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 will be providing you with a summary of basic carry laws for several states. Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in Alaska, the Last Frontier State, below.

Getting a Permit 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.

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. In terms of reciprocity, since Alaska has permitless carry, any person 21 years of age and older who can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed firearm on his or her person without a license or permit. 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.

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.

Where Can One Carry in Alaska?

In terms of locations where a concealed handgun may be carried, carry is allowed in vehicles without a permit for anyone 21 or older who is not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm. Carry is also allowed at roadside rest areas without a permit. Other areas where permitless concealed carry is allowed include:

  • 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

Visit the USCCA 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.