A Constitutional Carry State
Alaska has long been recognized for its strong support of the Second Amendment. Today, it stands out as a shall-issue, permitless carry state that grants broad freedoms to responsible gun owners. In this article, you’ll discover how concealed carry laws Alaska enforces can benefit you, why some people still opt for permits, and what you need to know about critical topics like self-defense, location restrictions, and concealed carry training. We’ll also look at how Alaska compares with CCW requirements by state, so you can stay safe and fully informed whether you’re at home or traveling.
Table of Contents
Understanding Alaska’s Permitless Carry Framework
Alaska is both shall-issue and permitless (also called “constitutional carry”):
- Shall-Issue: If you meet the state’s requirements, the Alaska State Police must issue you a concealed handgun permit.
- Permitless Carry: Any law-abiding citizen aged 21 or older who can legally possess a firearm may carry openly or concealed without a permit.
Because no permit is required to purchase or carry a handgun, there is also no registration, and no background check needed for private transfers. This approach sets Alaska apart from many other states, although you should still know how these laws compare to CCW requirements by state beyond Alaska.
Why Some People Still Get a Permit
Even though permitless carry is legal, many Alaskans choose to obtain a concealed handgun permit. Key reasons include:
- Reciprocity: A valid Alaska permit can help you legally carry when traveling to states that honor Alaska’s licensing.
- Background Check Exemption: Some Alaska permits are marked “NICS-exempt,” allowing qualified individuals to buy additional firearms without undergoing a separate federal background check.
- Concealed Carry Training: Alaska requires a state-approved firearms safety course for its handgun permit. This training ensures you understand your responsibilities and how to handle your firearm safely.
Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry
- Open Carry: Allowed for anyone 21 years or older who can legally possess a firearm. Carrying in plain sight is legal, but certain areas—such as K-12 schools or places serving alcohol for on-site consumption—remain off-limits.
- Concealed Carry: Perfectly legal without a permit if you’re at least 21 and not otherwise prohibited. If you do want a permit (for reciprocity or background check benefits), you can apply through the Alaska State Police.
The Importance of Concealed Carry Training
Whether you’re carrying openly or concealed, formal concealed carry training can boost your confidence and competence with firearms. Alaska’s training courses cover safe gun handling, self-defense laws, and other essentials. Even if you’re comfortable around firearms, a refresher course helps you stay updated on legal changes and best practices—especially useful when comparing local regulations to CCW requirements by state in other parts of the country.
Use of Force and Self-Defense Laws
Alaska law strongly supports the right to defend yourself and others. Here are the highlights:
- Non-Deadly Force: You may use non-deadly force if you reasonably believe it’s needed to protect yourself (or a third person) from unlawful force. You can also use non-deadly force to stop property crimes like trespass or theft.
- Deadly Force: Deadly force is authorized if you reasonably believe it’s necessary to prevent serious crimes such as murder, sexual assault, kidnapping, or robbery.
- Stand Your Ground: Alaska is a “stand your ground” state and part of the Castle Doctrine tradition. You generally do not have to retreat if you are in a place where you have a right to be—like your home or workplace—and feel threatened by unlawful force.
Defense of Property and Vehicles
You can use deadly force to stop:
- Arson in an occupied structure
- Burglary in an occupied building
- Carjacking (if you’re inside the vehicle or forcibly removed)
- Vehicle theft (if someone else is inside the vehicle being stolen)
Location Restrictions Under Alaska Law
Despite broad rights, there are places you cannot carry—whether you have a permit or not:
- K-12 Schools and School Buses: Unless you have explicit permission from the school’s administrator.
- Child Care Facilities: Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a trunk or secure container if on the property.
- Another Person’s Home: Without their explicit permission.
- Bars: Concealed carry is permitted in a restaurant that serves alcohol if you do not drink, but not in bars.
- Courthouses and Correctional Institutions: Strictly off-limits.
