Filing a DBA in Alaska

Want to do business under another name but unsure how to get started? Find out more about registering a secondary business name in Alaska.

What's your DBA name?

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filing a dba in alaska

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Updated on: June 30, 2025
Read time: 3 min

What is a DBA?

A business operating under a name other than the name registered with the Alaska Secretary of State will need to register the secondary name. This registration is commonly referred to as a DBA (doing business as) in most states.

When you need a DBA

Alaska law requires that companies register a DBA if they intend to do business under a name other than the one listed in their formation documentation. The business name listed in the formation documents was registered with the Secretary of State when the business was formed.

Sole proprietorships, which typically do not have formation documentation, need to register their business’ name if they plan to operate under a name other than the proper name of the owner. For example, “Joe Smith” would not require a registration, but “Joe Smith’s Taxi Service” would.

Registering a business name allows the business to operate under the name of their choice (subject to availability), and also allows the business to utilize the name to open bank accounts and process transactions.

Setting up a DBA in Alaska

Alaska's Corporations Section Database can assist a DBA filer in determining whether a particular business name is available. A business name must be “distinguishable” from other business names in order to qualify for registration. In general terms, one business name is distinguishable from another if:

  • One or more of the words in the names is different
  • The words are the same, but in a different order
  • The words are the same, but the spellings in the new name are “creative, unusual or artistic”
  • The words in the name have different meanings and are not literally identical

In conducting the DBA name search, filers should also keep in mind that Alaska has strict and rigorous requirements for DBA names. For example, filers cannot use the words "corporation," “incorporated,”"LLC," "limited partnership" or "limited liability partnership" or any other name indicating an entity type unless that entity name is already used in the actual name of the entity.

The words "city," "village," "borough" or any other phrase indicating an affiliation with government are also strictly prohibited. Vulgarity or obscenity cannot form part of the DBA name, and words that constitute a slogan or are protected under state or federal trademark are similarly forbidden.

Alaska DBA forms

Those entities seeking to file a DBA in Alaska should use the Business Name Registration Application to apply for their business name registration.

Alaska DBA filing and registration

There are a number of requirements for filing a DBA in Alaska. First, a $25 registration fee must be paid to the Division of Corporations Section of the State of Alaska. The corporate owner’s name, signature, and address must be provided on the application, and a description of the business is required as well. The business name registration expires on the fifth Dec. 31 after the day of registration, but can be renewed between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31 of that year. Standard processing time for a DBA registration is 10-15 days.

Also, be aware that different counties may have additional requirements for filing DBA paperwork. Some counties may require the use of county-specific forms, for example. Check with the county clerk in the county where the business is formed for details.

Tax considerations

A DBA is not a business entity, so it won’t affect your business’ taxes in the same way that the choice of corporate structure will.

When you are ready to file a DBA in Alaska, LegalZoom can help. Start by completing a simple questionnaire. We will complete, file, and publish your DBA (if necessary) and mail the approved DBA application to you.

What's your DBA name?Register my DBA
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This article is for informational purposes. This content is not legal advice, it is the expression of the author and has not been evaluated by LegalZoom for accuracy or changes in the law.

26 days ago
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10/10 customer service

Both Kathy and Princess made the process of filing my DBA incredibly easy and were able to walk me through the process the entire time. Both were incredibly kind and helpful and I'm so grateful to the LegalZoom team for being there to support me through any troubles I have with my small business!

Kate
65 days ago
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Very helpful everyone I spoke with was…

Very helpful everyone I spoke with was very knowledgeable and pointed me in the right direction. My dba was filed swiftly and I was informed about the progress the entire time. Very happy with the results.

karl anderson
74 days ago
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KIERVE has Excellent Customer Service

KIERVE was very knowledgeable and provided the information I requested with additional things to assist me with creating a new DBA. I appreciated how patient they were and ensured everything had processed to the next step before we signed off the chat. Excellent customer service!

Tenika Ashley
118 days ago
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Customer Service exceeded my expectations.

After an initial dilemma with my DBA filing in California, a LegalZoom account executive took the reigns and made everything right by going above and beyond my expectations. Thank you LegalZoom!

Clinton Goodrich
203 days ago
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Very helpful

I called in looking for help with my DBA and was able to complete setting it up effortlessly and got help with a few more items I didn’t even know I needed.

Kevin McCarthy
207 days ago
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Joe was extraordinary

Joe was extraordinary! I called to add a DBA to my existing LLC, and he got straight to the point with exactly what I needed. He went above and beyond by taking the time to answer my questions thoroughly and even checked my account. He pointed out a couple of things for me to review, and if that wasn’t enough, he even sent me a screenshot so I knew exactly what he was referring to. Wow—what an asset to your company! Loyal customer here!

Juan Ferrer
Rated4.6out of 5 based on23,812+ reviewson

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