existence through the SOS portal is $27.75 (adds a $2.75 convenience fee). Mail orders are $25 flat but take 24-48 hours plus mail time.
  • Alabama uniquely requires a Name Reservation ($28) BEFORE forming an LLC - this is a two-step formation process that catches out-of-state filers off guard. Not directly related to good standing but worth knowing.

Ordering this to register in another state?

A certificate of good standing is what a new state asks for when you register your Alabama LLC to do business there. Start with the guide for where you are expanding.

Alabama foreign LLC guide · Foreign qualification by state

Related guides

This page provides general information based on publicly available Alabama Secretary of State requirements. It is not legal advice. Names, fees, and procedures can change. Verify with the Alabama SOS before ordering.