Business Licensing Business Licensing FAQs 1. When do I need an Alaska Business License? Per AS 43.70.020(a) a business license is required for the privilege of engaging in a business in the State of Alaska. Per AS 43.70.110(1) “Business” means a for-profit or non-profit entity engaging or offering to engage in a trade, a service, a profession, or an activity with the goal of receiving a financial benefit in exchange for the provision of services, or goods, or other property. Per AS 43.70.020(f) a business license may cover multiple lines of business. For more information go to: Multiple Lines of Business FAQs Per AS 43.70.105 there are few exemptions to having a business license. An exemption may exist under business licensing statutes but may not exist under other program or agency statutes. Procurement statutory requirements, professional licensing requirements, and other program requirements may supersede the business licensing exemption statutes. Due to the Supreme Court’s decision of South Dakota v. Wayfair decision, you may be required to register with Alaska Remote Seller Sales Tax Commission. Please visit https://arsstc.org/ for more Information. For more information, go to Business Licensing Statutes and Regulations. 2. Is a physical presence or physical office a requirement for an Alaska Business License? No. The requirement to obtain an Alaska Business License is based on business activity; it is not based upon whether you have a physical presence or physical location in the State of Alaska. If any portion of a business activity occurs within the State of Alaska then the expectation, per Alaska Statutes (law), is the business will have an Alaska Business License. Per AS 43.70.020(a) a business license is required for the privilege of engaging in a business in the State of Alaska. Per AS 43.70.110(1) "Business" means a for-profit or non-profit entity engaging or offering to engage in a trade, a service, a profession, or an activity with the goal of receiving a financial benefit in exchange for the provision of services, or goods, or other property. Per AS 43.70.020(f) a business license may cover multiple lines of business. For more information go to: Multiple Lines of Business FAQs Per AS 43.70.105 there are few exemptions to having a business license. An exemption may exist under business licensing statutes but may not exist under other program or agency statutes. Procurement statutory requirements, professional licensing requirements, and other program requirements may supersede the business licensing exemption statutes. For more information, go to: Business Licensing Statutes and Regulations 3. What else might I need to obtain an Alaska Business License? Generally, this Division requires the following to conduct business in the State of Alaska: A. Professional License: If you intend to engage in a practice that is regulated by Alaska Statute Title 8 (AS 08) you must obtain a professional license issued by the State of Alaska. In addition, each professional license has title-protected language which, if used in a business name or as part of a personal title, or as an indication that a person is a professionally licensed or qualified, requires a professional license issued by the State of Alaska. Example: you cannot advertise in any way or provide any printed material or other device that might indicate to the public that a person is a contractor or that person is qualified to engage in the contracting business unless that person has a professional contractor’s license. If you are required to have a professional license this number must be provided on your business license application. NOTE: The expiration date and status of your professional license may directly affect your business license. We encourage you to keep your professional license current and valid with the Professional Licensing Section. For additional professional licensing information, including a list of occupations or activities that require a professional license, applications, forms and fees go to: Professional Licensing B. Corporations Section: If your business is a sole proprietor (one individual not a married couple) or partnership (two or more persons) then you do not need to register with the Corporations Section. If your organization is a business corporation, professional corporation, non-profit corporation, limited liability company (LLC), limited partnership (LP), limited liability partnership (LLP), cooperative, or a religious corporation then you may need to register your entity with the Corporations Section to obtain an Alaska Entity Number. An exemption to file may exist under corporation statutes ( AS 10.06.718) but may not exist under professional licensing statutes, procurement statutes, or other program statutes. Procurement requirements, professional licensing requirements, and other program requirements supersede corporation exemptions. If you are an entity you must provide your Alaska Entity Number on your business license application. NOTE: The status of your entity may directly affect your business license. We encourage you to keep your entity in Good Standing with the Corporations Section For additional corporation information, including exemptions, forms and fees go to Corporations Section. C. Other license and permits: issued by the federal government, State of Alaska, local municipality or an organization (such as the Alaska Bar) may be needed. Check with the appropriate agencies regarding additional licensing requirements. For additional information go to: Business Structure FAQs, see question #16. How To Get Started For additional resources, which may provide technical, informational or advisory assistance, go to: Alaska Small Business Development Center IRS Small Business Center Landlord/Tenant Handbook Nonprofit Community Association Handbook Small Business Assistance Center U.S. Small Business Administration Workshops for Small Business In addition, you may wish to contact a professional association or organization affiliated with your business activity. If you need further assistance you are advised to seek the services of an attorney or other qualified professional. Need a Lawyer? Contact the Lawyer Referral Service . 