Alaska Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws
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Summary of Alaska Gun 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 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 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.
Self-Defense
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 the person’s temporary or permanent residence, property owned or leased, at his or her workplace, or when protecting a child or a member of the household.
Use of Non-Deadly Force in Defense of Self
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 the other 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.
Use of Deadly Force in Defense of Self
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 under this section if the person knows that, with complete personal safety and with complete safety as to others being defended, the person 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 person’s household, 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.
Use of Force in Defense of a Third Person
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.
Use of Force in Defense of Property and Premises
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.
Immunity: Use of Defensive Force
Any person who uses a gun in self-defense has immunity from criminal and civil law.
[Alaska Stat. §§ 09.65.330, 11.81.330, 11.81.335, 11.81.340 & 11.81.350]
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Alaska Gun Laws at a Glance
Carry Basics
Permitless Carry?Does Alaska allow permitless carry? |
Yes. |
Open Carry Permitted?Is open carry permitted in Alaska? |
Yes, without a permit for any person who is legally allowed to 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. |
Gun Permit Licensure?If Alaska requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued? |
Shall issue. |
Minimum Age for Concealed Carry?What is the minimum age in Alaska to get a concealed carry permit? |
21. |
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed?Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Alaska with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)? |
No. |
Tasers or Stun Guns?Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Alaska? |
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. |
Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray?Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Alaska? |
Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Alaska. |
Magazine Limits for Handguns?Does Alaska have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns? |
No. |
Ammunition Restrictions?Does Alaska have ammunition restrictions? |
No. |
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Carry Locations
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. |
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. |
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. |
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 it's concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information. |
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 in or on state or municipal property or another person's property. 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 the following areas: (1) 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); (2) Within a vehicle owned, leased or rented by the employer or its agent; or (3) In a parking lot owned or controlled by the employer within 300 feet of the secured restricted access area. |
Key State Gun Laws
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. |
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. Therefore, a law enforcement officer will be notified immediately that you are a concealed carry permit holder if they run your driver’s license. |
"No Weapons Allowed" Signs Enforced?Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in Alaska? If yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense. |
Yes. A permittee may not possess a concealed handgun anywhere a person is prohibited from possessing a handgun under state or federal law. In addition to any other penalty provided by law, a person who violates this section is guilty of a class B misdemeanor. |
Preemption?Does Alaska have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e. Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)? |
Yes. The state has preemption, so the authority to regulate firearms is reserved to the state, and, except as specifically provided by statute, a municipality may not enact or enforce an ordinance regulating the possession, ownership, sale, transfer, use, carrying, transportation, licensing, taxation or registration of firearms. Municipalities may enact and enforce ordinances that, in part, restrict the discharge of firearms, prohibit firearms in restricted access areas or municipal government buildings. |
Red Flag Law?Does Alaska have a red flag law? |
No. Alaska does not have a red flag law. |
Brandishing?Does Alaska state law define brandishing? |
No definition of brandishing was found in Alaska law. A person commits the crime of disorderly conduct if, in a public or private place, the person challenges another to fight or engages in fighting other than self-defense. |
Carry While Consuming Alcohol?Does Alaska have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while consuming alcohol? |
No consumption allowed. [Alaska Stat. § 11.61.220(d)(1)(C)] As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgement, slow your reaction times or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences. |
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. |
Handgun Purchase & Possession
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. |
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. |
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. |
Related Blog Posts
Alaska Gun Laws: What You Need to Know
USCCA — January 26, 2020
Basic Concealed Carry Laws: Alaska
USCCA — April 18, 2021
Have Questions? Contact Our Award-Winning, Wisconsin-Based Member Services Team 24/7 at 800-674-9779
State Constitutional Provision
Alaska Concealed Carry Reciprocity With Other States
Which states' permits does Alaska honor?
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. All permits issued by another state or a political subdivision of another state are honored by Alaska, per Alaska Statute 18.65.748, provided the holder is at least 21 years old and can legally possess a firearm.
Other States' Reciprocity With Alaska
Which states honor permits from Alaska?
Alaska residents can carry a concealed defensive firearm in the state of Oklahoma without any type of permit. You must carry your driver's license or state-issued ID when carrying your firearm in Oklahoma.
Note: Firearms must be carried in accordance with the laws of the state you are visiting. Be sure to check the laws of the other state before traveling there with your firearms.
States That Have Restricted Reciprocity with Alaska
Permitless Carry States
*PC-18 = permitless carry if at least 18 years old
*PC-21 = permitless carry if at least 21 years old
Permitless carry includes constitutional carry states as well as states where an individual must meet certain qualifications, e.g., no DUIs in the last 10 years, in order to legally carry (Tennessee). Each state determines the requirements and any limitations on the carry of firearms. Check each state’s page for more information and any restrictions that may apply.
Alaska Concealed Carry Permit Information
Requirements: |
An applicant must:
*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. |
Fees: |
New permit $87 Renewals made during the 90 days before the permit expiration $25.00 Renewals made up to 60 days after expiration $50.00 |
Valid For: |
Not more than 5 years (expires on the applicant’s birthday). |
Processing Time: |
30 days |
Application: |
|
Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permits: |
Alaska doesn't issue permits to non-residents. |
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. |
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? 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? |
Alaska Concealed Carry Permit Application Process
How to Apply for an Alaska Concealed Carry Permit
Step 1: |
Complete a firearms course within 12 months of application [except for exempt honorably retired peace officers that can provide specific documentation as outlined in 13 AAC 30.090(d)]. |
Step 2: |
Have your fingerprints taken by an approved vendor. |
Step 3: |
Download and complete the application form. |
Step 4: |
Take the completed application to the State Troopers' office with the following:
Pay the fee. |
Step 5: |
You will be notified within 30 days if your application has been approved or denied. |
Firearms Training Requirements in Alaska
Applicants must successfully complete a handgun competency course that is approved by the Alaska Department of Public Safety within the 12 months prior to the application. There are no online or correspondence courses or programs outside of Alaska that are approved.
