What Is the Abbreviation for Alaska?
The standard abbreviation for Alaska is AK. This page explains why Alaska uses AK, how the code fits into the modern USPS system, what older printed abbreviations looked like, and which nearby or similar state codes people commonly confuse with it.
What Is the Abbreviation for Alaska?
Alaska is abbreviated AK. AK is the form used in mailing addresses, forms, databases, and current style guides.
Use AK when writing an address or entering Alaska in shipping, tax, school, or business forms.
Why Alaska Uses AK
Alaska's USPS abbreviation is AK.
USPS adopted AK as Alaska's standard postal abbreviation in 1963, and it remains the form used in addresses, forms, and databases.
Old Abbreviation for Alaska
Before the USPS two-letter system became the mailing standard in 1963, printed reference books and newspapers often used longer abbreviations with punctuation. For Alaska, that older style was usually Alaska.
That older form still appears in historical texts, archival material, and some legacy style guides, but the modern postal and database standard is AK. If someone searches for old abbreviation for Alaska, the practical answer is to recognize Alaska and use AK in current writing and addresses.
How to Write Alaska in an Address
In standard American addressing, the state line uses the city name followed by the two-letter code and ZIP Code. The abbreviation stays uppercase and does not take periods.
That same format applies in checkout forms, school worksheets, CRM exports, spreadsheets, shipping labels, and government databases — anywhere a two-letter state code is required.
AK Compared With Similar State Codes
AK is mostly checked against AL, AR, and AZ because those A-state abbreviations can blur together in dropdowns and spreadsheets.
Related Abbreviation Questions
These states share a first letter, region, or alphabetical position with Alaska and are commonly checked alongside it.
Capital, Region, and Context
Alaska belongs to the West region. Its capital is Juneau, and its postal code AK is used in addresses, forms, and databases throughout the country.
Alaska entered the Union on January 3, 1959.
FAQ
What is the abbreviation for Alaska?
The standard USPS abbreviation for Alaska is AK.
What is the postal abbreviation for Alaska?
AK is the two-letter postal abbreviation for Alaska. It is the form used in mailing addresses, shipping labels, forms, and databases.
How do you abbreviate Alaska?
Abbreviate Alaska as AK in current USPS, mailing, and database use.
Why is Alaska abbreviated AK?
Alaska's USPS abbreviation is AK.
What does AK stand for?
AK stands for Alaska in the USPS state abbreviation system.
What is the old abbreviation for Alaska?
Older editorial styles often wrote Alaska as Alaska. For mailing and database use, the modern standard is AK.
How do you write a Alaska mailing address?
Use the city name, then the two-letter postal code AK, then the ZIP Code. For example: Juneau, AK 00000.
What state is AK?
AK is the postal abbreviation for Alaska, located in the West region. The capital is Juneau.
Test All 50 State Abbreviations
Now that you know AK stands for Alaska, see how many of the other 49 you can get right. The M-states and I-states trip up most people.