Arizona Concealed Carry Permit Basics

Overview

Arizona is a constitutional carry state. Since 2010, persons who are legally able to carry a weapon openly may also carry a concealed weapon without a CCW permit, subject to certain restrictions. However, individuals may still choose to obtain a CCW permit for several practical reasons.

Arizona is a shall-issue state, meaning the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) may not deny a CCW permit application if the applicant meets all statutory requirements.

Governing Statute

A.R.S. § 13-3112 - Concealed Weapons Permit

Reasons to Obtain a Permit (Even Though Permitless Carry is Legal)

• Reciprocity with other states that recognize Arizona CCW permits
• Carrying a concealed weapon in a bar or restaurant that serves alcohol (provided the establishment does not prohibit it)
• Carrying a concealed weapon in certain public buildings

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

1. Be a resident of Arizona or a United States citizen
2. Be lawfully present in the United States
3. Be at least 21 years of age, OR at least 19 years of age with evidence of:
   • Current active-duty military service, OR
   • Honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions from the U.S. Armed Forces, U.S. Armed Forces Reserve, or a state National Guard (DD-214 required for all veterans)
4. Not be under indictment for a felony offense
5. 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
6. Not suffer from mental illness, and not have been adjudicated mentally incompetent or committed to a mental institution
7. Satisfactorily complete a firearms safety training program pursuant to A.R.S. § 13-3112(N)

Firearms Safety Training - Acceptable Documentation

Applicants must provide adequate documentation of competency with a firearm. Any one of the following is acceptable:

1. A valid current or expired CCW permit previously issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS)
2. A certificate, card, or document showing completion of any course or class that meets statutory requirements relating to safety training and competency with firearms
3. A U.S. Department of Defense DD Form 214 indicating honorable or general discharge under honorable conditions, a certificate of basic training completion, or any other document demonstrating service in the U.S. Armed Forces
4. A concealed weapon, firearm, or handgun permit or license issued by another state or political subdivision for which training was required for issuance

Proof of Citizenship or Alien Status

Persons born outside the United States or one of its territories must submit a copy of 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

Application Process

• Issuing Authority: Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), Concealed Weapons Permit Unit (CWPU)
• Processing Time: Allow 75 days for the CWPU to process the application. If no permit or notification is received after 75 days, contact the CWPU.
• In-Person Delivery: Applications may be delivered to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Public Services Center, located at 2222 W. Encanto Boulevard, Phoenix, AZ. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding state and federal holidays.
• Applications containing errors or incomplete information will be returned to the applicant for correction.
• Upon receipt of the permit, applicants should inspect it for errors. If an error is found, the permit should be returned with a completed "Profile Change Request Form."

Denial Process

• Applicants denied a permit will receive a denial letter from the CWPU.
• If the applicant has official court documentation showing charges were dismissed and/or firearm rights have been restored, the documentation should be submitted to the CWPU within the timeframe specified in the denial letter.
• If the applicant believes their criminal history record is inaccurate, they may request a review by contacting the AZDPS Central State Repository Section at (602) 223-2222.

Historical Context

• 1994: Arizona passed its concealed carry law. Prior to this, persons could only carry weapons without a permit if the weapon was visible.
• 2010: Arizona enacted permitless (constitutional) carry, allowing persons who could legally carry openly to also carry concealed without a CCW permit.