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Alaska Concealed Carry Laws |
Alaska is a shall-issue, permitless carry state. There is no firearms registration, no permit is required to purchase firearms, and no background check is required to buy a handgun from a private individual.
Open carry is legal in Alaska for anyone 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 old who can legally possess a firearm; a permit is not required. Residents seeking to be exempt from background checks when purchasing additional firearms or wanting to carry a firearm in other states can obtain a concealed handgun permit for 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.
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:
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The person used the force in mutual combat not authorized by law;
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The person claiming self-defense provoked the other’s conduct;
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The person claiming self-defense was the initial aggressor; or
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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 justified in using non-deadly force may use deadly force in self-defense when and to the extent they reasonably believe the use of deadly force is necessary for self-defense against:
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Death;
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Serious physical injury;
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Kidnapping;
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Sexual assault;
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Sexual abuse of a minor; or
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Robbery.
A person may not use deadly force if they know 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 the household, is on premises they:
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Own or lease;
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Reside in, temporarily or permanently;
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Are employed to work; or
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Are a guest or agent of the owner, lessor, or resident.
A person may use non-deadly force when and to the extent they reasonably believe it is necessary to terminate the commission or attempted commission of:
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An unlawful taking or damaging of property or services; or
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Criminal trespass upon the premises.
A person may use deadly force when and to the extent they reasonably believe it is necessary to terminate the commission or attempted commission of:
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Arson upon a dwelling or occupied building; or
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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 they reasonably believe it is necessary to terminate a carjacking.
A person outside of a vehicle may use deadly force when and to the extent they reasonably believe it is necessary to terminate the theft of that vehicle when another person is inside the vehicle.
Permitless Carry?
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Question: Does Alaska allow permitless carry?
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Answer: Yes.
Open Carry Permitted?
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Question: Is open carry permitted in Alaska?
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Answer: Yes, without a permit for any person who is legally allowed to possess a firearm. The minimum age to open carry is 21.
Gun Permit Licensure?
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Question: If Alaska requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued?
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Answer: Shall issue.
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed?
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Question: Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Alaska with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)?
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Answer: No.
Magazine Limits for Handguns?
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Question: Does Alaska have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?
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Answer: No.
Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray?
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Question: Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Alaska?
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Answer: Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Alaska.
Ammunition Restrictions?
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Question: Does Alaska have ammunition restrictions?
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Answer: No.
Minimum Age for Concealed Carry?
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Question: What is the minimum age in Alaska to get a concealed carry permit?
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Answer: 21.
Tasers or Stun Guns?
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Question: Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Alaska?
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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 the prior permission of the chief administrative officer of the school or district, or the designee of the chief administrative officer for the possession.
**Carry in Bars/Restaurants that Serve Alcohol?**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.[Alaska Stat. §§11.61.220(a)(2) and (d)]
**Carry/Possess at a Hotel?**Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Alaska?Alaska statutes don't specifically address firearms at hotels. Please note that each hotel develops their own policies and the individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about its concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information.
**Carry in Vehicle?**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 that can legally own a handgun.[Alaska Stat. § 18.65.800]
**Carry at Roadside Rest Areas?**Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Alaska?Yes.
**Carry in State/National Parks, State/National Forests and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)?**Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests, and Wildlife Management Areas in Alaska?Yes. See the National Parks webpage for links to each Park in Alaska.
**Store in a Vehicle in an Employee Parking Lot?**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 while that individual is within a motor vehicle, nor prohibit an individual from storing a firearm that is locked in the individual's motor vehicle while the motor vehicle is otherwise legally parked. This section applies only to possession of a firearm by an individual who may legally possess a firearm under state and federal law.An employer or its agent may, however, prohibit firearms possession in certain areas:
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Within a “restricted access area”
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Within a vehicle owned, leased, or rented by the employer or its agent
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In a parking lot owned or controlled by the employer within 300 feet of the secured restricted access area.[Alaska Stat. § 18.65.800(a)]
**Red Flag Law?**Does Alaska have a red flag law?No. Alaska does not have a red flag law.
**Non-Resident Permitting?**Does Alaska issue concealed carry permits to non-residents?No.
**Public Access to Concealed Carry Registry?**Does Alaska allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?No, however, the information is available for law enforcement.
**Duty to Inform Officer You're Carrying?**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.
**"No Weapons Allowed" Signs Enforced?**Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in Alaska?Yes. Violating the sign would be considered a criminal offense.
**Carry While Consuming Alcohol?**Does Alaska have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while consuming alcohol?No consumption allowed.
**Driver's License Linked to Permit?**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.
**Preemption?**Does Alaska have preemption laws related to concealed carry?Yes. The state has preemption, so local laws regarding firearms are superseded by state law.
**Brandishing?**Does Alaska state law define brandishing?No definition of brandishing was found in Alaska law.
**Purchase Permits?**Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Alaska?No.
**Background Checks for Private Gun Sales?**Are background checks required for private gun sales in Alaska?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.
**Alaska Permit Exempts from Background Check?**Does my current Alaska concealed carry permit exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm?Yes, for concealed weapons permits marked National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS)-Exempt only.
