Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Alaska is a shall-issue, permitless carry state. There is no firearms registration, no permit required to purchase firearms, and no background check needed to buy a handgun from a private individual.
Open carry is legal in Alaska for any person who is legally allowed to possess a firearm. The minimum age to open carry is 21. Some areas are off-limits, including K-12 schools and any place where intoxicating liquor is sold for on-site consumption.
Concealed carry is legal for anyone at least 21 years of age or older who can legally possess a firearm — a permit is not required. Residents who seek to be exempt from background checks when purchasing additional firearms or who want to carry a firearm in other states can obtain a concealed handgun permit to use in states with which Alaska has a reciprocity agreement. Concealed handgun permits are issued by the Alaska State Police and require a state-approved firearms training course. Alaska does not issue permits to non-residents. Since Alaska has permitless carry, any person 21 years of age and older who can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed firearm without a license or permit.
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A person is justified in using non-deadly force when and to the extent the person reasonably believes it is necessary for self-defense against the use of unlawful force by another person, unless:
- The person used the force in mutual combat not authorized by law;
- The person claiming self-defense provoked the other’s conduct;
- The person claiming self-defense was the initial aggressor; or
- The person claiming self-defense possessed a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument while committing a felony or exacting revenge.
A person is justified in using force when and to the extent the person reasonably believes it is necessary to defend a third person when the third person would be justified in using that degree of force for self-defense.
Any person who uses a gun in self-defense has immunity from criminal and civil law.
Alaska is a Castle Doctrine state and has a “stand your ground” law. A person has no duty to retreat before using deadly force in their temporary or permanent residence, property owned or leased, at their workplace, or when protecting a child or a member of the household.
A person who is justified in using non-deadly force may use deadly force in self-defense when and to the extent the person reasonably believes the use of deadly force is necessary for self-defense against:
- Death;
- Serious physical injury;
- Kidnapping;
- Sexual assault;
- Sexual abuse of a minor; or
- Robbery.
A person may not use deadly force if they know that, with complete personal safety and with complete safety for others being defended, they can avoid the necessity of using deadly force by leaving the area of the encounter, except there is no duty to retreat if the person is protecting a child or a member of their household, or is on premises that the person:
- Owns or leases;
- Resides in, temporarily or permanently;
- Is employed to work; or
- Is a guest or agent of the owner, lessor, or resident.
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A person may use non-deadly force when and to the extent the person reasonably believes it is necessary to terminate the commission or attempted commission of:
- An unlawful taking or damaging of property or services; or
- Criminal trespass upon the premises.
A person may use deadly force when and to the extent the person reasonably believes it necessary to terminate the commission or attempted commission of:
- Arson upon a dwelling or occupied building; or
- Burglary in an occupied dwelling or building.
A person in a vehicle — or forcibly removed from a vehicle — may use deadly force when and to the extent the person reasonably believes it is necessary to terminate a carjacking.
A person outside of a vehicle may use deadly force when and to the extent the person reasonably believes it is necessary to terminate the theft of that vehicle when another person is inside of the vehicle.
Question: Does Alaska allow permitless carry?
Answer: Yes.
Question: Is open carry permitted in Alaska?
Answer: Yes, without a permit for any person who is legally allowed to possess a firearm. The minimum age to open carry is 21.
Question: If Alaska requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued?
Answer: Shall issue.
Question: Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Alaska with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)?
Answer: No.
Question: Does Alaska have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?
Answer: No.
Question: Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Alaska?
Answer: Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Alaska.
Question: Does Alaska have ammunition restrictions?
Answer: No.
Question: What is the minimum age in Alaska to get a concealed carry permit?
Answer: 21.
Question: Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Alaska?
Answer: Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are defined as defensive weapons and are legal to purchase and possess without a permit. It is illegal for K-12 students to have stun guns or Tasers on school property or on school buses without prior permission of the chief administrative officer of the school or district, or the designee of the chief administrative officer for the possession.
References: Alaska Stat. §§ 11.81.900(a)(20) and 11.61.210(a)(7).
Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Alaska?
Concealed carry is allowed in restaurants, unless posted and provided you consume no alcohol. However, it is not allowed in bars.
Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Alaska?
Alaska statutes don’t specifically address firearms at hotels. Each hotel develops its own policies, so contact the individual hotel to inquire about its concealed carry policy.
Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Alaska?
Yes, a loaded firearm can be carried openly or concealed by anyone at least 21 years old who can legally own a handgun.
Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Alaska?
Yes.
Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests, and Wildlife Management Areas in Alaska?
Yes.
Does Alaska have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot?
The state, a municipality, or a person may not adopt or enforce a law, ordinance, policy, or rule that prohibits an individual from possessing a firearm within a motor vehicle. Nor prohibit an individual from storing a firearm that is locked in the individual’s motor vehicle while it is otherwise legally parked in or on state or municipal property or another person’s property. This applies only to individuals who may legally possess a firearm under state and federal law.
