Eleanor Finch
Arizona is a shall-issue, permitless carry state, meaning that no permit, background check, or firearms registration is required when buying a handgun from a private individual. Arizona is considered a constitutional carry state, which means that no type of permit or license is necessary to legally carry a gun. Arizona's gun laws are rather permissive compared to other states, but serious penalties are in place for those who violate them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is a permit required to carry a gun? | No permit or license is required to carry a gun. |
| What is the minimum age to carry a gun? | 18 years or older to open carry, 21 years or older to concealed carry. |
| Are there any restrictions on where one can carry a gun? | Yes, some areas are off-limits, including schools and liquor stores that have posted "no weapons" signs. |
| Is a background check required to buy a handgun? | No background check is required when buying a handgun from a private individual. |
| What is the minimum age to buy a gun? | 18 years or older to buy from a private individual, 21 years or older to buy from a federally licensed dealer. |
| Does Arizona offer resident and non-resident permits? | Yes, Arizona offers both resident and non-resident permits. |
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What You'll Learn
Arizona is a shall-issue state
Arizona is a "shall-issue" state, meaning that it will issue a concealed carry permit to anyone who applies and meets the requirements. According to Arizona law ARS 13-3112, to be eligible for a concealed carry permit, an individual must be a US citizen, over the age of 21, and legally allowed to own a firearm. They must also complete a certified firearms course. Once the Department of Public Safety receives a receipt of the individual's course completion, they are required to issue a permit. This process can take up to 75 days, and the permit is valid for five years, after which it can be renewed.
Arizona is also a constitutional carry state, which means that individuals over the age of 21 who are legally allowed to possess a firearm are permitted to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. However, this does not allow them to carry a firearm wherever they want, and there are restrictions on where firearms can be carried. For example, businesses may post signs prohibiting firearms on their premises, and individuals are not allowed to carry firearms in gun-free zones, such as school grounds. In these cases, individuals must leave their firearms at home or securely stored in their vehicles out of plain sight.
The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution grants American citizens the right to keep and bear arms. Arizona residents often choose to carry a concealed firearm to protect themselves from criminals and potential harm. Arizona has also adopted variations of the castle doctrine, which allows citizens to defend themselves against intruders in their homes or on their property without facing criminal prosecution or civil liabilities.
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Arizona's gun laws are permissive
Arizona's gun laws are some of the most permissive in the United States. Arizona law allows any person aged 21 or older who is not legally prohibited from possessing a firearm to carry a weapon openly or concealed without a license. This is often referred to as constitutional carry or permitless carry, where no state permit is required for gun ownership.
Arizona's gun laws also allow for the constitutional carry of concealed weapons. This means that a state permit is not required to carry a concealed weapon, as long as the individual meets the basic criteria of age and legal possession. However, there are some restrictions on who can carry concealed weapons. For example, people with assault or other violent misdemeanor convictions are barred from concealed carry. Additionally, Arizona does not force colleges and universities to allow concealed carry.
Arizona's gun laws also include some safety measures. For example, gun sales cannot proceed while a background check is ongoing, and gun owners must notify law enforcement if their guns are lost or stolen. These laws aim to regulate the purchase and possession of firearms by law-abiding citizens, as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the US Constitution. However, Arizona has been criticized for lacking fundamental gun safety laws, with calls for stricter regulations to improve safety in the state.
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Juveniles under 18 can carry firearms under supervision
Arizona is a constitutional carry state, meaning no permit or license is required to legally carry a gun. Open carry is permitted for individuals 18 and older, and concealed carry is allowed for adults 21 and over without a special permit.
In Arizona, juveniles under 18 are permitted to carry firearms under certain conditions. Firstly, they must be under the supervision of a parent, grandparent, or certified safety instructor. Additionally, juveniles are allowed to carry firearms for specific purposes, such as hunting and target practice. These activities must be conducted within established areas where the discharge of firearms is permitted. Juveniles between the ages of 14 and 18 can also possess a firearm while on their parent's or guardian's property.
