Alaska Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide
Ensuring Your Alaska LLC Name Is Available
A unique business name is key for branding, but it can be difficult to navigate the various rules for business names in Alaska
This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.
Alaska LLC Name Verification
When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in Alaska, your filing could be rejected if the name you choose is already in use or does not adhere to state naming regulations.
How to Search the Alaska Business Entity Name Database
You can utilize the business entity search to compare your business name with the currently registered entities in Alaska.
✎ Note:
This tool is often referred to as either the Alaska Business Name Search or the Alaska Business Entity Search. Both terms describe the same website and provide the same search results.
Visit the Alaska Business Entity Search page
Access the Alaska Corporate Database Search page on the Alaska Secretary of State's website.
To confirm if your name is available, use both methods provided by the Alaksa Business Entity Search. This will help ensure that your name is unique.
Search Tips:
- Exclude terms like "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company", and punctuation marks (commas, periods, apostrophes) from your search.
- You can use either uppercase or lowercase letters in your search.
★ Tip:
Start by looking for the primary component of the name you want to make sure to be comprehensive. When searching for Sunset Ventures LLC, for instance, start by typing Sunset Ventures and then Sunset to ensure that all possible combinations are found.
Comprehending Search Results
You can be very sure that your LLC name is available if none of the names in your search results exactly match yours. If one searches for "Sunset Ventures LLC" and finds results such as "Sunset Management" and "Sunset LLC", for example, your name ought to be available for usage.
Verify Results Again
If your first search yields nothing, the name you want may be already taken. Just use a portion of your name, like "Sunset", to search to make sure there are no names that sound similar.
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What Happens If I Can not Get the Name I Want?
If the name you like is already taken, you'll have to adjust your first choice or choose an alternate.
Alaska Secretary of State Contact Details
You can get in touch with the Alaska Secretary of State for help with name availability or any other relevant inquiries.
Although they can help guide you through the search process, they cannot guarantee the availability of your name at the time of filing.
The Division of Corporations can be reached at 907-465-2550, Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm AKT.
Alaska LLC Name Requirements
According to the Alaska LLC Act, your LLC name must adhere to specific guidelines:
Comma Usage
You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:
- Green Leaf Innovations LLC
- Green Leaf Innovations, LLC
Permissible Designators
Your LLC name must end with one of the following designators:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Ltd. Liability Co.
- Limited Liability Co.
- Ltd. Liability Company
- Limited Liability Company
✎ Note:
The term "LLC" is the most commonly used.
Restricted Designators
Your LLC name cannot include terms that imply it is another type of business entity, such as:
- Inc.
- Corp.
- Incorporated
- Corporation
- Cooperative
Prohibited Words
Your LLC name must avoid using words or abbreviations that are restricted by law, such as terms that might mislead the public or imply government affiliation.
City, Borough, or Village Names
You may use the name of a city, borough, or village in your business name, but you cannot use terms like "city", "borough", or "village" to suggest municipal affiliation.
For example, the following names are permitted:
- Aurora Beverages LLC
- Alaska Safety Experts, LLC
- Denali Adventures, LLC
However, the following names are not permitted:
- Homer Municipal Services LLC
- Kodiak Borough Enterprises, LLC
Professional Titles
Avoid using titles reserved for licensed professions (e.g., accountants, architects, attorneys) unless your business is engaged in those professions.
Your Alabama Business Name Must Be Unique and Distinguishable
Your LLC name must be distinguishable from existing business names in Alabama. This means:
Designators
Different designators do not make names distinguishable.
- Eagle River Ventures, Inc.
- Eagle River Ventures, Corp.
- Eagle River Ventures, L.L.C.
Filler Words
Adding words like "the", "a", or "&" does not make names distinct.
Under Alaska law, using the following filler words does not create distinguishability:
- a
- an
- and
- by
- for
- in
- plus
- the
- to
- with
If you're aiming for "Jenny Jams LLC", the name is not available if any of these are already in use:
- Jenny Jams Company LLC
- Jenny Jams Enterprises Inc.
- Jenny Jams Corp.
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What If My Name Is Rejected?
If your LLC name is rejected, the Alaska Secretary of State will inform you of the reason. You will then need to file with a different or modified name.
This guide should help you navigate the process of choosing and verifying your Alaska LLC name with confidence.
Is a name reservation necessary for an LLC in Alaska?
No, a name reservation is not required to form an LLC in Alaska. You can directly file your LLC's Articles of Organization with your chosen name.
Does Alaska mandate that an LLC's name includes "LLC"?
Yes, Alaska mandates that your LLC name includes one of the following designators:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Limited Liability Company
Is a DBA required for my LLC in Alaska?
No, a DBA (Doing Business As) is not required for your Alaska LLC. However, if you want to operate under a name different from your LLC's legal name, you need to file a Trade Business Name Registration with a fee of $25. Each DBA or Trade Business Name requires a separate Alaska Business License. There is no limit to the number of DBAs an LLC can hold.
When would an LLC need to use a DBA?
For example, if you establish an LLC named Northern Lights LLC but want to operate under the name Aurora Lights, you must file a Business Name Registration for Aurora Lights. Without this registration, you cannot use the legal name Northern Lights LLC. Similarly, if you want to use Northern Lights without the "LLC" suffix, a DBA registration for Northern Lights is required.
How can I obtain a business domain name?
After deciding on a business name, check if the domain name is available. Use services like GoDaddy to search for domain names.
What does "distinguishability" mean in the context of business names?
Distinguishability means that each business name must be unique and not identical to any other existing name on record with the Secretary of State. For example, you cannot use that name if you want to name your LLC Glacier Peaks LLC but another business is already registered as Glacier Peaks, Inc. Your LLC name must be distinguishable from existing names.
How can I create a unique business name?
Choosing a business name is crucial. Start by listing the features and goals of your company. Generate a variety of name options, review and refine them, and seek feedback. Allow time for reflection and consider variations. The right name will often become apparent, or you can use a method like deciding quickly after closing your eyes for a moment to trust your instincts.
Is it permissible to use the name of another entity registered in Alaska?
No, you cannot use the same name as any other business entity in Alaska, regardless of the type. This includes corporations, LLCs, and other entities. If an entity’s name is in use, even if it is inactive or delinquent, you must choose a different name. However, if an entity has been dissolved, the name becomes available for new registrations.
What is the process for changing my LLC name?
To change your LLC's name, you need to file an Amendment form with the Secretary of State. Detailed instructions for making this change in Alaska can be found in our step-by-step guide.
What steps are involved in starting an LLC in Alaska?
Starting an LLC in Alaska involves the following steps:
- Select an LLC name and verify its availability.
- Choose an Alaska Registered Agent.
- File the Alaska LLC Articles of Organization.
- Obtain an Alaska Business License.
- Draft and sign an LLC Operating Agreement.
- Apply for a Tax ID Number (EIN) from the IRS.
- Open a business bank account for the LLC.