Alaska is a constitutional carry state that allows the possession of a firearm without a permit.

Even if you don’t need to get a permit, the state still issues a pistol permit for concealed carry. To apply for the permit, you must be familiar with Alaska gun statutes.

Alaska Gun Permit Summary

Alaska is a shall-issue state for concealed handgun permits, but you must meet all state requirements before applying for the license.

Alaska does not issue non-resident permits. Since it is a permitless state, non-residents that are twenty-one or more can possess firearms within its jurisdiction.

How To Get A Gun Permit In Alaska?

Alaska concealed handgun permit is available to residents of the state that are at least twenty-one years old. However, you do not need a permit for open carry in Alaska, and the age requirement is sixteen years old.

Alaska Gun Permit Laws

Alaska issues pistol permits for the concealed possession of firearms, but not for open carry in the state.

To open carry in Alaska, you must be at least sixteen years old.

Alaska’s open age requirements conflict with the federal law of the USA that requires only people that are eighteen years or more can possess firearms. However, Alaska prohibits open carry in places like preteen schools and bars or ventures for on-site consumption of alcohol in the state.

Alaska also permits the possession of machine guns within the state.

Alaska statutes define machine guns as any firearm that shoots more than once, after discharging, without reloading. But you can only possess such weapons if you register it following federal laws and regulations.

Requirements for an Alaska Pistol Permit

Before you apply for a pistol permit in Alaska, you must meet with all state requirements for the possession of firearms.

They include the following:

  • You must meet the age requirement of 21 years old or more.
  • You must not have any state or federal prohibition for the possession of firearms.
  • You must live in Alaska for at least ninety days before applying for a pistol permit.
  • You must not be a convict of any misdemeanor offense for at least six years before applying for an Alaska pistol permit.
  • You must not be in any drug abuse rehabilitation program ordered by a judge for at least three years before the application.
  • You must not have any form of physical deformity that makes it difficult for you to handle firearms safely.
  • You must complete a compulsory firearm training course at least one year before applying for the permit.
  • You must meet any other federal requirement for obtaining a firearm permit in any state.

Different Types Of Gun Permits In Alaska

The summary of permits related to firearms that Alaska issues include the following:

  • State permit to purchase long guns: Alaska does not issue a state permit to buy long guns.
  • State permits to purchase handguns: Alaska does not issue a state permit to buy handguns.
  • State permit to open carry: Alaska is a permissive state, so no permits for open carry.
  • State permits to conceal carry long guns: Alaska does not issue a state permit to conceal handguns.
  • State permit to conceal carry handguns: Alaska issues a Handgun Permit to conceal carry in the state.

How Much Does It Cost To Get A License In Alaska?

The cost of a new Alaska pistol permit is eighty-seven dollars. After the expiration of the permit, any renewal made within the required ninety days’ period will cost twenty-five dollars.

For renewals made within the 60 days’ grace after the permit has expired, the cost is $50.00.

Gun Permit Application And Renewals In Alaska?

To apply for Alaska gun permit, the processes required include the following:

Complete Firearm Training

The first thing you have to do is complete a firearm training within one year of your Alaska pistol permit application.

Take Your Fingerprints

Visit an approved vendor in the state and have your fingerprints taken.

Get The Application Form

You can either visit the state trooper office to collect the form or you download it online. Complete the form after obtaining it.

Submit The Form

After completing the application form, take it to the state trooper office. Other documents you have to provide to complete the application include:

A certificate from your firearm training course

A state identification, which could either be an identification card or a driver’s license issued in Alaska.

Your recent photograph picture, taken at least thirty days from submission.

Your fingerprint cards

Alaska pistol permit expires after five years. You can apply for the renewal permit at least ninety days before the current one expires.

You also have a grace of sixty days after the permit expires to renew, else you forfeit the license. However, this may attract an extra fee.

The process to renew a permit includes the following:

Obtain The Renewal Form

You can either download and print out the form to fill it, or you complete it online. Also, append your signature after completing the form.

Submit The Form

After completing the form, you have until thirty days to submit it at the state trooper’s office.

Receive Notification

You will receive notification about the renewal application via mail.

Gun Reciprocity With Alaska

Alaska has a permitless policy for the possession of firearms within the state.

This means that both residents and non-residents in the state can make use of a firearm without a permit, as long as they meet the age requirement of twenty-one years old.

Other aspects of Alaska reciprocity include:

States That Alaska Honors Their Permits

Alaska is a permitless state, and non-residents can make use of your firearms without pistol permits, as long as they are twenty-one years old.

Also, all permits issued by any other state in America is valid in Alaska.

States That Honors Alaska’s Pistol Permit

In these states, you can conceal carry with Alaska pistol permits. However, you must possess the firearm following gun laws in the states. The states are: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin.

States That Do Not Require A Permit For The Possession Of Firearms

Just like Alaska, these states have a permitless policy, and you can make use of firearms with any license. They include the following: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming.

FAQs About Gun Permits In Alaska

Some of the most frequently asked questions about Alaska pistol permit include the following:

Must I Apply For A Handgun Permit Before I Conceal Carry In Alaska?

