How to Perform an Alaska Business Entity Search

If you’re planning to start a business in Alaska or need information about existing companies in The Last Frontier, conducting a thorough business entity search is an essential first step. Alaska’s unique business landscape offers tremendous opportunities, with its economy showing steady growth despite challenges. In 2023, Alaska’s real gross domestic product (GDP) reached $54.1 billion, reflecting a 6.5% increase from the previous year.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how to use the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing database to search for business entities, check name availability, understand search results, and take the appropriate next steps specific to Alaska’s business registration process.

What is the Alaska Division of Corporations Business Entity Database?

The Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (rather than a Secretary of State office, as in many other states) maintains the official database of all registered business entities in Alaska. This searchable online portal, officially called the “Corporations Database,” contains records for:

• Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
• Corporations
• Limited Partnerships
• Limited Liability Partnerships
• Business Trusts
• Nonprofit organizations
• Professional entities

The database includes current and historical information about business entities, including registration dates, status, registered agent information, and filed documents.

How to Search for a Business Entity in Alaska: Step-by-Step Guide

Accessing the Alaska Corporations Database

![Alaska Corporations Database Search Interface – The official search page features a clean, minimalist design with a blue header displaying the Alaska state seal and “Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development: Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing” text. The search form contains two main search fields: one for Entity Number and one for Entity Name, with a dropdown selector for “Starts with” or “Contains” next to the name field. A blue “Search” button appears at the bottom of the form. The interface includes additional navigation options on the left sidebar for accessing other Division services.]

1. Navigate to the official Alaska Division of Corporations website at https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/cbp/main/Search/Entities
2. You’ll see a simple search interface with two primary search fields:
   • Entity Number (if you know the specific entity number)
   • Entity Name (for searching by business name)

Searching by Business Name in Alaska

Here’s exactly how to perform an effective business name search in Alaska:

1. In the “Entity Name” field, enter the business name you’re looking for
2. Select the appropriate search option from the dropdown menu:
   • “Starts with” – Returns entities whose names begin with your search term
   • “Contains” – Returns entities whose names include your search term anywhere in the name
3. Click the “Search” button to execute your query

Pro Tip: When checking name availability for a new business, use the “Contains” option and try shorter keyword searches to ensure you catch similar names that might cause confusion.

Understanding the Alaska Entity Search Results Page

When your search returns results, you’ll see a list containing the following information:

• Entity Type – The business structure (LLC, Corporation, etc.)
• Entity Number – Alaska’s unique identifier for the business
• Entity Name – The registered business name
• Name Type – Legal name, trade name, or former name
• Status – Current status of the entity (Active, Inactive, Dissolved, etc.)

Viewing Detailed Business Information

To access comprehensive information about a specific business entity:

1. Click on the Entity Number (displayed in blue as a hyperlink)
2. A popup window will appear with detailed information including:
   • Entity type and registration details
   • Formation date
   • Duration/expiration information
   • Home state (if registered as a foreign entity)
   • Official mailing and physical addresses
   • Names and titles of company officials/owners
   • Filed documents (which can be viewed by clicking on them)

Alaska-Specific Feature: Unlike some states, Alaska’s business search tool allows you to view most filed documents directly through the portal without creating an account or paying a fee. This includes Articles of Organization, Biennial Reports, and Amendments.

Sample Business Name Search Simulation

To demonstrate how the system works, let’s simulate a search for “Northern Lights Brewing”:

1. Enter “Northern Lights Brewing” in the Entity Name field
2. Select “Contains” from the dropdown
3. Click “Search”

The results page might show:

• Northern Lights Brewing Company LLC (Entity #10094321) – Status: Active
• Northern Lights Brewing Supply, Inc. (Entity #10072145) – Status: Inactive

Clicking on the Entity Number for Northern Lights Brewing Company LLC would reveal:

