How to File a DBA in Alaska
Registering a DBA, known in Alaska as a business name, will establish your business’s branding. DBAs are a simple way to start growing your business.
We’ll show you how to register an Alaska DBA below.
Or, you can save time and use a trusted DBA service.
Recommended: Register your DBA and establish your brand with LegalZoom. Packages start at $99 (plus state filing fees).
Register a DBA in Alaska
Registering an Alaska business name, also known as a DBA, is easy!
Step 1: Start with an Alaska Business Name Search
Your Alaska business name must be unique and must also meet Alaska’s business name requirements.
First, visit the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development’s website and search for your new DBA name to make sure it isn’t already in use.
Next, review the Alaska naming requirements. In Alaska, your business name should NOT include:
- Any word or phrase that indicates or implies that the corporation is organized for a purpose other than the one contained in its Articles of Incorporation.
- Words like “city”, “borough”, or “village” that otherwise imply that the corporation is a municipality. The name of a city, borough, or village may be used in the corporate name.
- Words that could confuse your business with a government agency or unit (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
- Words with professional licensing restrictions, such as “Engineer,” unless the business has the appropriate professional license.
We recommend checking if your name is available as a web domain (URL). You might not plan on starting a business website today, but you may want to prevent others from acquiring your URL.
Need Help Creating a Brand Name and Logo?
If you need help coming up with a DBA name, try our business name generator. Then, create a unique logo for your brand with our free logo generator.
Step 2: Register Your Alaska DBA
Before you register your Alaska business name, you must have an Alaska business license specifically for that name—a separate business license is required for each different name a business uses. If you don't have a business license, you need to register by filling out the New Business License Application or by filing online.
Your Alaska business name can be filed online or by mail with the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development. You can file online with the Department of Commerce website or you can complete the New Business Name Registration form.
Some important sections of the form include:
- Section 3: Include the business name, your Alaska Business License Number, and the business structure type (Corporation, LLC, Partnership, etc.)
- Section 7: Describe the nature of the business.
Recommended: Use a reputable service. LegalZoom offers a hassle free DBA filing package starting at $99 + State Filing Fees.
Option 1: File Online on the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development Website
- OR -
Option 2: File the New Business Name Registration Form by Mail or In-Person
Cost:
$25 Filing Fee
Office Address:
Corporations Section
State Office Building, 333 Willoughby Avenue, 9th Floor
Juneau, AK 99811
Mailing Address:
Corporations Section
P.O. Box 110806
Juneau, AK 99811-0806
Manage Your Alaska Business Name
General Questions
Call the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development’s Corporation Section: (907) 465-2550
Renew Your Business Name With the State
Your Alaska DBA should be renewed by December 31st of the fifth year after registration and every five years after that. You can renew online or by completing and mailing the business name renewal form. The renewal fee is $25. Mail the completed form and payment to the address below:
Corporations Section
P.O. Box 110806
Juneau, AK 99811-0806
Change Your Business Name
Changing a business name generally requires a new business license and filing a new Business Name Registration form. You can apply for a new business license and new business name online or by filling out the New Business License Application and New Business Name Registration form. Mail the completed forms to the address below:
Corporations Section
P.O. Box 110806
Juneau, AK 99811-0806
Withdraw Your Fictitious Name
To cancel your business name, you will need to submit a Request to Cancel or Inactivate Business License. Note that doing this cancels your business license, not just your DBA. You cannot complete this form online. Mail the completed form to the address below:
Corporations Section
P.O. Box 110806
Juneau, AK 99811-0806
After Filing Your Alaska DBA
If filing a DBA marks the beginning of your business journey, then there are a few more steps that you should take before getting started:
- Create your Business’s Website - Every business needs a website. Luckily, drag-and-drop builders like GoDaddy and Wix make the job quick and easy. Check out our Best Website Builder article to find the tool that’s best for you.
- Get your Business Finances in Order - You’ll need to separate your business finances from your personal ones. This is accomplished by opening a business bank account. If your business has long lead times or other cash flow irregularities, you can also look into a business credit card.
- Protect Your Business - While an LLC will help to protect your personal assets in the case of a lawsuit, your business’s assets also need protection. Having the right business insurance will ensure that you’re covered if the worst happens. Most businesses start with general liability insurance as their base coverage.
DBA Alaska FAQ
How many DBAs can I have?
You can have as many DBAs as you can afford to create and are able to keep track of. Each one comes with additional incremental expenses and paperwork, meaning more is not necessarily better.
Can a DBA get an EIN or Tax ID?
DBAs aren’t required to have a separate EIN because DBAs aren’t a business entity. The business entity that the DBA is under would have an EIN if an EIN is required.
To learn more about EINs and when you need one for your business, read our What is an EIN guide.
Can a DBA become an LLC?
No. An LLC is a business entity, while a DBA is just a name for a business.
Sole proprietorships are often confused with DBAs, but they are not the same: a sole proprietorship is a business entity, therefore it can choose to become an LLC.
To learn how to form an LLC, visit our Form an LLC state guides.
Can a DBA have Inc. in the name?
A DBA can only have Inc. in the name if the business entity the DBA is attached to is a corporation.
How do I set up a DBA for a rental property?
Holding a rental property in your name and with a DBA will not afford you any protection. The best option is to form an LLC to protect your personal assets in the event of an issue with the rental property. In any case, it is always best to consult an attorney.
When would it be good to get a DBA versus a legal name change?
Getting a DBA is often a better choice than changing your business’s legal name. If you want to rebrand your company or focus on another line of business, filing for a DBA is a simpler process than filing for a legal name change.
Is my DBA protected from being used in other places?
Some state-level laws prevent DBAs that are too similar to existing ones from being used, but this varies from state to state. It is possible to trademark a DBA, which would offer stronger protection across state lines.