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Arizona Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws

Everything you need to know about owning a firearm in the state of Arizona

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Arizona Reciprocity Map

Last Updated: 2021

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  • yes, with restrictions
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Arizona Concealed Carry Reciprocity Overview

7.5M

STATE POPULATION

397K

LICENSES ISSUED

5.3%

LICENSE PERCENTAGE

50

STATES HONORED

21

MINIMUM AGE TO CC

5

YEARS LICENSE VALID

37

RECIPROCATING STATES

YES

CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY

6

CC CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS

Clearly understanding the gun rights and state laws that apply to you is crucial in becoming a responsible citizen and firearm owner. Understanding your state’s laws and reciprocity – how your rights translate across state lines – is also vital. 

Arizona is home to 7.5 million people, 5.3% of whom are licensed to concealed carry (CC). Around 397,000 CC permits have been issued in the state as of August 2021. It has reciprocity agreements with 37 states, honors licenses and permits from all 50, and the minimum age to CC in Arizona is 21. Once you obtain it, your license is valid for five years. 

Those interested in obtaining a concealed carry permit will need an education partner they can trust. Concealed Coalition has trained over a million U.S. citizens on how to carry their weapons safely and effectively. Contact us to find online or local training to get your CC license.

Arizona Concealed Carry Classes and Licensing
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Summary of Arizona Gun Laws

Your Arizona Gun Rights

Arizona is both a constitutional carry and a shall-issue state. This means anyone of legal age who meets state standards may own a firearm without a permit. Arizona’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues concealed weapon permits (CWP) to residents or nonresidents who want one if they’ve completed a state-approved firearms course. There is no registration, license, or permit necessary to purchase a firearm from a private individual, but you must be 18 to do so. Federally licensed dealers only sell to those 21 and older.

Gun rights can differ depending on your location, making clarity on your home state’s rules essential. Here are the current firearm laws for Arizona:

Open Carry in Arizona

No permit is necessary to open carry in Arizona if 18 or older. Locational restrictions apply.

Concealed Carry in Arizona

No CC permit is necessary for those 21 and above who are legally allowed to own a firearm. Arizona law allows the open and concealed carry of various guns that meet the legal definition: handgun, pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, or another weapon that will expel, is designed to expel, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive.

Self Defense Laws in Arizona

Arizona law draws clear lines regarding permissible use of force in various forms of defense. Learn these to effectively protect yourself and others:

Use of Force

Arizona permits residents to use force in any location where they’re legally allowed to be if they are not the aggressor. Permissible use is when the user believes it’s necessary to prevent physical harm to themselves or others, to defend premises against trespass, or to prevent theft or criminal property damage. Some situational restrictions apply.

Use of Deadly Force

This is permitted when under the reasonable belief that it will prevent the attempt or actual use of this force against yourself or others or prevent a violent felony. Deadly force may not be used in defense of premises. 

Protecting Yourself After Use of Force

Justified self-defense in Arizona won’t lead to any legal consequences, but firearms owners must know the law before acting.

Firearms training is a reliable way to gain gun skills that help you assess threats. Concealed Coalition has trained people nationwide to become responsible, certified gun owners. Classes are available locally and online.

Arizona Gun Laws by Statute

Concealed Coalition is dedicated to dispelling the myths surrounding gun ownership and promoting a culture of understanding, responsibility, and confidence. Our certified instructors are qualified across multiple states, and our online or local training classes provide convenient learning environments run by instructors who care.

Contact us today at (480) 535-8107 or email to discuss your concealed carry permit educational needs..

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Arizona Concealed Carry Gun Laws

CONCEALED CARRY BASICS IN ARIZONA

QUESTION

ANSWER

Does Arizona recognize constitutional carry?

Yes, but not in any prohibited location.

Is open carry permitted in Arizona?

According to state laws, anyone who is 18 years old and above is allowed to open carry in the state of Arizona.

It is illegal to give or sell to anyone below the age of 18 any firearm, ammunition, or toy gun, which may discharge explosives and other dangerous gun-related materials.

If Arizona requires a license to carry a concealed firearm, how are those licenses issued?

Federal law specifically states the certification must be issued by the state of residence in order for it to be valid. LEOSA certificates of proficiency issued by AZ DPS are only valid if issued to an Arizona resident who is also a qualified retired officer.

What is the minimum age in Arizona to get a concealed carry license?

21 years old.

Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Arizona with a concealed carry license (or under permit-less carry if applicable)?

Arizona has passed “Permitless Carry.” That means anyone who can legally own/possess a firearm and is 21 or older can carry it concealed without any type of permit/license.

Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Arizona?

These are legal to purchase without a permit but have certain usage rules and require presentation of a government-issued ID.

Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Arizona?

Yes.

Does Arizona have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?

No.

Does Arizona have ammunition restrictions?

No.

CONCEALED CARRY LOCATIONS IN ARIZONA

QUESTION

ANSWER

Where can't I carry a concealed firearm in Arizona?

Arizona law prohibits CC in the following places:

  • Any location prohibited by federal law
  • Polling places on election day
  • Correctional facilities
  • Public school, college, or university grounds where prohibited by the board
  • Secure areas of airports
  • Hydroelectric or nuclear stations
  • Indian reservations where prohibited by tribal law
  • Public events where forbidden by the operator
  • Game reserves
  • Liquor retailers

CC licensees should never consider any list of restricted locations to be exhaustive. Call any place you intend to carry in and ask about their firearms policy.

Where can I carry a concealed firearm in Arizona?

CC licensees may carry in any location that doesn’t meet the criteria above, provided they adhere to local and site-specific regulations. Check with local law enforcement to be sure of your CC limitations before visiting a new location or even a familiar one.

Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Arizona?

Yes, as long as you’re 21 and legally entitled to own a firearm (no permit necessary). 

Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Arizona?

Yes.

Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forest and Wildlife Management Areas in Arizona?

Yes, but you may not CC in buildings containing state offices.

Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Arizona?

Accepted legal definitions conflict on this issue. This makes it essential that CC licensees contact the establishment in advance before visiting.

Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Arizona?

This can vary from site to site, and CC licensees can’t always rely on the hotel’s management having adhered to the state’s required signage laws. Check with the hotel to clarify their position in advance before entering the premises.

Does Arizona have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot?

Yes, but with specific rules:

  • Firearms must be in a holster, pack, case, scabbard, or luggage or stored locked in a vehicular compartment such as a glove compartment or trunk
  • The vehicle must remain locked when not occupied by the owner
  • The firearm must not be visible from outside the vehicle

Some workplaces have fenced-off or guarded parking lots, in which case this is considered sufficient precaution to safely have a firearm in an employee vehicle. Section 12-781 contains the complete Arizona regulations on firearms transport.

IMPORTANT GUNS LAWS IN ARIZONA

QUESTION

ANSWER

Do you have a duty to notify a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Arizona?

Yes, but only if a peace officer asks. It’s generally seen as good practice to inform the officer that you’re a CC licensee regardless of a request. This shows clear cooperation with the law.

Are "No Weapons Allowed? signs enforced in Arizona? If, yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If, no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense.

Yes. It’s a Class 1 misdemeanor to disobey a request to disarm or depart from any public event when requested to do so by its operator, sponsor, or sponsor’s agent (item 10).

Does Arizona have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e., Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)?

Yes, Arizona has full state preemption on firearms.

Does Arizona have a red flag law?

No.

Does Arizona state law define brandishing?

Not definitively, but it’s classed as disorderly conduct to display, recklessly handle, or recklessly discharge a deadly weapon. The law allows a justified display or notification that you’re CC’ing if you feel you’re legitimately under threat but not as an act of intimidation.

Does Arizona have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or chemical substances?

No.

Does Arizona issue concealed carry licenses to non-residents?

They may do so but only if they are (or are the spouses of) active military personnel stationed in Arizona, or a veteran. They must be at least 18 years old.

Does Arizona allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?

No.

HANDGUN PURCHASE & POSSESSION IN ARIZONA

QUESTION

ANSWER

Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Arizona?

No.

Are background checks required for private gun sales in Arizona?

Arizona has no law requiring firearms dealers to initiate background checks prior to transferring a firearm.

Does my current Arizona concealed carry license exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase firearm? 

There is no permit, background check or firearms registration required when buying a handgun from a private individual.

Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Arizona?

No.

Do handguns need to be registered in Arizona?

No.

What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Arizona?

18 years old.

Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home in Arizona without a license? 

Yes.

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Acquiring a Concealed Carry License in Arizona

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ARIZONA CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE INFORMATION

Concealed Carry Requirements to Register for a License in Arizona

An applicant must:

  • Be at least 21 years old or 19 for active military and veterans
  • Be a resident of Arizona or a U.S. citizen
  • Not be unlawfully present in the United States
  • Have completed an approved firearms training class or meet an exemption
  • Have no pending charges
  • Not be under indictment or not have been convicted of a felony (with some exceptions)
  • Not suffer from mental illness and not have been adjudicated mentally incompetent or committed to a mental institution

Fees:

New Permit  $60
Permit Renewal  $43
Replacement Permit (lost, stolen or name change)  $10

Valid For:

5 years.

Processing Time:

75 days.

Applications:

Download the concealed carry application.

Non-Resident Concealed Carry License:

Arizona doesn’t distinguish between resident and non-resident for permits, so the process is the same for everyone. It should be noted that there is no requirement for out-of-state applicants to obtain training in the state of Arizona or apply in person. If the applicant can demonstrate competence with a handgun through one of the approved methods identified in the training requirements section in their home state, they may request an application through email and submit it via the mail.

