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Lesson 1 · Alabama

How to Start an LLC in Alabama (2026): 7 Steps and the 3 Best LLC Services

We would send a new founder in Alabama to AL Registered Agent.org ($199), Mainstay Filing ($199) and Alabama Registered Agent.co ($199) for starting an LLC in 2026, in that order. After the picks come 7 short steps; the state's own charge to file is $236.

The Founder Classroom teaching team ·

The short version

Filing fee
$236As listed on alison.legislature.state.al.us in October 2026
Annual filing
NoneNothing to file
State fees, first three years
$236Before any service fees
Steps
7In order

What you will learn

  • The Alabama filing, its fee and its office
  • The registered agent requirement
  • How to stay in good standing
  • The services we recommend

Teacher's pick

If you want help with the filing

Same five criteria in every state; see how we grade.
Start here

1. AL Registered Agent.org: best for a small first bill

$199 + fees, $99 yearly after

Start with AL Registered Agent.org: $199 plus the state fee with the first agent year included, then $99 a year.

It beats Mainstay Filing on three-year cost, a big part of our grading.

What you get

  • Your filing, done
  • First year of agent service

What we like

  • No agent fee in year one
  • Then $99 a year
  • $199 to form

Watch out for

  • EIN help is $99 more
Visit AL Registered Agent.orgPartner link. We may earn money if you buy.
Bundled upkeep

2. Mainstay Filing: best for filing and agent on one bill

$199 a year plus the state fee ($435 at checkout)

Mainstay Filing ranks second: one $199 yearly price for the filing and the registered agent, EIN application included.

On three-year cost it trails AL Registered Agent.org by $200.

What you get

  • Filing with the state
  • Registered agent for the full year
  • EIN application
  • No markup on the state fee

What we like

  • EIN application included
  • $199/year for the bundle
  • Renewal holds at $199

Watch out for

  • Costs $100 more per year from year two
  • Smaller bundle advantage here
Visit Mainstay FilingPartner link. We may earn money if you buy.
Local choice

3. Alabama Registered Agent.co: best for another Alabama option

$199 + fees, $99 yearly after

Third place goes to Alabama Registered Agent.co: $199 plus the state fee with the first agent year included, then $99 a year.

It costs the same as AL Registered Agent.org.

What you get

  • Your filing, done
  • First year of agent service

What we like

  • No agent fee in year one
  • $199 to form
  • Then $99 a year

Watch out for

  • EIN help is $99 more
Visit Alabama Registered Agent.coPartner link. We may earn money if you buy.

The 3 picks side by side

#ServiceFirst yearFrom year twoThree-year total
1AL Registered Agent.org$199$99/yr$397Visit AL Registered Agent.orgPartner link. We may earn money if you buy.
2Mainstay Filing$199$199/yr$597Visit Mainstay FilingPartner link. We may earn money if you buy.
3Alabama Registered Agent.co$199$99/yr$397Visit Alabama Registered Agent.coPartner link. We may earn money if you buy.
Company prices as published on November 12, 2026. Add Alabama's $236 fee to each row.

Forming the LLC, in order

  1. Step 1: Choose a name and check it is free

    Pick a name, then check it against the records at the Alabama Secretary of State so no other company already holds it.

    TipCheck the matching web domain at the same time.

  2. Step 2: Choose who will be the registered agent

    Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address. An Alabama resident, or a business entity formed in Alabama or registered to do business there. The agent keeps a business office at the registered office address.

    The address has to be a street address in Alabama where papers can be handed to the agent. P.O. boxes are not accepted, and an agent cannot work only through a virtual office or a mail-forwarding service.

    TipEvery service in our picks can act as your registered agent.

    Official source: As listed on alisondb.legislature.state.al.us in October 2026

  3. Step 3: Do it yourself or get help

    Two routes: file yourself and pay only the $236 state fee, or let a service do it for $199 more. Our picks are above.

  4. Step 4: Send in the Domestic Limited Liability Company Certificate of Formation

    The Alabama Secretary of State receives the Domestic Limited Liability Company Certificate of Formation along with $236.

    Official source: As listed on alison.legislature.state.al.us in October 2026

  5. Step 5: Get the company's tax ID (EIN)

    Wait for the state's approval, then get the EIN from the IRS. You need it to open accounts in the LLC's name. Mainstay Filing files the EIN application as part of its price.

  6. Step 6: Write an operating agreement

    Put ownership and decision rules into an operating agreement and keep it with the company papers.

  7. Step 7: Stay in good standing with Alabama

    No recurring report is due in Alabama. The registered agent requirement continues.

The cost of this lesson

WhatPaid toAmount
Forming the LLCThe state$236
Filing service (optional)Service$199 in year one
Three-year state totalThe state$236
Every state figure links to its source under References; service prices come from each company's site.

Why this order

AL Registered Agent.org beat Mainstay Filing on three-year cost, our 30% criterion.

AL Registered Agent.org wins the cost grade: $397 for three years against $200 more with Mainstay Filing.

Quick answers

What does it cost to form an LLC in Alabama?

Filing costs $236. Our picks charge $199 on top.

Which form creates the LLC?

You submit the Domestic Limited Liability Company Certificate of Formation to the Alabama Secretary of State.

Is a registered agent required?

Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address.

What does Alabama require each year?

No recurring LLC report.

Can I form the LLC without a service?

Yes. The state accepts filings from owners directly; budget $236 plus a registered agent.

Which LLC service should a first-time founder use?

AL Registered Agent.org: it forms the Alabama LLC for $199, agent included for year one and renews the agent at $99. After it, Mainstay Filing and Alabama Registered Agent.co.

Keep learning

Reading list: official sources

  1. alison.legislature.state.al.us. Alabama formation fee: Filing fee, official source. Confirmed October 2026.
  2. sos.alabama.gov. Alabama formation fee: Filing fee, official source. Confirmed October 2026.
  3. sos.alabama.gov. Alabama formation fee: Name reservation, official source. Confirmed October 2026.
  4. alison.legislature.state.al.us. Alabama formation fee: Name reservation, official source. Confirmed October 2026.
  5. alisondb.legislature.state.al.us. Alabama registered agent statute. Confirmed October 2026.
  6. AL Registered Agent.org pricing page: prices as shown November 12, 2026
  7. Mainstay Filing Alabama service page: prices as shown November 12, 2026
  8. Alabama Registered Agent.co pricing page: prices as shown November 12, 2026