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A unique business name is important for branding, but it’s easy to get lost in all the Alaska business name rules.
This page will teach you how to look up your LLC name and make sure it’s available to use.
Alaska LLC name
If you file your Alaska LLC paperwork with a name that is already used by another Alaska business entity – or that doesn’t meet the Alaska name rules – your filing may be rejected.
The first step to checking if your LLC name passes is to make sure your name is not already taken by another business.
You can do this using the Corporate Records Database (aka Business Entity Search). And you need to do this because two business entities in the state can’t have the same name.
The second step is to make sure your LLC name follows the Alaska Secretary of State’s rules, which we’ve broken down below.
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How do I search the Alaska business entity name database?
You can use the business entity search to search your business name against the existing business entities registered in Alaska.
Note: This tool is sometimes called the Alaska Corporate Database Search, the Alaska Business Name Search or the Alaska Business Entity Search. They all refer to the same website and get you the same search records.
Visit the Alaska Corporate Database Search page
Alaska Secretary of State: Corporate Database Search
It’s simple: enter your desired LLC name in the Entity Name field.
Leave the search option set to “Contains“.
Then click Search.
Why use “Contains”? If you select “Starts With” you might miss a similar name which adds a filler word. For example, if you searched “Gamer Guy” using the “Starts With” setting, you’d miss the existing business called The Gamer Guy Inc. You can’t name your company “Gamer Guy LLC” if The Gamer Guy Inc. already exists.
Search tips:
- Leave out “LLC”, “L.L.C.”, “Limited Liability Company”, etc., when doing your searches.
- Leave out any commas, periods, apostrophes, etc.
- You can search using uppercase or lowercase letters.
Tip: It’s best to enter only the main part of your desired Alaska LLC name in the search bar. For example, if your desired LLC name is Riverwalk Studios LLC, first do a search for the words “Riverwalk Studio”. And then do a search for “Riverwalk”. This helps make sure that you see everything that is potentially similar.
How to interpret the Alaska LLC search results
If the results show names that are not the same as yours (meaning yours is distinguishable), then your Limited Liability Company name is available for use.
- Let’s keep using the example above. If your desired name is Riverwalk Studios LLC, and the only similar names you saw were “Riverwalk Management” and “Riverwalk LLC”, then your name should be available.
If no results show up, that means your LLC name is unique and it should be available for use. To be safe, run your search again using only part of your LLC name (to double-check that there are no similar names).
- For example, search just the word “Riverwalk” instead of Riverwalk Studios.
If your exact LLC name appears in the list of search records, your LLC name is not available for use because another Alaska business entity is already using it.
If the results show a name that is very similar to yours, your LLC name may not be available for use.
- If your desired name is Riverwalk Studios LLC, and the search results show a “Riverwalk $tudio$”, then your name might be available.
Why would a very similar name still be available to use?
Alaska is more lenient than most states. Their rules say that a creative, unusual, or artistic spelling of a word makes a business name distinguishable.
However, think carefully whether you want to choose a name that’s deceptively similar to another business’s name. Sometimes that’s a strategic branding choice, but it can also create confusion for your customers.
Read more about this rule here: Alaska Distinguishable Business Name.
What if my desired LLC name isn’t available?
If your name is not unique, you’ll need to come up with a variation or a different name for your LLC.
Tip: Wait until your LLC is approved before you apply for your LLC EIN Number or purchase any other marketing materials. This way you don’t spend money on business supplies you can’t use because your business name isn’t available.
Alaska Secretary of State Contact Information
You can call the Alaska Secretary of State to ask questions about whether your LLC name is available.
Representatives at the Alaska Secretary of State can help you use the Alaska Business Name Search. They can’t guarantee that your LLC name will be available when you file, however.
The Division of Corporations phone number is 907-465-2550. Their hours are 8am to 5pm AKT, Monday through Friday.
Alaska Limited Liability Company Name Requirements
As per the Alaska LLC Act, there are a few rules and requirements for naming an Alaska business entity that you need to know.
Do I have to use a comma in my LLC name?
No, you don’t have to. You can file your LLC name with or without a comma. Both versions are accepted by the Secretary of State.
For example: If your desired business name is Grandpa Joe’s, you can file it as:
- Grandpa Joe’s LLC
- Grandpa Joe’s, LLC
Or, instead of having “LLC” as your designator (ending), there are a few other options in Alaska.
