Alaska carry status overview
Alaska is a permitless carry state. Alaska has allowed permitless carry since 2003, one of the first states to do so allows any person 21 years of age or older who is legally eligible to possess a firearm to carry concealed without a permit. Open carry is broadly permitted. A permit remains available for residents who travel to other states that require reciprocity.
| Permitless carry | Yes — since 2003 |
| Governing law | AS 11.61.220Misconduct involving weapons in the fifth degree — contains the carry rules AND the duty to inform. § 11.61.200 is the third-degree offence |
| Minimum age | 21 years old |
| Open carry | Yes — broadly permitted |
| Vehicle carry | Allowed without permit |
| Permit available | Yes — Alaska Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) |
Alaska has an immediate duty to inform, and it is a criminal offence to skip it
This page did not mention it at all until September 2026. Under AS 11.61.220(a)(1)(A), a person 21 or older carrying a concealed deadly weapon commits misconduct involving weapons in the fifth degree if, when contacted by a peace officer, they fail to immediately inform the officer of that possession — or fail to let the officer secure the weapon when directed. Refusing to hand it over is the same offence as staying silent.
“Contacted” is much broader than a traffic stop. The statute defines it as being stopped, detained, questioned or addressed in person by a peace officer for an official purpose. An officer walking up to ask you a question counts. There is no grace period and no “only if asked” clause — Alaska sits at the opposite end of this rule from Ohio.
Permit for reciprocity
The Alaska Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) is available to Alaska residents who wish to carry legally in other states. Even though no permit is needed in Alaska, obtaining one greatly expands where you can legally carry when traveling. Apply at: https://www.dps.alaska.gov/Statewide/permittocarry ↗
Key prohibited locations
- K–12 school buildings and grounds
- Courthouses and court facilities
- Law enforcement and correctional facilities
- Secure areas of airports
- Any location prohibited by federal law
- Private property with posted prohibition
Always verify the complete prohibited locations list in Alaska's official statutes at the official statute source.
Frequently asked questions — Alaska
Does Alaska require a permit to carry concealed?
No. Since 2003, any person 21+ who is legally eligible to possess a firearm may carry concealed in Alaska without a permit. The Alaska Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) remains available for out-of-state reciprocity.
Is a permit worth getting in Alaska?
Yes, especially for travelers. A Alaska permit provides reciprocity in 30+ other states. Permits can be obtained through the state's issuing agency. Without a permit, your carry rights are limited to Alaska and other permitless carry states.
Does Alaska honor out-of-state carry permits?
Yes. Alaska recognizes valid carry licenses from other states. Additionally, as a permitless carry state, any eligible person 21+ may carry without any permit in Alaska.