Arizona Concealed Weapons Permit (CCW) - Application Process

Governing Law

The Concealed Weapons Permit Unit (CWPU) operates under:

• A.R.S. § 13-3112 - Arizona's concealed carry statute
• Arizona Administrative Rules R13-9-101 through R13-9-603

Applicants should also review A.R.S. § 13-3101 (definitions), A.R.S. § 13-3102 (Misconduct Involving Weapons), and 18 U.S.C. § 922(d) and (g) (federal prohibited persons) for complete eligibility criteria.

Permitless Carry Note

Arizona does not require a concealed carry license to carry a concealed firearm in the state. However, obtaining a CCW permit provides benefits such as reciprocity with other states and exemption from the Brady Act background check requirement when purchasing firearms from a licensed dealer.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a resident of Arizona or a United States citizen
• Be 21 years of age or older; OR at least 19 years of age with evidence of current military service or proof of honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions from the United States Armed Forces, Armed Forces Reserve, or a state National Guard (all veterans must provide DD-214)
• Not be under indictment for a felony offense
• Not be convicted of a felony offense, unless the conviction has been expunged, set aside, vacated, or pardoned, or the individual's right to possess firearms has been restored; must not be a prohibited possessor under state or federal law
• Not suffer from mental illness and/or have been adjudicated mentally incompetent or committed to a mental institution
• Not be unlawfully present in the United States
• Complete a firearms safety training program pursuant to A.R.S. § 13-3112(N)

Non-U.S. Born Applicants

Persons born outside of the United States or one of its territories must submit proof of citizenship or alien status and provide an Alien Registration Number if available. Acceptable documents include:

• Certificate of Naturalization
• Resident Alien Card
• Record of Birth Abroad to U.S. Citizens
• Record of Birth Abroad to Armed Forces Personnel
• U.S. Passport

Non-Residents

Non-residents of Arizona who are U.S. citizens may apply for an Arizona concealed weapons permit.

Application Submission Requirements

Per A.R.S. § 13-3112, applicants must submit to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS):

1. A completed application
2. A certificate of completion from an authorized firearms safety training course, or documentation demonstrating the applicant's competency with a firearm
3. Two sets of fingerprints
4. The application fee
5. A signed statement attesting to the truth of the statements made and that the applicant has been provided with, and is knowledgeable about, statutes relating to justification defenses (Title 13, Chapter 4) and weapons and explosives (Title 13, Chapter 31)

How to Apply

Online Application (Recommended)

Apply online through the Public Services Portal at https://azdpsccw.permitium.com/entry. The portal offers options for:

• New Concealed Weapon Permit Application
• Renewal Concealed Weapon Permit Application
• Replacement (damaged, lost/stolen, permit error, permit not received)
• Change of Name or Address

Paper Application

Downloadable applications and instructions are available on the DPS website under the "Applications and Fees" tab.

In-Person Delivery

Applications may be delivered in person to:

Arizona Department of Public Safety, Public Services Center 2222 W. Encanto Boulevard, Phoenix, AZ Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding state and federal holidays)

Fingerprinting Options

Two options are available for fingerprinting:

1. Electronic Fingerprints - Visit a FieldPrint kiosk. After submitting the permit application online, the applicant will be required to schedule an appointment to have fingerprints taken. Once submitted, the CWPU will process the application.

2. Ink Fingerprint Cards - Contact a local police department, sheriff's office, or third-party fingerprint provider. Per state law, two (2) fingerprint cards must be submitted with the application. All boxes on the fingerprint card must be completed. Do NOT bend or fold fingerprint cards as it may alter prints and result in rejection.

Fees

A.R.S. § 13-3112 requires the Director of DPS to determine the fee that must accompany initial and renewal applications.

Processing Timeline

• General processing time: Allow 75 days for the CWPU to process an application.
• Per A.R.S. § 13-3112, DPS must check the criminal history of every applicant against the Central State Repository for criminal records in Arizona within 60 days of receiving an application.
• DPS may exchange fingerprint information with the FBI for federal criminal history checks.
• If the applicant qualifies, DPS must issue the permit within 15 working days of completing the background checks.
• If the application is denied, DPS must notify the applicant within 15 days after background check completion and state the reasons for denial.
• If no permit or notification is received after 75 days, applicants should contact the CWPU.

Applications with Errors

Applications containing errors or incomplete information will be returned to the applicant for correction.

After Receiving the Permit

Once the permit is received, the applicant should inspect it for any errors. If an error is found, the permit should be returned along with a completed "Profile Change Request Form" (available under the Applications and Forms tab on the DPS website).

Denial Process

Applicants who are denied a permit will receive a denial letter from the CWPU. Options include:

1. If the applicant has official court documentation showing charges were dismissed and/or rights to possess a firearm have been restored, submit the documentation to the CWPU within the timeframe stated in the denial letter.
2. If official court documents are not available, contact the respective court or prosecutor's office to obtain official documentation, then share with the CWPU for review.
3. If the applicant believes the criminal history record information is inaccurate, they may request a review of the record by contacting the AZDPS Central State Repository Section at (602) 223-2222.

Self-Surrender of Permit

Permit holders who no longer wish to maintain a CCW permit may self-surrender:

1. Complete the CCW Self-Surrender form
2. Attach the permit card to the form in the designated area
3. Mail the completed form and permit card to the address listed on the form

Note: Once a permit is surrendered, it may not be reinstated. A new application would be required to obtain a new permit.

Key Statutory References

• A.R.S. § 13-3112 - Concealed weapons permit; application; issuance; denial; revocation
• A.R.S. § 13-3112(N) - Firearms safety training program requirements
• A.R.S. § 13-3101 - Definitions (weapons and explosives)
• A.R.S. § 13-3102 - Misconduct involving weapons
• 18 U.S.C. § 922(d) and (g) - Federal prohibited persons
• Arizona Administrative Rules R13-9-101 through R13-9-603 - Administrative rules governing the CWPU