Find and Verify an Alaska Business
Search an Alaska LLC, corporation, nonprofit, partnership or foreign entity by name or entity number, then check its status, registered agent, officials, addresses, report cycle and filed documents.
You will also learn when to use the separate business-license, professional-license and vendor systems, what each record does not prove, and which filing or document solves the next problem.
Fast answer: use CBPL, not an Alaska SOS portal
People searching “Alaska SOS business search” need the Alaska Corporations Database. Use Business License Search for operating licenses, Professional License Search for regulated occupations, and IRIS Vendor Self Service for state vendor numbers.
Choose the Correct Alaska Database
The most common search mistake is treating four separate systems as one “Secretary of State” database. Select the record that actually answers your question.
Corporations Database
Use for LLCs, corporations, nonprofits, partnerships, entity numbers, registered agents, officials, status and filed documents.
Business License Search
Use for the licensed business name, owner, license number, status, expiration, city, NAICS activity and endorsements.
Professional License Search
Use for contractors and other professions regulated under Alaska licensing programs. It provides primary-source license verification.
Vendor Self Service
Use for a vendor number, payment history, electronic invoices, solicitations, tax information and EFT account maintenance.
| Your question | Correct source | Do not confuse it with |
|---|---|---|
| Does this LLC or corporation legally exist? | Corporations Database | A general business license |
| What is its Alaska entity number? | Corporations Database | EIN, license number or vendor number |
| Is the business license current? | Business License Search | Good Standing in Corporations |
| Can this contractor or professional legally perform regulated work? | Professional License Search | An entity or general business-license record |
| How does a vendor get paid by a State agency? | IRIS Vendor Self Service | An Alaska entity number |
Choose Your Alaska Business-Record Task
This helper gives the correct path without pretending to perform a live database search.
Find an LLC or corporation
- Search the distinctive part of the legal name.
- Try Starts With, then Contains.
- Compare entity number, type, status and jurisdiction.
- Open the record and read the newest filing.
Complete the Alaska Entity Search Step by Step
Use a broad search to discover candidates, then prove the match using the complete Entity Detail page.
Choose entity name or entity number
Use a name when you know the company’s legal or advertised wording. Use an Alaska entity number from a state filing, report or prior profile for a precise lookup.
Do not enter an EIN, business-license number or vendor number in the entity-number field.
Start with the distinctive words
For “Northern Glacier Surveying Services LLC,” begin with Northern Glacier. Remove punctuation and entity indicators if the full name returns nothing.
Use Starts With when the beginning is reliable
This works well when you know the first legal-name words but are unsure about the ending, abbreviation or entity indicator.
Use Contains when wording may appear elsewhere
Contains is useful when “The,” a person’s name, a place or another term might appear before the phrase you know.
Control the Current Only filter
Keep it selected for current entities. Clear it when researching a former name, old contract, dissolved entity, revoked foreign company, withdrawn record or historical agent.
Compare the result rows
Match the full name, entity type, entity number, status, home state or jurisdiction and formation or registration date. Do not open the first similar name automatically.
Review Entity Detail and filed documents
Check the status, addresses, agent, officials, next biennial-report due date and filing list. Open the newest report, amendment, agent change or status filing related to your question.
Use the official database after choosing the correct search type and filters above.
Read an Alaska Entity Record in the Right Order
The record can expose different legal names, addresses and people. Use this order so an agent or organizer is not mistaken for the business owner.