It is important to note that Arizona has strict laws regarding minors and firearms. Minors are generally prohibited from possessing or carrying firearms, and violations can result in significant penalties. If a juvenile is found to be in possession of a firearm without proper supervision or during a prohibited activity, they may face legal consequences, including fines and the suspension or revocation of their driver's license until they reach the age of 18.
There are exceptions to these laws, and it is advised to consult a competent gun attorney or refer to the official Arizona state laws for detailed information on the conditions under which juveniles under 18 are permitted to carry firearms.
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Arizona offers resident and non-resident permits
Arizona is a "constitutional carry" state, meaning that state law does not prohibit citizens who can legally possess a firearm from carrying handguns openly or in a concealed manner. As such, no state permit is required for carrying a firearm in Arizona. However, Arizona does offer resident and non-resident permits for those who wish to obtain them.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) administers the concealed weapons permit program. The Department's Concealed Weapons Permit Unit (CWPU) is responsible for issuing permits to qualified individuals, evaluating applicants through criminal history background checks, and monitoring those with permits to ensure their continued eligibility. Arizona Concealed Weapons Permits (CWP) are available to residents and non-residents aged 21 or older (or 19 for active military and veterans). Applicants must complete a state-approved firearms training course, although there are exemptions for law enforcement, military personnel, and a few other groups.
Non-residents who possess a valid hunting license or permit issued by another state can bring their firearms into Arizona. Additionally, non-immigrant aliens who enter the US to participate in competitive target shooting events or firearms trade shows are allowed to carry weapons within the state. Certain diplomats, foreign government officials, and distinguished visitors designated by the US State Department are also exempt from the usual restrictions on non-immigrants.
Arizona recognizes concealed weapon permits issued by other states, provided that the permit is still valid in the issuing state and the holder is not prohibited from possessing a firearm in Arizona. While an out-of-state permit cannot be transferred to Arizona, it may be used as proof of firearms competence when applying for an Arizona permit.
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Arizona's constitutional carry law and out-of-state residents
Arizona is a "shall-issue" state, meaning it does not require a permit, background check, or firearms registration when buying a handgun from a private individual. The state's laws allow any person over the age of 18 to openly carry a firearm without a permit, as long as they are legally allowed to possess a firearm. Additionally, Arizona issues concealed weapons permits to residents and non-residents over the age of 21, or 19 for active military and veterans. These permits are issued by the Department of Public Safety and require the completion of a state-approved firearms training course, although there are some exemptions.
Constitutional carry, also known as unrestricted or permitless carry, means that a state's law does not prohibit citizens who can legally possess a firearm from carrying handguns openly and/or in a concealed manner, and therefore no state permit is required. Some states may have conditions for constitutional carry, such as requiring a permit for concealed carry but not for open carry. In Arizona, constitutional carry is permitted for both open and concealed carry, as long as the individual is 21 years of age or older. This is protected under Article 2, Section 26 of Arizona's state constitution, which states that "the right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself or the State shall not be impaired".
It is important to note that while Arizona offers both resident and non-resident permits, other states may only honor Arizona resident permits and not those issued to non-residents. Additionally, there are certain places in Arizona where carrying a firearm is prohibited, including schools and liquor stores that have posted "no weapons" signs. Arizona is also a Castle Doctrine state, which means that individuals are not required to retreat before defending themselves if they are in a place where they are legally allowed to be and are not engaged in any unlawful activity.
Overall, Arizona has relatively relaxed gun laws compared to other states, allowing both residents and non-residents to openly or concealed carry firearms with few restrictions. However, it is always important to stay up-to-date with the latest laws and regulations, as they can change over time.
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Frequently asked questions
A constitutional carry state is one that does not require citizens who can legally possess a firearm to obtain a permit or license to carry handguns openly or in a concealed manner.
Yes, Arizona is a constitutional carry state. Arizona does not require any type of permit or license to legally carry a gun. However, there are some restrictions regarding where you are allowed to carry a firearm openly or concealed, such as in schools, and establishments or events with "no weapons" signs posted.
In Arizona, open carry is permitted for those 18 and older. Juveniles under 18 are permitted to carry firearms under the supervision of a parent, grandparent, or safety instructor and for hunting and target practice. To carry a concealed weapon, one must be at least 21 years old.