What designators (endings) can I use in my LLC name?
Your Alaska LLC name must contain one of the following designators at the end:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Ltd. Liability Co.
- Limited Liability Co.
- Ltd. Liability Company
- Limited Liability Company
Note: Most people choose “LLC”.
The following designators are not allowed
Your Alaska LLC can’t make itself sound like an Alaska Corporation or any other business entity besides an LLC.
The following words and designators can’t be used anywhere in your LLC name:
- Inc.
- Corp.
- Incorporated
- Corporation
- Cooperative
What words are not allowed in my Alaska LLC name?
Your Alaska LLC name can’t contain words and abbreviations that are restricted by law.
For example, you can’t make your LLC name sound like it’s a bank, part of the government or a government agency, or anything else that misleads the public.
City, Borough or Village Names
In Alaska, you can use the name of a city, borough, or village in your business name. But you can’t use the words “city,” “borough,” or “village” or otherwise imply that the company is a municipality.
For example, these names are allowed:
- Kenai Coffee, LLC
- Safety Consultants Sitka, LLC
- Juneau Jumpers, LLC
But these names aren’t allowed:
- Anchorage City Company, LLC
- Village of Nome, LLC
Professional Occupations
You also can’t use words that are reserved for licensed professionals. These vary by state, but some common examples are accountants, architects, attorneys, dentists, and engineers.
Alaska law says you can’t use words that mislead people about your company’s purpose. For example, if your company doesn’t do construction, you shouldn’t use the word “construction” in the business name.
For more information about restricted words for an Alaska business entity, please see this page: Alaska Business Licensing: Selecting a Business Name.
Your Alaska business name must be distinguishable (unique)
When you search the Alaska Secretary of State Corporations Database Search, you will compare your desired LLC name to existing businesses in the state.
If your name is not unique, you’ll need to come up with a variation or a different business name.
Below are rules and examples of LLC names that are not distinguishable.
Designators
Differences in designators (endings) don’t create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is Natchik Fishing LLC, it’s not available to use if any of the following are found in the Alaska Business Name Search results:
- Natchik Fishing, Inc.
- Natchik Fishing, Corp.
- Natchik Fishing, L.L.C.
Filler Words
Adding non-meaningful or filler words (like “the”, “and”) won’t create distinguishability.
The following filler words don’t create distinguishability per Alaska law:
- a
- an
- and
- by
- for
- in
- plus
- the
- to
- with
If your desired LLC name is Jenny Jams LLC, it’s not available to use if any of the following are found:
- Jenny With Jams LLC
- The Jenny Jams Inc.
- Jenny and Jams Corp
What makes a business name distinguishable?
The Alaska Secretary of State has a helpful page to guide you: Distinguishable Business Name. This page outlines what you can do to make your LLC’s name distinguishable from other business names in the state.
What if my Alaska business name is rejected?
If you file your Alaska Articles of Organization (the document that creates your Alaska LLC) and the business name is not available, don’t panic. The state will notify you and tell you why your filing was rejected.
You will just need to file again with a variation of your LLC name or a different LLC name.
Alaska Business Name FAQs
Do I need a name reservation in Alaska?
No, a name reservation isn’t required to form an LLC in Alaska. It’s an unnecessary step and a waste of money.
You can just file your LLC’s Articles of Organization with your desired LLC name.
Does Alaska require LLC in the name?
Yes. Your Alaska LLC name must contain one of the allowable designators at the end. The most commonly used designators are:
- LLC
- Limited Liability Company
- Ltd. Liability Co.
Does my Alaska LLC need a DBA?
No, you’re not required to file a DBA (“Doing Business As”) for your business entity in Alaska.
A DBA (known as a Trademark or Trade Name in Alaska) lets your LLC conduct business under a name which is different from its true and legal name (the name on your Articles of Organization).
If you want your LLC to do business under a name that’s different from its true and legal name, you have to file a Trade Business Name Registration and pay an additional fee of $25 to the Secretary of State.
You can file the Business Name Registration online or by mail.
You will also need to get a separate Alaska Business License for each DBA or Trade Business Name.
If you are going to file a DBA for your Alaska LLC, the DBA name must also be distinguishable from existing business names in the state.
There is no limit to the number of Trade Business Names (DBAs) an LLC can have.
For more information, please see Does my LLC need a DBA?
When would my LLC use a DBA?