4. I need help getting started, where else can I go for help? Wherever your business is located within the state, it is your responsibility to be aware of the federal, state, and local government laws and regulations which may impact your business. The following links will guide you to helpful business resources: Alaska Small Business Development Center IRS Small Business Center Landlord/Tenant Handbook Nonprofit Community Association Handbook Small Business Assistance Center U.S. Small Business Administration Workshops for Small Business In addition, you may wish to contact a professional association or organization affiliated with your business activity. If you need further assistance you are advised to seek the services of an attorney or other qualified professional. Need a Lawyer? Contact the Lawyer Referral Service . 5. What is a DBA, AKA or trade business license name? A DBA (doing business as), AKA (also known as) or trade (not to be confused with a trademark) business names are examples of pseudonym used by business organizations to perform business activities under a name different from the business organization’s legal name. A separate business license is required for each different name a business will be operating and advertising under. Note: the name of who owns a business license (i.e. individuals, partners or entity) will appear on the business license. If the business is owned by an entity (i.e. corporation or LLC) then the names of who owns a percent of the entity (i.e. shareholder or member) will be in the entity’s records and may (depending on % held) be on record with the Corporation Section. For more business license and entity details go to: Search License Data DBA Examples: Sole Proprietorship: Mary Lou Smith (an individual) doing business as “ML Services”. Partnerships: Partners Mary Lou Smith (an individual) and Bobbie Jo Jones (an individual) doing business as “MB Services”. Partners Mary Lou Smith (an individual) and Swing Line, INC (an entity) doing business as “MLSL Services”. Partners Swing Line, INC (an entity) and Frontier Products LLC (an entity) doing business as “Swing Line Frontier Services”. Entity doing business in full legal name: “Swing Line, INC” (owner entity’s legal name) doing business as “Swing Line, INC” (entity’s legal name). Note: If an entity indicator (INC, LLC, etc.) is used in the name on the business license then it must match the legal name of the entity owner as it appears on record with the Corporation Section. Entity doing business in business name without entity indicator (INC): “Swing Line, INC” (owner entity’s legal name) doing business as “Swing Line”. Entity doing business in different name: “Swing Line, INC” (owner entity’s legal name) doing business as “Frontier Sales”. One entity doing business in multiple different business names: “Swing Line, INC” (owner entity’s legal name) doing business as “Frontier Sales” “Frontier Rentals” “Frontier Towing” “Frontier Auto Repair” “Frontier Salvage” Not permitted is an entity DBA in another entity’s name: Not permitted: "Swing Line, INC" doing business as "Frontier Products LLC" Can I use the acronyms "DBA" or "AKA" in the title of my business license? 12 AAC 12.020(g) states in advertising and operating, a business license owner must use the business name exactly as it appears on the business license. Example: if the full name on your business license is “Swing Line DBA Frontier Sales” then “Swing Line DBA Frontier Sales” must be the full name you advertise and operate under, not “Swing Line” or “Frontier Sales”. For more information, go to Business Licensing Statutes and Regulations. 6. What is an NAICS code and how do I determine mine? NAICS is the North American Industry Classification System developed as the standard for use by Federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for statistical data describing the US economy. NAICS Codes group business establishments into industries according to similarity in the processes used to produce goods or services The State of Alaska uses a portion of the 2022 Federal U.S. Census Bureau NAICS Codes. It is important that you ensure the NAICS code you select and provide to this division is valid in the State of Alaska. For more information about the State of Alaska recognized NAICS codes go to Line of Business/Alaska NAICS Codes . The NAICS Code is a six digit code. The first two digits of the code determine the Line of Business. The last four digits of the code describe the business activities within the Line of Business. (Note: The Line of Business number and description will appear on your business license certificate.) In order to receive an Alaska Business License you must choose a six digit NAICS code that best describes your Line of Business and business activities. For more information, go to Line of Business/Alaska NAICS Code . Per AS 43.70.020(a)(2) the primary and secondary Line of Business (LOB) and descriptions will appear on your Alaska business license certificate. Per AS 43.70.020(f) a business license may cover multiple lines of business. For more information go to: Multiple Lines of Business FAQs 7. What is a Sole Proprietor? The State of Alaska defines Sole Proprietor as ONE (1) individual. This is different from the IRS, which allows a husband and wife (two individuals) married couple to file taxes as a Sole Proprietor. As a sole proprietor (one individual, not a husband and wife) you may qualify for one of the sole proprietor discounts offered by the State of Alaska, per AS 43.70.030(a). To qualify, the business must be owned by a sole proprietor (one individual, not a husband and wife) AND: Senior