Business Licenses in Nome

Nome, AK Business License Basics


If you have a business in Nome, AK you'll need a license to operate. There are many different types of Nome business licenses and permits that are required by various government entities at federal, state and local levels.  An operating license is the basic type of business license that most all businesses will be required to have.  

Each level of government has specific regulations and requirements that need to be met before a business can get a license. If you don’t understand the licensing rules in Alaska and follow them it could lead to expensive fines and putting your business in jeopardy.

Types of Business Licenses in Nome, AK

Federal Business Licenses – The federal government has a number of agencies that regulate and supervise business activities. If your business participates in any of these federally regulated activities you will need to get a federal business license.

Activities that'll be required to get a federal business license include:

  • Alcohol manufacturing, importing and sales
  • Agriculture
  • Firearm dealing, importing and manufacturing
  • Ammunition and Explosives dealing, importing and manufacturing
  • Aviation
  • Wildlife related activities
  • Mining
  • Drilling
  • Commercial fishing
  • TV and radio broadcasting
  • Trucking

State Business Licenses – Many Nome businesses will need to obtain some sort of state business license so as to legally operate. At the very least a business should get a professional or occupational license. Alaska business licenses are typically used for tax purposes.

Local Business Licenses – Local Nome governments and municipalities also grant business licenses. All businesses will be required to acquire some kind of local business license in order to operate in Nome.   

Permits – Permits are more specific to a certain type of business within an industry. Permits have a wide selection of purposes from parking to product sales.

How to Get Nome Business License

The steps you will have to take to obtain a business license in Nome will vary depending on which kind of business license you need to get.  It doesn't matter what type of license you are trying to get you will need to fill out application form(s) and supply details about your business.

If you are starting a business or expanding your business you'll have numerous forms to fill out. Be ready to supply your Employer Identification Number (EIN).

The SBA (Small Business Administration) has great online tools for helping business owners determine exactly what type of Nome business licenses they should get, links to websites, applications and instructions. If you’re just starting a business and need help with licensing, the SBA is the best place to learn more.

Maintaining Your Nome Business Licenses

Once you get your Nome business licenses and permits you must still maintain them year after year to keep them up to date. The guidelines below are recommended in order to ensure your business license is in good standing.

  • Make copies of your business licenses and permits.
  • Track when licenses and permits need to be renewed.
  • Follow the regulations for displaying your business license.
  • If you would like to change or expand your business be sure to verify whether you need additional permits or business licenses.