INSTRUCTIONS: AL APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF EXISTENCE

This form is not used for a Certificate of Good Standing. This form is used for a business or non-profit entity indexed or registered under the Office of the Alabama Secretary of State. A separate form is required for each Entity Identification Number.

“AL Application for Certificate of Existence Step 1”

In part 1 of the form, list your Alabama Entity ID Number in this form (000-000). In order to find the Entity Identification Number, you can reference www.sos.alabama.gov and click under the Government Records Tab.

Then, reference the Business Entity Records. Choose “Entity Name” and type the registered name in the indicated box. The Entity Identification Number will appear on the left-hand side of the entity name.

“AL Application for Certificate of Existence Step 2”

The state of Alabama strongly encourages you to click on the Entity Identification Number to the left and regard the details to make sure you’ve referenced the right entity. The state also recommends printing these details because you’ll need this information while making a request with the Secretary of State’s Office and for filing Business Privilege Tax Returns as well.

“AL Application for Certificate of Existence Step 3”

In part 2, select the type of payment. Expedited processing is recommended. In part 3, state the person’s name to which the certificate of existence needs forwarded. Provide their mailing address on the line provided below.

“AL Application for Certificate of Existence Step 4”

If you’re paying by credit card, fill out the first section on the second page of the form. Provide the card type, card number, expiration date, card hold name, and billing address. If you have a prepaid account, fill out the second section on the second page of the form. Provide the name on the account, the account number, and an authorized signature.

“AL Application for Certificate of Existence Step 5”

You can submit this form electronically for faster processing. If you’re mailing the form, send it to the Office of the Alabama Secretary of State, Business Services Divisions/Business Entities at PO Box 5616, Montgomery, AL, 36130. Ask the mail service for a delivery receipt. If you choose the expedited processing option, the application is processed and mailed, at most, three business days after the form is received.