| Record field | What it tells you | Common mistake | Useful next check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal name | The current entity name on the Corporations record. | Using an advertised DBA as the legal contracting party. | Compare the business-license owner and name. |
| Entity number | The Alaska identifier assigned to the entity record. | Assuming one fixed number length or confusing it with an EIN. | Copy it exactly from the live profile. |
| Entity type | LLC, business corporation, nonprofit, LLP, LP or another legal form. | Applying LLC fees or report rules to every record. | Use the entity-specific forms table. |
| Status | Good Standing, Non-Compliant, Involuntarily Dissolved, Revoked or another exact condition. | Treating Good Standing as a consumer-safety rating. | Review reports, agent data and separate license records. |
| Home state or jurisdiction | Alaska for a domestic entity or another jurisdiction for a foreign entity. | Thinking “foreign” necessarily means outside the United States. | Check the home-jurisdiction registry when needed. |
| Date filed or formed | The relevant Alaska formation or foreign-registration date. | Assuming continuous operation from that date. | Look for dissolution, withdrawal or reinstatement history. |
| Next report due | The entity’s expected biennial-report cycle. | Assuming every entity reports annually or in January. | Confirm entity type and even/odd formation year. |
| Physical and mailing addresses | Addresses reported for the entity and related roles. | Assuming an address is a customer-facing location. | Compare the newest report and contract. |
| Registered agent | The Alaska contact designated for service of process and legal notices. | Assuming the agent owns or manages the company. | Review officials and ownership fields. |
| Officials and ownership roles | Depending on entity type, records can list officers, directors, members, managers, partners and five-percent owners. | Treating the list as guaranteed complete beneficial-ownership proof. | Open the newest report and private transaction records. |
| Filed documents | Creation filings, initial and biennial reports, changes, dissolutions and other public records. | Reading only the summary fields. | Open the newest document tied to the issue. |
What the Entity Record Does—and Does Not—Verify
The Corporations Section accepts and maintains public filings. It is not a universal license, insurance, tax, complaint or fraud-screening database.
The record can help establish
- Legal entity name and number
- Entity structure and jurisdiction
- Current Corporations status
- Reported agent and addresses
- Reported officials or ownership roles
- Public filing history
The record does not independently prove
- An active Alaska business license
- A contractor or professional license
- Insurance, bonding or financial stability
- Tax compliance or absence of liens
- Quality, reputation or lack of complaints
- Authority of the person contacting you
- Complete current beneficial ownership
- That the registered agent is the owner
Verify an Alaska Business Before Signing or Paying
Follow the name from the advertisement or invoice to the legal owner, then check every license required for the actual work.
Worked example: the invoice name is not an entity
“Aurora Home Repair”
No exact LLC or corporation appears.
The business license identifies North Range Services LLC as owner.
Search that LLC, then verify any contractor or professional license required.
Match these details
- Legal entity behind the business name
- Entity number and exact status
- Business-license owner and expiry
- NAICS or line of business
- Required professional license
- Requested payee and bank-account name
Pause when
- The payee is unrelated to the entity or DBA
- The business license is inactive
- The entity is dissolved, revoked or Non-Compliant
- Regulated work lacks an active professional license
- The person will not explain a name mismatch
- Payment instructions suddenly change
No Result? Use This Alaska Search-Recovery Order
Do not conclude “unregistered” until you have tested the search controls and the separate business-license database.
Alaska Entity Status and Recovery Paths
Use the exact profile label. The correct recovery action changes depending on whether the entity is domestic, foreign, voluntarily closed or administratively removed.
| Status | Plain-English meaning | If checking the business | If it is your entity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good Standing | Compliant with the Corporations Section at that point in time. | Continue with business-license, professional-license and transaction checks. | Maintain agent, officials and reports. |
| Non-Compliant | A required report, registered-agent record or other filing requirement is unresolved. | Open Entity Detail to identify the missing requirement. | File delinquent reports and correct the agent record. |
| Involuntarily Dissolved | A domestic entity did not cure non-compliance during the administrative process. | Look for a later reinstatement before relying on current authority. | Some domestic corporations, LLCs, cooperatives, professional corporations and LLPs may request reinstatement within two years; nonprofits and religious corporations generally re-file. |
| Revoked | A foreign entity’s Alaska authority ended after unresolved non-compliance. | Do not assume current authority to transact business in Alaska. | Foreign entities generally re-file for a new Alaska entity number rather than reinstate. |
| Voluntarily Dissolved | A domestic entity voluntarily ended its record. | Check for a successor or newly filed entity. | The official guidance says it cannot reinstate and generally must re-file. |
| Withdrawn | A foreign entity voluntarily ended its Alaska authority. | Check the home-state record and any later Alaska registration. | A new Alaska filing and number may be required to return. |
After identifying the exact status and cause, use the corresponding official recovery guidance.