- Places Selling Liquor for On-Site Consumption: Except for restaurants, as noted above.
- Domestic Violence Shelters: Off-limits unless stated otherwise.
Pay close attention to posted signs that read “No Weapons Allowed.” Alaska considers violating these signs a class B misdemeanor if you are carrying under a permit. That said, private property owners can still ask anyone to leave if they prohibit firearms.
Carrying in Vehicles, Parks, and More
- Vehicles: Law-abiding citizens 21 and older may keep a loaded firearm in a vehicle—openly or concealed—throughout Alaska.
- Roadside Rest Areas: Concealed carry is legal.
- State and National Parks/Wildlife Management Areas: Generally permitted, but verify federal regulations.
- Tribal Lands: Some Alaska Native lands prohibit concealed firearms. Get written permission before traveling through these areas.
- Employer Parking Lots: You can store a firearm in a locked vehicle unless you’re within a secured, restricted-access zone or using an employer-owned vehicle.
Duty to Inform and Brandishing
- Duty to Inform: If you’re carrying a concealed firearm and an officer stops you in Alaska, you must immediately tell them you’re armed.
- Brandishing: Not explicitly defined by name in Alaska law, but threatening another person with a firearm unlawfully can result in assault or disorderly conduct charges.
Obtaining an Alaska Concealed Handgun Permit
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Eligible to own or possess a firearm under state and federal law
- Alaska resident for at least 90 days
- Have completed approved handgun training within the past 12 months
Application Process:
- Take a State-Approved Course (unless you’re an honorably retired peace officer meeting specific documentation).
- Get Fingerprinted by an approved vendor.
- Complete the Application (available online).
- Submit Documents & Fees at a State Troopers’ office.
- Wait 30 Days to learn if you’re approved or denied.
The permit is valid for up to five years and can be renewed before expiration. Although Alaska does not grant permits to non-residents, however, any U.S. citizen 21 or older who meets legal standards can carry without a permit.
Comparing CCW Requirements by State
Because CCW requirements by state vary widely, be sure to check the rules of the state you plan to visit. Many states respect Alaska’s permit, but restrictions and age limits might differ. Conversely, Alaska honors all out-of-state permits for anyone 21 or older. Knowing these details in advance can help you avoid legal trouble when traveling with a firearm.
Conclusion - Policing the Brass
From its permitless carry freedoms to its strong self-defense statutes, Alaska stands among the most gun-friendly states in the nation. By understanding concealed carry laws Alaska maintains, you can carry confidently and lawfully—whether you choose to apply for a concealed handgun permit or not.
Be sure to invest in concealed carry training, keep up with changes in CCW requirements by state, and remember to check specific restrictions on places like schools, childcare facilities, bars, and posted private properties. Staying informed is your key to exercising your rights responsibly in the Last Frontier.
