Business license statutes allow for multiple (different) lines of business on one (1) business license.

Thus, one business license may cover multiple lines of business activity, if all business advertising and operating occur under the exact same business name with the exact same business owner(s).

For more information about how you may reduce existing multiple business licenses with the exact same business and exact same owner(s) please go to Multiple Lines of Business FAQs.

Per 12 AAC 12/020(g) you must operate and advertise in the exact name on your business license.

A change in the business name (DBA) requires a new business license, per 12 AAC 12.050(a)(1), unless:

The change is limited to the addition or removal of a professional title of the business owner used in the name of the business (for example, business name "John Smith" to "John Smith, M.D.");

The change is limited to the addition or removal of a word describing the legal form of the organization of the business and the ownership has not changed (for example when an INC converts to an LLC); or

For more information about changes permitted by Business Licensing Statutes (law) and Regulations go to Changes to Business Licenses FAQs .

To purchase a new business license:

Apply online at NEW Alaska Business License for immediate processing;

OR

Submit hardcopy (via in-person, fax or U.S. Mail) a NEW Alaska Business License application.

Hardcopy applications are processed in date order received by the Business License Section. Standard hardcopy processing time from March-September is 10-15 business days. During heavy business license filing season (October-February) the process time will be delayed.

Business license fees are non-refundable once the business license has been issued, per 12 AAC 02.010, 12 AAC 02.015, and 12 AAC 12.010(e).

If, as a result of the change, you no longer need your previous business license then you may submit hardcopy (via in-person, fax, or U.S. Mail) Business License: Request to Cancel or Inactivate to this office. Online filing is not available for this form.

Business activities are identified by Line of Business and Alaska NAICS Codes. You may provide up to ten (10) Line of Business and Alaska NAICS codes to identify your business activities.

Per AS 43.70.020(a)(2) and 12 AAC 12.030(2), you must indicate your line of business activities by providing the six-digit NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) codes which best describes the business activities you will be engaging in.

IMPORTANT: per AS 43.70.020(a)(2) and 12 AAC 12.030(2), if any of your business activities require Professional Licensing then you must list those NAICS Codes as your primary and/or secondary NAICS codes and obtain your Professional License prior to applying for your business license. You will be asked to provide and validate your Professional License.

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.

Line of Business is the first two digits of the six-digit NAICS code. The Line of Business numbers and descriptions will appear on your business license certificate.

IMPORTANT: The State of Alaska uses a portion of the 2007 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 .

You will need a NEW business license.

Per 12 AAC 12.050(a)(2) a change in ownership of a business requires a new business license.

For more information about changes permitted by Business Licensing Statutes (law) and Regulations go to Changes to Business Licenses FAQs .

To purchase a new business license:

Apply online at NEW Alaska Business License for immediate processing;

OR

Submit hardcopy (via in-person, fax or U.S. Mail) a NEW Alaska Business License application. Hardcopy applications are processed in date order received by the Business License Section. Standard hardcopy processing time from March-September is 10-15 business days. During heavy business license filing season (October-February) the process time will be delayed.

Business license fees are non-refundable once the business license has been issued, per 12 AAC 02.010, 12 AAC 02.015, and 12 AAC 12.010(e).

If, as a result of the change, you no longer need your previous business license then you may submit hardcopy (via in-person, fax, or U.S. Mail) Business License: Request to Cancel or Inactivate to this office. Online filing is not available for this form.

A legal name change means there has been a LEGAL change in the name of the business owner due to a LEGAL event and the ownership has not changed, for example:

• Marriage
• Divorce;
• Court approved legal name change; or
• The owner is an entity and the entity has amended (legally changed) the entity’s name on record with the Corporations Section.

Submit hardcopy (via in-person, fax or U.S. Mail)Business License: Owner’s LEGAL Name Change (Form 08-4104) to this office along with the appropriate fees. Online filing is not available for this form.

Hardcopy applications are processed in date order received by the Business License Section. Standard hardcopy processing time from March-September is 10-15 business days. During heavy business license filing season (October-February) the process time will be delayed.

NOTE: changes to your business license may require you to notify the other sections of this division

Email Corporations Section: Corporations@Alaska.Gov
Email Professional Licensing Section: License@Alaska.Gov

and other agencies, based on your business needs, such as: other state agencies, local government, municipalities, Federal government, IRS, banks, insurance, etc.

Per AS 43.70.075, if you sell tobacco products, electronic smoking products, or products containing nicotine , then you must have an Endorsement.

An endorsement cannot stand on its own: it must be attached to a current business license and will expire on the same date as the business license to which it is attached.

An Endorsement is required for each location or outlet where tobacco products, electronic smoking products, or products containing nicotine, are sold.

Per AS 43.70.075(b) and 12 AAC 12.010(d), an Endorsement fee is in addition to the business licensing fee and is a flat rate of $100 per location, whether you purchase a one or two-year business license.

TIP: For a better bargain, purchase a business license with Endorsement(s) for two years.

Endorsement fees are non-refundable once the endorsement has been issued, per 12 AAC 02.010, 12 AAC 02.015, and 12 AAC 12.010(e).

