Isabella Carter
Arizona is a constitutional carry state, meaning that a permit is not required to carry a concealed firearm for those 21 or older. This permitless carry law came into effect in 2024, and while it does not require a permit, training and an understanding of the law are recommended. Arizona will honor concealed carry permits from all other states, and residents can carry a concealed defensive firearm in certain other states without any type of permit, including Oklahoma.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Permit requirement | No permit required to carry a concealed firearm |
| Age requirement | 21 or older |
| Active military and law enforcement | Exemptions for active military and law enforcement |
| Reciprocity | Arizona CCW permit is honored in over 30 states |
| Restrictions | Schools, government buildings, liquor stores with posted "no weapons" signs |
| Background checks | Not required when buying from a private individual |
| Training | Not mandatory, but recommended |
| Identification | Required when carrying a firearm in a state that allows it, e.g., Oklahoma |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Arizona is a 'Constitutional Carry' state
Arizona is a "Constitutional Carry" state, meaning that a permit is not required to carry a concealed firearm. This law, enacted in 2010, repealed the language requiring a concealed weapon permit to carry a firearm. Arizona is a "shall-issue" state, with concealed weapons permits issued at the state level by the Department of Public Safety. There is no permit, background check, or firearms registration required when buying a handgun from a private individual. However, a purchaser must be at least 18 years old to buy a gun from a private individual, and a background check is required for all gun purchases. The minimum age to purchase a handgun from a federally licensed dealer is 21.
Open carry is legal in Arizona for anyone 18 or older who can legally possess a firearm. Some areas are off-limits, including schools, government buildings, and liquor stores that have posted "no weapons" signs. Anyone 21 or older who can legally possess a firearm may concealed carry without a permit, with some exceptions for active military and law enforcement. Arizona Concealed Weapons Permits (CWP) are issued to residents and non-residents who are 21 or older, or 19 for active military and veterans, and require a firearms training course that has been state-approved, although there are training exemptions.
While Arizona is a permitless carry state, a permit grants additional privileges, such as the ability to carry legally in states that recognize Arizona permits. Currently, over 30 states honor or have reciprocity with the Arizona CCW permit. A permit also makes it easier for law enforcement to identify a person as someone who has gone through a legal process to obtain training and education and can pass a rigorous background check. It also allows the government to take away the firearm if the permit holder does something wrong.
Arizona offers resident and non-resident permits. Arizona will honor concealed carry permits from all other states and political subdivisions. Arizona residents can carry a concealed defensive firearm in Oklahoma without any type of permit, but they must carry their driver's license or state-issued ID.
Governor Holcomb Signs Constitutional Carry Bill into Law
You may want to see also
No permit, background check or registration required
Arizona is a "shall-issue", permitless carry state. This means that there is no permit, background check, or firearms registration required when buying a handgun from a private individual. However, a purchaser must be at least 18 years old to buy a gun from a private individual, and the minimum age to purchase a handgun from a federally licensed dealer is 21. While open carry is legal in Arizona for anyone over the age of 18 who can legally possess a firearm, there are some off-limit areas, including schools and liquor stores that have posted "no weapons" signs.
Arizona offers resident and non-resident permits, and will honor concealed carry permits from all other states and political subdivisions. Arizona residents can carry a concealed defensive firearm in certain states, such as Oklahoma, without any type of permit, but they must carry their driver's license or state-issued ID when carrying their firearm in these states.
Arizona is not the only state with such laws. As of 2025, 28 states have passed legislation to allow permitless concealed carry, including Florida, Georgia, Kansas, and Kentucky. Vermont does not have any provision for issuing concealed-carry licenses, as none has ever been necessary or constitutionally allowed.
While some see these laws as an affirmation of their constitutional rights, others are concerned about the impact on public safety. Critics of these laws argue that removing the permitting requirements for concealed carry is associated with a 29% increase in firearm violent crime rates.
Michigan's Stance on Indiana's Constitutional Carry Law
You may want to see also
Arizona CCW permit recognised in over 30 states
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. However, the minimum age to purchase a handgun from a federally licensed dealer is 21. Open carry is legal in Arizona for anyone over the age of 18 who can legally possess a firearm. Some areas are off-limits, including schools and liquor stores that have posted "no weapons" signs.
Arizona issues concealed weapons permits (CCW permits) to residents and non-residents over the age of 21, or 19 for active military and veterans. These permits require a firearms training course that has been state-approved, although there are training exemptions. Arizona also honors concealed carry permits from all other states and political subdivisions, and over 30 states honor or have reciprocity with the Arizona CCW permit. Arizona residents can carry a concealed defensive firearm in certain states, such as Oklahoma, without any type of permit, although they must carry their driver's license or state-issued ID. It is important to note that firearms must be carried in accordance with the laws of the state being visited, and it is the responsibility of the permit holder to be aware of the CCW requirements and laws of all reciprocating/recognizing states.
