Anyone holding a concealed carry permit in Alabama is no longer required to undergo additional background checks to buy a firearm.

Attorney General Luther Strange's office announced the change Friday.

Strange submitted a request for exemption to the mandatory National Instant Criminal Background Check, provided the Alabama concealed carry permit was issued on or after Aug. 1, 2013 and is not expired. To qualify for the exemption, the permit must have been issued within the past five years.

The U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms approved the request.

"I'm pleased that the ATF has approved my request to exempt Alabama conceal carry permit holders from having to undergo additional background checks each time they want to buy a firearm," Strange said in a news release. "Alabama concealed carry permit holders in good standing have already passed a background check and there is no need to force them to submit to additional checks if they intend to buy a firearm within five years of receiving their permit."

Alabama and 23 other states have been given similar exemptions for those who hold concealed carry permits.

Background checks already are required by law whenever someone applies for or renews a permit. During that process, sheriffs should contact local, state and federal criminal history data banks.