Arizona has been a constitutional carry state since 2010 — one of the first in the country. Any law-abiding Arizona resident who is 21 or older can carry a concealed handgun in most public places without any permit, license, or government approval. Yet Arizona's Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP), issued by the Department of Public Safety, remains one of the most applied-for licenses in the state.
The reason is simple: constitutional carry works great inside Arizona. The moment you cross the state line, you need a recognized license.
Arizona Constitutional Carry — What It Covers
Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3102, you may legally carry a concealed handgun in Arizona without a permit if you are:
- Age 21 or older (or 19–20 if active-duty military)
- Not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm
That's it. No training, no application, no fee, no waiting period. You can walk into a gun store, buy a handgun, and carry it concealed that same day.
This is genuine constitutional carry — broad, clean, and minimally bureaucratic. Arizona doesn't require you to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying unless they specifically ask.
Why the Arizona CCW Permit Still Has Real Value
Despite the freedom constitutional carry provides, roughly 350,000 Arizonans hold a valid CWP. Here's why:
Reciprocity with 36+ states. This is the primary reason. The Arizona CWP is recognized in more than 36 states, including Florida, Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, and most of the South, Mountain West, and Midwest. Without a permit, you're limited to Arizona and states that recognize permitless carry by statute — a much shorter list.
Federal property access. Certain federal properties and buildings follow separate rules. A state-issued CWP sometimes provides clearer legal footing than relying on constitutional carry when navigating federal jurisdiction questions.
Vehicle carry clarity. Arizona law permits vehicle carry under constitutional carry rules, but having a permit removes any ambiguity in states you may drive through.
Retail background check waiver. Arizona CWP holders are exempt from the federal NICS background check when purchasing from a licensed dealer — speeding up firearm purchases.
Reciprocal recognition of your status. When traveling, having a permit card to show alongside your ID communicates clearly to law enforcement that you've been vetted.
Arizona CWP Training Requirement
To obtain an Arizona Concealed Weapons Permit, you must complete a minimum 8-hour firearms safety training course from an Arizona DPS-approved instructor.
The course must cover:
- Arizona laws on the use of deadly force (A.R.S. § 13-405 through 13-411)
- Firearm safety rules and safe handling practices
- Storage and securing of firearms
- Live-fire range qualification demonstrating basic proficiency
The live-fire component is required. After completing the course, your instructor will provide a certificate that you'll submit with your DPS application.
Find Arizona CCW training near you on TrainingOS to book with a DPS-approved instructor.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Arizona CWP:
- Be 21 or older (or 19–20 if current or honorably discharged military)
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
- Be a legal resident of Arizona or a U.S. state
- Have no felony conviction
- Not be under indictment for a felony
- Have no domestic violence convictions or active protective orders
- Not be adjudicated as a mental defective or committed to a mental institution
- Not be unlawfully present in the United States
- Not be an unlawful user of a controlled substance
Non-residents may also apply for an Arizona CWP, which is a useful option for residents of states with more restrictive licensing procedures.
The Application Process (Step by Step)
Step 1 — Complete an 8-hour DPS-approved training course. Attend and pass an approved course. Receive your certificate of completion from the instructor.
Step 2 — Complete the DPS application. Download and complete the Arizona DPS Concealed Weapons Permit application (available at azdps.gov). The application covers your personal background, eligibility, and training.
Step 3 — Gather supporting documents. You'll need a copy of your training certificate, a photocopy of your government-issued ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport), and if applicable, military discharge documentation.
Step 4 — Submit fingerprints. You'll need two sets of fingerprint cards. Arizona DPS uses fingerprints for an FBI background check. Many law enforcement agencies, notaries, and fingerprint vendors can help with this.
Step 5 — Pay the fee. The Arizona CWP application fee is $60. Payment is made to Arizona DPS. Non-residents pay the same fee.
Step 6 — Mail or submit your complete application package. Submit everything to Arizona DPS by mail (in-person submission is not available for most applicants).
Step 7 — Wait for processing. Arizona DPS processes CWP applications within 60 days. Many applicants receive their permit in 45–55 days. You can check status via the DPS online portal.
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 8-hour training course | $75–$150 |
| Fingerprinting | $15–$30 |
| State application fee | $60 |
| Total | ~$150–$240 |
The Arizona CWP is valid for 5 years. Renewal costs $43 and requires a shorter refresher training course (4 hours).
Where You Cannot Carry in Arizona
Even with a CWP — and under constitutional carry — certain locations are off-limits in Arizona:
- K-12 school grounds (unless unloaded and in a locked vehicle)
- Polling places on election days
- Prisons and correctional facilities
- Nuclear and hydroelectric generating stations
- Military installations
- Establishments that post signage prohibiting firearms (A.R.S. § 4-229 for liquor-licensed premises)
- Any place where federal law prohibits firearms
Arizona law is generally permissive compared to most states, but always check local and federal rules for specific venues.
Arizona CWP Reciprocity
Arizona's CWP is recognized in more than 36 states. States that honor it include Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
States that do NOT recognize the Arizona CWP include California, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, Illinois, Connecticut, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington.
Renewal
Arizona CWP holders must renew every 5 years. Renewal requires:
- Completion of a 4-hour refresher course from a DPS-approved instructor
- Completed renewal application
- $43 renewal fee
- Updated fingerprints may be required depending on how long since your last submission
Arizona is one of the most firearms-friendly states in the nation. Constitutional carry means you can exercise your rights immediately — but the CWP unlocks reciprocity, removes friction at gun stores, and gives you recognized status across more than three dozen states.
Find Arizona CCW courses on TrainingOS and complete your 8-hour training requirement with a certified instructor. Browse CCW courses by topic to compare options near you.
Related: State Guides
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