Alaska Business License: Who Needs One & How to Apply (2025)
As of 2025, Alaska requires all businesses to obtain a general business license in order to conduct business activity within the state.
In addition to an Alaska business license, your business may require additional federal, state, and local licenses depending on your business’s location and industry.
This article will cover:

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.
Note: These examples are simplified to illustrate common licensing requirements and do not list every permit that may be needed. Operating without proper licensing can result in penalties including fines, business closure orders, and legal complications. Always research the specific requirements for your business type and location.
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 |
| 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.
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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.
Want to make sure your LLC is formed correctly? Northwest can handle your Alaska LLC formation with first-year free registered agent service and excellent customer support.
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.
OPTION 1: Apply Online With the Alaska Comptroller
Apply Online– OR –
OPTION 2: Apply by Mail, by Fax, or In Person
Download FormFee: $50 for one year, $100 for two years
Mailing Address:
State of Alaska Corporations Section
P.O. Box 110806
Juneau, AK 99811
Physical Address:
333 Willoughby Ave., 9th Floor
State Office Building
Juneau, AK 99801-1770
Fax: 907-465-2974
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.
Note: This is not a complete list. Licensing requirements vary by industry and business model. For more, we recommend visiting the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing.
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
Recommended Solution
Business licensing can be complicated and time-consuming, taking focus away from running and growing your business. We recommend using an affordable legal service to handle your licensing needs instead.
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.
Alaska Business License FAQs
Alaska requires all businesses operating within the state to obtain an Alaska Business License, regardless of business type or size. This is one of the few states with a universal business license requirement. However, depending on your location and industry, you’ll likely need additional permits or licenses at the local, state, or federal level. Note that Alaska has no state sales tax, so no state sales tax permit is required.
This depends on your business type and location. Common requirements include: an Alaska Business License ($50 for one year or $100 for two years), local permits (health, zoning, occupancy), professional licenses (for regulated professions), and industry-specific licenses (liquor, childcare, environmental permits). Unlike most states, you won’t need a state sales tax permit since Alaska has no statewide sales tax.
The Alaska Business License costs $50 for one year or $100 for two years. Other license costs vary significantly; local permits may range from $25-200+, professional licenses can cost $100-600+, and specialized licenses like liquor permits can be $1,000-5,000+. Many municipalities also require local business licenses with fees typically ranging from $25-100 annually.
Yes, Alaska Business Licenses must be renewed annually and expire on December 31 each year. Most other licenses also require periodic renewal. Professional licenses typically renew every 1-3 years with continuing education requirements, health permits renew annually, and most local permits renew annually.
Generally, no. You must obtain all required licenses before beginning operations. Operating without proper licenses can result in fines, legal action, and difficulty obtaining licenses in the future. This is particularly important in Alaska since the state business license is mandatory for all businesses. Some licenses may allow provisional operation while applications are pending, so check with the specific agency.
Yes, home-based businesses need the same Alaska Business License as traditional businesses, plus they must comply with local zoning laws. You’ll need an Alaska Business License, any required professional licenses, and must ensure your residential area is zoned for business use. Some municipalities have specific home occupation permits with restrictions on certain activities like veterinary services or vehicle repair.