Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is Alaska’s Secretary of State page includes a name availability checker. Check out LLC Name Search to learn more.
Meanwhile, if you’re interested in learning more about starting an Alaska LLC or forming an LLC in general, you can check out How to Start an LLC.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
How to Name an LLC in Alaska
Time needed: 5 minutes
There are guidelines to follow in forming an LLC. To learn more, check out LLC Naming Guidelines or read Foreign LLC Application for Registration if you’re planning to register a foreign LLC.
- Check Name Availability
Search the Business Entity Records in Alaska’s Official Secretary of State page to check if your chosen business name is available. You may also try typing your trademark, business, or domain name on any search engine to generate businesses with similar names and to ensure your trademark is unique and meets the state’s requirements.
Check out How to File a DBA to learn more about registering a DBA or trademark. For social media pages, use Social Searcher to avoid using similar page names. - Check Domain Availability
If your business name is still available, you must register for a domain name using Namecheap, Google Workspace, or other domain name sites. This allows your customers to easily find your business over the Internet. Use the Kinsta app to manage your domains efficiently.
- File Name Reservation
A Name Reservation Certificate is required along with a Certificate of Formation. You can reserve a name online, by mail, or in-person with a $25 filing fee (plus tax for online).
File your Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of Alaska. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it along with the processing fee to 550 W 7th AVE, STE 1500 Anchorage, AK 99501-3567 or P.O. Box 110806 Juneau, AK 99811-0806
Guidelines to Follow in Naming LLC
- Use a business name with the abbreviation “LLC” or the phrase “Limited Liability Company.”
- Your decided business name must not coincide with any existing government entity. Otherwise, you might have to face legal lawsuits when filing your LLC.
- Use the LLC name availability checker to ensure your business name is unique.
- Get a license first if you plan on using restricted words to avoid any complications.
Note that you must put adequate effort into naming your LLC because this name will be with your business for a long time. Making your LLC name unique is vital as it would prevent people from confusing your business with others, not to mention it would be easier for them to recall your business, products, or services.
How to do an Alaska LLC Online Name Search
It is important to have a name for your LLC, which is unique and also follows the state guidelines. So, it is necessary to do a name search on the Alaska state website to check if there is no business running using your preferred LLC name. Check out the following points to learn about it.
Go to the search corporation database of Alaska
The Alaska Department of Commerce website offers a business entity search tool to assist you in searching if the proposed name of your business is available for use. Make sure to prepare backup names, so you can also search for them in one go.
Enter the name or part of the name
When you get to the search page, you will see two types of searches: by entity name or by six-digit entity number. To begin the whole process, you need to enter the business name or entity number in the blank space.
If you choose to search using the business name, you may use the complete or partial business name. You can also choose whether to get results of names that start with the word you typed or those with the word you typed anywhere in it.
Perform the search
For searching the name, there are two strategies. The first strategy is typing in the keyword and checking the option “contains.” This will show the names of the competing businesses in Alaska. The second clicking the “starts with” option. This will give results of business names that start with the same words as yours.
The search will yield the business names, entity numbers, and statuses. The business status can either be involuntarily dissolved, good standing, expired name, active name, or voluntary dissolved. Voluntary dissolution is the only status that would allow you to use the name of that business.
How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in Alaska
To reserve an LLC name in Alaska you need to submit a name reservation request form to the Alaska Secretary State by mail, in person or online by paying a filing fee of $25.
How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in Alaska?
So, you have come up with the perfect name for your dream business – unique, catchy, and just right. But wait, before you get too excited, does anyone else have their eye on the same clever moniker in the great state of Alaska? If you want to make sure your desired LLC name remains available until you are ready to start your business, you may want to consider reserving it through the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development. In this editorial, we will guide you through the value and process of reserving an LLC name in Alaska, ensuring your brand identity remains intact.
Why reserve an LLC name? One of the primary reasons is to protect your brand from being claimed by imitators or competitors. Reserving your desired business name buys you some extra time to gather all the necessary documentation and take the next steps towards establishing your LLC without the worrisome thought of someone swiping your ingenious brand identity. After spending countless hours brainstorming and fine-tuning your business name, it is essential to secure it early on, before another aspiring entrepreneur takes it off the market.
Thankfully, reserving an LLC name in Alaska is a relatively straightforward process. To initiate the reservation, you will need to submit the appropriate paperwork to the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development. This paperwork typically includes a Name Reservation Request form (obtainable from the department’s website or by reaching out to their office), along with the corresponding filing fee, which varies depending on the location.
Now, here’s a pro tip to expedite the process: Do your research before choosing an LLC name. This will save you and the state administration lots of time. Before submitting your name reservation request, check for the availability of your proposed name through the Alaska Business Name Database. This way, you spare your cherished name from potential rejection or the vetoing of your choice due to similarity to an existing business name.
Timing is crucial when it comes to reserving your LLC name. The reservation period in Alaska extends for 120 days, providing ample time to gather all your ducks in a row and file the necessary paperwork to establish your LLC officially. However, it is important to remember that reserving a name does not automatically guarantee you the rights to use it, so it is crucial to adhere to the given time frame limitations.
Keep in mind that if you decide to reserve an LLC name and aim to transition the name reservation into an official LLC formation later on, additional documents need to be filed. Ideally, you should be determined and diligent during this period, as delays or lack of follow-through might give another inventive entrepreneur the chance to claim your precious LLC name.
In conclusion, reserving an LLC name offers significant advantages for future business owners looking to create a unique brand identity. Securing your desired name inherently boosts your confidence in the market, knowing that your quirky, imaginative name won’t be poached. The process might take a little effort, some paperwork, and a filing fee, but the peace of mind and solid foundation it provides are well worth it. Don’t let someone else snatch away your carefully crafted LLC name in Alaska – take proactive measures today and reserve it for a brand that is bound for success. It’s a strategic business move that will put you ahead of the game as a motivated entrepreneur.
F.A.Qs
A trade name (doing business as (DBA) name) is the official name under which a proprietor or company chooses to do business.
Having a domain isn’t necessary, but it is recommended. If you have a domain name, customers will find you more accessible through online means with your online website.
For domestic LLC, you can simply brainstorm for another name if the one you pick is no longer available. For foreign LLC, you must think up a “fictitious name,” which you’ll use only in the state.
In Conclusion
LLC names are important as it is the main identity of your business. While naming your LLC make sure to choose the one that suits the nature of your business. Follow the naming guidelines before you start filing your LLC name