An employer or its agent may prohibit firearms possession in the following areas:
- Within a “restricted access area” (an area beyond a secure point where visitors are screened that does not include common areas of ingress and egress open to the general public).
- Within a vehicle owned, leased, or rented by the employer or its agent.
- In a parking lot owned or controlled by the employer within 300 feet of the secured restricted access area.
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Does Alaska have a red flag law?
- No. Alaska does not have a red flag law.
Does Alaska issue concealed carry permits to non-residents?
- No.
Does Alaska allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?
- No, however, the information is available for law enforcement.
Do you have a duty to notify a police officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm in Alaska?
- Yes. You have a duty to inform a police officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm in Alaska.
- Alaska Stat. § 11.61.220
Are “No Weapons Allowed” signs enforced in Alaska?
- Yes. A permittee may not possess a concealed handgun where prohibited under state or federal law. Violating this is a class B misdemeanor.
- Ala. Stat. § 18.65.755
- 13 Ala. Admin. Code § 30.110(b)
Does Alaska have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while consuming alcohol?
- No consumption allowed.
- Alaska Stat. § 11.61.220(d)(1)©
- As a responsibly armed American, avoid carrying while under the influence of substances that impair judgment.
Is my Alaska driver’s license linked to my Alaska concealed handgun permit?
- Yes. Your Alaska driver’s license is linked to your Alaska concealed handgun permit. Law enforcement will be notified immediately if they run your driver’s license.
Does Alaska have preemption laws related to concealed carry?
- Yes. The authority to regulate firearms is reserved to the state, except as provided by statute. Municipalities may enact ordinances restricting the discharge of firearms, prohibiting firearms in restricted areas or municipal government buildings.
- Alaska Stat. § 29.35.145(a)
Does Alaska state law define brandishing?
- No definition of brandishing was found in Alaska law. However, assault in the third degree includes recklessly placing another in fear of imminent serious physical injury by means of a dangerous instrument.
- Alaska Stat. § 11.41.220
- Disorderly conduct includes challenging another to fight or engaging in fighting other than self-defense.
- Alaska Stat. § 11.61.110
Question: Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Alaska?
Answer: No.
Question: Are background checks required for private gun sales in Alaska?
Answer: No. Private firearms transfers are not subject to a background check requirement, although federal and state purchaser prohibitions, including age restrictions, still apply. It is recommended that you retain any sales receipts to prove ownership of the gun.
Question: Does my current Alaska concealed carry permit exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm?
Answer: Yes, for concealed weapons permits marked NICS-Exempt only.
Question: Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Alaska?
Answer: No.
Question: Do handguns need to be registered in Alaska?
Answer: No.
Question: Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a permit?
Answer: Yes. Permitless carry is allowed in Alaska for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm. However, it is prohibited for any person from knowingly carrying a concealed weapon in the residence of another without his or her permission.
Question: What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Alaska?
Answer: 16 years old.
(a) A person commits the crime of misconduct involving weapons in the fifth degree if the person:
(3) being an unemancipated minor under 16 years of age, possesses a firearm, switchblade or gravity knife without the consent of a parent or guardian of the minor.
[AS 11.61.220]
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
California (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Colorado (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Connecticut (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Delaware (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
District of Columbia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Hawaii (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Illinois (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maryland (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Massachusetts (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Michigan (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Minnesota (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Nebraska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Nevada (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Jersey (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Mexico (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New York (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New York City (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
North Carolina (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oregon (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Pennsylvania (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Puerto Rico (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Rhode Island (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Washington (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wisconsin (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Delaware
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Louisiana
Minnesota
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nevada
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New Mexico
North Carolina
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Pennsylvania
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Virginia
Wisconsin
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Colorado (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Michigan (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Question: How long is an Alaska concealed carry permit valid?
Answer: Not more than 5 years (expires on the applicant’s birthday).
Question: Does Alaska issue permits to non-residents?
Answer: No, Alaska does not issue permits to non-residents.
Question: What should I do if my permit is lost, stolen, or damaged?
Answer: A lost, stolen, or damaged permit that is still within its valid period may be replaced by completing the replacement request form and submitting the form, payment of fees, and a new photograph. The form must be submitted in person to an office of the Department of Public Safety or to a municipal police agency authorized to accept the forms and verify the holder’s identification. There is a $25 fee for the replacement permit.
Question: What should I do if I move to or from Alaska?
Answer:
- Moving to Alaska and interested in applying for a resident permit? You must be an Alaska resident and have lived in the state for more than 90 days.
- Moving from Alaska with an Alaska resident permit? The permit expires upon establishing residency in another state.
Question: What are the fees for a concealed carry permit in Alaska?
