Ten locations where Arizona gun laws prohibit the concealed carry (as well as open carry) of firearms include:
- The secured areas of airports (beyond the TSA checkpoint).
- Correctional facilities, including jails, prisons, detention centers, etc.
- Polling places on election day.
- Nuclear or hydroelectric generating stations.
- School grounds. (In vehicles on school grounds, any firearm must be unloaded. And if the vehicle is empty, the firearms must be locked away out of sight.)
- Public colleges and universities where the governing board prohibited firearms.
- Any public event or place where the operator reasonably requests that no guns be allowed.
- At a liquor retailer with a “no guns allowed” sign.
- Game preserves.
- Anyplace federal law prohibits firearms.1
Are CCW permits necessary in Arizona?
No. Unlike many states, people who are permitted to possess guns can carry them concealed without getting a concealed carry permit. However, Arizona offers CCW permits to both state residents as well as non-residents.
The primary benefit of having a CCW permit is that it streamlines the process of purchasing firearms from a commercial dealer in Arizona because the dealer is no longer required to run a background check.2
Additionally, a CCW permit may be necessary to carry concealed in other states that 1) have reciprocity with Arizona, and 2) require a CCW permit.
How do I get a CCW permit?
Go to the Arizona Department of Public Safety website for Concealed Weapons and Permits. Its instructions explain that CCW permit applicants must do the following:
- Be a U.S. citizen from any state, or a legal permanent resident living in Arizona;
- Not be a prohibited possessor;
- Complete an approved firearms training course (there are some exceptions for law enforcement and military members);
- Submit two fingerprinting cards;
- Complete the CCW permit application;
- Pay a $60 fee
Applicants should hear back within 75 days. CCW permits remain valid for 5 years. The renewal fee is $43.3
Which states have reciprocity with Arizona?
People with Arizona-issued CCW permits may conceal carry in the following states and territories. Note that some states have age restrictions and/or require that the person be an Arizona resident:
- Alabama
- Alaska (no permit mandatory if at least 21 years old)
- Arkansas (no permit mandatory if at least 18 years old)
- Colorado (only resident permits)
- Delaware
- Florida (only resident permits)
- Georgia
- Idaho (no permit mandatory if at least 18 years old)
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas (no permit mandatory if at least 21 years old)
- Kentucky (no permit mandatory if at least 21 years old)
- Louisiana
- Maine (only resident permits, and at least 21 years old)
- Michigan (only resident permits)
- Mississippi (no permit mandatory if at least 18 years old)
- Missouri (no permit mandatory if at least 18 years old)
- Montana
- Nebraska (only resident permits, and at least 21 years old)
- Nevada
- New Hampshire (no permit mandatory if at least 18 years old)
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma (no permit mandatory if at least 21 years old, but government-issued ID required)
- Pennsylvania (only resident permits)
- South Carolina (only resident permits)
- South Dakota (no permit mandatory if at least 18 years old)
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont (no permit mandatory if at least 18 years old)
- Virginia
- West Virginia (no permit mandatory if at least 21 years old)
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Puerto Rico4
Call our law firm for legal advice. We offer free consultations.
Legal References
- ARS 4-229; ARS 4-244; ARS 13-3102; 18 USC 930, et seq.; see also State v. Holmes, (2020) Ariz. Ct. App. Dec. 3, 2020). See also State v. Johnson, (2017, Ariz Ct. App.) 243 Ariz. 41, 401 P.3d 504, 770 Ariz. Adv. Rep. 4.
- ARS 13-3112.
- Concealed Weapons and Permits, Arizona Department of Public Safety (azdps.gov); ARS 13-3112.
- Same.
