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 US states do not legally require it, 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.
State Laws for Selling a Gun in Alaska
Minimum Age to Purchase
Minors in Alaska cannot buy guns from a dealer. Federal law requires you to be at least 18 to purchase a shotgun or rifle and 21 to purchase a handgun from a licensed dealer. These restrictions also apply to ammunition purchases. Additionally, unlicensed sellers cannot sell handguns or handgun ammunition to anyone under 18.
Permit for Purchase
Alaska does not require a special state permit to buy a gun, but individuals with a felony conviction or who have been adjudicated as delinquent minors may be prohibited from purchasing firearms.
Register a Gun
Alaska does not require the registration of firearms. AS 29.35.145(a) [1] actually forbids the regulation of firearms by any municipality within the state. This means that municipalities within the state can’t impose further regulations on firearms.
Open Carry Permit
Open carry is legal in Alaska, but individuals must inform law enforcement if carrying a firearm during any official contact. The same restrictions in “Places Off Limits” apply to open carry, and vehicle carry follows the guidelines in the “RV/Car Carry Without a Permit” section.
Alaska preempts local firearm laws, so no local ordinances can restrict open carry. If a property owner asks you to leave while carrying, you must comply or risk trespassing charges. While the state allows open carry under 18, federal law prohibits firearm possession for those under 18. [2]
Concealed Carry Permit
If you are age 21 or older and legally permitted to possess a firearm, AS 18.65.700 specifies you do not need a firearm permit to carry your weapon but may obtain one. [3]
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.
This is true whether you wish to carry your gun openly or concealed. You can still choose to submit a concealed handgun application form.
How to Apply
Take the following actions to apply for a concealed carry permit in Alaska:
- Step 1 – Take Handgun Course: Anyone who wants a concealed carry permit must undergo a Department of Public Safety handgun safety course and receive a certificate of completion.
- Step 2 – Obtain Passport Photo: You must submit a passport photo taken not more than 30 days before your application.
- Step 3 – Get Fingerprinted: Have your fingerprints taken at an Approved Fingerprinter Office. [4]
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Step 4 – Submit Documents to the State Trooper Office: Turn in the following, in person, to a State Trooper Office:
- Check for $88.25 written to the State of Alaska.
- Handgun Safety Course Certificate from the Department of Public Safety.
- Passport (or similar) photo.
- Fingerprints on a standard FBI fingerprint card.
- Application for a Concealed Handgun Permit (Form 12-299A).
After waiting approximately 30 days, the permit should be approved or rejected.
Gun Reciprocity
Alaska reciprocity laws under AS 18.65.748 recognize the right of a gun carrier in another US state to carry in Alaska. [5] Those with valid permits may carry their handgun legally 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 permit.
Restrictions on Firearm Ownership
Alaska has no specific requirements regarding permits, licensing, registration, or background checks for private firearms sales. [6] However, there are certain situations where selling firearms can result in criminal charges including the following: [7]
- Selling a restricted firearm
- Selling a defaced firearm
- Selling a firearm to an ineligible person
Firearm Inheritance Laws
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.
