Gun Laws in Alaska
Explore comprehensive information on Alaska's gun laws. Learn about permits, registration, assault weapon laws, concealed carry, open carry, NFA weapons, and more. Stay informed and compliant with Alaska's firearm regulations.
| Subject/Law | Long Guns | Hand Guns | Relevant Statutes | Notes |
|---|
| State permit required to purchase? | No | No | | |
| Firearm registration? | No | No | | |
| Assault weapon law? | No | No | | |
| Magazine capacity restriction? | No | No | | |
| Owner license required? | No | No | | |
| Permit required for concealed carry? | N/A | No | AS 11.61.220
AS 18.65.700 | Alaska is a "shall issue" state for citizens and lawful permanent residents who are 21 years or older.
Permitless carry took effect on September 9, 2003. |
| Permit required for open carry? | No | No | | May carry openly without permit. |
| State preemption of local restrictions? | Yes | Yes | AS 29.35.145 | |
| NFA weapons restricted? | No | No | | |
| Castle Doctrine / Stand your ground law? | Yes | Yes | AS 11.81.330 | "A person who is justified in using nondeadly force in self-defense may use deadly force in self-defense upon another person when and to the extent, the person reasonably believes the use of deadly force is necessary for self-defense against death; serious physical injury; kidnapping except for what is described as custodial interference in the first degree in AS 11.41.320; sexual assault in the first degree; sexual assault in the second degree; sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree; or robbery in any degree." |
| Shall certify? | Yes | Yes | AS 18.65.810 | Shall certify within 30 days. |
| Peaceable Journey laws? | No | No | | |
| Background checks required for private sales? | No | No | | |
| Duty to inform? | Yes | Yes | AS 11.61.220(a)(1)(A)(i) | |
Understanding Gun Laws by State: Alaska
When it comes to gun laws, every state has its own set of rules and regulations. In this article, we will delve into the specifics of Alaska's gun laws. Whether you're a resident of Alaska or planning to visit, it's crucial to understand these laws to ensure you're in compliance.
Permits and Registration
In Alaska, there is no state permit required to purchase either long guns or handguns. This means that Alaskans can freely purchase firearms without having to first obtain a permit from the state. Similarly, there is no requirement for firearm registration in Alaska. Once you've legally purchased your firearm, you're not required to register it with the state.
Assault Weapon Laws and Magazine Capacity
Alaska does not have specific assault weapon laws. This means that there are no state-level restrictions on owning, purchasing, or selling assault weapons. Additionally, there are no restrictions on magazine capacity for firearms in Alaska. You can own a firearm with any size magazine without violating state law.
Owner License and Concealed Carry
There is no owner license required in Alaska. This means that you don't need a specific license to own a firearm. When it comes to carrying a concealed firearm, Alaska is a "shall issue" state for citizens and lawful permanent residents who are 21 years or older. However, a permit is not required for concealed carry in Alaska. This permitless carry law took effect on September 9, 2003.
Open Carry and Local Restrictions
Alaska does not require a permit for open carry. This means that you can carry a firearm openly without needing a permit. Furthermore, Alaska has state preemption of local restrictions, meaning that local governments cannot impose stricter gun laws than those at the state level.
NFA Weapons and Castle Doctrine
There are no restrictions on NFA (National Firearms Act) weapons in Alaska. This means that weapons such as machine guns, short-barreled rifles, and silencers are not restricted at the state level. Alaska also has a "Castle Doctrine" or "Stand Your Ground" law. This law states that a person is justified in using deadly force in self-defense under certain circumstances.
Shall Certify and Duty to Inform
Alaska is a "shall certify" state, meaning that the state must certify within 30 days that the transfer of a firearm complies with the NFA. Also, in Alaska, there is a duty to inform law enforcement officers that you're carrying a firearm when you're stopped for an official interaction.
Private Sales and Peaceable Journey Laws
Private firearm sales in Alaska do not require background checks. This means that you can sell a firearm to another private individual without having to conduct a background check. However, Alaska does not have "peaceable journey" laws, which would protect travelers passing through the state with a firearm.
In conclusion, Alaska's gun laws are some of the least restrictive in the United States. However, it's always important to stay informed about the laws in your state and to handle firearms responsibly. If you have any questions about these laws, consider consulting with a legal professional.
