Filing a DBA in Alaska

What is a DBA in Alaska?

A DBA (doing business as) registration is required in Alaska when a business operates under a name other than the name registered with the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing. This secondary name registration allows businesses to legally conduct operations, open bank accounts, and process transactions under their chosen business name.

When you need a DBA in Alaska

Sole proprietorships do not submit business formation documents in Alaska, but they’ll need to register a DBA 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 need a DBA registration.

LLCs and corporations must file a DBA in Alaska when they want to operate under a name different from their registered entity name. This includes situations where the business:

• Wants to use a shortened version of their legal name
• Operates multiple divisions under different names
• Wants to rebrand without changing their legal entity structure

Limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships operating under names other than the partners' surnames also require DBA registration in Alaska.

Why do I need a DBA in Alaska?

Registering a business name in Alaska serves several critical business functions.

• Legal compliance. Alaska businesses must register any name they use that differs from their legal entity name. Operating without proper registration can result in legal complications and potential penalties.
• Banking requirements. Many financial institutions require a registered DBA to open business bank accounts under an assumed name. Without proper registration, banks may refuse to process transactions or open accounts.
• Contract execution. Many vendors, suppliers, and clients require proof of registered business names before entering into contracts. A registered DBA provides this legal documentation.
• Professional credibility. A registered DBA demonstrates legitimacy and professionalism to customers, vendors, and business partners in Alaska's competitive marketplace. It lends professionalism to sole proprietors by allowing them to operate under a name other than their personal name.

How to file a DBA in Alaska

Filing a DBA in Alaska involves several specific steps that must be completed through the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing. Here's the complete process.

Step 1: Search the Alaska business name database

Before filing your DBA application, conduct a thorough name search using Alaska's Search Corporations Database. Enter your desired DBA entity name into the search bar to determine whether it is available and distinguishable from existing registered names.

In this database, you’ll be able to see which entity names are in good standing, expired, or dissolved. Even if a company is dissolved, its name might not be available yet for use, as Alaska allows a two-year period in which companies may be able to reinstate their legal status. 

There are many things to keep in mind when conducting your Alaska DBA name search:

• Search multiple variations and spellings of your desired name.
• Check both active and inactive business records.
• Consider phonetically similar names that might cause confusion.
• Verify that your chosen name doesn't infringe on existing trademarks.
• Ensure that the name accurately reflects your business activities.

Step 2: Verify Alaska business license requirements

A current Alaska business license is required to register a DBA. There are very limited exceptions, so check with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing to determine if your specific business type is exempt.

You can purchase a new business license online, but make sure that the name on your license matches your chosen DBA exactly. The fee for an Alaska business license is $50 per year.

Step 3: Complete the business name registration application

Once you have your business license, it’s time to submit your Business Name Registration application form to get your DBA. In order to complete the form correctly, come prepared with all necessary information and documents, then submit the form online or through the mail. 

You will need to provide:

• Your desired DBA name (exactly as it will appear in business operations)
• Your Alaska business license number
• The complete business address (physical and mailing addresses)
• The business owner's full legal name (or entity number) and mailing address
• A statement about the nature of the business
• The owner's signature (original signature required for mail submissions)

You can submit your application one of two ways:

• Online. Available through the Alaska Division of Corporations website
• Mail submission. Print and send the completed business name registration form to the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing, along with payment. 

Step 4: Pay the filing fee

The Alaska DBA registration fee is a one-time fee of $25. Businesses can either pay by credit card (for both online filings and mail submissions) or by check or money order (for mail submissions only).

Step 5: Track approval and mark your renewal date

Standard processing time for Alaska DBA registration is 10–15 business days from the date of submission. Once approved, you'll receive official confirmation of your registration.

Important renewal information: Your Alaska DBA registration is good for five years, expiring by December 31st of the fifth year post-registration. So, if you registered your DBA on March 15, 2024, it will expire on December 31, 2029. Mark your calendar for renewal, which must be completed anytime between October 1st and December 31st of the expiration year. 

Alaska DBA naming requirements

Alaska has strict requirements for DBA names that must be carefully reviewed before filing your application.

Name distinguishability

A DBA business name must be distinguishable from other business names already registered in Alaska. According to Alaska regulations, one business name is distinguishable from another if one or more of the following is true:

• 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

Prohibited words and phrases

Alaska law strictly prohibits certain words and phrases in DBA registrations:

• Entity-type indicators. You cannot use words like "corporation," "incorporated," "LLC," "limited partnership," or "limited liability partnership" unless that entity type is already used in the actual legal name of your registered entity.
• Government affiliations. Words such as "city," "village," "borough," or any other phrase indicating an affiliation with government are strictly prohibited.
• Inappropriate content. Vulgarity or obscenity cannot form part of any DBA name registered in Alaska.
• Protected intellectual property. Words that constitute a slogan or are protected under state or federal trademark law are forbidden without proper authorization.

How much does it cost to file a DBA in Alaska?

The Alaska DBA registration fee is $25 for initial filing. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected due to name conflicts or other issues. You must renew your Alaska DBA registration every five years. The renewal fee is also $25, the same as the initial registration fee.

Where do I file an Alaska DBA, and which forms do I use?

Online

The most efficient application method is through the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing, online portal. Online submissions typically process faster and provide immediate confirmation of receipt.

By mail

Send your completed Form 08-557 to this address: