Alaska Gun Control Laws

By FindLaw Staff | Reviewed by Maddy Teka, Esq. | Last updated May 25, 2021

Gun control is a hotly debated topic in the United States, pitting impassioned defenses of the Second Amendment against public safety concerns. Most gun control laws originate at the state level, but there are some federal laws that regulate gun purchases and ownership. Some states require gun buyers to wait a certain period of time before taking ownership of a gun, during which a background check is conducted. Other states have as few restrictions as possible.

Alaska Gun Control Laws at a Glance

Alaska's gun laws are generally less restrictive than those of many other states. For example, the state of Alaska does not require a waiting period for gun buyers, but instant background checks are required for most purchases.

Additional details of Alaska's gun control laws are listed below. See Gun Laws for related information.

Relevant Statutes (Laws)	Alaska Statutes Title 11. Criminal Law Section 11.61 Section 11.61.220: Misconduct involving weapons in the fifth degree Section 11.61.200: Misconduct involving weapons in the third degree Section 11.61.195: Misconduct involving weapons in the second degree
Illegal Arms	You can't possess the following firearms in Alaska unless you have a federal permit. A device made or adapted to muffle the report of a firearm A fully automatic firearm A rifle with a barrel less than 16 inches A shotgun with a barrel less than 18 inches or firearm made from a rifle or shotgun which, as modified, has an overall length of less than 26 inches Possession, sale, transfer, or manufacture of the above firearms is illegal.
Waiting Period	None
Who May Not Own	In addition to the Federal law prohibitions, you can't own a gun in Alaska if you are: Under 21 years old Have a felony conviction unless: You received a pardon, The conviction has been set aside, or It has been 10 years since an unconditional discharge An adjudicated delinquent minor convicted for conduct constituting a felony if committed by an adult
License Required?	No
Concealed Carry License Required?	No
Open Carried Allowed?	Yes
Eligibility for a Concealed Carry License	You don't need a license to carry a concealed weapon in Alaska. But to carry a concealed handgun you must: Be at least 21 years old If approached by police, immediately notify them of the fact you are carrying a weapon and follow their directions to secure the weapon Not be convicted of a felony (with some exceptions)
Machine Gun Laws	It's illegal to own a machine gun in Alaska unless you can show it is legally registered in compliance with federal laws.
Penalties for Illegal Firearm Possession	Illegal firearm possession is considered a: Class C felony if a person: Possesses a weapon after a felony conviction Sells/transfers a weapon to a person whose mental condition is substantially impaired due to intoxication Sells a weapon to a person with a felony Sells/possesses/manufactures a prohibited weapon Class A misdemeanor if a person sells a firearm to another person under 18 years of age Class B misdemeanor if an intoxicated person knowingly possesses a loaded firearm in any place where intoxicating liquor is sold for consumption on the premises
Penalties for Illegal Possession on or Near School Grounds	11.61.195(a)(2)(A): It is a felony to possess a firearm on or near school grounds after a felony conviction. 11.61.220(a)(4)(A): It is a misdemeanor to possess a firearm on the grounds of a licensed child care facility 11.61.210: It is a Class A misdemeanor if someone knowingly possesses a deadly weapon on school grounds.

Note: State laws are always changing, usually when newly signed legislation is enacted or through the decisions of higher courts. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of these pages, you also may want to contact an Alaska criminal defense attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.

Related Resources

Alaska Law
Official State Codes — Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and DC
Alaska Criminal Laws
Domestic Violence: Firearms

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Alaska Gun Control Laws