How to Get a DBA Name For an LLC in Alaska – An Easy Guide


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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Get a DBA Name in Alaska

Are you looking to establish a business in Alaska and need to get a DBA (Doing Business As) name for your venture? You’re in the right place! A DBA, also known as a Trade Name, Fictitious Name, or Assumed Name, allows you to conduct business under a name that’s different from your legal business name. This can be advantageous for branding, marketing, and overall business operations.

In Alaska, if you’re willing to use a different name other than the legal name for your business, you must file the DBA (Doing Business As). The public (specifically your potential customers) knows your business by its registered legal name. Instead of using your formal business name, you may use the trade name or DBA in marketing and sales to reach a wider audience.

Alaska, popularly known as The Last Frontier, has some regulations when it comes to filing your DBA name. However, the regulations can vary depending on the type of business structure you have. In this article, I will share the basic steps to get a DBA Name in Alaska.

What is DBA Name in Alaska?

Whenever you form an LLC or any business structure, you must get a name for it. Every company has a legitimate name. For instance, a partnership or sole proprietorship might function under the legal name of the company’s owner or owners. The name specified in the Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization may be used by any business entity, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and others.

However, there are situations when you may decide against using your company’s registered legal name in Alaska. This is due to a variety of factors. For instance, the legal name of your company can be unrelated to it or no longer accurately describe it. Or perhaps you want a new name without altering your documentation for incorporation or registration.

If you intend to run your business in Alaska under a name other than your personal name or an existing corporate name, you must submit a DBA name with Alaska state regardless of the type of business entity you have incorporated as (single proprietor, partnership, corporation, or LLC).

No restrictions exist on how many DBA names you can use to do business. However, each DBA name must be filed with the state where you conduct business. This is necessary because the general public has a legal right to know whether a specific individual or company is operating under a name other than their legal name.

In Alaska, changing your business name is a risky factor. It can bring positive and negative effects on your business. Hence, before you file and change your legal business name, analyze all the risks and advantages.

–LLCBuddy Editorial Team

How to Get a DBA in Alaska

To get a DBA in Alaska, you must first check if any other business is already using the name before filing a DBA in Alaska. You can then submit the Alaska business name reservation form after it has been confirmed that no other company is already using the chosen name. You can search the Alaska Government Records Inquiry System and confirm that the name you chose is not already in use. However, getting a DBA is not mandatory in many states. If you open an LLC in Alaska, you must check with Alaska Secretary of State whether you need to file DBA or not.

Guideline for choosing a DBA name

You must choose a name to register, which is the crucial step. There are a few straightforward LLC name guidelines to follow (if you’re forming an LLC) while choosing a name in Alaska.

  • In Alaska, fictional names cannot be the same or similar to one another. A DBA cannot deceive the public by appearing to be confusingly similar to any other business name.
  • Unless the company has been incorporated as an LLC or corporation, a DBA name cannot contain a corporate indication, such as Corp or LLC, or any other words that imply an entity type. This will stop a lone proprietor from passing for a legitimate corporation.
  • Any banking-related words without a letter from the Alaska Banking Commissioner’s Office, or any insurance-related words without a letter from the Alaska Alaska Division of Insurance.
  • Any words that could confuse your corporation with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
  • A professional designation in the name (i.e., engineering, attorney) without a copy of the license of one officer/member or a letter from the governing agency allowing the use of the name without licensing.
  • Any words that indicate or imply that the corporation is engaged in a business that is not authorized by law to pursue.

How Can You Tell if a DBA Name in Alaska is available?

Once you have selected a name that complies with the requirements mentioned above, there are a number of methods you can use to find out if the name is open for registration. One simple strategy is to look up other companies in Alaska with the same name on Google.

It is a simple technique to clear out any already taken names, even though it may not guarantee that the name you want to register is accessible. As it is likely that you will require a website domain that matches your business name, you may also check to see whether the web domain for that name is accessible. For example, you can check Alaska LLC name search guide to see how you can find the availability of your desired LLC name in Alaska.

Before you may register your Trade Name in Alaska, you must have used it for business purposes. Therefore, you must use a Trade Name as soon as possible if you want to register and protect it in Alaska.

