Legal Templates

Alaska Firearm Bill of Sale

Use our attorney drafted bill of sale template to document a firearm sale in Alaska and to protect your interests as a seller or buyer.

Updated March 10, 2023 | Legally reviewed by Susan Chai, Esq.

Understanding the requirements for buying and selling guns in Alaska (AK) can help protect you during private-party firearms sales transactions. Many Alaska residents use a bill of sale form to document a gun sale and protect their interests.

Table of Contents

What is a Firearm Bill of Sale?

An Alaska firearm bill of sale is a document that records the transfer of a firearm from a seller to a buyer in a private party sale.

Even though most U.S. states do not legally require a firearm bill of sale, if you’re a resident of Alaska and want to transfer a gun in a private party sale, you should consider a bill of sale form for various reasons outlined below.

What Are the Requirements for Selling a Firearm in Alaska?

Alaska has no specific requirements regarding permits, licensing, registration, or background checks for private firearms sales.

Rather, firearm sales in Alaska defer to federal law.

Private Parties Selling Firearms in Alaska

According to federal and state law, there is no requirement for private sellers to initiate background checks when selling guns in Alaska. 

However, there are certain situations where selling firearms in Alaska can result in criminal charges which include:

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives offers guidance on private parties transferring firearms.

Does the Law in Alaska Require a Firearm Bill of Sale?

Alaska does not require a firearm bill of sale between private parties.

While not a requirement, many Alaska residents still use a bill of sale to transfer firearm ownership as a record of the sale transaction.

Gun Inheritance Laws in Alaska

The National Firearms Act of 1934 (NFA) and its revisions regulate certain firearms. Unregistered NFA weapons are illegal. Firearms not listed under the NFA, such as hunting rifles and licensed NFA weapons, can be transferred to an heir. 

One way to secure difficult transfers is through an entity holding a Federal Firearms License (FFL), such as a firearm dealer. The FFL can assist the executor and heir with the required forms and hold the firearms during the background check.

Ten days after passing the background check, the heir can collect the firearms.

Another option is to create a gun trust.

Documents Needed to Complete a Firearm Bill of Sale in Alaska

In Alaska, it is recommended to complete an Alaska firearm bill of sale when conducting a private firearm sale.

This document should include details such as the following:

  • Seller and buyer’s name
  • Seller and buyer’s address and contact information
  • Seller and buyer’s driver’s license or state ID number
  • Firearm specifications and condition including serial number
  • Sale price and payment details

Additional Alaska Gun Laws

There are other Alaska firearm laws you may be curious about.

These include laws concerning purchase rights and waiting periods.

Who Cannot Purchase a Firearm in Alaska?

Federal law prohibits certain individuals from buying or owning a firearm in Alaska.

These people include:

  • Convicted felons
  • Misdemeanor domestic violence offenders
  • Anyone with a restraining order issued against them by an intimate partner or child of an intimate partner
  • Fugitives from justice
  • Unlawful user of or addicted to controlled substance
  • People committed to mental institutions or adjudicated as being mentally defective
  • Illegal aliens
  • People who have renounced their U.S. citizenship
  • Underage individuals

Does Alaska Have a Waiting Period for Firearm Sales?

Alaska does not have a waiting period between the time of the sale and the actual transfer of the firearm.

Can You Buy a Gun in Alaska Without Registering It?

Yes. Alaska does not require the registration of firearms. 

Alaska Statutes Section 29.35.145(a) forbids the regulation of firearms by any municipality within the state.

This means that municipalities within Alaska, such as cities, can’t impose further regulations on firearms.

Does a Firearm Bill of Sale Have to Be Notarized in Alaska?

If you choose to use a firearm bill of sale, it’s a good idea to have a notary witness your Alaska Firearm Bill of Sale, but it is not required.

Find an Alaska notary commission near you. 

Is a Record of Firearms Sent to Police in Alaska?

Alaska does not have mandatory statewide firearm registration, so there is no requirement to notify the police. 

Concealed Open Carry Laws in Alaska

If you live in Alaska and own a handgun, you may be curious about the state’s requirements for carrying firearms.

Many states have different laws depending on whether the owner wishes to carry the firearm openly or concealed. 

How to Apply to Carry a Firearm in Alaska

If you are age 21 or older and legally permitted to possess a firearm, you do not need a firearm permit to carry your weapon.

This is true whether you wish to carry your gun openly or concealed. You can still choose to submit a concealed handgun application form. 

People under age 21 are not allowed to carry concealed handguns in Alaska.

However, there are situations where the state may restrict you from carrying your concealed handgun, such as:

  • In another person’s home without their knowledge or permission
  • Anywhere alcohol is sold for consumption, except restaurants, if the carrier does not consume any alcohol
  • In or around any K through 12 schools or school buses without the school administrator’s consent and knowledge
  • In or around childcare facilities
  • In courthouses or justice-related agencies
  • In domestic violence and sexual assault shelters

Some locations may allow firearms if they are unloaded and secured in a locked container or the trunk of your car.

Other locations, such as universities and hospitals, may deny the right to carry concealed weapons on their property.

Alaska Firearm Reciprocity

Alaska reciprocity law recognizes the right of a gun carrier in another U.S. state to carry in Alaska.

Those with valid permits may carry their handgun legally in Alaska as long as they are 21 or older.

However, not every state recognizes Alaska concealed handgun permits.

The following states and districts do not give reciprocity to Alaska:

  • California
  • Connecticut
  • Hawaii
  • Illinois
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Oregon
  • Rhode Island
  • Washington
  • Washington, DC

Alaskans cannot carry concealed handguns in these states, even with a valid Alaska permit.

How to Write a Firearm Bill of Sale in Alaska

To write your own Alaska firearm bill of sale, follow these steps:

Step 1- Local Laws

Research Alaska gun laws.

Step 2 – Background Check

Conduct a background check (optional).

Step 3 – Buyer Meeting

Meet with your buyer.

Step 4 – License

Ask for their firearm license (optional).

Step 5 – Exchange

Arrange an in-person exchange

Step 6 – Seller and Buyer Details

Fill in the necessary details of the parties involved in the firearm sale

Step 7 – Other Information

Complete the other required sections of the Alaska firearm bill of sale.

Step 8 – File

Keep your firearm bill of sale filed safely.

Summary

Buying and selling firearms privately in Alaska can be straightforward if you understand what is legally required.

You can create your bill of sale or access one from Legal Templates to ensure all your bases are covered. 

Alaska Firearm Bill of Sale Sample

Below is an example of what an Alaska firearm bill of sale looks like.

alaska firearm bill of sale