State ofAlaska
Current News
May 19, 2019 - Alaska seeks to boost gun background check system reporting
Under a proposed rewrite of state crime laws, Alaska legislators would require the courts to review for a federal database system records dating to 1981 for individuals who have been involuntarily committed and would be restricted from owning firearms.
While debates over guns elicit fears of erosions of the Second Amendment right to bear arms, this provision has generated few waves. Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavys administration is pushing it as a way to prevent future violence or suicides.
From October 2014 through the end of last December, Alaska listed 432 individuals as prohibited from possessing a gun because of involuntary commitments or court orders of mental illness or incompetence, according to FBI data. By comparison, the state reported 4,458 records for individuals barred from having guns because of felony or certain serious misdemeanor convictions during the same time period.
State Requirements
CCW Handgun License
Must be at least 21 years old.
Resident of Alaska and have lived in the state for more than 90 days.
Eligible under federal and state regulations to possess a firearm.
Not been convicted of two or more Class A misdemeanors of Alaska or similar laws in any other jurisdiction within the six years immediately preceding the application.
Not be currently under order nor in the three years immediately preceding the application have been under order to complete an alcohol or substance abuse treatment program.
Successfully complete an approved handgun competency course within the 12 months prior to the application.
Does not suffer a physical infirmity that prevents the safe handling of a handgun.
Vehicle Carry
YES WITHOUT A PERMIT
Anyone who is at least 21 years of age and is allowed to legally possess a firearm can carry the weapon concealed or openly in a vehicle. You must inform law enforcement you are carrying the firearm if stopped by them. An officer can secure your firearm until after the stop.
Minimum Age to Transport a Handgun
To possess and transport a handgun without a permit a person must be a minimum of 16 years old. The handgun must be unloaded and secured in a vehicle. This conflicts with Federal law which states the minimum age to possess a firearm is 18.
Open Carry
YES WITHOUT A PERMIT
There are no Alaska open carry laws, the law simply does not mention open carry which means it is legal for any person to open carry a firearm if they are legally allowed to possess the firearm. The minimum age to open carry is 16. This conflicts with federal law which prevents anyone under 18 from possessing a firearm. If the owner of a property asks you to leave you are required by law to leave. You must also inform law enforcement you are carrying a handgun if stopped by them while in a vehicle.
Must Notify Officer
YES MUST INFORM OFFICER
According to Alaska gun laws you must inform a law enforcement officer you have a firearm when approached on official business. There is nothing in the law to say you must carry a permit but we always recommend that you carry the permit, together with photo ID, at all times during which you are in actual possession of a concealed handgun.
Check your State
Legislation varies from State to State, so it is best to always check the State Laws pertaining to handguns before traveling to or through that particular State.
Click the link below to familiarize yourself with the basic legislation for each State in regards to Vehicle Carry, Open Carry, and Requirement to Inform Officers.
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