While a CCW permit is not required to carry a concealed weapon in Arizona, there are several benefits to obtaining one. These include being able to carry a concealed weapon in restaurants or businesses that serve alcohol, and streamlining the process of obtaining a background check when purchasing a firearm. Additionally, having a permit makes it easier for law enforcement to identify individuals who have undergone legal processes to obtain training and education. It also proves that the individual can pass a rigorous background check. Obtaining a CCW permit can also be beneficial in court when defending firearm-related actions, as it demonstrates that the individual has received proper training and education.
How the Northwest Ordinance Influenced the US Constitution
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Arizona residents can carry concealed firearms in Oklahoma
Arizona is a "shall-issue, permitless carry state", meaning that anyone over the age of 21 who can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed weapon without a permit. Arizona also issues Concealed Weapons Permits (CWP) to residents and non-residents over the age of 21, or 19 for active military and veterans, which require a state-approved firearms training course. While a permit is not required to carry a concealed weapon in Arizona, there are benefits to obtaining one. A permit streamlines the process of obtaining a background check when purchasing a firearm and makes it easier for law enforcement to identify individuals who have undergone proper training and education. Additionally, a permit allows individuals to carry their concealed weapons in restaurants or businesses that serve alcohol, which is prohibited without a permit.
Arizona honors concealed carry permits from all other states, and Arizona residents can carry concealed defensive firearms in the state of Oklahoma without any type of permit. However, they must carry their driver's license or state-issued ID when carrying a firearm in Oklahoma and must comply with Oklahoma's firearm laws.
It is important to note that Arizona's gun laws are subject to change, and individuals are responsible for staying up-to-date with the latest regulations. While Arizona does not require a permit for concealed carry, obtaining one can provide certain benefits and ensure individuals are following the law. Additionally, Arizona's reciprocity with other states, including Oklahoma, allows its residents to carry concealed firearms in those states, provided they adhere to the laws of the visiting state.
In summary, Arizona residents can carry concealed firearms in Oklahoma without a permit, but they must comply with Oklahoma's firearm laws and carry their driver's license or state-issued ID. Arizona's permitless carry law and reciprocity with other states provide flexibility for gun owners, but individuals must stay informed about the specific regulations in each state to ensure safe and legal firearm possession and use.
Understanding Constitutional Carry Reciprocity: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Arizona gun laws have expanded gun owners' rights
Arizona's gun laws are some of the most relaxed in the country, and the state has a reputation for being gun-friendly. The state respects the right of law-abiding citizens to openly carry a handgun, with some restrictions. Arizona is a "shall-issue", permitless carry state, meaning that residents do not need a permit to carry a concealed weapon, and there is no requirement for a background check or firearms registration when buying a handgun from a private individual.
Arizona's gun laws have been expanded over time to include more rights for gun owners. In 2010, the state became one of the first to repeal its concealed weapons permitting requirement, meaning that people can carry hidden, loaded guns in public without a permit or background check. This has sparked a national trend, with other states following suit. Arizona also offers both resident and non-resident permits, and will honour concealed carry permits from all other states. Arizona's gun laws also allow for open carry for anyone over the age of 18 who can legally possess a firearm, with some areas off-limits, including schools and liquor stores with posted "no weapons" signs.
Arizona's gun laws also provide for the right to carry for law enforcement officers (LEOs) and retired LEOs under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA). This allows qualified LEOs and qualified retired LEOs to carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the US, regardless of state or local laws, with some exceptions. The state's gun laws also include provisions for gun owners' rights regarding lost or stolen firearms, requiring them to notify law enforcement, and allowing for the reporting of prohibiting records into the background check system.
The state's legislature has also shown a continued commitment to expanding gun owners' rights, with the Arizona Senate passing several pro-gun bills in 2015 that further protected Second Amendment rights. These bills included measures to enhance Arizona's existing firearm preemption law and other measures to expand gun owners' rights in the state.
Wyoming's Constitutional Carry: Understanding the Law and Your Rights
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Arizona is a constitutional carry state, meaning a permit is not required to carry a concealed firearm.
No, Arizona is a permitless carry state. However, there are still restrictions on where you can carry, such as in schools and government buildings.
While a permit is not required, it does make it easier for law enforcement to identify you as a person who has gone through a legal process to obtain training and education. It also proves that you can pass a rigorous background check. Additionally, a permit grants you the ability to carry legally in states that recognize Arizona permits.
To carry a concealed firearm in Arizona, you must be 21 years or older and legally possess a firearm. There is no permit, background check, or firearms registration required when buying a handgun from a private individual. However, a background check and valid identification are required when purchasing a firearm from a federally licensed dealer.