- Knowledge of Alaska law relating to firearms and the use of deadly force;
- Familiarity with the basic concepts of the safe and responsible use of handguns;
- Knowledge of self-defense principles; and
- Physical competence with a handgun.
Exemptions – There is an exemption from training for honorably retired peace officers that can provide specific documentation as outlined in 13 AAC 30.090(d).
Be sure to verify that any firearm training you receive in order to obtain your permit is approved by the state of Alaska.
Find a USCCA Certified Instructor or Firearms Training Class Near You
Alaska Concealed Carry Permit Renewal Process
How to Renew an Alaska Concealed Carry Permit
Step 1: |
Renewals are the responsibility of the permittee. A permit holder may renew his or her permit beginning 90 days before the expiration date. Permits may not be renewed after they have been expired more than 60 days. If the holder desires a permit after 60 days, the “new permit” process must be completed, including completion of a new competency course. Renewal forms may be downloaded and completed by hand or may be filled out online and printed out. The renewal form must have an original signature. |
Step 2: |
Send or take the completed renewal form to the State Troopers' office with a passport-style photograph taken within 30 days. |
Step 3: |
You will be notified if your application has been approved. |
Law Enforcement Officers (LEO)/Retired LEOs
Law enforcement officers (LEOs) and Retired LEOs may choose to carry under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), often referred to as HR 218. Under 18 U.S. Code §§ 926B & 926C, qualified LEOs and qualified retired LEOs, or those separated from service in good standing, can carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States, regardless of state or local laws, with some exceptions. For details, check out our Federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) page.
Since Alaska has permitless carry allowing anyone 21 or older who may legally possess a firearm to carry, no special permit is required. Therefore, off-duty/retired federal and state law enforcement officers may carry concealed weapons in Alaska without a permit or meeting the annual LEOSA qualification requirement. Since Alaska doesn’t issue IDs, Alaska LEOs/retired LEOs cannot carry under LEOSA outside of Alaska. If an Alaska LEO/retired LEO plans to travel to another state that has reciprocity with Alaska, he or she may apply for an Alaska concealed handgun permit.
Alaska Location Restrictions
Where Can I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Alaska? |
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Where Can't I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Alaska?Places off-limits even with a permit/license |
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FAQ: Alaska Concealed Carry Questions
What Are the Knife Laws in Alaska? |
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)] |
WEAR A COVID MASK & CARRY?I can 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?Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Alaska? |
Yes, for self defense only and not as a legal means of harvest. |
Carry While Bow Hunting?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. |
Hunter Harassment Law?Is there a 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. Illegal activities include positioning one’s self 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. |
Related Information & Links for Alaska Gun Laws
Alaska Gun Laws Updates:
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
| 2021-05-17 | Added info on driver's license link to permit in At A Glance table |
| 2020-11-10 | Added information on a training exemption for retired peace officers in the Training Section |
| 2020-09-03 | Added information on Self Defense in the Summary |
| 2020-06-30 | Added information on wearing a COVID 19 mask while carrying concealed above the Summary |
| 2020-06-26 | Added link to National Parks to At A Glance table |
| 2020-05-05 | Added info on handguns at hotels in At A Glance table |
| 2020-04-17 | Added info on handguns on private property in At A Glance table |
| 2020-04-03 | Added info on private gun sales in At A Glance table |
| 2020-02-24 | Added info on carry in bars to the At A Glance table |
| 2020-02-18 | Added related blog posts with links |
| 2020-02-11 | Added info regarding residency changes and resulting impacts on carry permits |
| 2020-01-27 | Updated the knife laws and added statutory references |
| 2019-12-04 | Added info on whether a valid state ccw permit exempts a person from needing a background check when purchasing a firearm to the At A Glance table |
| 2019-11-14 | Added statutory references and links for can’t carry locations |
| 2019-10-31 | Added brandishing info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-10-11 | Added Hunter Harassment info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-09-30 | Added Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray to the At A Glance table |
| 2019-08-29 | Added Carry While Hunting info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-08-13 | Added anchor links to various sections below the Summary |
| 2019-07-24 | Added minimum age to possess and transport a handgun to At A Glance table |
| 2019-05-24 | Added stun gun/Taser info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-04-25 | Added permit renewal and name/address change info |
| 2019-04-06 | Links checked |
| 2019-03-14 | Added info on state implementation of Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA) |
| 2019-02-20 | Added info and a link to vehicle carry in At A Glance table |
| 2019-02-15 | Added pages for Federal Gun Laws, Traveling with Firearms & Terminology |
| 2019-02-09 | Added ammunition restrictions to At A Glance table |
| 2019-02-06 | Added red flag law info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-01-25 | Added church info to locations restrictions |
| 2019-01-25 | Links checked |
| 2019-01-24 | Added FAQ about alcohol or prescription medication to At a Glance table |
| 2019-01-10 | Mag limit info added to At A Glance table |
Did We Miss Something?
Here at the USCCA, it is our mission to provide responsible gun owners with the tools they need to be educated and trained. Our team is constantly working to provide you with the most up-to-date and comprehensive list of self-defense laws available for every state.
If you have any questions that you don’t see answered here — let us know! Just email [email protected] and we will be sure to get your question resolved. Your feedback matters to us, and we appreciate you helping to make this page the best possible resource for responsible gun owners!