For more information, go to: Endorsement FAQs

No, per AS 43.70.075, a new endorsement will be required.

An endorsement cannot stand on its own: it must be attached to a current business license and will expire on the same date as the business license to which it is attached.

An Endorsement is required for each location or outlet where tobacco products, electronic smoking products, or products containing nicotine, are sold.

Per AS 43.70.075(b) and 12 AAC 12.010(d), an Endorsement fee is in addition to the business licensing fee and is a flat rate of $100 per location, whether you purchase a one or two-year business license.

TIP: For a better bargain, purchase a business license with Endorsement(s) for two years.

Endorsement fees are non-refundable once the endorsement has been issued, per 12 AAC 02.010, 12 AAC 02.015, and 12 AAC 12.010(e).

For more information, go to: Endorsement FAQs

Business license fees are non-refundable once the business license has been issued, per 12 AAC 02.010, 12 AAC 02.015, and 12 AAC 12.010(e).

Renewing lapsed (expired) business licenses must, per 12 AAC 12.040(c) & (d), pay for the lapsed years plus the current licensing year(s).

All business licenses expire on December 31st. The expiring year depends on your choice of an annual (1 year) or biennial (2 year) license.

Regular Business License Fee: $50 per calendar year and may be purchased for 1 or 2 years.

Senior Discount Fee: To qualify for this discounted the business license must be owned by one (1) natural individual (a sole proprietor) who is 65 years or older or will turn 65 during the licensing period to which applying and must provide the individual’s date of birth.

Disabled Veteran Discount: To qualify for this discount the business license must be owned by one (1) natural individual (a sole proprietor) who is “service-connected” disabled. To initially receive this discount, you must apply hardcopy (via in-person, fax, or U.S. Mail) by submitting Business License: NEW Application (form 08-4181) along with the appropriate fees and a copy of your “service-connected” disability determination letter from Veteran Affairs or “service-connected” military ID. Do not send documentation containing medical information.
Hardcopy applications are processed in date order received by the Business License Section. Standard hardcopy processing time from March-September is 10-15 business days. During heavy business license filing season (October-February) the process time will be delayed.

Note: per AS 43.70.030(a) only one qualified discount fee (senior or disabled veteran discount) may be applied to a business license fee.

Online filing payment may be made by major credit card.

If you need to pay by check or money order, then file hardcopy (via in-person, fax, or U.S. Mail) by submitting Business License: RENEWAL Application (form 08-4617) along with the appropriate fees.

Do not email payments or filings. For security reasons, do not email filings, payment, or other confidential information.

Hardcopy applications are processed in date order received by the Business License Section. Standard hardcopy processing time from March-September is 10-15 business days. During heavy business license filing season (October-February) the process time will be delayed.

Per 12 AAC 12.040(c) if your business license has been lapsed (expired) for two years or less you may still renew and pay for the lapsed years.

Renewing lapsed (expired) business licenses must, per 12 AAC 12.040(c) & (d), pay for the lapsed years plus the current licensing year(s).

Online renewal is available the first 9 months of a lapsed (expired) business license; after which you can only apply for renewal hardcopy (via in-person, fax, or U.S. Mail) by submitting Business License: RENEWAL Application (form 08-4617) along with the appropriate fees.

Do not email payments or filings. For security reasons, do not email filings, payment, or other confidential information.

Hardcopy applications are processed in date order received by the Business License Section. Standard hardcopy processing time from March-September is 10-15 business days. During heavy business license filing season (October-February) the process time will be delayed.

Business license fees are non-refundable once the business license has been issued, per 12 AAC 02.010, 12 AAC 02.015, and 12 AAC 12.010(e).

Lapsed (expired) more than 9 months: If your business license has lapsed (expired) more than nine months then online renewal is not available and you must apply hardcopy (via in-person, fax, or U.S. Mail). Business License: RENEWAL Application (form 08-4617)

Disabled Veteran Discount: if you are attempting to initially qualify for the Disabled Veteran Discount on an existing business license. “Service-connected” discounted business licenses which are owned by one (1) natural individual (a sole proprietor) veteran who qualifies for the “service-connected” disabled veteran discount must initially apply hardcopy (via in-person, fax, or U.S. Mail) by submitting Business License: RENEWAL Application (form 08-4617) along with the appropriate fees and a copy of your “service-connected” disability determination letter from Veteran Affairs or “service-connected” military ID. Do not send documentation containing medical information.

You do not have a major credit card.
To RENEW submit hardcopy (via in-person, fax, or U.S. Mail) Business License: RENEWAL Application (form 08-4617) along with the appropriate fees.

Do not email payments or filings. For security reasons, do not email filings, payment, or other confidential information.

Hardcopy applications are processed in date order received by the Business License Section. Standard hardcopy processing time from March-September is 10-15 business days. During heavy business license filing season (October-February) the process time will be delayed.

Already renewed hardcopy? If you have already submitted a hardcopy business license application and payment for the same business do not duplicate the application process and payment by filing online.

Business license fees are non-refundable once the business license has been issued, per 12 AAC 02.010, 12 AAC 02.015, and 12 AAC 12.010(e).