Answer:
- New permit: $88.25
- Renewals made during the 90 days before the permit expiration: $25.00
- Renewals made up to 60 days after expiration: $50.00
Question: What are the requirements to obtain a concealed carry permit in Alaska?
Answer: An applicant must:
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Be eligible to own or possess a handgun under state and federal law
- Have been a resident of Alaska for the preceding 90 days
- Not have been convicted of 2 or more class A misdemeanors (or similar laws in another jurisdiction) within the preceding 6 years
- Not currently be in, nor in the preceding 3 years been ordered by a court to complete, an alcohol or substance abuse treatment program
- Not suffer a physical infirmity that prevents the safe handling of a handgun
- Have successfully completed a handgun training course within the last 12 months or be an honorably retired peace officer that can provide specific documentation
- Meet federal law requirements
*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Alaska.
Question: How long does it take to process a concealed carry permit application in Alaska?
Answer: 30 days.
Question: Where can I find the application for a concealed carry permit in Alaska?
Answer: The application can be found on the Alaska Department of Public Safety website.
Question: What should I do if I change my name or address?
Answer:
- For address changes, an Address Change form is recommended. Notification can also be made by letter or email. Delivery may be by email, letter, fax, or personal delivery. There is no fee for change of address.
- For name changes or other information changes requiring a new permit, such as through marriage or a court decree, you must report the change within 30 days. A copy of the document causing the change and a written request must be faxed, mailed, or delivered to the Department of Public Safety. The fee for issuing a new permit is $25.00. The old permit does not have to be returned.
Question: What is the first step in applying for a concealed carry license in Alaska?
Answer: Complete a firearms course within 12 months of application. Honorably retired peace officers that can provide specific documentation are exempt.
Question: How do I get my fingerprints taken for the application?
Answer: Have your fingerprints taken by an approved vendor.
Question: What should I do after completing the firearms course and getting my fingerprints taken?
Answer: Download and complete the application form.
Question: Where do I submit my completed application, and what documents do I need to bring?
Answer: Take the completed application to the State Troopers’ office with the following:
- Training course certificate
- Valid Alaska driver’s license or identification card
- A passport-style photograph taken within 30 days
- Two complete sets of fingerprints on FBI-approved fingerprint cards
- Pay the application fee
Question: How long will it take to find out if my application is approved?
Answer: You will be notified within 30 days if your application has been approved or denied.
Can I carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol?
Concealed carry is allowed in restaurants unless posted and provided you consume no alcohol. However, it is not allowed in bars.
Can I carry in my vehicle without a permit/license?
Yes.
Can I carry in roadside rest areas?
Yes.
Can I carry in state/national parks, state/national forests, and WMAs?
Yes.
Can I carry in places of worship?
There is no state statute prohibiting concealed carry in places of worship. However, since places of worship are private property, they may post signs prohibiting firearms.
Are there restrictions on carrying in or around schools?
Yes, carrying in or around any public or private K-12 school or on a school bus is not allowed without the knowledge and consent of the school’s administrator. Weapons may be unloaded and locked in the trunk of a car or secured in a locked container.
Are there restrictions on carrying in or around child care facilities?
Yes, carrying in or around a child care facility is not allowed. Weapons may be unloaded and locked in the trunk of a car or secured in a locked container.
Can I carry in someone else’s home?
No, not without the specific knowledge and permission of the homeowner.
Can I carry in places where alcohol is sold for on-site consumption?
No, carrying is not allowed in any place where intoxicating liquor is sold for on-site consumption, except in a restaurant where the person does not consume alcoholic beverages.
Can I carry in courthouses, courtrooms, or offices of the court system or justice-related agencies?
No, carrying is not allowed in these locations.
Can I carry in correctional institutions?
No, carrying is not allowed in correctional institutions.
Can I carry in domestic violence or sexual assault shelters?
No, carrying is not allowed in domestic violence or sexual assault shelters.
Are there other specific places where carrying is restricted?
Yes, carrying is restricted in places such as hospitals, universities, gymnasiums, or private property where the owners may restrict or deny concealed carry on their premises. Additionally, carrying is prohibited in any place where it is restricted by federal or state law or regulation.
Can I legally carry a concealed firearm in Alaska while wearing a COVID-19 protective mask?
There is no known statute in Alaska making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed.
Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Alaska?
Yes, for self-defense only and not as a legal means of harvest.
Hunter Harassment Law in Alaska
It is illegal to intentionally obstruct or hinder another person’s lawful hunting, fishing, trapping, or viewing of fish and game. This includes creating stimuli that alter the behavior of fish or game another person is pursuing.
Knife Laws in Alaska
The state of Alaska does not prohibit the ownership of any type of knife. Individuals over the age of 21 can carry a concealed knife, but must disclose it to law enforcement. There are specific regulations regarding knives defined as deadly weapons.
Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in Alaska?
Yes, provided the firearm is legal and carried for self-defense purposes only, not as a legal means of hunting.
