Licenses, Permits, and Insurance

• Licenses and Permits
• Insurance Requirements

Licences and Permits

This section lists most of the licenses or permits that Haines small businesses need before doing business in Haines:

All Businesses

• State Business License: $50 (mandatory)
  Download the application form (PDF).
• Haines Borough Business License: $50 (mandatory)
  Download the application form (PDF) or pick one up at the Haines Borough office.

If your business operates in the Haines townsite, read through the Haines business license and permits code to see what other licenses and permits you might need. The Directory of Licensed Occupations contains a listing of occupations which require a license issued by Federal and State Agencies, Municipality of Anchorage, City of Fairbanks, and City and Borough of Juneau.

Many state and federal lands require permits for a variety of uses. If you operate on state or federal land, be sure to contact the relevant agency to ensure you have the right permits.

• The Division of Motor Vehicles On-Line Services for licensing, permits and info for your van, bus, or car.
• State Parks Usage Permit (commercial tour operators)
  Contact State Division of Parks at 766-2292 for more information. Also see the Division of Outdoor Recreation for permits to operate your business in a State Park.
• The State Department of Natural Resources requires permits for a variety of activities.
• National Forest Use Permit (commercial tour operators)
  Contact Fish and Game at 766-2830 for more information.
• Fish and Game Permits
  Contact Fish and Game at 766-2830 for more information.
  Check out Commercial Fisheries Permits, Licenses, Forms, and Related Information
• Mining
  Contact Department of Natural Resources at 766-2120 for more information or visit the Division of Mining Land and Water to download permits and forms needed to operate a mine in Alaska.
• Timber Harvesting
  Contact the Haines Forester at 766-2120 for more information.

Insurance Requirements

As a business owner, you should be aware of where your exposure to risk lies. It is a wise idea to insure against that risk. Some insurance coverage is mandatory (for instance if you operate a van service, you need to carry certain liability policies in order to operate legally and if you operate on state lands, there are liability requirements that need to be met) and other types of insurance are just a good idea.

• Check out the American Express Small Business Insurance Primer to see what kind of insurance you may need for your small business.

• Information about buying insurance in Alaska from the Division of Insurance.

• Also, consult with your local insurance agent (look-up on the Haines Business Listings).

• Alaska Fishermans Fund: Established in 1951, the Fishermen's Fund provides for the treatment and care of Alaska licensed commercial fishermen who have been injured while fishing on shore or off shore in Alaska.