For a detailed list of applicable laws in Alaska, you can visit HandgunLaw.us here
Concealed Carry Laws Alaska: Q&A Section
Carry Basics Questions
| QUESTION | ANSWER |
|---|---|
| CHEMICAL SPRAY/PEPPER SPRAY? Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Alaska? | Yes. There is no state law prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Alaska. |
| GUN PERMIT LICENSURE? If Alaska requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued? | Alaska is a shall-issue state. However, no permit is required for concealed carry (permitless carry). Residents can still get a concealed handgun permit for reciprocity in other states. |
| OPEN CARRY PERMITTED? Is open carry permitted in Alaska? | Yes. Any adult at least 21 years old who can legally possess a firearm may open carry without a permit. |
| TASERS OR STUN GUNS? Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Alaska? | Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are considered “defensive weapons” and may be purchased and possessed without a permit. However, Alaska prohibits possession by K-12 students on school property/buses, unless prior approval is obtained. |
| WEAPONS OTHER THAN HANDGUNS ALLOWED? Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Alaska with a concealed carry permit or under permitless carry? | No. Only handguns are covered under Alaska’s concealed handgun permits or permitless carry. |
| AMMUNITION RESTRICTIONS? Does Alaska have ammunition restrictions? | No. Alaska does not have specific ammunition restrictions. |
| MAGAZINE LIMITS FOR HANDGUNS? Does Alaska have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns? | No. There are no limits on magazine capacity. |
| MINIMUM AGE FOR CONCEALED CARRY? What is the minimum age in Alaska to get a concealed carry permit? | You must be 21 years old to apply for an optional Alaska Concealed Handgun Permit. Permitless carry also requires you to be 21 years old. |
| CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY? Does Alaska allow constitutional carry? | Yes. Alaska has had permitless (constitutional) carry since 2003 for individuals 21 or older who can legally possess a firearm. |
Carry Location Questions
| QUESTION | ANSWER |
|---|---|
| CARRY IN RESTAURANTS THAT SERVE ALCOHOL? Can you carry a concealed firearm in restaurants that serve alcohol in Alaska? | Yes, unless they are primarily bars (i.e., it’s illegal to carry in places selling alcohol for on-site consumption if you consume alcohol). You may carry concealed in a restaurant area provided you do not drink alcohol and the establishment doesn’t prohibit firearms. |
| 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 WMAs in Alaska? | Yes. You may carry concealed in state/national parks, forests and WMAs, unless prohibited by federal regulations for certain park buildings or areas. |
| CARRY IN VEHICLE? Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Alaska? | Yes. Anyone at least 21 years old and legally allowed to possess a firearm may carry openly or concealed in a vehicle without a permit. [Alaska Stat. § 18.65.800] |
| CARRY/POSSESS AT A HOTEL? Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Alaska? | State law does not specifically address hotels. Each hotel may set its own policy, so it’s wise to check with the hotel regarding firearm possession. |
| CARRY AT ROADSIDE REST AREAS? Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Alaska? | Yes. There is no law prohibiting concealed carry at rest areas in Alaska. |
| STORE IN A VEHICLE IN AN EMPLOYEE PARKING LOT? Are there laws about storing firearms in private vehicles at an employee parking lot in Alaska? | Yes. State or municipal governments or private property owners cannot ban firearms in vehicles, as long as the firearm is locked and out of sight if the vehicle is unattended, and the person can legally possess it. There are exceptions for:
[Alaska Stat. § 18.65.800(a)] |
Key State Laws
| QUESTION | ANSWER |
|---|---|
| PUBLIC ACCESS TO CONCEALED CARRY REGISTRY? Does Alaska allow public access to concealed carry registry information? | No. The registry is private, although law enforcement may access it. |
| 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 must inform an officer if you are armed with a concealed firearm upon contact. [AS 11.61.220] |