• Type: Limited Liability Company
• AK Formed Date: 03/15/2018
• Status: Active
• Registered Agent: John Smith
• Physical Address: 123 Glacier Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501
• Officials: Jane Doe (Member – 51% ownership), Michael Johnson (Member – 49% ownership)
• Most recent biennial report filed: 01/15/2023

Understanding Alaska Business Entity Status Codes

When searching the Alaska business database, you’ll encounter various status designations. Here’s what each means:

• Active – The business is in good standing with current filings and fees paid
• Inactive – The business has ceased operations but hasn’t formally dissolved
• Involuntarily Dissolved – The state has administratively dissolved the entity, typically for failure to file biennial reports or pay fees
• Voluntarily Dissolved – The business owners have formally terminated the entity
• Expired – The business’s registration period has ended
• Cancelled – A reserved name or registration has been cancelled
• Good Standing – The business has complied with all state requirements

Alaska Quirk: Unlike many states, Alaska requires biennial (every two years) rather than annual reports. Missing these filings can quickly lead to “Involuntarily Dissolved” status.

Alternative Methods for Alaska Business Entity Searches

Search Engines and Business Directories

While the Alaska Division of Corporations database is the official source, supplementary searches can provide additional context:

1. General Search Engines – Search for your potential business name plus “Alaska” to identify existing businesses using similar names that might not be formally registered
2. Business Directories – Check Alaska-specific business directories such as the Alaska Chamber of Commerce directory or local chamber listings
3. Domain Registrars – Search domain availability for your desired business name to ensure online branding consistency

Business Anywhere Search Tool

Business Anywhere offers a streamlined search interface to check business name availability in Alaska:

1. Use the search bar at the top of our registration page
2. Enter your desired company name
3. Select the appropriate entity type (LLC, PLLC, or Corporation)
4. Click “Search” to check availability

If available, you can proceed with registration services directly through our platform.

How to Reserve a Business Name in Alaska

After confirming your desired name is available, you may want to reserve it while preparing your formation documents:

1. Complete the Application for Reservation of Legal Name (Form 08-574)
2. Submit the form with a $25 filing fee to the Division of Corporations
3. Your name reservation will be valid for 120 days (unlike some states that only offer 60 or 90-day reservations)
4. The reservation can be renewed once for an additional 120 days by filing before expiration

Alaska-Specific Tip: Alaska allows you to reserve a name online through the Division’s Online Filing System, which typically processes reservations within 1-2 business days versus 10-15 days for mailed applications.

Name Requirements Specific to Alaska Businesses

When selecting a business name in Alaska, be aware of these state-specific requirements:

1. Your business name must include an appropriate designator:
   • LLCs: “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.”
   • Corporations: “Corporation,” “Incorporated,” “Company,” “Limited,” “Corp.,” “Inc.,” “Co.,” or “Ltd.”
   • Professional Corporations: “Professional Corporation,” “P.C.,” or “PC”
2. Names cannot include words implying the business is:
   • A governmental agency (e.g., “State,” “Federal,” “Alaska Division of”)
   • A banking institution without appropriate approval
   • A professional service without proper licensing
3. Certain terms require additional approval in Alaska:
   • “Bank,” “Banking,” “Trust” – Require approval from the Alaska Department of Financial Institutions
   • “Insurance” – Requires approval from the Division of Insurance
   • Professional designations (e.g., “Engineering,” “Medical”) – Require appropriate professional licenses

Steps After Your Alaska Business Name Search

For Available Names: Next Steps to Form Your Alaska Business

If your desired name is available, here’s what to do next:

1. Choose your business structure (LLC, Corporation, Partnership)
2. Prepare and file formation documents with the Alaska Division of Corporations:
   • For LLCs: Articles of Organization ($250 filing fee)
   • For Corporations: Articles of Incorporation ($250 filing fee)
3. Obtain an EIN from the IRS for tax purposes
4. Apply for necessary Alaska business licenses:
   • Alaska requires a state business license ($50 annual fee) for nearly all businesses
   • Industry-specific licenses may be required through the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
5. Set up your Alaska business tax accounts with the Alaska Department of Revenue

Alaska-Specific Requirement: Unlike many states, Alaska requires almost all businesses to obtain a state business license in addition to forming their business entity.

