Alaska Business License: Who Needs One & How to Apply (2025)

What Is a Business License in Alaska?

A business license is a permit issued by a local, state, or federal body in order to allow businesses to perform a specific business activity and/or operate legitimately. 

A state-issued business license is required for all businesses operating in Alaska. Not obtaining a business license can result in fines, legal action, or other penalties under Alaska law.

In addition to the state-issued business license, your business may be obligated to obtain additional licenses or permits. 

For example:

• A restaurant in Anchorage will need a Food Establishment Permit from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and local permits from the Municipality of Anchorage.
• A hair salon in Fairbanks will need a professional cosmetology license from the Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers and a local business license from the City of Fairbanks.
• A business installing signage in Anchorage will need a Sign Permit from the Municipality of Anchorage Development Services Department.

Do I Need an Alaska Business License? 

Yes, you need an Alaska business license to operate in the state. You may also be required to obtain additional federal, state, and local licenses and permits, as shown on the table below: 

Alaska Business Licensing at a Glance

Jurisdiction	Business Licenses	Who Needs It & Where to Apply
Local	Health Permits, Zoning Permits, Occupancy Certificates, Industry-Specific Permits, etc.	Varies by location Contact your local municipality to determine local requirements.
State	Alaska Business License	All businesses operating in Alaska must obtain this license. Apply through the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing.
	Professional Licenses	Required for 40+ regulated professions including healthcare providers, contractors, engineers, and architects. Apply through the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing.
	Industry-Specific State Licenses	Businesses in regulated industries (e.g., food, liquor, environmental, vehicle dealers)  Apply through the relevant Alaska division.
Federal	Industry-Specific Licenses	Businesses involved in federally regulated activities such as agriculture, aviation, firearms, alcohol, broadcasting, or wildlife. Apply through the relevant federal agency (e.g., USDA, FAA, ATF, FCC, FWS)

*While this table is meant to give you a general idea, it’s by no means exhaustive. For all your licensing needs, we suggest either going with a professional licensing service or consulting with a business attorney.

How to Get a Business License in Alaska

The process of obtaining a business license in Alaska will depend on the permit in question, but generally involves completing the following steps:

1. Form a Business Structure & Obtain an EIN

We recommend formalizing your business first to avoid having to repeat the licensing process later. This also brings other benefits, such as:

• Personal liability protection
• Improved legitimacy 
• Larger access to loans and corporate finance

We generally recommend that most small business owners form an LLC. An LLC provides liability protection, is affordable, and offers flexibility in how it can be taxed and managed.

Note: You should obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) after forming your LLC. You can have a look at our How to Get an EIN overview for more information. 

2. Apply for the Right Business License in Alaska

This step will depend on the business license in question.

Alaska Local Business Licenses

Many Alaska cities and counties require local business licenses or permits to be obtained. This can be in addition to the common state-wide licenses talked about above.

Here are some common local permits you may need:

• Business License: Most Alaska municipalities require a local business license in addition to the state license. Requirements and fees vary significantly by location (e.g., if your business is based in Fairbanks, you would obtain a City Business License from the City of Fairbanks City Clerk’s Office for $50; renewal fees vary based on annual gross receipts).
• Industry Permits: This includes health permits required for restaurants, food trucks, and businesses handling food products. Note that Anchorage operates its own food establishment permit system (e.g., if your business is based in Anchorage, you would obtain a Food Establishment Permit from the Municipality of Anchorage Health & Human Services Department). 
• Zoning Permits:  You may need this to ensure that your business’s location is zoned appropriately and is compliant with local laws (e.g., if your business is based in Anchorage, you would check zoning requirements through the Municipality of Anchorage Planning Department).
• Sign Permits: These can be required before installing business signage (e.g., if your business is based in Anchorage, you would obtain a Sign Permit from the Municipality of Anchorage Development Services Department).
• Local Sales Tax Registration: While Alaska has no state sales tax, over 100 local jurisdictions impose sales taxes ranging from 1% to 9.5%. Businesses must register with each applicable local tax jurisdiction.
• Certificate of Occupancy Permits: Required for most businesses before they can legally occupy a building or space. This verifies that the structure meets building codes and is safe for the intended use (e.g., if your business is in Anchorage, you would check building permit requirements with the Municipality of Anchorage Development Services Department).

You can have a look at the Alaska Municipality League website in order to obtain your local county’s/official contact information. 

Alaska State Business Licenses

Below we’ve included the most common business licenses that are required on a state level. 

