Arizona Concealed Carry
Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Arizona is a shall-issue, permitless carry state with concealed weapons permits issued at the state level by the Department of Public Safety.
There is no permit, background check, or firearms registration required when buying a handgun from a private individual. A purchaser must be at least 18 years old to buy a gun from a private individual. The minimum age to purchase a handgun from a federally licensed dealer is 21.
Open carry is legal in Arizona for any person who is at least 18 years old and who can legally possess a firearm. Some areas are off-limits, including schools and liquor stores that have posted “no weapons” signs.
Anyone at least 21 years old who can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed firearm without a permit. Arizona Concealed Weapons Permits (CWP) are issued to residents and non-residents at least 21 years old or 19 for active military and veterans and require a state-approved firearms training course, although there are training exemptions that may apply to law enforcement and members of the military. Since Arizona has permitless carry, any person 21 years of age and older who can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed firearm without a license or permit.
👆 Click to get your CCW permit online in just minutes!
A person is justified in threatening or using physical force when and to the extent a reasonable person would believe that physical force is immediately necessary to protect themselves or a third party against the other’s use or attempted use of unlawful physical force.
A person is justified in threatening or using physical force or deadly force against another if such person would be justified in threatening or using physical force against the other; and when and to the degree a reasonable person would believe that deadly physical force is immediately necessary to protect themselves or a third party against the other’s use or attempted use of unlawful deadly physical force.
A person in lawful possession or control of premises is justified in threatening to use physical force when and to the extent that a reasonable person would believe it immediately necessary to prevent or terminate criminal trespass in or upon the premises. A person may use deadly force only in the defense of themselves or a third person.
“Premises” means any real property and any structure — movable or immovable, permanent or temporary — adapted for both human residence and lodging whether occupied or not.
A person is justified in using physical force when and to the extent that a reasonable person would believe it necessary to prevent theft or criminal damage involving tangible movable property. A person may use deadly force only in the defense of themselves or a third person.
A person is justified in threatening or using both physical force and deadly physical force if and to the extent the person reasonably believes the force is immediately necessary to prevent a number of violent felonies, including murder and sexual assault.
👆 Click to get your CCW permit online in just minutes!
Arizona is a Castle Doctrine state and state laws effectively allow people to stand their ground. There is no duty to retreat before defending yourself if you are in a place where you may legally be and you are not engaged in an unlawful act.
No person in Arizona is subject to civil liability for engaging in justified self-defense conduct.
Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Arizona?
Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Arizona.
Does Arizona have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?
No.
Does Arizona have ammunition restrictions?
No.
Does Arizona allow permitless carry?
Yes.
Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Arizona?
Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit. A government-issued identification is required for purchase.
If Arizona requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued?
Shall issue.
What is the minimum age in Arizona to get a concealed carry permit?
21.
Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Arizona with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)?
Yes. A permit allows for the carry of firearms, both loaded and unloaded, as well as deadly weapons which includes anything that is designed for lethal use.
Is open carry permitted in Arizona?
Yes, without a permit. Any person who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to possess a firearm can open carry.
Does Arizona allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?
No, however, the information is available to criminal justice agencies.
Question: Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Arizona?
Answer: Yes.
Question: Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests, and Wildlife Management Areas in Arizona?
Answer: Yes, although firearms are not allowed in any building where a federal or state office is located.
Question: Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Arizona?
Answer: Arizona statutes don’t specifically address firearms at hotels. Each hotel develops its own policies, so you should contact the individual hotel to inquire about its concealed carry policy.
Question: Does Arizona have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot?
Answer: Firearms can legally be carried in a case, holster, scabbard, pack, or luggage that is carried within a means of transportation or within a storage compartment, map pocket, trunk, or glove compartment of a means of transportation.
A property owner, tenant, public or private employer, or business entity cannot enforce a policy that prohibits a person who can legally possess a firearm from lawfully transporting or storing any firearm that is both:
- In the person’s locked and privately owned motor vehicle or in a locked compartment on the person’s privately owned motorcycle; and
- Not visible from the outside of the motor vehicle or motorcycle.