| RED FLAG LAW? Does Alaska have a red flag law? | No. There is no red flag law in Alaska. |
| “NO WEAPONS ALLOWED” SIGNS ENFORCED? Are these signs enforced in Alaska? | Yes. Violating posted “no firearms” restrictions in areas where possession is disallowed by statute can be a class B misdemeanor or trespassing offense, depending on the circumstances. Private property owners can also request you leave if they disallow firearms. |
| TRIBAL LAND Can you carry a firearm on tribal land in Alaska? | Alaska has only 1 federally recognized reservation (Metlakatla), but 229 recognized tribes without traditional reservations. Generally, firearms are disallowed on tribal lands unless you have explicit written permission from the tribal authority. |
| CARRY WHILE USING ALCOHOL OR A CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE? What does Alaska law say about carrying if you’re under the influence? | Carrying in a bar while consuming alcohol is illegal. Possession under the influence is not explicitly barred by statute, but it is unwise to carry while impaired in any capacity. |
| NON-RESIDENT PERMITTING? Does Alaska issue concealed carry permits to non-residents? | No. Only Alaska residents may apply for an optional concealed handgun permit. |
| BRANDISHING? Does Alaska state law define brandishing? | No. However, placing someone in fear of imminent serious physical injury with a firearm can be prosecuted under assault statutes. |
| DRIVER’S LICENSE LINKED TO CARRY PERMIT? Is my Alaska driver’s license linked to my Alaska concealed handgun permit? | Yes. Law enforcement sees your concealed carry permit status if they run your driver’s license. |
| PREEMPTION? Does Alaska have preemption laws related to concealed carry? | Yes. The state reserves the right to regulate firearms; municipalities cannot enact stricter ordinances beyond certain exceptions (e.g., discharge restrictions, municipal buildings). |
Handgun Purchase & Possession Questions
| QUESTION | ANSWER |
|---|---|
| WAITING PERIOD? Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Alaska? | No. There is no waiting period for firearm purchases in Alaska. |
| ALAKA PERMIT EXEMPTS FROM BACKGROUND CHECK? Does an Alaska concealed carry permit exempt me from a background check in Alaska? | No. Only certain Alaska permits marked “NICS exempt” qualify as a background check exemption in Alaska. Out-of-state permits do not. |
| PURCHASE PERMITS? Is a permit required to buy a handgun in Alaska? | No permit is required to purchase a handgun. |
| BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR PRIVATE GUN SALES? Are background checks required for private firearm transfers in Alaska? | No. Private sales are not subject to a background check requirement, although prohibited persons laws still apply. |
| MINIMUM AGE TO POSSESS AND TRANSPORT? What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Alaska? | 16. A minor under 16 must have parental or guardian consent to possess a firearm. [AS 11.61.220] |
| POSSESS A HANDGUN ON MY PRIVATE PROPERTY WITHOUT A PERMIT? Can I possess/carry a handgun at home without a permit in Alaska? | Yes. You may carry at home or on your property without any permit. Permitless carry extends to any legal adult 21+ for concealed carry outside your property as well. However, do not conceal carry in someone else’s residence without permission. |
| HANDGUN REGISTRATION? Do handguns need to be registered in Alaska? | No. There is no firearm registration in Alaska. |
Concealed Carry Reciprocity With Other States
| QUESTION | ANSWER |
|---|---|
| WHAT ARE ALL STATE CONCEALED CARRY LICENSES DOES THE STATE OF ALASKA HONOR? | Alaska honors permits from all U.S. states and political subdivisions, provided the holder is at least 21 and can legally own a firearm. Permitless carry is valid for anyone 21+ in Alaska. |
| WHAT ARE ALL OTHER STATES THAT HAVE RECIPROCITY WITH THE STATE OF ALASKA? | The following states recognize Alaska permits:
Note: Carry must follow that state’s laws. |
| WHAT ARE ALL THE OTHER STATES THAT HAVE RESTRICTED RECIPROCITY WITH THE STATE OF ALASKA? | The states listed below have additional conditions, only honor resident permits, or are permitless with certain limitations:
|
WHAT ARE ALL THE PERMITLESS CARRY STATES?
