Alaska Gun Laws

Alaska is renowned for having some of the most gun-friendly laws in the United States. The state takes a unique stance on an individual’s right to carry a firearm. According to Alaska law, anyone aged 21 or older can legally own and conceal carry a firearm without requiring a permit.

While obtaining a permit is optional, it grants you reciprocity in 38 other states. Additionally, non-residents can also legally carry in Alaska. This article delves into the specifics of Alaska’s gun laws, concealed carry reciprocity, and essential information for gun owners.

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 conflicts 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 any way. There’s also mention that residents cannot carry into establishments that 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

Alaska has reciprocity agreements with the following states:

1. Alabama
2. Arizona*
3. Arkansas
4. Colorado
5. Delaware
6. Florida
7. Georgia
8. Idaho
9. Indiana
10. Iowa*
11. Kansas*
12. Kentucky*
13. Louisiana
14. Maine*
15. Michigan
16. Minnesota
17. Mississippi
18. Missouri*
19. Montana
20. Nebraska
21. Nevada
22. New Hampshire
23. New Mexico
24. North Carolina
25. North Dakota
26. Ohio
27. Oklahoma*
28. Pennsylvania
29. South Carolina
30. South Dakota
31. Tennessee*
32. Texas*
33. Utah*
34. Vermont
35. Virginia
36. West Virginia*
37. Wisconsin
38. Wyoming*

(*Restricted Reciprocity with Alaska)

The following states do not honor Alaska’s CCW:

1. California
2. Connecticut
3. Hawaii
4. Illinois
5. Maryland
6. Massachusetts
7. New Jersey
8. New York
9. Oregon
10. Rhode Island
11. Washington

Alaska honors CCW permits from these states:

1. Alabama
2. Arizona
3. Arkansas
4. California
5. Colorado
6. Connecticut
7. Delaware
8. Florida
9. Georgia
10. Hawaii
11. Idaho
12. Illinois
13. Indiana
14. Iowa
15. Kansas
16. Kentucky
17. Louisiana
18. Maine
19. Maryland
20. Massachusetts
21. Michigan
22. Minnesota
23. Mississippi
24. Missouri
25. Montana
26. Nebraska
27. Nevada
28. New Hampshire
29. New Jersey
30. New Mexico
31. New York
32. North Carolina
33. North Dakota
34. Ohio
35. Oklahoma
36. Oregon
37. Pennsylvania
38. Rhode Island
39. South Carolina
40. South Dakota
41. Tennessee
42. Texas
43. Utah
44. Vermont
45. Virginia
46. Washington
47. Washington D.C
48. West Virginia
49. Wisconsin
50. Wyoming

How Reciprocity Works in Alaska

Alaska recognizes out-of-state permits as long as the holder is 21 years old. Additionally, anyone who can legally carry a firearm is allowed to do so concealed without needing a permit.

Reciprocity Agreements In Alaska

Alaska has signed reciprocity agreements with seven states. For more information on the reciprocity agreements, visit the Department of Public Safety website.

Alaska: Where Is CCW Allowed?

Places Allowed:

• State parks
• State and national forests
• Roadside 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.

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 indicates 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 is permitted to carry the weapon openly or concealed in their vehicle. It’s required to disclose to law enforcement if you’re carrying a firearm.

Carry-In State Parks:

Yes, you can legally carry in state parks, national forests, roadside rest areas, and state game management units.

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.

Constitutional Carry:

Yes, if a person is 21 years old 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.

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.

Additional Information

For more detailed information on Alaska’s gun laws, open carry laws, gun permit laws, hunting laws, and national park gun laws, you can refer to the specific topics below:

• Alaska Concealed Carry Laws
• Alaska Open Carry Laws
• Alaska Gun Permit Laws
• Alaska Hunting Laws
• Alaska National Park Gun Laws (Denali National Park, Lake Clark National Park, Kobuk Valley National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Katmai National Park, Gates of the Arctic National Park, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Glacier Bay National Park)

Conclusion

Alaska’s concealed carry reciprocity overview highlights the state’s commitment to protecting Second Amendment rights while providing responsible regulations for firearm ownership. With constitutional carry laws in place, individuals aged 21 and older can legally carry concealed firearms without needing a permit. However, obtaining a permit allows for reciprocity in 38 other states, ensuring citizens can exercise their right to bear arms while traveling.

FAQs;

Q1. Can anyone legally carry a concealed firearm in Alaska?

Yes, anyone aged 21 or older who can legally own a firearm is allowed to carry it concealed without requiring a permit.

Q2. Is Alaska considered a constitutional carry state?

Yes, Alaska is considered a constitutional carry state as it does not require a permit for open carry.

Q3. Can non-residents legally carry firearms in Alaska?

Yes, non-residents can legally carry firearms in Alaska.

Q4. How many states have reciprocity agreements with Alaska?

Alaska has reciprocity agreements with 38 states.

Q5. Who is prohibited from owning a gun in Idaho?

Idaho law prohibits certain persons from owning or possessing firearms including convicted felons, those convicted of violent misdemeanors, people found guilty except for insanity, respondents to protection orders, minors under 18 for handguns, those who have renounced U.S. citizenship, illegal aliens, dishonorably discharged military, and people currently confined to a mental institution.

Q6. Which state has the loosest gun laws?

The state generally regarded as having the least restrictive, most lenient gun laws in the United States is Arizona. Arizona allows constitutional carry without permits, has open carry without licenses, has state preemption of local gun laws, has no registration requirements, no magazine capacity limits, few restrictions on purchasing, and relatively few prohibited firearms compared to other states.

Q7. Are there places in Alaska where carrying firearms is not allowed?

Yes, there are specific places in Alaska where carrying firearms is prohibited, such as school grounds, certain public establishments, and places prohibited by federal law.