Discount: IF the sole proprietor is 65 years or older when the sole proprietor applies for the business license, or will reach 65 years of age at any time during the year for which the license is issued THEN the business license fee is $25 per year. To receive the Senior Discount the sole proprietor must provide their date of birth PRIOR to purchasing or renewing the business license. — or — Disabled Veteran Discount: IF the sole proprietor is a service-connected disabled veteran THEN the business license fee is $25 per year. To receive the Disabled Veteran Discount the sole proprietor must initially apply by hardcopy (whether purchasing a new or renewal business license) AND provide a copy of the sole proprietor's service-connected disabilty determination letter from Veterans Affairs. Once qualified, future business license renewals may be completed online. For more information go to: Disabled Veterans Discount FAQs Per AS 43.70.030(a) if you qualify for both the senior and disabled veteran discounts you may only use one (1) discount. The discount fees cannot be combined. If you qualify for both discounts you may choose which discount to use. The discount fee is NOT AVAILABLE to partnerships, corporations, LLCs, LLPs, LPs, or other entities, even if the principal owner is 65 or over. Business license fees are non-refundable after the business license has been issued. 8. How much is the fee for an Alaska Business License? The fee for each business license is $50 per year (including all or a part of the initial year). What does “all or any part of the initial year” mean? Business licenses are active on the date of issue and will expire on December 31 of the licensing period purchased. (Example: a new one year business license issued on September 15, 2013, will expire the same year on December 31, 2013.) Exception: a new business license issued after October 1st will include the remainder of the calendar year in which the business license is issued PLUS the licensing period initially purchased: one year or two years. (Example: a new one year business license issued on October 15, 2013, will expire the following year on December 31, 2014.) The State of Alaska offers, per AS 43.70.030(a), a discount to qualified sole proprietors (one individual, not a husband and wife). Senior Discount: IF the sole proprietor is 65 years or older when the sole proprietor applies for the business license, or will reach 65 years of age at any time during the year for which the license is issued THEN the business license fee is $25 per year. To receive the Senior Discount the sole proprietor must provide their date of birth PRIOR to purchasing or renewing the business license. — or — Disabled Veteran Discount: IF the sole proprietor is a service-connected disabled veteran THEN the business license fee is $25 per year. To receive the Disabled Veteran Discount the sole proprietor must initially apply by hardcopy (whether purchasing a new or renewal business license) AND provide a copy of the sole proprietor's service-connected disabilty determination letter from Veterans Affairs. Once qualified, future business license renewals may be completed online. For more information go to: Disabled Veterans Discount FAQs Per AS 43.70.030(a) if you qualify for both the senior and disabled veteran discounts you may use only one (1) discount. The discount fees cannot be combined. If you qualify for both discounts you may choose which discount to use. The discount fee is NOT AVAILABLE to partnerships, corporations, LLCs, LLPs, LPs, or other entities, even if the principal owner is 65 or over. Business license and endorsement fees are non-refundable after the business license or endorsement has been issued, per 12 AAC 02.010 and 12 AAC 02.015. For more information, go to Business Licensing Statutes and Regulations. 9. How long does it take to get an Alaska Business License? ONLINE: Immediately! Purchase or renew online and print your new Alaska Business License immediately: New ONLINE Applicants for new business licenses which have a professional license requirement, per the NAICS code, cannot apply online and must initially apply only by hardcopy. Once qualified, future business license renewals may be completed online. Renew ONLINE If it has been nine months or less since your business license has expired then you may renew online and immediately print your renewed business license. Business license and endorsement fees are non-refundable after the business license or endorsement has been issued, per 12 AAC 02.010 and 12 AAC 02.015. HARDCOPY: * *You are subject to our processing time. Standard processing time from March-September is 10-15 business days. During heavy business license filing seasons (October - February), processing time will be delayed. NEW Alaska Business License (with or without new Endorsements), Paper Application RENEWAL Alaska Business License and Endorsements, Paper Application Online renewal is not available if it has been more than nine months, but less than two years since your business license has expired. You must renew by hardcopy. Do not email payments or filings. For security reasons, do not email filings , payments, or other confidential information. Business license and endorsement fees are non-refundable after the business license or endorsement has been issued, per 12 AAC 02.010 and 12 AAC 02.015. 