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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.
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.
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.
The first step in reserving an LLC name in Alaska is to conduct a quick search on the Alaska Division of Corporations website to ensure that the name you want is available and not already in use by another entity. This is crucial because a unique name will help you differentiate your business from competitors and avoid any legal issues down the road.
Once you have confirmed that your desired name is available, you can move forward with reserving it. To do this, you will need to file an Application for Reservation of Name with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing. This application can be completed online and requires you to provide basic information such as the LLC name you wish to reserve, your contact information, and a brief description of the nature of your business.
The cost of reserving an LLC name in Alaska is minimal, typically ranging from $25 to $50, depending on the method of filing. By reserving the name, you will have exclusive rights to it for a period of 120 days. This means that no other entity in Alaska can use the same name during this time, giving you the opportunity to officially register your LLC and secure the name for the long term.
Reserving an LLC name in Alaska is not only a legal requirement but also a strategic move for any entrepreneur looking to establish a professional and credible business presence. By solidifying your business name early on, you can start building brand recognition, securing domain names and social media handles, and laying the foundation for your marketing efforts.
In addition to reserving an LLC name, it is essential to understand the various legal requirements and obligations that come with establishing and operating an LLC in Alaska. This includes drafting an operating agreement, obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, and complying with state tax and regulatory requirements.
Overall, reserving an LLC name in Alaska is a crucial step in the business formation process that should not be overlooked. Taking the time to research and secure your desired name can help set you on the path to success and avoid potential conflicts with other businesses in the future. With a solid foundation in place, you can focus on growing your business and fulfilling your entrepreneurial dreams in the Last Frontier.
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