Initial Reports, Biennial Reports and Late Fees
Alaska’s official Entity Responsibility notice says an entity must know its filing duties even when it does not receive a reminder. Missing reports or agent information can lead to Non-Compliant status, dissolution or revocation.
Free Initial Report for certain domestic entities
Domestic business corporations, professional corporations, nonprofit corporations and LLCs generally file a free Initial Report within six months after creation. It adds officers, directors, members, managers or ownership details required for the public record.
| Entity group | Regular due cycle | On-time fee | Late amount shown by official FAQ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic for-profit corporation, professional corporation, LLC or LLP | January 2 in the matching even/odd year; late after February 1 | $100 | $137.50 |
| Foreign for-profit corporation, LLC or LLP | January 2 in the matching even/odd year; late after February 1 | $200 | $247.50 |
| Domestic or foreign nonprofit corporation | July 2 in the matching even/odd year; late after August 1 | $25 | Confirm on the live form |
| Cooperative or religious corporation | Generally July 2 in the matching even/odd year | Use the entity-specific listing | Confirm before filing |
| Limited partnership | The official Entity Responsibility notice says the biennial requirement does not apply | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Initial Report is generally due within six months; the next regular biennial cycle is 2028.
The entity follows the odd-year January cycle, so the next regular report is due January 2, 2027.
Its regular reporting month is generally July in even-numbered years rather than January.
What information a report can disclose
Depending on entity type, a biennial report can include the registered office and agent, business activity or NAICS information, directors and officers, LLC managers or members, and people owning at least a five-percent interest. That explains why the newest report is often more useful than the summary screen alone.
Why the online report may be blocked
- The agent address is blank or invalid.
- The entity is already dissolved or revoked.
- A prior report was rejected or remains delinquent.
- The wrong filing year or entity record was selected.
- The requested change requires a separate paper form.
Search and Understand an Alaska Business License
A business license is separate from the legal entity. It can connect an advertised DBA to its entity or individual owner and shows the licensed activity, status and expiration.
| Search field | Best use | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| License number | Exact search from a certificate, website or advertisement | Status, expiration, owner and business name |
| Business name | Find the DBA or trade name used with customers | The legal owner behind that name |
| Alaska entity number | Find licenses owned by a corporation or LLC | The entity and license records match |
| Owner name | Find licenses owned by an entity, sole proprietor or partnership | Ownership type and spelling |
| City, line of business or NAICS | Narrow broad results and understand activity | Whether another license or permit is required |
Regular one-year license
All licenses expire December 31 of the purchased licensing period.
Regular two-year license
Confirm the final expiration year during checkout.
Eligible sole-proprietor discounts
Senior and service-connected disabled-veteran rates are limited to qualifying natural-person sole proprietors.
New paper application
Used when online filing is unavailable or supporting discount documents are required.
Business-name and ownership rules
- The business name is the DBA, trade name or AKA used in Alaska.
- A separate business license is required for each name under which the business operates and advertises.
- An entity-owned license must use the entity as owner and provide its Alaska entity number.
- A sole proprietor is one natural person; a partnership lists two or more owners.
- Changing ownership requires a new license because licenses are not transferable.
- A DBA change normally requires a new license unless it falls within a narrow allowable correction.
Expired-license recovery
Expired less than two years
Use hardcopy renewal form 08-4617 and include $50 for each lapsed year plus the new licensing period.
Expired more than two years
The official renewal guidance requires a new business license rather than an ordinary renewal.
