AK Business License Basics
If you own a business in Alaska you are required to have a license to operate. There are many different types of Alaska 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 expected to have.
Each level of government has specific regulations and requirements that has 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 result in expensive fines and putting your business at risk.
Types of Business Licenses in Alaska
Federal Business Licenses – The federal government has a number of agencies that regulate and supervise business activities. If your business participates in one of these federally regulated activities you will have to get a federal business license.
Activities that will 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 Alaska businesses will need to obtain some kind of state business license so as to legally operate. At the minimum a business will have to get a professional or occupational license. Alaska business licenses are typically used for tax purposes.
Local Business Licenses – Local Alaska governments and municipalities also grant business licenses. All businesses will be required to get some good type of local business license to be able to operate in Alaska.
Permits – Permits are more specific to a certain type of business within an industry. Permits have a wide array of purposes from parking to product sales.
How to Get a Alaska Business License
The steps you will need to take to obtain a business license in Alaska will vary depending on what sort of business license you have to get. Regardless of what type of license you are trying to get you will need to fill out application form(s) and supply detailed information about your business.
If you are starting a business or expanding your business you'll have numerous forms to fill out. Be prepared 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 Alaska 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 perfect place to learn more.
Maintaining Your Alaska Business License
Once you get your Alaska business licenses and permits you must still maintain them yearly to keep them current. 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 intend to change or expand your business make sure to verify whether you need additional permits or business licenses.