Ala. Code § 11-22-5
When executed and acknowledged in conformity with Section 11-22-4, the certificate of incorporation shall be filed with the judge of probate of the county. The judge of probate shall thereupon examine the certificate of incorporation and, if he finds that the recitals contained therein are correct, that the requirements of Section 11-22-4 have been complied with and that the name is not identical with or so nearly similar to that of another corporation already in existence in this state as to lead to confusion and uncertainty, he shall approve the certificate of incorporation and record it in an appropriate book or record in his office. When such certificate has been so made, filed, and approved, the applicants shall constitute a public corporation under the name set out in the certificate of incorporation.
Ala. Code § 11-22-5 (1975)