Alaska is ranked as one of the most friendly U.S. states for gun laws. It’s even recognized internationally for it’s unique stance on an individuals rights to carry a firearm.
Alaska law states that anyone 21 years or older can legally own a firearm and conceal carry without a permit being required. It’s your choice to obtain a permit, and if you decide to there are 38 states who offer reciprocity. There are no permits offered for non-residents, however it’s important to note you can legally carry as a non-resident.
Alaska Gun Laws Quick Facts
Constitutional Carry? | ✅ Yes - Alaska is considered a constitutional carry state because it does not require a permit for open carry. |
Open Carry Permitted? | ✅ Yes - Any individual who is legally allowed to own a firearm in the state of Alaska is allowed to open carry. The state law mentions that the minimum age for open carry is 16, however this is in conflict with the federal law of 18 for possession of a firearm. |
Carry In Vehicle? | ✅ Yes - you're allowed to carry within the state parks. Make sure to check each individual state park for specific information. |
Carry In State Park? | ✅ Yes - you're allowed to carry within the state parks. Make sure to check each individual state park for specific information. |
Carry In Restaurants? | ✅ ❌ Yes/No - there's mention that an individual is allowed to carry a firearm into an establishment that serves food and alcohol, but you CANNOT be under the influence in anyway. There's also mention that residents cannot carry into establishments which only sell alcohol (bars). |
No Weapon Sign Enforced? | ✅ Yes - building owners have the right to not permit concealed carry within their premises as long as they have a sign stating the case. You're obligated to follow those signs and can be convicted of a misdemeanor if caught. |
Must Notify Officer? | ✅ Yes - The duty to inform law is enacted in Alaska. You must inform an officer of your concealed carry when interacting with them on official business. |
Alaska CCW Reciprocity List
Which States Honor Alaska's CCW
* Restricted Reciprocity with Alaska
* Restricted Reciprocity with Alaska
Which States DO NOT Honor Alaska's CCW
Alaska Honors These States CCW Permits
How Reciprocity Works in Alaska
- Alaska honors out-of-state permits as long as the holder is 21 years old.
- Any individual who can legally carry a firearm is allowed to carry it concealed without a permit.
Reciprocity Agreements In Alaska
Alaska has signed reciprocity agreements with the seven states listed below. The reciprocity agreements can be viewed at the Department of Public Safety website by clicking on (agreement) next to the state name.
Alaska: Where Is CCW Allowed?
Places Allowed
- State parks
- State and national forests
- Road side rest areas
- Vehicles
- All areas of the state not listed as Off-Limits
Places Not Allowed
- School bus
- Public or private school for grades K-12, including the school grounds and parking lot
- Any place where intoxicating liquor is sold for consumption on the premises, except a restaurant where the person carrying the firearm did not consume intoxicating liquor.
- Any licensed child care facility if the facility is other than a private residence.
- Courtroom or office of the Alaska Court System, or within a courthouse that is occupied only by the Alaska Court System and other Justice-related agencies.
- Within a domestic violence or sexual assault shelter that receives funding from the state.
- Within another person’s residence.
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.
AS 11.61.220 – Banned Places
7 AAC 10.1080 – Firearms and Ammunition
Alaska: Conceal Carry Laws
Open Carry
Yes, open carry is legal as long as the individual is 16, however be aware that this conflicts with federal law which indicated that individuals under 18 cannot possess a firearm.
Carry In Vehicle
Yes, anyone who is 21 years old and is legally allowed to own a firearm are permitted to carry the weapon openly or concealed in their vehicle.
As stated below, you’re required to disclose to law enforcement if you’re carrying a firearm. Alaska law states you must be 16 to possess and transport a handgun without a permit.
The handgun MUST be unloaded and secured in a vehicle. The Law AS 11.61.220 AS 18.65.800 – Possession of firearms in motor vehicles 18 USC 922(x) – Federal law on transferring and possession of firearm by juvenile.
Carry In State Parks
Yes, you can legally carry in the areas below;
- State Parks: YES AS 11.61.220
- State/National Forests: YES AS 11.61.220
- State Game Management Units: YES
- Road Side Rest Areas: YES AS 11.61.220
Carry In Restaurants
Yes/No, you're allowed to concealed carry within restaurants that do not serve alcohol. You're not allowed to carry within an establishment that only serves alcohol and no food.
The law makes an exception for restaurants that serve only beer or wine (but not liquor) if alcohol is not consumed. Some restaurants may be posted with “NO GUN” signs.
Check with the staff if this means just the bar area. If we have indicated a “Yes” then it should be legal to have a meal without drinking alcohol. The Law AS 11.61.220
Constitutional Carry
Yes, if a person is 21 years and can legally possess a handgun they are allowed to carry without a permit.
No Weapon Signs Enforced
Yes, “No Weapons” signs have the force of law behind them in Alaska. There are severe legal penalties for not following these signs. The corresponding laws are below: The Law 13 AAC 30.110.
"Notification of Places Where Concealed Handguns May not be Carried (b) Nothing in this chapter or in AS 18.65.700 – 18.65.790 precludes a person from posting, to the extent allowed by law, a notice regarding the carrying of a concealed handgun."
Must Notify Officer
Yes, Alaska gun law states that you must inform a law enforcement officer that you have a firearm if they approach you on official business. The law doesn’t state you need to carry a permit, but it’s always recommended to carry it with you, along with a photo ID, when in the possession of a handgun. The Law AS 11.61.220 – Alaska
Additional Information
Alaska Concealed Carry Laws
Alaska Open Carry Laws
Alaska Gun Permit Laws
Alaska Hunting Laws
Alaska National Park Gun Laws