If Your Desired Name is Taken: Alternative Options

If your search reveals your preferred name is already in use:

1. Modify your business name by adding distinctive words or location identifiers
2. Check if the existing business is active – If it’s been dissolved, you may be able to use the name (though this can sometimes create confusion)
3. Use a DBA (“Doing Business As”) – Register a trade name through the Alaska Division of Corporations ($25 filing fee)
4. Consider purchasing the business or name from the current owner

Business Registration Fees in Alaska (2025)

Here’s a breakdown of the current fees associated with business formation in Alaska:

ServiceFeeName Reservation$25Articles of Organization (LLC)$250Articles of Incorporation$250Biennial Report$100State Business License$50 annuallyTrade Name Registration$25Certificate of Good Standing$10Certified Copies$10 + $1 per page

Alaska Cost Advantage: While Alaska’s initial filing fees are higher than some states, it requires biennial reports rather than annual reports, potentially reducing ongoing compliance costs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alaska Business Entity Searches

![FAQ Section Header – A banner with the Alaska state flag colors (blue with the Big Dipper constellation) and text reading “Alaska Business Entity Search: Frequently Asked Questions”]

What do the different status labels mean in the Alaska business database?

In Alaska, business entities can have various status designations, each with specific implications:

• Active – The business is currently in good standing with the state, has filed all required biennial reports, and paid all fees. This status indicates the entity is legally authorized to conduct business in Alaska.
• Involuntarily Dissolved – The state has administratively terminated the business, typically due to failure to file biennial reports or pay required fees. In Alaska, businesses have up to two years to reinstate an involuntarily dissolved entity by filing past-due reports and paying all outstanding fees plus a $100 reinstatement fee.
• Voluntarily Dissolved – The business owners have formally terminated the entity through proper filing procedures. This status indicates an intentional closure rather than administrative action.
• Inactive – The business has ceased operations but hasn’t completed formal dissolution procedures. This is often a temporary status while dissolution paperwork is processed.
• Expired – This status typically applies to reserved names or registrations that have reached their end date without being converted to active business entities.
• Cancelled – A reserved name or registration has been cancelled before its natural expiration.
• Good Standing – This indicates the business has complied with all state requirements and has no outstanding filings or fees due.

How long does an Alaska business name reservation last and what is the fee?

In Alaska, a business name reservation is valid for 120 days from the date of filing, which is longer than many other states that only offer 60 or 90-day reservations.

The fee for an initial name reservation is $25. You can renew the reservation once for an additional 120 days by submitting a new application before the expiration date. The renewal fee is also $25.

Alaska allows name reservations to be filed online through the Division’s Online Filing System, which typically processes reservations within 1-2 business days compared to 10-15 days for mailed applications.

What are the current filing fees for business entities in Alaska?

Alaska’s business filing fees as of May 2025:

ServiceFeeName Reservation$25 (valid for 120 days)Articles of Organization (LLC)$250Articles of Incorporation$250Foreign Entity Registration$350Biennial Report$100State Business License$50 annuallyTrade Name Registration$25Certificate of Good Standing$10Certified Copies$10 + $1 per pageArticles of Amendment$25Articles of Dissolution$25Reinstatement After Dissolution$100 (plus any past due fees)

Unlike many states, Alaska requires a separate state business license ($50) in addition to entity registration, which is an important consideration for your budget.

Can I reserve or register a business name online in Alaska?