| STATE | AGE/RESTRICTION |
|---|---|
| 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) |
Concealed Carry License Information Questions
| QUESTION | ANSWER |
|---|---|
| WHAT DO YOU DO IF A PERMIT IS LOST OR STOLEN? | You may request a replacement permit by completing the replacement request form, paying a $25 fee and providing a new photo. Submit in person to the Department of Public Safety or an authorized municipal police agency. |
| HOW LONG ARE PERMITS VALID FOR? | Up to 5 years. They expire on the permittee’s birthday. |
| LINK TO APPLICATION | Alaska State Troopers Concealed Handgun Permit Page for the application and instructions. |
| ARE NON-RESIDENT CONCEALED CARRY PERMITS ISSUED? | No. Alaska does not issue concealed handgun permits to non-residents. |
| WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU MOVE TO OR OUT OF ALASKA AND WANT OR HAVE A CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT? | For Alaska: If you move out of Alaska, your permit expires upon establishment of residency in another state. Generally you may apply for an Alaskan permit once you establish residency. |
| WHAT ARE THE FEES FOR A CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT? | New permit: $88.25 Renewals: $25 if renewed before expiration; $50 if renewed up to 60 days after expiration. |
| WHAT IS THE PROCESSING TIME? | The Department of Public Safety must issue or deny a permit within 30 days of receiving an application. |
| WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR NAME OR ADDRESS CHANGES? | Notify the Department of Public Safety in writing within 30 days. There’s no fee for just changing your address in their system, but if a new permit is needed (like a name change), it costs $25. |
| WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS? | – At least 21 years old – Resident of Alaska for previous 90 days – Legally allowed to possess firearms – No more than 2 Class A misdemeanor convictions in past 6 years – Completed an approved firearms course in past 12 months – Meets federal legal requirements |
| WHAT IS THE CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS? | 1. Complete state-approved firearms training. 2. Get fingerprinted. 3. Fill out the application (available online). 4. Submit application, fee, photo, fingerprints in person to Alaska State Troopers or authorized agency. 5. Wait up to 30 days for approval. |
| WHAT ARE THE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR A CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE? | Complete an approved course with live fire and instruction on Alaska law regarding firearms and self-defense. Online or out-of-state courses are not accepted. |
| WHAT IS THE CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT RENEWAL PROCESS? | – Begins 90 days before expiration – Submit renewal form, new passport photo, fee – Can’t be renewed more than 60 days after expiration (or you must reapply as new) |
| WHERE CAN I CARRY A CONCEALED FIREARM? | – Restaurants serving alcohol (if you don’t drink, and it’s not primarily a bar) – Your vehicle without a permit – Roadside rest areas – State/national parks, forests, WMAs – Places of worship, unless posted or privately prohibited |
| WHERE CAN’T I CARRY A CONCEALED FIREARM? | – K-12 schools or on school buses (without administrator consent) – Child care facilities – Another person’s home without explicit permission – Bars (alcohol sold for on-site consumption) if you consume any alcohol – Courthouses or justice-related offices – Correctional institutions – Domestic violence/sexual assault shelters – Municipal government buildings restricting firearms – Any place prohibited by federal law |
| IS THERE A HUNTER HARASSMENT LAW? | Yes. It is illegal to intentionally obstruct or hinder lawful hunting, fishing, or trapping. [AS 16.05.790] |
| CAN I CARRY WHILE HUNTING? | Yes, carrying a firearm for self-defense is allowed while hunting with a rifle/shotgun. |
| CAN I CARRY WHILE BOW HUNTING? | Yes, for self-defense. The handgun cannot be used to hunt or take game illegally. |
| WHAT ARE THE KNIFE LAWS? | Alaska places few restrictions on knives. Anyone over 21 may carry a concealed knife, but must inform law enforcement beyond a simple pocketknife. K-12 students cannot bring knives to school. Adults need permission from a principal to have a knife on school property. |
| CAN I WEAR A COVID MASK AND CARRY CONCEALED? | Yes. There is no Alaska statute prohibiting wearing a COVID mask while armed, as long as you aren’t doing so to commit a crime or conceal identity unlawfully. |
| ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR LEO’S (LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS) OR RETIRED LEO’S? | Alaska is permitless, so active/retired LEOs can carry without a permit. However, Alaska does not issue LEOSA IDs to retirees for travel outside the state. For carrying in other states, you might apply for an Alaska concealed permit or follow LEOSA requirements in that other jurisdiction. |
Legal Note
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, laws and regulations may change, and individual circumstances can vary. It is solely the reader’s responsibility to verify the accuracy and applicability of any information presented here. The author, publisher, and any affiliated entities assume no liability for actions taken by readers based on the content of this article. For specific legal guidance, please consult a qualified attorney.
