Carrying a firearm for self-defense comes with a lot of responsibility. Knowing the laws where you carry is just one important task armed Americans must undertake. To help with that,we’ve provided a comprehensive overview of Alaska gun laws. Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in the Last Frontier State below.

Can You Carry a Gun in Alaska?

Alaska is a constitutional carry state, and open carry is legal without a permit for anyone that can legally possess a firearm. The minimum age to open carry is 16. This conflicts with federal law, which prevents anyone under 18 from possessing a firearm.

Concealed carry is also legal without a permit for anyone at least 21 years of age or older who can legally possess a firearm. Residents who are seeking 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.

Alaska Concealed Carry Permit

Concealed handgun permits are issued by the Alaska State Police and require a firearms training course that has been state approved. Alaska does not issue permits to non-residents. 

Stand Your Ground

Alaska is a Castle Doctrine state and has a “stand your ground” law. A person may use deadly force in self-defense upon another person 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 or abuse, or robbery.

A person has no duty to retreat before using deadly force in his or her temporary or permanent residence, property owned or leased, at his or her workplace, or when protecting a child or a member of the household. Any person who uses a gun in self-defense has immunity from criminal and civil law.

Gun Purchase and Handgun Registration Requirements

Permits are not required when buying a handgun, and there is no firearms registration in Alaska. Private firearms transfers are not subject to a background check requirement. There is also no mandatory waiting period for handgun purchases. Alaska has no magazine capacity or ammunition restrictions.

Less-Lethal Legal Self-Defense Weapons

A person may also carry pepper spray for personal protection, a stun gun or a Taser. All are legal to purchase and possess without a permit.

Where Can One Carry in Alaska?

Understanding where you can and cannot carry a firearm is crucial for staying compliant with Alaska’s gun laws. The state has specific locations where carrying a concealed handgun is allowed and places where it is strictly prohibited, even for permit holders. Familiarize yourself with these regulations to ensure you are always carrying legally and responsibly.

  • In restaurants, unless posted, and provided you consume no alcohol (however, not in bars)
  • Places of worship, unless posted or upon notice that firearms are prohibited
  • State/national parks (but not in any buildings)
  • State/national forests (but not in any buildings)

Locations where carry is prohibited, even for permit holders, include:

  • 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.)
  • Around or in a child care facility
    (Weapons may be unloaded and locked in the trunk of a car or secured in a locked container.)
  • In someone else’s home without his or her specific knowledge and permission
  • Any place where intoxicating liquor is sold for on-site consumption (except a restaurant, provided the person does not consume alcoholic beverages)
  • A courthouse, court room or office of the court system or justice-related agencies
  • Correctional institutions
  • In domestic violence or sexual assault shelters
  • Places such as hospitals, universities, gymnasiums or private property
    (They may restrict or deny concealed carry on the premises.)
  • Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law or state law or regulation

Can You Carry a Loaded Gun in Your Car in Alaska?

Anyone at least 21 years old who can legally own a handgun can carry (openly or concealed) a loaded firearm in his or her vehicle. Carry is also allowed at roadside rest areas without a permit. 

Can I Carry a Gun in Denali National Park?

Yes, as of Feb. 22, 2010, a federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal and Alaska state law to legally possess firearms within Denali National Park and Preserve.

 

Ready to Learn More About Alaska Gun Laws?

It is your responsibility as a gun owner to know and understand the laws regarding your concealed carry rights. The USCCA’s Concealed Carry Reciprocity & Gun Laws Map has been designed to help inform and educate armed citizens like you. To learn more about Alaska’s concealed carry permit application process, concealed carry restrictions and training requirements, visit the Alaska gun laws page now…

The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. members and the concealed carry community and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case. Laws are constantly changing, and, as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.