**Waiting Period?**Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Alaska?No.
**Handgun Registration?**Do handguns need to be registered in Alaska?No.
**Possess a Handgun on My Private Property Without a Permit?**Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a permit?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.
**Minimum Age to Possess and Transport?**What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Alaska?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)
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)
Louisiana (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)
Louisiana (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)
**Valid For:**Not more than 5 years (expires on the applicant’s birthday).
**Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permits:**Alaska doesn't issue permits to non-residents.
**Lost/Stolen Permits:**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. Even if the form is filled out online, it must still be printed out for an original signature and submitted in hard copy. The form must be submitted in person to an office of the Department of Public Safety or to a municipal police agency that is authorized to accept the forms and verify the holder’s identification. There is a $25 fee for the replacement permit.
**Residency Changes:**Moving to Alaska and interested in applying for a resident permit? How soon can you apply? Alaska issues permits to residents only. In order to apply for your permit, you must be an Alaska resident and have lived in the state for more than 90 days.Moving from Alaska and have an Alaska resident permit? Does that permit transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Alaska permit remains valid? If a person with an Alaska concealed handgun permit establishes residency in another state, the pistol permit expires upon the establishment of residence in the other state.
Fees:
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New permit $88.25
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Renewals made during the 90 days before the permit expiration $25.00
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Renewals made up to 60 days after expiration $50.00
**Requirements:**An applicant must:
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Be at least 21 years of age;
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Be eligible to own or possess a handgun under state and federal law;
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Have been a resident of Alaska for the preceding 90 days;
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Not have been convicted of 2 or more class A misdemeanors (or similar laws in another jurisdiction) within the preceding 6 years;
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Not currently be in, nor in the preceding 3 years been ordered by a court to complete, an alcohol or substance abuse treatment program;
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Not suffer a physical infirmity that prevents the safe handling of a handgun;
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Have successfully completed a handgun training course within the last 12 months or be an honorably retired peace officer that can provide specific documentation; and
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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.
**Processing Time:**30 days
**Application:**Link to application
**Name/Address Changes:**An Address Change form is recommended for use to change an address. Notification of address change can also be by letter or email. Delivery to the Permits and Licensing Unit may be by email, letter, fax or personal delivery. There is no fee for change of address.A change of name or other information that will require a new permit to be issued, such as through marriage or a court decree, must be reported to the Department of Public Safety within 30 days of the change. A copy of the document that caused the change and a written request must be faxed, mailed or delivered to the Department of Public Safety. The fee to change data that requires a new permit be printed is $25.00. The old permit does not have to be returned.
Where Can I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Alaska?
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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.
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Carry in My Vehicle Without a Permit/License? Yes.
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Carry in Roadside Rest Areas? Yes.
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Carry in State/National Parks, State/National Forests and WMAs? Yes.
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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.
**Where Can't I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Alaska?**Places off-limits even with a permit/license:
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In or Around Any Public or Private K-12 School or on a School Bus 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).
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In or Around a Child Care Facility (Weapons may be unloaded and locked in the trunk of a car or secured in a locked container).
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In Someone Else's Home Without His or Her Specific Knowledge and Permission.
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In Any Place Where Intoxicating Liquor is Sold for On-site Consumption (Except a restaurant, provided the person does not consume alcoholic beverages).
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In a Courthouse, Court Room or Office of the Court System or Justice-related Agencies.
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In Correctional Institutions.
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In Domestic Violence or Sexual Assault Shelters.
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Places Such as Hospitals, Universities, Gymnasiums or Private Property (They may restrict or deny concealed carry on their premises).
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Any Place Where the Carrying of Firearms is Prohibited by Federal Law or State Law or Regulation.
Wear a COVID Mask & Carry?
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Can I legally carry a concealed firearm in Alaska, but can I wear a COVID-19 protective mask while carrying concealed?
- There is no known statute in Alaska making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed.
Carry While Gun Hunting?
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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?
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Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in Alaska?
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It is illegal to intentionally obstruct or hinder another person’s lawful hunting, fishing, trapping, or viewing of fish and game. Illegal activities include positioning oneself in a location where human presence may alter the behavior of fish or game another person is pursuing. It is also illegal to create a sight, sound, smell, or physical stimulus to alter the behavior of fish and game another person is attempting to take.
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[AS 16.05.790]
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What are the Knife Laws in Alaska?
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The state of Alaska does not forbid the ownership of any type of knife. Anyone over the age of 21 can carry a concealed knife, but the carrier must alert any law enforcement with whom they come into contact about anything beyond a pocketknife. Anyone possessing a knife that can be defined as a deadly weapon should also report his or her weapon before visiting a house so that he or she can receive explicit permission to take the knife inside. Students K-12 may never take knives to school. Adults can only have a knife on the premise of these schools, including parking lots, with the written approval of the school’s principal.
- [Alaska Stat. §§ 11.61.220, Alaska Stat. § 11.61.210(a)(7) & (a)(8)]
Carry While Bow Hunting?
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Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in Alaska?
- Yes, provided the firearm is legal, there is no prohibition against carrying a concealed weapon for anyone that is at least 21 years old who is legally allowed to possess a firearm, The handgun must be for self-defense only and not as a legal means of harvest.