Alaska Secretary of State (SOS) Business Search

Step-by-Step Guide to the Alaska Business Name Search

Access the Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing Webpage

The first step is navigating to the Alaska Secretary of State's Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing webpage. You can find this page through the main Alaska government website at hhttps://www.commerce.alaska.gov/cbp/main/search/entities. Look for the business entity search tool, which is linked under the corporations database section.

Once there, the search tool allows you to look up businesses by name or entity number. Moreover, you can refine your search by using specific keywords or phrases in the business name. This function is designed to help you identify other existing business names that are registered in Alaska.

Review Search Results

After entering the business name or a keyword, the database will generate a list of registered businesses in Alaska that align with the entered criteria. The results will display specific details for each entity, including:

• Entity name
• Entity number
• Entity type (corporation, limited liability company, etc.)
• Current operational status (active, dissolved, or inactive)

If the name you are considering for your business is already registered or too similar to an existing one, you will need to choose a different name as Alaska requires businesses to have distinguishable names.

Obtain Detailed Entity Information

If you need more details about a specific registered business, you can select its name from the search results list to view additional information. These details include:

• Official filing date
• Registered agent info (an individual or entity authorized to receive legal correspondence on behalf of the business)
• Physical and mailing addresses of the company
• Home state (for foreign entities registering in Alaska)
• Biennial report due dates (for ongoing compliance)

This data can help you pinpoint whether any entity poses a conflict with your intended business name.

Why You Should Conduct a Business Name Search

Performing a business name search in Alaska is primarily a legal precaution. State regulations prohibit registering a name already in use or one that closely resembles another registered name to avoid confusion among consumers. Registering an indistinctive name could also lead to potential trademark infringement claims, which can result in severe penalties or legal disputes.

Moreover, a business name search helps verify that your proposed name is available for trademark registration and domain name purchase. This contributes to branding consistency across platforms, including social media and your business website.

Key Naming Guidelines in Alaska

In addition to confirming availability, you must comply with state naming conventions when setting up your business in Alaska. These include:

• The inclusion of "Limited Liability Company" or abbreviations, such as "LLC" or "L.L.C.," for limited liability companies.
• The inclusion of "Corporation," "Incorporated," or abbreviations, such as "Inc.," "Co.," or "Ltd.," for corporations.
• Prohibited use of terms like "bank," "insurance," and "credit union" without proper authorization or licensing.
• Avoid any names that mislead consumers about your business's nature or require certification.

These rules ensure transparency and legal compliance during the business registration process.

Verifying Domain Name Availability

With the increasing importance of online presence, your business name's availability as a domain name matters. Once you confirm a name through the Alaska Secretary of State search tool, use BrandSnag's domain name checker to check domain availability. Aligning your business name and domain name enhances credibility and visibility.

Additionally, establish matching account names across social media platforms, such as Instagram and Facebook. This creates seamless branding for your business.

Reserving a Business Name

If you have finalized a name but are not ready to register your business immediately, Alaska allows you to reserve it. A name reservation preserves exclusivity for 120 days and costs $25.

To reserve:
1. File a reservation application online through Alaska's Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing website for instant processing.
2. Alternatively, complete a hard-copy reservation form and mail it to the Alaska Secretary of State. Processing time for mail-in applications is 10 to 15 days.

You can extend the reservation twice if extra time is required.

Registering a Business Name

Once you are ready to register, start by obtaining a business license. Alaska mandates that all new entities—corporations, limited liability companies, sole proprietorships, and general partnerships—must have an active license before legally operating.

Cost of Business Licenses in Alaska:
- New license registration: $50
- Renewal fee: $50 annually

Online applications are processed instantly. Hard-copy applications are processed within 10 to 15 business days.

Designating a Registered Agent

Alaska regulations require businesses to appoint a registered agent. This is an individual or company responsible for handling legal correspondence and other official documents on your behalf. The registered agent must meet the following requirements:

• Be an Alaska resident or business entity.
• Be over 18 years of age.

Cost Range for Registered Agents:
- Between $50 to $200 annually, depending on the service provider.
- You can serve as your own registered agent if preferred.

Selecting a registered agent is essential for filing incorporation or organization paperwork.

Filing Articles of Incorporation or Organization

To register your business formally, file the required documents:

• Limited Liability Companies: Articles of Organization
• Corporations: Articles of Incorporation

Filing Options:
- Online registration: Processed immediately.
- Hard-copy forms: Processed in 10 to 15 days.

Registration fees depend on entity type and structure, ranging between $50 and $250. Business registrations are valid for five years, after which renewal will be required.

Trademarking a Business Name

Although not mandatory, trademarking your business name is a recommended step for businesses looking to strengthen their brand identity and protect proprietary assets.

To perform a trademark search:
1. Use the Alaska Secretary of State trademark search tool.
2. Cross-check using the United States Patent and Trademark Office database.

Trademark registration with the Alaska Secretary of State costs $50 and remains valid for five years. Trademarks protect business assets from unauthorized use by competitors.

Key Secretary of State Contact Information

If you have questions about the business name search process or encounter technical issues:

• Website: www.alaska.gov
• Phone: (907) 465-2550
• Email: corporations@alaska.gov
• Office Address: 333 Willoughby Ave., 9th Floor, Juneau, AK 99801-1770
• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 110806, Juneau, AK 99811-0806
• Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

It is advisable to contact the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing directly for assistance or clarification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to reserve my business name in Alaska if I plan to register immediately?
No, name reservation is not required if you will begin the registration process right away.

How long can I reserve my business name?
Business name reservations last 120 days. You can file for renewal twice if more time is necessary.

How often must I renew my business license?
Alaska state business licenses must be renewed annually for $50. Municipalities in Alaska may require additional permits and renewals.

Wrapping up the essential steps of conducting a business name search and registration in Alaska will save you from future obstacles. Properly conducting this process ensures compliance with state law, secures your brand's identity, and establishes your legal operations in the state.