10. What can I change on my business license? For more information about statutorily allowable changes you can make to a business license, go to: Changes to Business License FAQs 11. Which products require an Endorsement in addition to an Alaska Business License? Through 12/31/2018 an Alaska Business License Endorsement permits the sale of tobacco products. Effective 1/1/2019 an Alaska Business License Endorsement will permit the sale of: Tobacco products; Electronic smoking products; and Products containing nicotine. For more information, go to: Endorsement FAQs IMPORTANT: It is the responsibility of the person who holds the business license and an endorsement to be familiar with the proper sales of products requiring a business license and an endorsement. For more information, go to: Endorsement Penalties and Business Licensing Statutes and Regulations For more information, go to: Business Licensing Statutes and Regulations Endorsement Penalties (effective through 12/31/2018 for the sale of tobacco products only.) Endorsement Penalties (effective starting 1/1/2019 for the sale of tobacco products, electronic smoking products, or products containing nicotine.) Additional penalties may exist under other agency statutes, such as but not limited to: AS 11 Criminal Law AS 43 Revenue and Taxation Law AS 18 Health, Safety, Housing, Human Rights, and Public Defender 12. What if my business license has expired? If your business license is expired less than two years you may renew and pay for the lapsed year(s): Renew ONLINE If it has been 9 months or less since your business license expired then you may renew online and immediately print your renewed business license. — or — Renew HARDCOPY (Form 08-4617) If it has been more than 9 months and less than two years since your business license expired, You must renew by hardcopy. Standard processing time from March-September is 10-15 business days. During heavy business license filing seasons (October - February), processing time will be delayed. Do not email payments or filings. For security reasons, do not email filings , payments, or other confidential information. Business license and endorsement fees are non-refundable after the business license or endorsement has been issued, per 12 AAC 02.010 and 12 AAC 02.015. If your business license is expired more than two years you will need to purchase a new business license. New ONLINE Purchase your new business license online and immediately print your new business license. — or — New HARDCOPY (Form 08-4181) Standard processing time from March-September is 10-15 business days. During heavy business license filing season (October - February), processing time will be delayed. Do not email payments or filings. For security reasons, do not email filings , payments, or other confidential information. NOTE: A business license is considered “lapsed” when there is a gap between the expiration date of the business license and the date the business license is renewed. Business license and endorsement fees are non-refundable after the business license or endorsement has been issued, per 12 AAC 02.010 and 12 AAC 02.015. 13. I sold my business, can I transfer my business license? No. Per 12 AAC 12.050(c), a business license is not transferable or assignable. The seller may submit a Business License: Request to Cancel (Form 08-4732) to notify this office when no longer in business. Business license fees are non-refundable, even if the business license is canceled prior to its expiration date, per 12 AAC 02.010 and 12 AAC 02.015. Standard processing time from March-September is 10-15 business days. During heavy business license filing season (October - February), processing time will be delayed. Do not email payments or filings. For security reasons, do not email filings , payments, or other confidential information. The purchaser will need to obtain a new business license prior to engaging in business activity. For more information, go to: How to get Licensed There may be additional required notifications and registrations that need to be provided to other agencies or businesses. 14. What if I close my business? You will want to notify all appropriate sections of this division. Professional Licensing Section: For more information, contact your specific professional licesning program or email: license@alaska.gov Corporations Section: if the entity is dissolving, cancelling, or withdrawing, then file the appropriate filing based on entity type, along with the appropriate fees. Forms are available at: Corporations Forms & Fees Business Licensing Section: submit a Business License: Request to Cancel (Form 08-4732). Business license fees are non-refundable even if the business license is cancelled prior to its expiration date, per 12 AAC 02.010 and 12 AAC 02.015. Standard processing time from March-September is 10-15 business days. During heavy business license filing season (October - February), processing time will be delayed. Do not email payments or filings. For security reasons, do not email filings , payments, or other confidential information. 15. Are there exemptions from the requirement to have a business license? Yes, an Alaska Business License, under AS 43.70 , is not required for the following if your activities are limited to the below licenses: a fisheries business For information regarding a Fisheries Business License, Direct Market License, Salmon Enhancement Tax, and Surety Bonding contact the Alaska Dept. of Revenue. For information regarding Limited Entry Permits, Interim-Use Permits, Commercial Vessel Licenses, and Crewmember Licenses please contact the Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game. the sale of liquor under a license issued under AS 04.11. For information regarding liquor licenses and the Alaska Beverages Surety Bond contact the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board . an insurance business For information regarding insurance producers licensing and insurance company licensing requirements contact the Alaska Dept. of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, Division of Insurance . a mining business For information regarding an Alaska Mining License contact the Alaska Dept. of Revenue. supplying services as an employee For information regarding who is an “employee” contact the IRS and/or the Alaska Dept. of Labor. furnishing goods or services by a person who does not represent to be regularly engaged in furnishing goods or services. the activities of an investment