Regulation of collection agencies

Frequently Asked Questions

• Application Processing
• Bonds
• Branch License
• Discontinuing a License
• Operator Assigned Office
• Operator Termination, Resignation or Quitting
• Renewals
• Reporting
• Social Security Number
• Starting Collection Activities
• Types of Licenses
• Verification of License
• Waivers

Application Processing

Once your completed application, all applicable fees and supporting documents have been received by the division, it can take 10-14 business days for your application to be processed. Allow an additional four to six weeks for the licensing examiner to review your application and make a decision. We will contact you through the MY LICENSE self-service portal about the decision on your application.

You may send in supporting documentation before you send in your application. However, after one year of the date received, documents are considered “stale”. If your application is not received within 1 year after a document is received, you will need to submit an updated document. Stale documents cannot be added to an application. (12 AAC 02.915)

Note: Operator license applications must be submitted by the operator.

Bond

You must submit a new bond if you change companies for your bond.

Branch License

The branch license allows operation at another location under the same agency name.

Discontinuing a License

To discontinue a license, submit the form titled "Voluntary License Return" (#08-4700). Your license will become inactive on the date it is received by the division.

Operator Assigned Office

The operator is NOT required to reside within a commutable distance from the agency/branch to which they are assigned.

If an agency/branch does not have an operator assigned:

• If you have not obtained a license, your license will not be issued until an operator license can be issued with the Agency/Branch.
• If you already have a license, you need to submit the "Collection Agency/Branch Request for Operator Waiver" form (#08-4459). However, if you have already submitted this form and it has been more than 90 days, you will not be able to operate until an active operator is assigned. (AS 08.24.100)

Operator Termination, Resignation or Quitting

An operator license belongs to the operator, not to the agency. If the operator is terminated or resigns they do not have to voluntarily return their license.

The agency must submit the "Collection Agency/Branch Notice of Withdrawal of Employee" form (#08-4015) within 15 days. Be sure to select "Yes" for the question, "Is the withdrawing employee an operator?"

If you do not have a backup operator assigned, you will need to submit the "Collection Agency/Branch Request for Operator Waiver" form (#08-4459). Even if you are in the process of assigning a new operator, it’s important to submit this waiver form to ensure compliance. This will allow you to continue operating until either a new operator is assigned or 90 days have passed, whichever comes first. (AS 08.24.350)

If an operator quits their job and goes to work collecting somewhere else, they need to submit the "Collection Agency Change of Operator Assignment" form (#08-4133) to update their account with the current information.

Renewals

Each license type is a separate license and must be renewed individually. The renewal dates are the same.

Reporting

• By January 31 of each calendar year, agencies and branches must file a verified annual statement with the department. (AS 08.24.210)
• The Statement of Persons Employed by the Agency must be submitted in writing within 15 days of hire. (AS 08.24.340)
• You are required to notify the department in writing of any employee withdrawals within 15 days of their termination or withdrawal from employment. (AS 08.24.350)
• Any changes regarding the operator or bond must also be reported.
• Reports may be uploaded directly to your MY LICENSE account.

Social Security Number

If you do not have a Social Security Number (SSN), you must submit the "Request for Exemption from Social Security Number Requirement" form (#08-4372).

Starting Collection Activities

To operate in Alaska, you must obtain an agency license, and the operator must also obtain a license. Both the agency and operator licenses are issued together, as the agency license cannot be granted without an active operator license. (AS 08.24.100 & AS 08.24.130)

Note: If you will be operating the agency from a branch, a branch license is also required.

Types of Licenses

There are three types of licenses: Agency, Branch and Operator license (AS 08.24.120 & AS 08.24.130)

Verification of License

The state of Alaska no longer provides hard copy verifications of license. You may find a copy of your free primary source verification of license by utilizing the professional licensing public license search tool on our website.

Waivers

If a waiver expires it cannot be extended.

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