Arizona carry status overview
Arizona has been a permitless carry state since 2010, making it one of the earliest states to adopt constitutional carry. Under SB 1108, signed into law in 2010, any person 21 years of age or older who is legally eligible to possess a firearm may carry a concealed weapon without a permit. Open carry has long been permitted in Arizona, with no minimum age restriction beyond federal law (18 for long guns, 21 for handguns from dealers).
The Arizona Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) remains available and is sought by many residents for out-of-state reciprocity — the Arizona CWP is honored in 38+ states.
| Permitless carry | Yes — since 2010 (SB 1108) |
| Governing law | Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3112 |
| Minimum age (concealed) | 21 years old |
| Minimum age (open carry) | 18 years old (by state law) |
| Open carry | Yes — broadly permitted throughout the state |
| Vehicle carry | Allowed without permit — loaded and accessible |
| Permit available | Yes — Arizona CWP, issued by AZ DPS |
| Non-resident carry | Yes — same 21+ eligibility requirements |
Arizona Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP)
| Issuing agency | Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZ DPS) |
| Application website | azdps.gov — Concealed Weapons ↗ |
| Minimum age | 21 |
| Fee | $60 (initial); $43 (renewal) |
| Validity | 5 years |
| Training required | Yes — AZ-approved firearms safety program |
| Background check | Yes — AZ DPS and FBI NICS |
Prohibited locations in Arizona
- Polling places during elections
- Hydroelectric or nuclear power facilities
- Military installations
- Indian reservations (subject to tribal law)
- Correctional facilities and jails
- K–12 school grounds (with very limited exceptions)
- Establishments serving alcohol on-premises if prohibited by the licensee
- Any location with posted prohibition notice
- Any location prohibited by federal law
Note on alcohol establishments: Arizona law (A.R.S. § 4-229) allows holders of a CWP to carry concealed in an establishment that serves alcohol, provided they are not consuming alcohol. The establishment may prohibit carry by posting notice.
Frequently asked questions — Arizona
Does Arizona require a permit to carry a firearm?
No. Arizona has allowed permitless carry since 2010. Any person 21 or older who is legally eligible to possess a firearm may carry it concealed or openly without any permit or license. Open carry is permitted for those 18+ under state law (though federal law applies for handgun purchases).
Can I carry in a bar in Arizona?
Yes, with a CWP and if you are not consuming alcohol. Arizona A.R.S. § 4-229 permits CWP holders to carry concealed in liquor-licensed establishments as long as the establishment has not posted a prohibition and the carrier is not consuming alcohol. Without a CWP, this provision may not apply. Establishments may also prohibit carry by posting notice.
Is the Arizona CWP worth getting?
Yes, particularly for travelers. The Arizona CWP is honored in 38+ states and provides legal carry privileges in reciprocity states. Arizona also issues non-resident permits, which are popular with residents of restrictive states seeking broader travel coverage. Apply at AZ DPS.
Does Arizona issue non-resident permits?
Yes. Arizona issues non-resident CWPs to residents of other states. This makes Arizona one of the most popular states for obtaining a non-resident permit, as the AZ CWP is honored in many states and the process is straightforward. Apply through AZ DPS with the standard application process.
Does Arizona honor out-of-state carry permits?
Yes. Arizona recognizes valid carry permits from all other states. Any person with a valid concealed carry permit or license from their home state may carry in Arizona under the same rules as an Arizona CWP holder. Additionally, since Arizona is a permitless carry state, any eligible person 21+ may also carry without a permit regardless of their home state.