Alaska Gun Permit: Laws, Cost, Restrictions, & FAQs

Alaska is a constitutional carry state, which means it allows the possession of a firearm without a permit. However, it is essential to understand the state’s gun statutes, especially if you wish to apply for a pistol permit for concealed carry. In this article, we will explore Alaska’s gun laws, the requirements for obtaining a pistol permit, different types of gun permits, and much more.

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. The state does not issue non-resident permits, and since it is a permitless state, non-residents aged twenty-one or older can possess firearms within its jurisdiction.

How to Get a Gun Permit in Alaska?

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

Alaska Gun Permit Laws

While Alaska issues pistol permits for concealed possession, it does not require a permit for open carry in the state. However, open carry age requirements in Alaska conflict with federal law, which requires individuals to be eighteen years or older to possess firearms.

Nonetheless, Alaska prohibits open carry in specific locations, such as preteen schools and bars or ventures for on-site alcohol consumption.

Alaska also allows the possession of machine guns within the state, but they must be registered following federal laws and regulations.

Requirements for an Alaska Pistol Permit

Before applying for a pistol permit in Alaska, you must meet several requirements:

• You must be at least 21 years old.
• You must not have any state or federal prohibitions for possessing firearms.
• You must be an Alaska resident for at least ninety days before applying for a pistol permit.
• You must not have been convicted of any misdemeanor offense for at least six years before applying for an Alaska pistol permit.
• You must not be undergoing any drug abuse rehabilitation program ordered by a judge for at least three years before the application.
• You must not have any physical deformity that makes it difficult for you to handle firearms safely.
• You must have completed 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 types of permits related to firearms that Alaska issues include:

• 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.

Cost of Getting a License in Alaska

The cost of a new Alaska pistol permit is eighty-seven dollars. For renewals made within the required ninety-day period, the cost is twenty-five dollars. For renewals made within the 60-day grace after the permit has expired, the cost is $50.00.

Gun Permit Application And Renewals In Alaska

To apply for an Alaska gun permit, the process includes:

1. Complete Firearm Training: You must complete a state-approved firearm training course within one year of your pistol permit application.
2. Take Your Fingerprints: Visit an approved vendor in the state to have your fingerprints taken.
3. Get The Application Form: You can collect the form from the state trooper’s office or download it online.
4. Submit The Form: After completing the application form, take it to the state trooper’s office along with other required documents, such as a certificate from your firearm training course, a state identification card or driver’s license, a recent photograph picture, and fingerprint cards.

Alaska pistol permits expire after five years, and you can apply for renewal at least ninety days before the current one expires. There is a grace period of sixty days after the permit expires to renew, but it may attract an extra fee.

The renewal process includes:

1. Obtain The Renewal Form: Download and print out the form or complete it online and sign it.
2. Submit The Form: Submit the completed form to the state trooper’s office within thirty days.
3. 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, allowing both residents and non-residents aged twenty-one or older to carry firearms without a permit.

States That Honor Alaska’s Permits

All permits issued by any other state in America are valid in Alaska.

States That Alaska Honors Their Permits

Non-residents can possess firearms without pistol permits in Alaska as long as they are twenty-one years old.

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

In these states, similar to Alaska, a permitless policy allows the use of firearms without any license. The states include 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, and Wyoming.

Relevant Gun Laws And Legislation In Alaska

Several gun statutes in Alaska govern the possession and use of firearms:

• Possession Of Firearms: Convicts or individuals previously guilty of a felony cannot possess firearms or apply for an Alaska pistol permit for at least ten years after an unconditional discharge. It is also prohibited to use firearms in bars or places for sales or consumption of alcohol.
• Possession Of Firearms In Vehicles: Alaska allows open or concealed carry of firearms in private cars.
• Possession Of Firearms In Roadsides: Open or concealed carry is allowed in roadside areas of Alaska.
• Possession Of Firearms In State Parks And Forests: Firearms can be possessed in state parks, forests, and roadside areas in Alaska.
• Possession Of Firearms In Restaurants And Bars: Concealed carry of firearms is legal in restaurants without any posted restrictions, but it is prohibited in bar areas.
• Possession Of Firearms In Hotels And Similar Establishments: Lodging establishments can regulate the use of firearms on their premises.
• Possession In Workplaces: Employers in Alaska can prohibit firearm possession in specific parts of the workplace, including vehicles owned by the employer, parking lots, and restricted areas.

To obtain an Alaska pistol permit, you must pass a state-approved firearm training course that covers gun laws, self-defense principles, and firearm familiarity.

In conclusion, Alaska’s constitutional carry policy allows the possession of firearms without a permit, but residents can still apply for a concealed handgun permit. Understanding the state’s gun laws and requirements for obtaining a pistol permit is crucial for responsible firearm ownership and usage.

FAQs;

Q1. Do I need a permit to carry a firearm in Alaska?

No, Alaska is a constitutional carry state, meaning you can possess firearms without a permit. However, a pistol permit is required for concealed carry.

Q2. What are the age requirements for open carry in Alaska?

You must be at least sixteen years old to open carry in Alaska.

Q3. Can I possess machine guns in Alaska?

Yes, Alaska permits the possession of machine guns, but you must register them following federal laws and regulations.

Q4. What are the requirements for an Alaska pistol permit?

To obtain an Alaska pistol permit, you must be at least 21 years old, meet all state and federal firearm possession requirements, live in Alaska for at least 90 days, and complete a state-approved firearm training course, among other criteria.

Q5. What are the different types of gun permits issued in Alaska?

Alaska issues a Handgun Permit for concealed carry, but it does not issue permits for the purchase of long guns or open carry.

Q6. Can foreigners own guns in Alaska?

Non-resident foreigners cannot legally purchase or possess firearms in Alaska without proper visas and permits approved by the ATF.

Q7. What weapons are illegal in Alaska?

Machine guns, sawed-off shotguns, silencers, armor-piercing ammo, switchblade knives, and brass knuckles are generally illegal in Alaska.