The following FAQ information is sourced from the Alaska Department of Public Safety (DPS). Neither the Alaska DPS nor the Alaska Attorney General's...
Reviewed by Will Luker, Founder of CCW Hub. USCCA Training Counselor, USCCA Certified Instructor, NRA Certified Instructor, Law Enforcement.
The following FAQ information is sourced from the Alaska Department of Public Safety (DPS). Neither the Alaska DPS nor the Alaska Attorney General's Office provide legal advice to individual citizens. Individuals should seek the advice of a private lawyer admitted to practice law in Alaska.
Do I need a permit to carry a firearm concealed in Alaska?
No. In Alaska, anyone who is 21 years of age or older and legally allowed to possess a firearm is permitted to carry the firearm concealed without a permit (constitutional/permitless carry).
What must I do when carrying concealed and I encounter a law enforcement officer?
The law requires you to immediately inform the officer that you are in possession of a firearm. Failure to do so is a criminal offense.
Who Is Prohibited from Possessing Firearms and Ammunition in Alaska?
You are prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition in Alaska if any of the following apply:
Currently charged with an offense in any court for which the maximum potential jail sentence is more than one year
Convicted (guilty plea, no contest plea, nolo contendere, or verdict of guilty by judge or jury — in any court, juvenile or adult) of any offense for which the maximum potential jail sentence was more than one year, unless:
Adjudication was withheld; or
A suspended imposition of sentence (SIS) was granted and a court later issued an order "setting aside" the conviction; or
The conviction was later dismissed; or
A period of 10 years or more has elapsed since unconditional discharge from probation/parole and the conviction was not for an offense against a person under Alaska Statutes 11.41 or similar law; or
A pardon was granted by a State Governor or the President of the United States, and the pardon does not restrict firearm/ammunition rights
Subject to a domestic violence protective order (DVPO) or any other court order prohibiting firearm possession (specific conditions apply — see DVPO details below)
Currently charged with any offense (felony or misdemeanor) in any jurisdiction outside Alaska
Using marijuana (any use)
Using any controlled substance (depressants, stimulants, narcotics, etc.) not prescribed by a medical doctor
Found mentally incompetent or suffering from a mental defect or disease by a judge or jury
Committed to a mental health institution or facility by a judge or jury
Illegally or unlawfully present in the United States
Not a U.S. citizen and not admitted for permanent residence (unless possession is in direct connection with lawful hunting or a lawful organized athletic/sport shooting event)
Dishonorably discharged from the armed forces
Renounced U.S. citizenship
Under the influence of alcohol (prohibited from possessing firearms on your person)
Under the influence of any controlled substance (including marijuana) not prescribed by a medical doctor
Under the influence of any drug that impairs mental or physical functioning
Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO) — Specific Conditions
A DVPO triggers a firearms prohibition provided the order:
Was issued after a court hearing with notice and opportunity to participate
Protects a spouse, former spouse, child, parent of a joint child, or cohabitant
Includes a finding of a credible threat to physical safety
Prohibits the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force
The prohibition on use of physical force has not been dissolved by a later court order
Note: Prohibitions arising from DVPOs remain in effect indefinitely unless later expressly dissolved by separate court order.
Firearms in a Shared Residence
You are prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition in an Alaska residence where a prohibited person (convicted of an offense with a maximum sentence of more than one year) will be present, subject to the same exceptions listed above.
Domestic Violence Convictions
A domestic violence assault (intentional, knowing, or reckless) misdemeanor conviction or a domestic violence reckless endangerment conviction triggers a lifetime prohibition on possessing firearms and ammunition. This was clarified by the U.S. Supreme Court in Voisine v. United States, 136 S.Ct. 2272 (2016). The prohibition can only be lifted by a pardon.
Restoration of Firearm Rights
Felony Offenses
Felony offenses against persons (under AS 11.41 or similar): Lifetime prohibition, can only be lifted by a pardon
Other felony convictions: Prohibition is lifted as a matter of law after 10 years following unconditional discharge from probation and parole
Misdemeanor Offenses
Alaska misdemeanor offenses (other than DV assault or DV reckless endangerment) do not trigger firearm prohibitions
DV assault convictions: Lifetime prohibition, liftable only by pardon
Court order prohibitions (including DVPOs): Dependent on terms of the order; DVPO prohibitions remain indefinitely unless dissolved by separate court order
Suspended Imposition of Sentence (SIS)
A felony offense with an SIS still prohibits firearm possession unless and until a court later issues a separate order expressly "setting aside the conviction."
Juvenile Adjudications
Juvenile adjudications for felony offenses have the same effect as adult convictions regarding firearm possession in Alaska.
Type of Conviction
There is no difference in the prohibition regardless of whether the conviction resulted from a guilty plea, no contest plea, nolo contendere plea, or a finding of guilty by a judge or jury.
Pardons and Restoration of Rights from Other Jurisdictions
Alaska recognizes pardons issued by other states for offenses occurring in those states
A Governor of Alaska pardon restores firearm rights unless the pardon terms restrict them
A Presidential pardon for a federal offense restores firearm rights in Alaska
Alaska does NOT recognize a general restoration of firearm rights given by another state (only pardons)
Alaska recognizes ATF relief from disabilities issued pursuant to 18 USC § 925(c) as lifting federal prohibitions
Black Powder Guns and Archery
Black powder guns meeting the federal definition of "antique firearms" are not classified as firearms and may be lawfully possessed by prohibited persons. Black powder for use in antique firearms for sporting, recreational, or cultural purposes (not exceeding 50 pounds) is not classified as ammunition and may be possessed by prohibited persons.
Archery bows and arrows may be possessed by persons prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Firearms in Canada
For information about possessing firearms and ammunition in Canada, contact the Canadian Firearms Information Office at (800) 731-4000.
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