No, Alaska is a permitless state, so you do not have a pistol permit to possess firearms.

However, the permit can help you with possession of firearms in other states that have reciprocity with Alaska.

Is Alaska Pistol Permit Used For Open Carry In The State?

No. Alaska is a permissive open carry state. Hence you do not need a license to open carry.

How Long Is Alaska Pistol Permit Valid?

The permit is valid for five years, after which you have to renew it.

Does Alaska Pistol Permits To Non-residents?

No. Alaska does not issue permits to non-residents of the state.

How Can I Change The Name And Address On My Alaska Pistol Permit?

You can send either a letter, fax, or email about a change of address to the Alaska permit licensing unit. There is no charge required for this.

If you change your name, then you will need an entirely new permit.

Send the document for the name change to Alaska public safety department, not more than thirty days after changing the name.

The fee for a name change is twenty-five dollars, and you do not have to return the old permit.

What Can I Do If I Lost My Permit Alaska Pistol Permit Or It Gets Stolen?

For a lost, damaged, or stolen permit that is yet to expire, you have to apply for a replacement permit by obtaining the replacement form.

You can complete the form online and print it out, then submit it to the public safety department or a local police office.

The fee for this is twenty-five dollars.

When Can I Apply For Alaska Pistol Permit After Moving To The State?

You cannot apply for an Alaska pistol permit immediately after moving to the state.

Only residents that live in Alaska for at least ninety days can apply for the permit

Can I Continue Using My Alaska Pistol Permit After Moving To Another State?

No. Upon establishing residency in another state, your Alaska pistol permits become invalid.

What Is The Age Requirement For Alaska Pistol Permit?

The age requirement to apply for an Alaska pistol permit is twenty-one years old.

Does Alaska Issue Purchase Permit To Buy Firearms In The State?

No, Alaska does not issue purchase permits.

Does My Alaska Pistol Permit Exempt Me From Completing A Criminal Record Background Check Before Buying Firearms In The State?

Holders of permits that have the NICS exempt signs do not need to complete a criminal record check before buying firearms in Alaska.

Do I Need An Alaska Permit To Possess Firearms In My Personal Property?

No, you do not need a permit to possess firearms in your home, workplace, or private vehicle.

Is Firearm Training An Important Requirement For Alaska Pistol Permit?

Yes. You must undergo firearm training approved by the state and conducted by a certified instructor.

What Is The Processing Period For Pistol Permit In Alaska?

The processing period for Alaska pistol permit is thirty days

Does Alaska Have Preemption Gun Laws?

Yes, the Alaska government has the authority to regulate the sales transfer and possession of firearms in the state.

However, local areas can enact laws to regulate the discharge of firearms and places restricted for the possession of weapons.

Do I Need An Alaska Pistol Permit To Hunt?

You can conceal carry in Alaska if you have a pistol permit, but it is illegal to shoot wildlife with the firearm. You can only use the pistol for self-defense while hunting.

You can learn more about Alaska Hunting Laws here.

Can A Minor Possess Firearms In Alaska?

Alaska’s age limit for possession of firearms and open carry is 16 years old, but the age requirement for concealed carry is 21 years old.

Relevant Gun Laws And Legislature In Alaska

Alaska gun statutes relating to pistol permits in the state include the following:

Possession Of Firearms

It is illegal for any convict or someone previously guilty of a felony to possess firearms or apply for an Alaska pistol permit for at least ten years after getting an unconditional discharge.

Even if you are a permit holder, it is a prohibition to make use of firearms in bars or places for sales or consumption of weapons.

Possession Of Firearms In Vehicles

According to Alaska Statute 18.65.800, anybody can open or conceal carry a firearm in private cars.

Possession Of Firearms In Roadsides

You can open or conceal carry in roadside areas of Alaska.

Possession Of Firearms In State Parks And Forests

You can possess firearms in states, forests, and roadside areas in Alaska.

Possession Of Firearms In Restaurants And Bars

The gun statute [Alaska Stat.11.61.220(a)(2) and (d)] indicate that concealed carry of firearms is legal in restaurants as long as there is no post restricting weapons.

But it is a prohibition to use firearms in bar areas of the state.

Possession Of Firearms In Hotels And Similar Establishments

Hotels and other lodging establishments can come up with policies to regulate the use of firearms on their premises.

So, you have to make such inquiries from the hotel management.

Possession In Work Places

Employers in Alaska can prohibit the possession of firearms in the following parts of the workplace:

  • In any vehicle owned by the employer of the establishment.
  • Parking lots of workplaces.
  • Restricted areas.

Firearm Training

To obtain an Alaska pistol permit, you must pass a firearm course that consists of the following:

Alaska gun laws relating to the use of firearms and deadly force during self-defense.

  • Demonstration of firearm familiarity.
  • Understanding self-defense principles.
  • It is essential that any firearm training you enroll for is state-approved.

Additional Resources

Alaska Gun Laws
Alaska Concealed Carry Laws
Alaska Open Carry Laws

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