Yes, Alaska offers online services for both name reservation and business registration:

1. For name reservation: Visit the Alaska Division of Corporations Online Filing System and select “Reserve or Register an Entity Name.” The $25 fee can be paid by credit card, and online reservations are typically processed within 1-2 business days.
2. For business registration: Complete entity formations can be filed online through the same portal. The system accepts Articles of Organization for LLCs and Articles of Incorporation for corporations. All required fields must be completed, and filing fees ($250 for most entity types) can be paid electronically.

Alaska’s online system does have some quirks to be aware of:

• The system times out after 20 minutes of inactivity
• You’ll need to create a free myAlaska account to use some online services
• Supporting documents must be in PDF format and under 10MB in size
• The system works best with Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browsers

What should I do if my desired business name is already taken in Alaska?

If your Alaska business entity search reveals that your preferred name is already in use, you have several options:

1. Modify your business name by adding distinctive words, geographic identifiers, or unique terms. For example, if “Arctic Adventures LLC” is taken, consider “Arctic Adventures of Anchorage LLC” or “Northern Arctic Adventures LLC.”
2. Check the entity’s status – If the existing business shows as “Involuntarily Dissolved” for more than two years, the name may become available as the reinstatement period has expired. However, using previously registered names can sometimes lead to confusion or legal complications.
3. Use a DBA (“Doing Business As”) – In Alaska, you can register a trade name through the Division of Corporations for $25. This allows your legally registered entity to operate under a different name for marketing purposes.
4. Consider purchasing the business or name – If the name is critical to your business plan, you might approach the current owner about purchasing either the entire business or just the rights to the name.
5. Research name availability in other states – If you’re flexible about location and the name is very important to your branding, consider forming in another state where the name is available.

When modifying your name choice, be sure the new option isn’t confusingly similar to existing names, as this could still lead to trademark issues even if the Division of Corporations accepts your registration.

Are Alaska business entity searches public record? What information is visible?

Yes, all information in the Alaska Corporations Database is public record and freely accessible online. When searching Alaska’s business database, the following information is publicly viewable:

• Business name and entity type
• Entity number (Alaska’s unique identifier)
• Current status (Active, Dissolved, etc.)
• Date of formation or registration in Alaska
• Registered agent name and address
• Principal office address
• Names and titles of company officials (members/managers for LLCs; officers/directors for corporations)
• Filed documents (Articles of Organization/Incorporation, Biennial Reports, Amendments, etc.)

However, Alaska does have some privacy advantages compared to other states:

• Ownership percentages for LLC members are not required in public filings
• Personal addresses of members can be omitted if a different principal office address is provided
• Operating agreements for LLCs are not filed with the state and remain private documents

For privacy-conscious entrepreneurs, using a registered agent service can help keep personal information off public records while still maintaining compliance with Alaska requirements.

Does Alaska require a registered agent with a physical address?

Yes, all formal business entities in Alaska must maintain a registered agent with a physical street address (not a P.O. Box) in Alaska. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept service of process and official notices.

Alaska allows three types of registered agents:

1. An individual Alaska resident with a physical Alaska address
2. A business entity with a physical office in Alaska
3. A registered agent service company authorized to operate in Alaska

Alaska has some specific requirements for registered agents that differ from other states:

• The physical address must be a street address where someone is available during business hours
• Post office boxes cannot be used as the registered agent address
• The registered agent must sign a written consent to serve in this capacity
• Changes to your registered agent must be filed within 30 days

If your registered agent resigns and you fail to appoint a new one, your business may be administratively dissolved after 30-60 days of notice from the Division of Corporations.

How often must Alaska businesses file reports and what information is required?

Unlike many states requiring annual reports, Alaska requires biennial (every two years) reports from corporations and LLCs. These reports are due by January 2nd in the year following the calendar year in which the business was formed, and then every two years thereafter.

For example:

• If you formed your LLC in June 2025, your first biennial report would be due by January 2, 2027
• Subsequent reports would be due January 2, 2029, January 2, 2031, and so on

The current filing fee for biennial reports is $100.