Check a Business Name or Proposed Alaska LLC
A no-match search is only preliminary. Search similar entities and business-license names before reserving a name or filing Articles of Organization.
| Name option | Use it when | Effect | Current fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entity legal name | Creating or registering the entity | Protected through the active entity record | Included in entity filing |
| Business Name Reservation, 08-559 | Temporarily holding an available name before formation | 120 days | $25 |
| Business Name Registration, 08-557 | Protecting a separate name for a current business-license holder | Five years | $25 |
| Business-license DBA | Naming the business as it operates and advertises | Appears on the license but does not itself grant exclusive rights | Part of license filing |
| Foreign assumed name | Registering a foreign entity whose home-state name is unavailable in Alaska | Connected to that foreign registration | Entity-specific filing |
Search a proposed name before paying
- Search the full proposed legal name.
- Search distinctive words without LLC or Inc.
- Try Starts With and Contains.
- Clear Current Only to review older conflicts.
- Search the business-license database for matching DBAs.
- Check federal and Alaska trademark use separately.
What form 08-0484 requires for a domestic LLC
The current Articles of Organization form lists a nonrefundable $250 filing fee and asks for:
- A legal name containing Limited Liability Company, L.L.C. or LLC.
- A lawful purpose and the six-digit NAICS code that best describes the activity.
- An eligible registered agent with physical and mailing addresses in Alaska.
- A choice between member-managed and manager-managed governance.
Use the official forms only after completing the broader search and deciding which name option is appropriate.
Registered-Agent Requirements and Form 08-409
Every registered entity must continuously maintain an eligible agent and registered office in Alaska. Returned mail or missing agent data can trigger Non-Compliant status.
The agent’s function
- Receive service of process
- Receive statutory notices and demands
- Maintain required Alaska physical and mailing addresses
- Forward official material to the entity
The agent is not automatically
- The business owner
- The customer-service office
- The principal place of business
- Liable for the entity’s debts
- Endorsed by the State
Who can serve
An agent may generally be an Alaska-resident individual or an eligible domestic or authorized foreign corporation. The domestic LLC form excludes an LLC, LP or LLP from acting as the registered agent and requires the agent to have a physical location in Alaska.
What the Statement of Change requires
Change of Registered Agent
$25 nonrefundable fee; standard complete-paper processing is approximately 10–15 business days.
Filing prerequisite
The form states it will not be filed when the entity’s biennial report is not current.
Address requirement
Both physical and mailing addresses are required in Alaska.
Authorized signature
Corporations, LLCs, LLPs and LPs have different authorized signers; verify the role already on record.
View Filings, Order Copies or Get Good Standing
Start with free online filing images. Pay only when a bank, court, agency or transaction partner requires certification or a complete file.
| You need | Best option | Current charge or detail |
|---|---|---|
| Read an available filed document | Click to View from Entity Detail | Usually free and immediately printable |
| One uncertified hardcopy document | Copy Request, form 08-562 | $10 per requested document |
| Complete entity file | Complete-file Copy Request | $30 through 50 pages, then $1 per additional page |
| Certified copy | Copy Request with certification | Add $5 per certification request |
| Apostille | Copy Request plus apostille | Add $25 and identify the destination country |
| Good standing | Certificate of Compliance | $10 online and available for immediate printing after payment |
Prepare the record before ordering good standing
- Confirm the entity name and number.
- Verify that status is Good Standing.
- File every due biennial report.
- Update officials when required.
- Correct the registered agent through the proper form.
State of Alaska Vendor Number and VSS
A vendor number belongs to Alaska’s financial and procurement system. It is different from the entity number, EIN, business-license number and professional-license number.
Register through Vendor Self Service or submit the Substitute W-9
VSS is used by vendors and payees to manage information, view payments, respond to solicitations, submit invoices and access tax information.
Match the legal name and taxpayer ID
For paper setup, the Vendor Help Desk performs an IRS TIN match. A mismatch in legal name or taxpayer identification can delay the number.