Register the Alaska DBA Name

Once you have established that the name is available for registration, you must finish the file using the forms your county has provided. You must register your DBA name in the county where you intend to conduct business. In most Alaska counties, the following fundamental information is needed-

  • Name of the company, its phone number, city, state, and street address
  • The organization type under which the business is incorporated
  • List the partners’ names and addresses (if applicable)
  • Describe the items, services, or business that will be delivered under the Fictitious Name in the registration form
  • Use of the Fictitious Name in the marketplace
  • Both the classification type and number
  • Make a mark (pick Trade Name)
  • Date and state of the first use of the trade name
  • When the Trade Name first appeared in Alaska
  • Application’s name, title, signature, and date Email address

Submitting the Alaska DBA Name Application

To file the Alaska DBA Name, you must apply to the Alaska Secretary of State. In Alaska, you can file the DBA name in two methods, online and by mail. The cost of filing the Fictitious Name (DBA name) in Alaska is $25.

  • Online filing: For online filing, you need to visit the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development website, submit the online form along with the filing fees.
  • Offline filing: For offline filing, download the form and send it to Corporations Section, State Office Building, 333 Willoughby Avenue, 9th Floor, Juneau, AK 99811 OR alternatively, you can mail the completed form to Corporations Section, P.O. Box 110806, Juneau, AK 99811-0806.

Using the Alaska Trade Name

Three “specimens” demonstrating the Trade Name used must be submitted to Alaska Secretary of State. The following are some instances of acceptable specimens:

  • Business cards
  • Booklets,
  • Flyers,
  • Labels, and
  • Stickers

How to Renew a Trade Name in Alaska

You can renew your DBA name after a stipulated time. In most states, the renewal of the DBA name follows the same process as filing a fresh DBA name. You need to get the DBA renewal form, fill it up with the correct information, and submit it to the state online or offline. The renew time for DBA name filing is five years in Alaska.

How to Change a Trade Name

You can change your Trade Name (DBA or Fictitious Name) by applying to the Alaska SOS. The process is similar. You can search for the name you want to have after changing the old Trade Name. If the name is available, make sure it follows other guidelines. You can reserve your DBA name for five years; after then, you can change or renew your DBA if needed through the Alaska SOS.

FAQs

What is a DBA Name in Alaska?
A DBA Name, also known as a “Doing Business As” name, is a business name that a person or a company uses to operate in Alaska that is not the legal name of the person or company.
How do I file a DBA Name in Alaska?
To register a DBA Name in Alaska, you must submit a trade name registration application to the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing.
Do I need to register my DBA Name in Alaska?
Yes, if you plan to operate a business under a name other than your own legal name, you must register the DBA Name with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing.
How much does it cost to file a DBA Name in Alaska?
The cost for filing a DBA Name in Alaska is $50.
How long does it take to register my DBA Name in Alaska?
Registration of a DBA Name in Alaska typically takes 5-7 business days.
How will I know when my DBA Name is registered in Alaska?
Once your DBA Name is registered in Alaska, you will receive a confirmation letter in the mail.
What documents do I need to file a DBA Name in Alaska?
To register a DBA Name in Alaska, you will need to fill out the trade name registration application and pay the $50 filing fee.
Is there an annual fee for maintaining my DBA Name in Alaska?
No, there is no annual fee for maintaining a DBA Name in Alaska.
Do I need to file a DBA Name in Alaska if I’m a sole proprietor?
Yes, if you plan to operate a business under a name other than your own legal name, you must register the DBA Name with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing.
Do I need to file a DBA Name in Alaska if I’m a partnership?
Yes, if a partnership plans to operate under a name other than the legal names of the partners, they must register the DBA Name with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing.
Do I need to file a DBA Name in Alaska if I’m a corporation?
Yes, if a corporation plans to operate under a name other than the legal name of the corporation, they must register the DBA Name with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing.
Do I need to file a DBA Name in Alaska if I’m a limited liability company (LLC)?
Yes, if an LLC plans to operate under a name other than the legal name of the LLC, they must register the DBA Name with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing.
How do I search for existing DBA Names in Alaska?
To search for an existing DBA Name in Alaska, you can use the online search tool offered by the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing.
Can I register a DBA Name similar to an existing DBA Name in Alaska?
No, you cannot register a DBA Name in Alaska that is similar to an existing DBA Name.
Can I register a DBA Name with a trademarked name in Alaska?
No, you cannot register a DBA Name in Alaska that is similar to a trademarked name.
Do I need to register my DBA Name in more than one state if I’m doing business in multiple states?
Yes, if you are doing business in more than one state, you must register the DBA Name in each state.
Can I use my DBA Name on my business cards, letterhead, and website?
Yes, you can use your DBA Name on business cards, letterhead, and websites.
Is there a deadline for filing a DBA Name in Alaska?
No, there is no deadline for filing a DBA Name in Alaska.
Can I use my DBA Name to open a bank account?
Yes, you can use your DBA Name to open a bank account in Alaska.
What happens if I do business without registering my DBA Name in Alaska?
If you do business without registering your DBA Name in Alaska, you may be subject to fines and penalties.
Can I change my DBA Name after registering it in Alaska?
Yes, you can change your DBA Name after registering it in Alaska by submitting an amendment to the trade name registration application with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing.
Can I use my DBA Name to file taxes in Alaska?
Yes, you can use your DBA Name to file taxes in Alaska.
Is it necessary to publish a notice of my DBA Name registration in Alaska?
No, it is not necessary to publish a notice of your DBA Name registration in Alaska.
Is it necessary to obtain a business license if I register a DBA Name in Alaska?
Yes, depending on your type of business, you may need to obtain a business license in Alaska.
Do I need to have a separate business address if I register a DBA Name in Alaska?
Yes, if you register a DBA Name in Alaska, you must have a separate business address.
Are there any restrictions on the type of business I can operate under a DBA Name in Alaska?
Yes, depending on the type of business you are operating, there may be restrictions on the type of DBA Name you can register in Alaska.
Can I use my DBA Name to form a corporation in Alaska?
Yes, you can use your DBA Name to form a corporation in Alaska.
Can I use my DBA Name to form a limited liability company (LLC) in Alaska?
Yes, you can use your DBA Name to form an LLC in Alaska.
How often do I need to renew my DBA Name in Alaska?
You do not need to renew your DBA Name in Alaska.
Can I use my DBA Name to apply for a business loan in Alaska?
Yes, you can use your DBA Name to apply for a business loan in Alaska.
What if I forget to renew my DBA Name in Alaska?
You do not need to renew your DBA Name in Alaska, so there is no need to worry about forgetting to renew it.

