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Alaska · How-To Guide

How do I get a business license?

Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (state level) + local borough/city for additional permits
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Determine your business structure: sole proprietor, LLC, corporation, partnership - entity formation (LLC/corporation) is done through the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing at commerce.alaska.gov
  2. Register your business entity with the Alaska Division of Corporations if forming an LLC or corporation
  3. Obtain an Alaska Business License from the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing - required for all businesses operating in Alaska
  4. ONLINE: commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/BusinessLicensing
  5. BY MAIL: Download and complete the Business License Application
  6. Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS at irs.gov if you have employees or form an LLC/corporation
  7. Check for industry-specific professional licenses: contractors, health professionals, real estate agents, cosmetologists, and many others require additional state professional licenses through the Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing
  8. Check with your local borough and/or city for any required local business permits or licenses (some boroughs and municipalities require local business registration)
  9. Renew your Alaska Business License annually before December 31
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Completed Alaska Business License Application
  • Business name and type
  • Business address
  • Entity formation documents if LLC or corporation
  • EIN or Social Security number
  • Industry-specific certifications if applicable
Fee
Alaska Business License: $50 per year (biennial license $100); professional license fees vary by profession RENEWAL: Annual or biennial - renew before December 31 to avoid late fees; renew online at commerce.alaska.gov ONLINE OPTION: Yes - commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/BusinessLicensing (apply and renew online) WHERE TO GO: Alaska Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing (state license); your borough/city office for any local permits
Online Option
Yes - commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/BusinessLicensing (apply and renew online)
Where to Go
Alaska Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing (state license); your borough/city office for any local permits
County-specific variations apply

Most organized boroughs do not require a separate local business license in addition to the state license, but some municipalities (Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau) may have additional local registration requirements. Verify with your specific borough or city office. Zoning permits and other local requirements may apply depending on your business type and location.

Alaska Notes

Important state-specific details

  • Alaska requires an Alaska Business License for virtually all businesses operating in the state - this is a state-level requirement, not county/borough level.
  • The Alaska Business License is issued by the state, unlike many states where business licenses are issued at the county level.
  • Professional licenses (contractors, doctors, lawyers, cosmetologists, real estate agents, etc.) are separate from the general business license and have their own application and renewal processes.
  • Alaska has no state sales tax - but some boroughs and municipalities levy local sales taxes.
  • Alaska has no state income tax on individuals.
  • Business entities (LLCs, corporations) pay the Alaska Business License Tax - file with the Department of Revenue.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
Alaska Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing - commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl | (907) 465-2550