How to Get a Concealed Carry Permit in Alaska (2026 Guide)

Alaska allows constitutional carry, meaning most adults who can legally possess a handgun may carry it concealed without obtaining a permit. However, Alaska continues to issue Concealed Handgun Permits (CHPs), and many residents still apply because they provide reciprocity with other states and make interstate travel easier.

Most applicants must be at least 21 years old, meet state and federal firearm eligibility requirements, complete an approved handgun safety course, submit an application through the Alaska State Troopers, and pass a background check. Alaska permits are generally valid for five years and remain a valuable option for anyone who plans to carry a firearm outside the state.

Does Alaska Require a Concealed Carry Permit?

No. Alaska does not require a permit to carry a concealed handgun. Since adopting constitutional carry in 2003, most adults who may legally possess a firearm can carry concealed without first obtaining a permit.

Even though a permit isn't required inside Alaska, many gun owners still choose to get one because it allows them to carry in states that recognize Alaska's Concealed Handgun Permit through reciprocity. If you travel frequently, obtaining a permit is still a smart investment.

Concealed Carry Permit Requirements at a Glance

How to Get an Alaska Concealed Handgun Permit

Getting an Alaska Concealed Handgun Permit generally involves these five steps:

1. Verify you meet Alaska's eligibility requirements.
2. Complete an approved handgun competency course.
3. Submit your application to the Alaska State Troopers.
4. Complete fingerprinting and the required background investigation.
5. Receive your permit after approval.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for an Alaska Concealed Handgun Permit, applicants generally must:

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Be an Alaska resident.
• Be legally eligible to possess firearms under state and federal law.
• Successfully complete an approved handgun training course.
• Pass the required criminal background investigation.

Common Reasons Applications Are Denied

Applications may be denied if you:

• Have a felony conviction.
• Have certain domestic violence convictions.
• Are prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law.
• Have disqualifying mental health commitments.
• Submit false or incomplete information.
• Fail the background investigation.

Training Requirements

Unlike carrying under Alaska's constitutional carry law, obtaining a Concealed Handgun Permit requires approved firearms training.

Approved courses generally include instruction on:

• Firearm safety.
• Safe handling and storage.
• Alaska firearm laws.
• Defensive handgun fundamentals.
• Live-fire shooting proficiency.

Training Checklist

• Complete an Alaska-approved handgun course.
• Keep your training certificate.
• Practice regularly with your carry firearm.
• Learn Alaska self-defense laws.
• Review reciprocity laws before traveling.

Certain military and law enforcement training may satisfy Alaska's competency requirements if approved by the state.

Application Process

Applications are submitted through the Alaska State Troopers.

Applicants generally should provide:

• Completed application.
• Government-issued photo identification.
• Proof of Alaska residency.
• Handgun training certificate.
• Fingerprints.
• Application fee.

The Alaska Department of Public Safety conducts state and federal background checks before issuing the permit.

Permit Costs and Processing Times

Applicants should expect:

• Initial application fee of approximately $99, including fingerprint processing.
• Renewal fees every five years.
• Firearms training costs.
• Replacement fees if a permit is lost or damaged.

Applications are generally processed within approximately 30 days after all required materials have been received.

Common delays include:

• Missing documents.
• Incomplete applications.
• Fingerprint processing.
• Background check issues.

Permit Renewal

Alaska Concealed Handgun Permits are generally valid for five years.

To renew your permit:

• Submit a renewal application before expiration.
• Pay the required renewal fee.
• Update any required personal information.

Renewing on time helps preserve reciprocity benefits when traveling outside Alaska.

Non-Resident Permits

Alaska generally does not issue concealed handgun permits to non-residents.

Visitors who can legally possess firearms may generally carry concealed in Alaska under the state's constitutional carry law, but non-residents seeking reciprocity in other states should review the laws of those jurisdictions before traveling.

Why Get a Permit if Alaska Allows Constitutional Carry?

Although you don't need a permit to carry concealed in Alaska, obtaining one still offers important advantages:

• Reciprocity with many other states.
• Easier interstate travel.
• Official proof of concealed carry eligibility.
• Demonstration of completed firearms training.
• Greater flexibility when carrying outside Alaska.

For many Alaska gun owners, these travel benefits make obtaining a permit worthwhile.

Common Mistakes First-Time Applicants Make

• Assuming constitutional carry applies nationwide.
• Waiting until just before traveling to apply.
• Taking a training course that doesn't meet state requirements.
• Forgetting required documentation.
• Submitting incomplete paperwork.
• Missing fingerprint appointments.
• Letting the permit expire before renewing.
• Not checking reciprocity laws before crossing state lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to carry concealed in Alaska?

No. Alaska allows constitutional carry for adults who may legally possess a firearm.

How much does an Alaska concealed handgun permit cost?

The initial application generally costs about $99, including fingerprint processing, although fees may change.

How long does it take to receive an Alaska concealed handgun permit?

Most completed applications are processed within approximately 30 days after all required documentation has been received.

Does Alaska issue concealed carry permits to non-residents?

No. Alaska generally issues Concealed Handgun Permits only to Alaska residents.

Why should I get a permit if Alaska allows constitutional carry?

A permit provides reciprocity benefits, allowing you to legally carry concealed in many states that recognize Alaska permits.