Name & Address Changes:

For changes of address, name changes or errors, print the Change Name/Address form, complete the appropriate section(s) and mail the form and required fee to the permit unit at the address listed on the form. A replacement permit will be generated and mailed to you.

Lost or Stolen Licenses:

You will need to contact your county sheriff and pay at $10 fee to obtain a new permit.

Residency Changes:

Arizona doesn’t distinguish between resident and non-resident permits, so you can apply for your permit at any time. You may carry concealed utilizing another state’s permit as long as that permit is valid and in good standing. Although your permit isn’t transferable, you may be able to use it as proof of firearms competence when applying for an Arizona permit.

Contact the permit unit for additional information.

ARIZONA CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE APPLICATION PROCESS

OVERVIEW

Read Arizona Statute Title 13, chapters 4 and 31.

Step One:

Complete a firearms safety training course, or meet one of the exemptions outlined in the Training Requirements Section.

Step Two:

Submit the following:

  • A complete the Concealed Carry Weapons Permit application (or contact the Concealed Weapons Permit Unit via email to request an application packet)
  • A firearms-safety certificate of completion or document demonstrating firearm
    competence
  • Two fingerprint cards and the
  • Fee

Step Three:

Return the application with two sets of fingerprints, proof of training and the fee.

Step Four:

You will be notified by mail if your application has been approved.

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ARIZONA CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE RENEWAL PROCESS

Step One:

License holders will be notified around 90 days before the expiration of their current license. Permit renewal forms and return envelopes are usually included, but if absent, applicants can download the form from the DPS site. 

Step Two:

Complete the form and submit to:

AZ DPS-CWPU
Attn: Renewal
P.O. Box 6488
Phoenix, AZ 85005-6488

The applicant can also drop it off at the DPS Public Service Center on 2222 West Encanto Blvd., Phoenix.

The renewal fee is $43, and licenses may be renewed up to 60 days after expiration.

Step Three:

You will be notified by mail when your application is approved.

Concealed Carry for Law Enforcement Officers and Retired LEOs

Federal law H.R. 218 allows both active and retired law enforcement officers (LEOs and RLEOs) to CC anywhere in the U.S., but there are parameters. They must still adhere to private property rules and are forbidden to CC on a plane, for example. State- or government-owned properties may also exercise prohibitions. 

Here’s how it applies to Arizona:

  • The Arizona DPS implements the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) by issuing firearms proficiency certificates that meet the required standards for state peace officers and training board firearms qualifications.
  • Law enforcement officials or prosecutorial agencies distribute LEOSA photo ID to qualified RLEOs (those judged to have honorably retired following a review by the Chief LEO).
  • The Arizona DPS has a list of certified LEOSA instructors who can provide the level of training necessary for LEOs and RLEOs.

LEOSA rules and regulations are like any gun laws: They can change at any time. Be sure to contact your local or previously served law enforcement agency and the Arizona DPS for the latest information.

Firearms Training & Competency

Proper firearms training is essential for any individual with the right to carry a gun, especially those who don’t receive training as part of their employment. Arizonans pursuing a CC permit must complete a state-approved firearms course. Consider the following options:

NRA Training

The NRA offers many types of training at a wide range of locations. Use the local training locator to find classes near you and specific lessons, and contact them to ask about the best courses for CC qualification.

Hunter Safety Courses

The Arizona Game and Fish Department offers hunter education courses in several formats that cover firearm safety, terminology, function, handling, and shot selection.

Firearms Safety Courses From Other Providers

Public and private institutions, colleges, or law enforcement agencies often provide firearms training. It’s recommended to contact the DPS as a first step to ensure your selected training venue provides state-approved lessons sufficient for CC.

A Firearms Training Course With a State-Certified Instructor

Concealed Coalition offers firearms training to help you gain a CC license. Our highly specialized instructors provide actionable lessons based on their extensive practical experience to ensure you gain tested and reliable skills.

DD Form 214 or Military Orders for Active or Former Military Members

The military document DD 214 is issued when a service member performs active duty or has completed at least 90 consecutive days of active-duty training. This counts as adequate documentation toward your CC license.

Documents From Another State

Arizona CC applicants may also submit a valid current or expired concealed weapon, firearm or handgun permit or license issued by another state or a political subdivision of another state and that has a training or testing requirement for initial issuance.

The certified instructors at Concealed Coalition will teach you the applicable laws for your state and how to carry and fire a firearm safely. Training is available across the U.S. and online, so contact us with any questions or to sign up.

Get Certified for a Arizona Concealed Carry Permit Today

Our network of firearms professionals are holding training classes and in-person certification courses throughout Arizona. Use our certification locator to enroll in an upcoming firearms training course near you today, or visit our Arizona concealed carry permitting resource for online certification.

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