Alaska Business Name Search (Step-by-Step Guide)

How to search for Alaska business names

Before registering a business entity name, search the Division of Corporations to ensure that no other business in the state is using the name. Searching the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development’s database will help you find names with the exact match or names that are similar to your business name if any.

The search tool will display names of businesses that are similar or the same as your chosen business name. If the system does not display results for name availability, the name you chose is most likely available. Review similar names – if they are too similar, choose another business name.

The Division of Corporations will not approve an application if a name is too similar. If it does, you risk being sued by the other business owner, and you risk losing customers because of the confusion in the names.

How to register a business name in Alaska

The best way to file a new entity is to file online. If you file online, you must pay online. If you try to print and mail the filing, the state will deny it. Once you finish filing, you should receive a confirmation. Online filings are filed immediately and will post on the web. A business owner will be able to print the filing or certificate immediately.

Business owners can also file by completing a paper application and submitting it by fax or U.S. Mail. It takes 10 to 15 days to process the application from March through September. In the months of October through February, business owners should expect delays that are more than 15 business days.

Business owners can obtain a paper report by navigating to the Initial Report page and entering the entity number or the business name.

Alaska trademark/DBA name search

If a business owner wishes to protect a ‘doing business as’ or DBA name, a logo, or even a word or phrase associated with the business, he can register the trademark with the State of Alaska. However, registering a trademark in Alaska does not protect intellectual property outside of the state. Business owners can find detailed information about filing for a trademark in Alaska, including a .csv file of existing trademarks at the Division of Corporations.

If a business owner wants to protect the business name, logo, and other intellectual property, she must register it with the federal government. If a business owner wishes to determine whether a business name or logo has been trademarked at the federal level, search the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Check if the domain name is available

Before a business registers its name, the business owner should take additional steps to ensure that the name is available for domain and social media use. While the domain name and social media accounts or pages do not have to have the same name as the business, it is better for marketing purposes.

If another person or entity is already using the name, a prospective business owner can choose another name to register at the state level or use a different name that describes the business for the domain name and social media accounts.

Most businesses prefer that the domain name for their websites are the same as their business names. However, domain registries do not check with state or federal registries for name availability. Thus, another business or individual could use the name you want.

To find out if a domain name is available, visit one of the registry sites, such as GoDaddy. Enter the business name in the search box. If the name is being used, it will display as unavailable. However, a name might be unavailable as a dot-com extension but available as a dot-net extension.

Check if the social media name is available

Before registering with the state, a business owner should also check social media platforms for name availability if she wants the same name for the state, domain, and social media. As with domain names, social media platforms do not check the state’s database for name availability.

Enter the business name in the search box. If nothing comes up, create an account for the business name as soon as possible – before someone else grabs the name.

Naming considerations for Alaska business entities

Businesses must follow the naming conventions for Alaska business entities. Each type has words, phrases, or abbreviations that notify people as to what type of entity the business is. Entities have various levels of personal protection and are taxed in different ways by the Internal Revenue Service. If you are unsure which entity is the best for your business, consult with a business law attorney.

Sole proprietorships and partnerships

Sole proprietorships and general partnerships do not need to register with the Division of Corporations. However, their names must include the names of the owner. A general partnership must contain the surnames of all of the partners.

Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)

A limited liability company usually has pass-through taxation – the business owner pays the taxes on his personal taxes. It offers the same level of personal protection as a corporation. A limited liability company must include one of the following in its name:

It cannot contain the words:

Limited Liability Partnership

A limited liability partnership or registered limited liability partnership must include one of the following in its name:

Limited partnership

A limited partnership must contain the words ‘limited partnership’ in its name. It cannot use abbreviations. Additionally, a limited partnership cannot include the name of a limited partner unless the limited partner is also a general partner.

Corporations

A corporation must include one of the following:

If the corporation is a professional corporation, it must include the words ‘a professional corporation’ or the abbreviation ‘P.C.’

Nonprofit corporations follow the same naming conventions.