· gun laws · 10 min read

Arizona Concealed Carry Firearm Laws

Arizona: Gun Laws Summary

Arizona is a shall-issue, permitless carry 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. A purchaser must be at least 18 years old to buy a gun from a private individual. The minimum age to purchase a handgun from a federally licensed dealer is 21.

Use of Force

A person is justified in threatening or using physical force when and to the extent a reasonable person would believe that physical force is immediately necessary to protect himself  or a third party against the other’s use or attempted use of unlawful physical force.

Use of Deadly Force

A person is justified in threatening or using physical force or deadly force against another: If such person would be justified in threatening or using physical force against the other; and When and to the degree a reasonable person would believe that deadly physical force is immediately necessary to protect himself or a third party against the other’s use or attempted use of unlawful deadly physical force. (Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-405)

Use of Physical Force in Defense of Premises

A person in lawful possession or control of premises is justified in threatening to use physical force when and to the extent that a reasonable person would believe it immediately necessary to prevent or terminate criminal trespass in or upon the premises. A person may use deadly force only in the defense of himself or a third person. “Premises” means any real property and any structure — movable or immovable, permanent or temporary — adapted for both human residence and lodging whether occupied or not. (Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-407)

Use of Physical Force in Defense of Property

A person is justified in using physical force when and to the extent that a reasonable person would believe it necessary to prevent theft or criminal damage involving tangible movable property. A person may use deadly force only in the defense of himself or a third person. (Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-408)

Use of Force in Crime Prevention

A person is justified in threatening or using both physical force and deadly physical force if and to the extent the person reasonably believes the force is immediately necessary to prevent a number of violent felonies, including murder and sexual assault. (Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-411)

Self-Defense

Arizona is a Castle Doctrine state and state laws effectively allow people to stand their ground. There is no duty to retreat before defending yourself if you are in a place where you may legally be and you are not engaged in an unlawful act.

Civil Immunity

No person in Arizona is subject to civil liability for engaging in justified self-defense conduct. (Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-413)

Arizona: Gun Laws at a Glance

Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Arizona?Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Arizona.
Does Arizona have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?No. [Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3101]
Does Arizona have ammunition restrictions?No. [Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3101]
Does Arizona allow permitless carry?Yes. [Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3112]
Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Arizona?Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit. A government issued identification is required for purchase. [ARS 13-3117]
If Arizona requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued?Shall issue.
What is the minimum age in Arizona to get a concealed carry permit?21.
Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Arizona with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)?Yes. A permit allows for the carry of firearms, both loaded and unloaded, as well as deadly weapons which includes anything that is designed for lethal use. [Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3101]
Is open carry permitted in Arizona?Yes, without a permit. Any person who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to possess a firearm can open carry.
Does Arizona allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?No, however the information is available to criminal justice agencies.

Arizona: Carry Locations

Carrying a concealed firearm at roadside rest areasYes.
Carrying a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management AreasYes, although firearms are not allowed in any building where a Federal or state office is located. See the National Parks webpage for links to each Park in Arizona. [National Parks webpage]
Carrying or possessing a firearm on hotel propertyArizona statutes don’t specifically address firearms at hotels. Please note that each hotel develops their own policies and the individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about its concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information.
Storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lotFirearms can legally be carried in a case, holster, scabbard, pack or luggage that is carried within a means of transportation or within a storage compartment, map pocket, trunk or glove compartment of a means of transportation. A property owner, tenant, public or private employer, or business entity shall not establish, maintain or enforce a policy or rule that prohibits a person who can legally possess a firearm from lawfully transporting or lawfully storing any firearm that is both: 1. In the person’s locked and privately owned motor vehicle or in a locked compartment on the person’s privately owned motorcycle; and 2. Not visible from the outside of the motor vehicle or motorcycle. This section does not apply if, in part: The property owner, tenant, public or private employer or business entity provides a parking lot, parking garage or other area designated for parking motor vehicles, that: Is secured by a fence or other physical barrier; Limits access by a guard or other security measure; Provides temporary and secure firearm storage. The storage shall be monitored and readily accessible on entry into the premises and allow for the immediate retrieval of the firearm on exit from the premises; or Provides alternative parking in a location reasonably proximate to the primary parking area for individuals who desire to transport or store a firearm in the individual’s motor vehicle and does not charge an extra fee for such parking. [Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-781]
Carrying a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcoholArizona’s statutes are contradictory as ARS§ 4-229(A) indicates no permit is required to concealed carry in a bar/restaurant that serves alcohol while 4-244(29) and (30) indicate concealed carry is legal with or without a permit, unless posted and provided you don’t consume any alcohol. [Ariz. Rev. Stat. §§ 4-229(A), 4-244(29)(c), (30)(c) and 4-244(31)]
Carrying a concealed handgun in a vehicleYes, without a permit for anyone that is 21 years old and legally entitled to carry a firearm. Firearms must be in plain view from outside the vehicle for anyone that is under 21 years old. [Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3102(A)(2) and (H)]

