Business License Information

If you plan to start a business or are operating a business in the city of Homer you must obtain an Alaska Business License. Business activity requiring a license includes non-profits as well as profit operations. There are approximately 74,000 current Alaska business licenses. All persons (sole proprietors, partnerships, and corporations) who engage in a business activity in Alaska must hold a business license for that activity. In addition, businesses that sell tobacco products must have a tobacco endorsement on their business license.

A license is valid for two years, which consists of the current year in which the license is granted plus all of the next calendar year. Business licenses expire on December 31.

Professional or occupational licenses are required for many activities in addition to business licenses. For example, attorneys, motor vehicle dealers, health care professionals, construction contractors, and numerous other professionals must have a professional or occupational license. The professional or occupational licenses must be obtained before a business license will be issued.

• The State of Alaska requires that a business obtain a license prior to engaging in business activity.
• A business license costs $200.00 unless you qualify for an age-related discount. If your business sells tobacco products, or if your business conducts activities for which a professional or occupational license is required, please see below for further licensing requirements.

To receive an application in the mail or to pick one up in person, write or visit these addresses.

The application is available online at: http://www.dced.state.ak.us/occ/apps/BLEC_Start.cfm

E-Mail : license@commerce.state.ak.us

Changing your business name, owner or type of activity:

If you wish to change your businesses name, type of activity or owner, you must apply for a new license with a new application. The cost of the updated license is the same as a new license.

Licenses and Permits

Business License http://www.dced.state.ak.us/occ/apps/BLEC_Start.cfm Anyone who engages in a business activity in Alaska must have a business license for that activity. If the activity includes tobacco sales, a tobacco endorsement is also required. This link takes you to the state business license application. Check with your local municipal government for additional requirements.

Occupational License http://almis.labor.state.ak.us/?PAGEID=67&SUBID=194
Some types of work, such as hunting guides, require an occupational license. This link takes you to a list of occupations that require licenses from state or federal agencies, or the local governments of Anchorage , Fairbanks , or Juneau . Check with your local municipal government for additional requirements.

Environmental Permit http://info.dec.state.ak.us/das/permits/permitsearch.asp
Some businesses will need permits from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. This link takes to you to a permit questionnaire to help identify your requirements.

Occupational Safety http://labor.state.ak.us/lss/oshhome.htm
Standards for occupational safety and health are administered by Alaska Department of Labor, Labor Standards and Safety Division. Check their website for information that may apply to your business.

Alcoholic Beverage Licenses and Permits http://www.dps.state.ak.us/abc/

The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board controls the manufacture, barter, possession, and sale of alcoholic beverages in Alaska . This link takes you to ABC forms.

Tobacco License
http://www.tax.state.ak.us/programs/tobacco/index.asp
The Department of Revenue issues licenses for trade in tobacco products, including retailers and vending machine operators. More information is available at this site.

State Bonded Warehouse License http://www.tax.state.ak.us/programs/alcohol/index.asp
A license from the Department of Revenue is required to operate an alcoholic beverage warehouse. Information is available at this site.

Alaska Seafood Processor and Exporter License http://www.tax.state.ak.us/programs/fisheries/index.asp
This license covers the processing and transportation of fish and seafood. Information is available at this site.

Mining License http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/mlw/forms/
Mining licenses are issued by Department of Natural Resources. Information is available at this site.

Qualified Dealer License http://www.tax.state.ak.us/programs/motorfuel/index.asp
Motor fuel wholesalers and distributors obtain a qualified dealer license from the Department of Revenue. Information is available at this site.