A change in the business name (DBA) requires a NEW Alaska Business License, unless:

1. 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: “John Smith” to “John Smith, M.D.”
2. 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, removing “INC” or “LLC” or another entity indicator in the DBA name.

All other changes to the DBA name require a new business license. Go to: NEW Alaska Business License to file online with immediate processing.

For more information on changes permitted under Business Licensing Statutes & Regulations, go to: Changes to Business Licenses FAQs.

If you no longer need your existing business license, you may submit Business License: Request to Cancel or Inactivate via U.S. mail (do not e-mail). Online filing is not available for this form.

You will need a NEW Alaska Business License. Business licenses are not transferrable or assignable to a different owner. Any change in ownership from one owner to another requires a new license.

Go to: NEW Alaska Business License to file online with immediate processing.

For more information on changes permitted under Business Licensing Statutes & Regulations, go to: Changes to Business Licenses FAQs.

If you no longer need your existing business license, you may submit Business License: Request to Cancel or Inactivate via U.S. mail (do not e-mail). Online filing is not available for this form.

A legal name change means that there has been a LEGAL change in the name of the business owner due to a LEGAL event, but the ownership itself has not changed. For example:

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

If this applies to you, submit a Business License: Owner’s LEGAL Name Change (Form 08-4104) via U.S. mail (do not e-mail). Online filing is not available for this form.

NOTE: Changes to your business license may require separate notification to other sections within this Division: www.Corporations.Alaska.Gov and/or www.ProfessionalLicense.Alaska.Gov. Depending on your business needs, you may also need to notify: Other State agencies, local government/municipalities, Federal government, IRS, banks, insurance, etc.

If your license expired more than 2 years ago, a new business license is required. Go to: NEW Alaska Business License to file online with immediate processing.

If your license expired less than 2 years ago, submit a hard copy Business License: RENEWAL Application (form 08-4617) via U.S. mail (do not e-mail). You must include $50.00 for each lapsed year, plus the current/new licensing year(s).

For example: A license that expired 12/31/2022 and is renewing in 2024 may pay for 2023 ($50 lapsed year), plus renew for 2024 ($50) and 2025 ($50) for a total of $150.00. This would renew the license to 12/31/2025.

NAICS codes are 6-digit codes that describe your business activities. Business activities are identified in Line of Business and Alaska NAICS Codes and North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). You can provide up to ten (10) different NAICS codes for your business activities.

You must indicate your line of business and 6-digit NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) codes that best describe your business activities.

Important: If any of your business activities require Professional Licensing (construction contractor, medical, dental, hairdresser, nursing, engineering, etc.), then you must list those NAICS Codes as your primary and/or secondary NAICS codes and obtain your Professional License before applying for a business license. You will be asked to provide and validate your Professional License.

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 1-year/$100 2-year.

Senior Discount Fee: $25 1-year/$50 2-year. To qualify for this discount, 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: $25 1-year/$50 2-years. A veteran who qualifies for the “service-connected” disabled veteran discount may renew the license hard copy as a Sole Proprietor. This means your existing license is owned by (1) natural individual – a Partnership or an Entity do not qualify for this discount. If you are a Sole Proprietor and you qualify for this discount, submit a hard copy Business License: RENEWAL Application (form 08-4617) via U.S. mail (do not e-mail) and include a copy of your “service-connected” disability determination letter from Veteran Affairs or “service-connected” military ID. Do not send documentation containing medical information.

Select “Add Endorsement” in the online application to add one or more Endorsements to your license. Per AS 43.70.075, you must have an Endorsement if you sell: tobacco products, electronic smoking products, or products containing nicotine.

You cannot change an existing Endorsement (i.e. change of address/location). If an existing Endorsement is incorrect or outdated, do not renew the existing Endorsement and click “Add Endorsement” for the new address/location.

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

The Alaska Business License is required in addition to the Endorsement. The Endorsement will expire on the same date as your business license.

An Endorsement is $100.00 per Endorsement, per location. This is a flat rate whether you have a 1-year or 2-year business license. Recommended: Purchase a 2-year license for a better bargain.

For more information, go to: Endorsement FAQs