Alaska biennial reports must include:

• Current business name and Alaska entity number
• NAICS code representing your primary business activity
• Physical and mailing addresses for the business
• Current registered agent information
• Names and addresses of members/managers (for LLCs) or officers/directors (for corporations)
• For corporations only: number of authorized and issued shares
• Signature of a person authorized to sign on behalf of the entity

Alaska sends courtesy reminders to the email address on file, but it’s the business owner’s responsibility to file on time regardless of whether a reminder is received. Failure to file biennial reports by the deadline will result in a “not in good standing” status and eventually lead to involuntary dissolution if not remedied.

Can I form an Alaska business if I don’t live in Alaska?

Yes, non-residents can form businesses in Alaska. However, you must designate a registered agent with a physical address in Alaska. Many business owners who don’t reside in Alaska use registered agent services to fulfill this requirement.

Some important considerations for non-resident business owners:

• While you can form an Alaska business remotely, you’ll need a physical presence in the state through your registered agent
• Alaska requires a separate state business license ($50 annually) in addition to entity formation
• If you’ll be physically conducting business in Alaska (beyond just being registered there), you may need additional local licenses
• Alaska has no state income tax or sales tax, which can be advantageous for certain business structures
• Alaska’s biennial (rather than annual) reporting schedule can reduce administrative burden
• Remote business owners often use online filing options for most business transactions with the state

Many non-residents form businesses in Alaska due to its favorable tax environment and reduced reporting requirements, even if their operations are primarily located elsewhere.

How long does it take to process business entity filings in Alaska?

Processing times for business filings in Alaska vary by submission method and time of year:

For online filings:

• Name reservations: 1-2 business days
• LLC/Corporation formations: 7-10 business days
• Expedited online filings: 1-2 business days (additional $150 fee)

For paper filings:

• Standard processing: 10-15 business days
• Expedited processing: 1-3 business days (additional $150 fee)

During peak periods (November through February, when many biennial reports are due), processing times may be longer. For time-sensitive filings, using the online system with expedited processing is recommended.

Alaska updates the status of your filing in the online business database, so you can check there for confirmation rather than waiting for a physical certificate to arrive in the mail.

Trademarking Your Business Name in Alaska

While registering your business name with the Alaska Division of Corporations prevents other businesses from registering the identical name in Alaska, it doesn’t provide trademark protection. For stronger name protection:

Alaska State Trademark

Alaska offers state-level trademark registration through the Lieutenant Governor’s office:

1. Complete an Application for Registration of Trademark or Service Mark (Form 08-0515)
2. Pay the $50 filing fee per class of goods or services
3. Provide samples showing how your mark is used in commerce

An Alaska state trademark provides protection within state boundaries for 5 years and can be renewed for additional 5-year periods.

Federal Trademark Protection

For broader protection, especially if you plan to do business outside Alaska:

1. Conduct a comprehensive trademark search through the USPTO database
2. File an application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office
3. Monitor and enforce your trademark rights

Alaska-Specific Consideration: Given Alaska’s unique geographic isolation and distinct market, some businesses may initially opt for state-level protection only, especially if operations are strictly local.

Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Alaska Business Entity Search

Conducting a thorough Alaska business entity search is a crucial first step when starting a business in The Last Frontier. The Alaska Division of Corporations database provides comprehensive information about existing businesses and helps ensure your chosen name is available and compliant with state requirements.

Remember that Alaska has some unique aspects to its business formation process, including biennial reporting requirements, state business licensing requirements, and specific name regulations. By understanding these Alaska-specific details, you can navigate the business formation process more efficiently.

Whether you’re establishing a new venture or researching existing businesses in Alaska, taking the time to properly search the state’s business entity database will help you make informed decisions and avoid potential legal complications down the road.

Ready to start your Alaska business? Sign up with Business Anywhere to use our free business registration service and take advantage of our streamlined formation process.