club. An investment club is a group of individuals, incorporated or otherwise organized, that engages primarily in investing in securities, that does not sell investment services to another person, that does not advertise, the primary purpose of which is educational. a bank organized under AS 06.05 or the laws of another state. a national bank chartered by the United States. a credit union organized under AS 06.45 or the laws of another state. a credit union regulated by the National Credit Union Administration. a mutual savings bank chartered under AS 06.15 or organized under the laws of another state. For information regarding the regulation and licensing requirements of 8-12 above, please contact the Alaska Dept. of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, Banking and Securities. IMPORTANT: If your business activities extend beyond the above exceptions, then you must have a business license. Example: Exemption for the sale of liquor is only for the sale of liquor. If you sell anything else (such as non-alcoholic mixes or beverages, ice, cups, etc.), then you must have a business license. NOTE: An exemption may exist under business licensing statutes but may not exist under other program or agency statutes. Example: procurement statutory requirements, professional licensing requirements, and other program requirements may supersede the business licensing exemption statutes. 16. How can I protect my business name? Under Business License statutes AS 43.70 there are no restrictions on how many business licenses may have the exact same name; thus there may be multiple business licenses with the exact same name owned by the same or different people. Under Corporation statutes AS 10.06 a business may obtain exclusive rights to a business name by either: Filing a Business Name Reservation (good for 120 days) — or — Business Name Registration (good for five years and requires a current business license) NOTE: Current Alaska Statutes do not restrict issuing multiple business licenses with the exact same name. The department is required to issue a business license under AS 43.70 (business licensing statutes), even if exclusive rights to a name have been secured under Corporation Alaska Statutes Title 10. For more information regarding exclusive rights, including remedies if your exclusive rights are infringed upon, go to: Reserving or Registering a Business Name 17. Is my business license record public information? Yes, business license records are public information and available to the public. This information is available and downloadable from the web and includes such information as the owner’s name, the mailing and physical address of the business. The business mailing address appears on the Business License Certificate. All business license notices (renewal notice, licenses, etc.) will be mailed to the business mailing address on record. To change the business license mailing address complete and submit the Business License Change of Address (form 08-4054). This form will only notify the Business License Section. If you have a professional license or are an entity on record with this division then separate notifications will need to be sent (if applicable) to Professional Licensing Section and Corporations Section. To view business license information which is available to the public online: For business license information go to License Search, under Search License Data click Business License. You may provide one or more of the search variables. When the Search Results appear click on the desired business license number (it is an active link) to view the business license details. To download the database of current (not expired) business licenses go to License Search, under Database Downloads click Business License Download. This will create an excel spreadsheet which you may open or save. 18. How do I get a copy of my business license? Free and immediate via the web: Current business licenses are available to print immediately from our website at no charge. On the far left of this webpage, under Quick Links select License Search, under License Data select Business Licenses, search by business license name or number, click on the desired business license number to open the License Detail page, and select Print Business License. Hardcopy: You may request a duplicate business license by submitted the Request for Duplicate Business License (form 08-4080) and submitting it along with the $5 fee. Standard processing time from March-September is 10-15 business days. During heavy business license filing season (October - February), processing time will be delayed. Do not email payments or filings. For security reasons, do not email filings , payments, or other confidential information. NOTE: Copies of expired business license certificates are not available. 19. I have a complaint, what can I do? For more informarion, go to: Complaint FAQs This Division does not provide legal advice. The information contained within these webpages is provided for your convenience and is not to be interpreted as legal advice. It is your responsibility to know what your registering, reporting and filing requirements are based on your specific business activities. Not knowing what is expected of you may not preclude you from the legal obligation to meet these requirements and compliance with the law. You are encouraged to seek the advice of a professional, such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and/or Attorney if you need additional assistance. Contact Us When contacting this office, please direct your questions to the appropriate Section: Corporations, Professional Licensing, or Business Licensing. Each Section specializes in its own requirements per Alaska statutes and regulations. Professional Licensing Section Email: License@Alaska.Gov Corporations Section Email: Corporations@Alaska.Gov Business Licensing Section Email: BusinessLicense@Alaska.Gov