Arizona: Key State Laws

Is my Arizona driver’s license linked to my Arizona concealed weapons permit?No. Your Arizona driver’s license is not linked to your Arizona concealed weapons permit. Therefore, a law enforcement officer (LEO) will not be notified that you are a concealed carry permit holder immediately when they run your driver’s license. [Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3102]
Does Arizona have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e. Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)?Yes. There is full state preemption of all gun laws. In addition, Section 13-3108 provides that if a court determines a political subdivision has knowingly violated the preemption law, the court may assess a civil penalty of up to $50,000, and if a court determines that a state official enacting a law or rule knowingly violated the preemption law, that person’s term may be subject to termination. [Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3108]
Does Arizona have a red flag law?No. Arizona does not have a red flag law.
Does Arizona allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?No, however the information is available to criminal justice agencies.
If yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense.Yes. A person commits misconduct involving weapons by knowingly entering any public establishment, or attending any public event, carrying a deadly weapon after a reasonable request by the operator, sponsor or the sponsor’s agent to remove his or her weapon and place it in the custody of the operator or sponsor for temporary and secure storage of the weapon. Misconduct involving weapons is a class 1 misdemeanor. [Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3102 & 13-3102.01]
Does Arizona have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while consuming alcohol?No consumption allowed. [Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 4-244(31)]As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgement, slow your reaction times or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.
Do you have a duty to notify a police officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm in Arizona?No. You have no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you are carrying a concealed weapon unless the officer asks. [Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3102]
Does Arizona state law define brandishing?No definition of brandishing was found in Arizona law. A person commits the crime of disorderly conduct if they recklessly handle, display or discharge a deadly weapon. Defensive displays of a firearm without justification could also be charged as aggravated assault. Defensive displays include actions such as putting your hand on a firearm while it is concealed in a pocket, sweeping the jacket to expose the firearm, or saying you have a firearm without drawing or waving it. [Ariz Rev. Stat §§13-2904 and 13-421]
Does Arizona issue concealed carry permits to non-residents?Yes.

Arizona: Handgun Purchase and Possession

May I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a permit?Yes. Permitless carry is allowed in Arizona for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm. [ARS 13-3112]
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Arizona?No. [ARS 13-3112]
Does my current Arizona concealed carry permit exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm?Yes. [ARS 13-3112]
Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Arizona?No. [ARS 13-3112]
Do handguns need to be registered in Arizona?No. [ARS 13-3112]
What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Arizona?18 years old.A person who sells or gives to a minor, without written consent of the minor’s parent or legal guardian, a firearm, ammunition or a toy pistol by which dangerous and explosive substances may be discharged is guilty of a class 6 felony.The temporary transfer of firearms and ammunition by firearms safety instructors, hunter safety instructors, competition coaches or their assistants shall be allowed if the minor’s parent or guardian has given consent for the minor to participate in activities such as firearms or hunting safety courses, firearms competition or training. With the consent of the minor’s parent or guardian, the temporary transfer of firearms and ammunition by an adult accompanying minors engaged in hunting or formal or informal target shooting activities shall be allowed for those purposes. [ARS 13-3109]
Are background checks required for private gun sales in Arizona?No. Private firearms transfers are not subject to a background check requirement, although federal and state purchaser prohibitions, including age restrictions, still apply. It is recommended that you retain any sales receipts to prove ownership of the gun.
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