Also Read

Why Alaska DBA Filing is So Important

One of the main reasons why Alaska DBA filing is so important is that it allows businesses to operate under a name that is different from their legal entity name. This can be a game-changer for companies looking to rebrand or expand their product or service offerings without having to create a separate legal entity for each new venture. By registering a DBA name, businesses can create a distinct and recognizable brand identity that sets them apart from the competition.

In addition to helping businesses establish a unique brand identity, Alaska DBA filing also plays a crucial role in protecting the public interest. By requiring businesses to register their DBA names, the state ensures that consumers have access to accurate and up-to-date information about the companies they are doing business with. This transparency is essential for maintaining consumer trust and confidence in the marketplace.

Along with protecting consumers, Alaska DBA filing also helps protect businesses themselves. Failing to register a DBA name can leave a company vulnerable to legal action from competitors or individuals claiming trademark infringement. By properly registering their DBA names, businesses can protect their brand identity and avoid costly legal disputes.

Furthermore, Alaska DBA filing is important for ensuring compliance with state and local regulations. Most states require businesses to register their DBA names in order to operate legally within their jurisdiction. Failing to do so can result in fines, penalties, or even the forced closure of the business. By staying on top of their DBA filing requirements, businesses can avoid running afoul of the law and focus on what really matters – serving their customers and growing their bottom line.

Finally, Alaska DBA filing is important for building a strong foundation for future growth and success. Establishing a clear and consistent brand identity through a registered DBA name can help businesses attract new customers, forge lasting relationships with existing ones, and stand out in a crowded marketplace. By investing the time and resources into properly registering their DBA names, businesses can set themselves up for long-term success and sustainability.

In conclusion, Alaska DBA filing is a crucial step for businesses of all sizes and industries. By registering a DBA name, companies can establish a unique brand identity, protect themselves and consumers, ensure compliance with state and local regulations, and build a solid foundation for future growth and success. While it may not be the most thrilling task on a business owner’s to-do list, DBA filing is a small but significant way to position a company for longevity and prosperity in the ever-evolving business landscape.

In Conclusion

A DBA name in Alaska is the best way to update your business name. Unlike the registered legal business name, you can have as many as DBA names. You can use your new assumed name as soon as the state has processed your filing, and getting one is a rather simple process. Whether you have an LLC or any other business structure, filing a DBA name is helpful for your business upgradation anytime.

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