Alaska Business License

If you’re interested in obtaining a state business license, you can do this either online or via mail, although the state recommends that this is done online.

Keep in mind that you’ll need a NAICS code in order to apply. For more information on this, you can have a look at our NAICS lookup guide.

Alaska Professional Licenses

If you’re interested in a professional license, you’ll need to head over to the relevant state commission, as this is not handled on a local level. We’ve provided the licensing boards of a few of the most common professions below to get you started:

• Alaska State Medical Board: Licenses physicians, physician assistants, and other medical practitioners.
• Alaska Real Estate Commission: Oversees licensing for real estate brokers, associate brokers, and salespersons.
• Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors: Regulates architects, professional engineers, and land surveyors.
• Construction Contractors Board: Licenses general contractors, electrical contractors, mechanical contractors, and specialty contractors.
• Board of Public Accountancy: Oversees the licensing of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and public accounting firms.
• Board of Barbers and Hairdressers: Regulates barbers, hairdressers, and beauty shops.
• Board of Nursing: Issues licenses to registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and advanced practice registered nurses.
• Board of Pharmacy: Licenses pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacies.

For more information on how to go about getting licensed, you can have a look at StateRequirement’s in-depth licensing guides. 

Industry-Specific State Licenses

Some Alaska businesses require additional licenses based on the specific industry they operate in. These licenses are regulated by different state agencies depending on your business activities. Whether you’re engaging in commercial fishing, selling alcohol, or dealing used vehicles, you’ll need to meet specific licensing requirements before operating.

Here are some common examples of industry-specific state licenses in Alaska:

• Motor Vehicle Dealer License: Required for selling six or more vehicles annually. Regulated by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles. Includes specific requirements for used car dealers to ensure consumer protection and fair business practices.
• Liquor License: Required for businesses that manufacture, distribute, or sell alcoholic beverages. Regulated by the Alcohol & Marijuana Control Office (AMCO). Alaska offers various license types including brewery, distillery, winery, wholesale, and retail licenses.
• Commercial Fishing Licenses and Permits: Required for commercial fishing operations. Multiple permits may be needed from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game including commercial crew member licenses, limited entry permits, and specific species permits for salmon, groundfish, and shellfish.
• Child Care License: Required for child care centers and in-home providers. Regulated by the Alaska Department of Health Child Care Program Office. Note: The Municipality of Anchorage operates its own separate child care licensing program for providers within Anchorage city limits.

Alaska Environmental Permits

If your business’s industry will mean that it could negatively impact the environment, there is a good chance you’ll need some sort of license or permit from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.

Examples of industries regulated here include:

• Underground Storage Tank Registration
• Air Quality Permits (Construction and Operating)
• Wastewater Discharge Permits (APDES)
• Stormwater Permits
• Solid Waste Management Permits
• Open Burn Approvals
• Seafood Processing Wastewater Permits
• Water Quality Certifications
• Domestic Wastewater System Permits
• Industrial Discharge Permits
• Petroleum Contaminated Soil Treatment Facilities
• Temporary Camp Permits (consolidated permits for remote operations)
• Cruise Ship Wastewater Permits
• Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permits
• Small Suction Dredge Registration
• Hazardous Waste Management
• Public Water System Permits
• Drinking Water System Permits

Federal Business Licenses for Alaska LLCs

If your business is in a federally regulated industry (which is uncommon), it’ll need to acquire the appropriate business license from the right body before starting to operate. 

A full list of industries regulated at a federal level can be found below:

• Agriculture: Overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Alcoholic Beverages: Overseen by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau and the Local Alcohol Beverage Control Board
• Aviation: Overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration. 
• Firearms, Ammunitions, and Explosives: Overseen by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
• Fish and Wildlife: Overseen by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
• Commercial Fishing: Overseen by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service.
• Maritime Transportation: Overseen by the Federal Maritime Commission.
• Mining and Drilling: Overseen by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement.
• Radio and Television Broadcasting: Overseen by the Federal Communications Commission.
• Transportation and Logistics: Overseen by the U.S. Department of Transportation

Alaska Business License Renewal 

Depending on your business license, you may need to renew it periodically — usually within one or two years. 

Your Alaska business license must be renewed annually or biennially, depending on whether you obtained a one or two-year license. The renewal fee is $50. 

Several of the local permits will also need to be renewed annually; this includes health department permits, signage permits, and fire department permits, which generally all need to be renewed annually.

Having said that, this will depend on both your location and the license in question.