Allow three to five business days
When the form and TIN match are acceptable, the vendor number is emailed after processing. Contact the Help Desk after the stated turnaround if it has not arrived.
Use VSS for payments and EFT
VSS can show payment history, allow electronic invoices and support eligible EFT setup or changes.
Availability
Seven days a week, 6:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Alaska Time.
Vendor Help Desk
907-465-5555, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Alaska Time.
Contact the Correct Alaska Office With a Useful Question
Prepare the exact identifier and explain one specific problem. Do not email filings, card details or confidential information to general inboxes.
| Office | Use it for | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Corporations Section | Entity search, status, reports, agent forms, copies and certificates | 907-465-2550 • corporations@alaska.gov |
| Business Licensing | New, renewal, DBA, expired license and business-license search issues | 907-465-2550 • BusinessLicense@Alaska.Gov |
| Professional Licensing | Occupation-specific license and primary-source verification issues | Anchorage 907-269-8160 • Juneau 907-465-2550 |
| Vendor Help Desk | Vendor number, VSS activation, payments, invoices and EFT | 907-465-5555 • doa.dof.vendor.helpdesk@alaska.gov |
Explain the next action needed
- Search terms and filters tried
- Form number or report year
- Online or paper submission method
- Whether the charge posted
- What appears in Entity Detail now
- The precise correction or clarification requested
Final Alaska Business Verification Checklist
Complete this review before signing, paying, filing or describing a business as properly registered.
Alaska Business Search FAQs
Does Alaska have a Secretary of State business search?
No. “Alaska SOS business search” is common search wording, but business entities are maintained by the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing within the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development.
What is the official Alaska LLC and corporation lookup?
Use the Alaska Corporations Database. Search by entity name or entity number, choose Starts With or Contains, and clear Current Only when you need historical, dissolved, revoked or withdrawn records.
What is an Alaska entity number?
It is the identifier assigned to an Alaska Corporations record. It is not an EIN, business-license number, professional-license number or State vendor number. Copy it exactly from the live profile rather than assuming a fixed length.
Why can’t I find a business in the entity database?
The search may be too exact, Current Only may hide an old record, punctuation may differ, the company may have changed names, or the advertised name may exist only on a business license. Try shorter wording, Contains, historical results, official or agent searches and the separate license database.
Is an Alaska entity record the same as a business license?
No. The entity record identifies the corporation, LLC or other registered entity. A business license is a separate operating record. The activity may also require a professional license, endorsement or local permit.
What does Non-Compliant mean?
It usually means a required filing or registered-agent requirement is unresolved. Open Entity Detail, check the next biennial report due and verify that the registered-agent name and addresses are complete and current.
When is an Alaska LLC biennial report due?
An LLC generally reports in the same even or odd year as its creation or registration. Covered for-profit entities use the January cycle, with the report due January 2 and late after February 1. A domestic LLC also generally files a free Initial Report within six months after creation.
Can I change the registered agent in a biennial report?
No. Use the entity-appropriate Statement of Change. Form 08-409 requires a $25 fee, Alaska physical and mailing addresses, an authorized signer and a current biennial-report record.
How do I get an Alaska Certificate of Good Standing?
Alaska calls it a Certificate of Compliance. First confirm the entity is in Good Standing and resolve reports, officials or agent issues. The official online certificate costs $10 and is available for immediate printing after successful payment.
How do I get a State of Alaska vendor number?
Register through Vendor Self Service or submit the State Substitute W-9. The Vendor Help Desk performs the legal-name and taxpayer-ID match, then emails the vendor number after processing, normally within three to five business days.
Verified August 4, 2026: search controls, forms, fees, report cycles, status recovery, business-license rules, registered-agent instructions, copy charges, certificate ordering, contacts and vendor guidance were checked against current State of Alaska pages and official PDFs. Reconfirm the live screen before filing or paying because government interfaces, queues and fees can change.