Let’s say you form an LLC called Aurora Cruise Lines LLC, but you also want to use a friendlier, catchy name, like Aurora Cruises. In this case, your LLC would need to file a Business Name Registration and a Business License to use the name Aurora Cruises.
If you don’t file the Business Name Registration and separate Business License for a different name, you can only use your legal entity name of Aurora Cruise Lines LLC.
Similarly, if you want to do business under the name Aurora Cruise Lines, just without the letters “LLC” in the name, you will need to file a DBA for Aurora Cruise Lines.
How do I get a business domain name?
Once you’ve found a business name that you like, it’s a good idea to check if your domain name is available before forming your LLC.
You can search for available domain names with GoDaddy:
Find a domain name
What does “distinguishability” mean?
Each business entity name must be “distinguishable upon the records” of the Secretary of State.
This means that no two businesses can operate with the same exact name. Said another way, if a business already exists with your desired LLC name, you can’t register your LLC with that name.
For example, let’s say you want to form an LLC called Moose Landscapers LLC. But there is already a business in another town called Moose Landscapers, Inc. Because your desired LLC name is the same as that existing Alaska Corporation, it is not distinguishable. You can’t use it and must choose another name.
How do I come up with a business name?
Business names are important for branding and recognition. The name of your Alaska LLC can be your company’s brand name, but it doesn’t have to be (please see the FAQ about DBAs above). Either way, picking a good LLC name is an important decision.
Here are some quick tips for coming up with business names:
- First, write down the features of your company and things that you want to be associated with.
- Then list out as many business names as you can think of. Don’t edit or analyze them. Just get as many names on the page as you can.
- Now go back and read through them. Write down any variations that come to mind.
- Next, set the list aside. Do something else, like go for a walk or get groceries, or sleep on it for the night. Then come back and review the list of names. As you go through it, write down additional ideas and variations.
- Read the whole list out loud. If you want, get input from friends, business partners, and family.
- Repeat the process: sleep on the ideas, write down new variations, read them out loud again.
- The best business name will often “rise off the page” and present itself. If it doesn’t, you can try this trick: Close your eyes and count to 10. When you get to 10, you must choose a name. When you open your eyes, force yourself to make a decision. Sometimes we know the best name deep in our subconscious, and this trick can help it come out. Trust yourself and go with what feels best.
For more tips, please see How to Choose an LLC Name.
Can I use the name of another Alaska entity?
No. You can’t use the same name as another Alaska business.
And it doesn’t matter what entity type it is – your LLC can’t have the same entity name as another corporation, LLC, or any other entity type.
You can’t use another business’s name even if the entity is in “delinquent” status on the Alaska Secretary of State website.
But if the business entity is dissolved, they no longer have rights to that name. This means you can form an LLC with the same name.
How do I change my LLC name?
You can change your LLC’s name later by filing an Amendment form with the Secretary of State.
We have step-by-step instructions on how to change an LLC name in Alaska.
How to start an LLC in Alaska?
Here are the steps to starting an LLC in Alaska:
- Choose an LLC name and make sure it’s available
- Choose who will be your Alaska Registered Agent
- File the Alaska LLC Articles of Organization
- Get an Alaska Business License
- Complete and sign an LLC Operating Agreement
- Get a Tax ID Number (EIN) from the IRS
- Open an LLC bank account
References
Alaska LLC Act, Section 10.50.020
Alaska LLC Act, Section 10.50.025
Alaska Secretary of State: Register a Business Name
Alaska Secretary of State: Choosing a Business Name
Alaska Secretary of State: Distinguishable Business Name
Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in business from Drexel University with a concentration in business law. He performs extensive research and analysis to convert state laws into simple instructions anyone can follow to form their LLC - all for free! Read more about Matt Horwitz and LLC University.
Hi Matt,
We have 3 of us who would like to start an LLC. I am in Alaska. My Mom & friend are in Tennessee. I am confused on which state we should pick. Can we have 3 members in different states, but choose one state to file from? Do we need one domestic & one foreign address? What happens if one person moves?
Thank you for your time & help.
Hey Debbie, yes, an LLC can be formed in 1 state and have Members located in various other states. Where will most of the business activities take place and what kind of business is it? It comes down to legally doing business. If you’re legally doing business in both Alaska and Tennessee, then you’d want to form the LLC in one state and register as a Foreign LLC in the 2nd state. Hope that helps.