This section does not apply if:
- The property owner provides a parking lot secured by a fence or other physical barrier;
- Limits access by a guard or other security measure;
- Provides temporary and secure firearm storage that is monitored and accessible upon entry and exit from the premises; or
- Provides alternative parking reasonably proximate to the primary parking area without charging an extra fee.
Question: Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Arizona?
Answer: Arizona’s statutes are contradictory. ARS § 4–229(A) indicates no permit is required to carry concealed in a bar/restaurant that serves alcohol. However, ARS §§ 4–244(29) and (30) indicate that concealed carry is legal with or without a permit, unless posted otherwise and provided you don’t consume any alcohol.
Question: Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Arizona?
Answer: Yes, for anyone that is 21 years old and legally entitled to carry a firearm, no permit is required. Firearms must be in plain view from outside the vehicle for anyone under 21 years old.
Is my Arizona driver’s license linked to my Arizona concealed weapons permit?
No. Your Arizona driver’s license is not linked to your Arizona concealed weapons permit. A law enforcement officer (LEO) will not be immediately notified that you are a concealed carry permit holder when they run your driver’s license. However, LEOs may have access to other databases where they can obtain this information.
Does Arizona have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e. does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)?
Yes. There is full state preemption of all gun laws. Section 13–3108 provides that if a court determines a political subdivision has knowingly violated the preemption law, the court may assess a civil penalty of up to $50,000. If a court determines that a state official enacting a law or rule knowingly violated the preemption law, that person’s term may be subject to termination.
Does Arizona have a red flag law?
No. Arizona does not have a red flag law.
Does Arizona allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?
No, the information is available only to criminal justice agencies.
Does Arizona have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while consuming alcohol?
No consumption allowed. As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgment, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.
Are “No Weapons Allowed” signs enforced in Arizona?
Yes. A person commits misconduct involving weapons by knowingly entering any public establishment or attending any public event carrying a deadly weapon after a reasonable request by the operator or sponsor to remove the weapon and place it in secure storage. Misconduct involving weapons is a class 1 misdemeanor. Additionally, Arizona law permits private business owners to prohibit weapons from being brought onto their property, whether signs are posted or not. Failure to obey the request can result in arrest for trespassing.
Do you have a duty to notify a police officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm in Arizona?
No. You have no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you are carrying a concealed weapon unless the officer asks.
Does Arizona state law define brandishing?
No definition of brandishing was found in Arizona law. However, a person commits the crime of disorderly conduct if they recklessly handle, display, or discharge a deadly weapon. Defensive displays of a firearm without justification could also be charged as aggravated assault. Defensive displays include actions such as putting your hand on a firearm while it is concealed in a pocket, sweeping the jacket to expose the firearm, or saying you have a firearm without drawing or waving it. Arizona statutes specifically allow defensive displays and protect a citizen against being prosecuted for it when it is justified.
Does Arizona issue concealed carry permits to non-residents?
Yes.
👆 Click to get your CCW permit online in just minutes!
Yes. Permitless carry is allowed in Arizona for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm.
No, a permit is not required to purchase a handgun in Arizona.
Yes, your current Arizona concealed carry permit exempts you from needing a background check when purchasing a firearm.
No, there is no waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Arizona.
No, handguns do not need to be registered in Arizona.
The minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Arizona is 18 years old. A person who sells or gives a firearm, ammunition, or a toy pistol by which dangerous and explosive substances may be discharged to a minor without written consent from the minor’s parent or legal guardian is guilty of a class 6 felony. However, temporary transfer of firearms and ammunition is allowed under certain conditions, such as participation in firearms or hunting safety courses, firearms competition, or training with parental consent. Adults can temporarily transfer firearms and ammunition to minors for hunting or target shooting activities with parental consent.
No, background checks are not required for private gun sales in Arizona. However, federal and state purchaser prohibitions, including age restrictions, still apply. It is recommended to retain sales receipts to prove ownership of the gun.
