Whether you’re new to owning a firearm or have had a gun for home defense for years, getting a concealed carry permit may seem daunting. It doesn’t have to be. There are many reasons and ways to carry a concealed weapon, but the first step is knowing the laws. Applying for a CCW varies by state. Read about the process for getting an Arizona Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) below.

Similar to permit requirements, states vary greatly in their processes for how an applicant obtains a concealed carry permit, what their permits/permits are called, whether permits include photographs, whether fingerprinting is required, permit duration, permit costs and turnaround times. Some states allow an applicant to complete an application online, while others require an in-person visit to the office of the respective issuing authority. There are even states that require the applicant to provide a list of non-related character references.

Arizona Concealed Carry Permit Basics

Open carry is legal in Arizona for any person who is at least 18 years old and who can legally possess a firearm. Although Arizona allows permitless concealed carry for anyone at least 21 years old who can legally possess a firearm, permits are still issued for reciprocity purposes. Arizona is a shall-issue state with CWPs issued at the state level by the Department of Public Safety. This means that licensing authorities in Arizona are compelled to issue a permit as long as an applicant meets the basic requirements set out by state law. Arizona CWPs are issued to residents and non-residents at least 21 years old or 19 for active military and veterans. A firearms training course that has been state-approved is required, although there are training exemptions. A concealed carry permit is valid for five years.

Federally Prohibited Persons

The Federal Gun Control Act of 1968 and the Federal Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997 make it illegal for a person who fits into any of the prohibited categories to ship, transport, receive or possess firearms or ammunition. These laws prevent a state from issuing a concealed carry permit/permit as it would be illegal for people who fit in these categories, by federal law, to own or possess a gun.

What Are the Permit Requirements 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
  • Meet the federal law requirements mentioned above 

Do I Need Firearms Training in Arizona?

A CWP applicant must demonstrate competence with a firearm through any of the following:

  • Completion of any firearms safety training course or class that is offered by a law enforcement agency, junior college, college, or a private or public institution, academy, organization or firearms training school that is approved by the Department of Public Safety or that uses instructors who are 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 that is offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies or other divisions or subdivisions of law enforcement or security enforcement and that is 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 U.S. armed forces
  • Possession of a valid current or expired concealed weapon, firearm or handgun permit or license that is issued by another state or a political subdivision of another state and 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 that is conducted by a Department of Public Safety approved or NRA certified firearms instructor

A Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals Class from the USCCA meets permitting requirements in Arizona. Find a class near you!

How Do I Get a Concealed Carry Permit in Arizona?

Step 1: Read Arizona Statute Title 13, Chapters 4 and 31.

Step 2: Complete a firearms safety training course or meet one of the exemptions outlined in the Training Requirements Section.

Step 3: Submit the following:

  • A complete 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
  • Fee

Step 4: Return the application with two sets of fingerprints, proof of training and the fee.

Step 5: You will be notified by mail if your application has been approved.

 

For more information, visit the USCCA Arizona gun laws page now…

The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. members and the concealed carry community, and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case. Laws are constantly changing, and as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.