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
California (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Colorado (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Connecticut (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Delaware (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
District of Columbia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Hawaii (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Illinois (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maryland (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Massachusetts (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Michigan (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Minnesota (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Nebraska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Nevada (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Jersey (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Mexico (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New York (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New York City (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
North Carolina (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oregon (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Pennsylvania (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Rhode Island (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Washington (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wisconsin (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Delaware
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Louisiana
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nevada
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Carolina
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Colorado (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Michigan (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Mexico (at least 21 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Pennsylvania (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Virginia (at least 21 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wisconsin (at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
75 calendar days
For lost or stolen permits, print the Change Name/Address form, complete the appropriate section(s), and mail the form with the required fee to the permit unit at the address listed on the form. A replacement permit with a new permit number will be generated and mailed to you.
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 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.
- Meet federal law requirements.
*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Arizona.
- New Permit: $60
- Permit Renewal: $43
- Replacement Permit (lost, stolen, or name change): $10
5 years
Link to application.
Arizona doesn’t distinguish between resident and non-resident permits, so the process is the same for everyone. There is no requirement for out-of-state applicants to obtain training in 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 mail.
For changes of address, name changes, or errors, print the Change Name/Address form, complete the appropriate section(s), and mail the form with the required fee to the permit unit at the address listed on the form. A replacement permit will be generated and mailed to you.
- Moving to Arizona and interested in applying for a resident permit? You can apply for your permit at any time. You may carry concealed using 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.
- Moving from Arizona and have an Arizona resident permit? If a person with an Arizona concealed weapon permit establishes residency in another state, the permit is valid until it expires, provided that individual submits the above-referenced name/address change form.
Read Arizona Statute Title 13, chapters 4 and 31.
Complete a firearms safety training course or meet one of the exemptions outlined in the Training Requirements Section.
Submit the following:
- A completed 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 taken by a qualified fingerprint technician, submitted on FBI form FD-258
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or your INS number
- Copy of birth certificate or U.S. passport
- Your driver license or state ID
Return the application with two sets of fingerprints, proof of training, and the fee.
You will be notified if your application has been approved.
An applicant shall demonstrate competence with a firearm through any of the following methods:
- Completion of any firearms safety training course or class offered by a law enforcement agency, junior college, college, or a private or public institution, academy, organization, or firearms training school approved by the Department of Public Safety or that uses instructors certified by the National Rifle Association (NRA).
- Completion of any hunter education or hunter safety course approved by the Arizona Game and Fish Department or a similar agency of another state.
- Completion of an NRA firearms safety or training course.
- Completion of any law enforcement firearms safety or training course or class offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies, or other divisions or subdivisions of law enforcement or security enforcement and approved by the Department of Public Safety.
- Evidence of current military service or proof of honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions from the United States armed forces.
- Possession of a valid current or expired concealed weapon, firearm, or handgun permit or license issued by another state or a political subdivision of another state that has a training or testing requirement for initial issuance.
- Completion of any governmental police agency firearms training course and qualification to carry a firearm in the course of normal police duties.
- Completion of any other firearms safety or training course or class conducted by a Department of Public Safety approved or NRA certified firearms instructor.
Most types of knives are legal and can be carried concealed, except in a vehicle when committing a serious offense, violent crime, or felony. There is a duty to inform if asked by law enforcement. It is illegal for anyone under 21 to carry a concealed knife in a vehicle. Deadly weapons may not be possessed in a polling place on any election day or on school grounds.
Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Arizona? Yes. The possession of legal weapons, devices, ammunition, or magazines, which are not authorized to take wildlife, is not prohibited while hunting if the weapon or device is not used to take wildlife. Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, any person may take wildlife in self-defense or in defense of another person if it is immediately necessary to protect oneself or to protect the other person.
Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in Arizona? Yes. See references in the previous section.
Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in Arizona? Yes. It is illegal to intentionally interfere with, prevent, or disrupt the lawful taking of wildlife by another person.
I can legally carry a concealed firearm in Arizona, but can I wear a COVID-19 protective mask while carrying concealed? While Arizona has no known mask restriction laws relating specifically to the carrying of firearms, masks may be considered an aggravating circumstance if charged with another crime.
