What You Need to Know About Concealed Carry Laws in Arizona

Arizona’s concealed carry laws are among the most permissive in the United States, reflecting the state’s strong support for Second Amendment rights. Here’s what you need to know as of 2025:

Key Features of Arizona Concealed Carry Laws

Permitless Carry (Constitutional Carry):

Age Requirement: Anyone 21 years or older who is legally allowed to possess a firearm can carry a concealed handgun in most public places without a permit.
Military Exception: Active-duty military members and honorably discharged veterans who are at least 19 years old may also conceal carry if otherwise eligible.
Location Restrictions: Concealed carry is generally allowed in public places, including roadside rest areas, state/national parks, and restaurants that serve alcohol (provided you do not consume alcohol while carrying). However, private businesses may prohibit firearms on their premises, and violation of posted signs can result in a misdemeanor if you refuse to leave.

Open Carry:

Age Requirement: Open carry is permitted for individuals 18 years or older who are not prohibited from possessing firearms.
No Permit Needed: No permit is required for open carry in most public spaces.

Prohibited Persons:

Who Cannot Carry: Felons, individuals under indictment for a felony, those adjudicated as mentally incompetent, domestic violence offenders, people with restraining orders, illegal drug users, and undocumented immigrants are prohibited from carrying firearms.

Permit Availability:

Shall-Issue State: Arizona still issues concealed carry permits (CCW) for those who want one, and the state is a “shall-issue” jurisdiction.
Benefits of a Permit: A CCW permit allows you to carry concealed in other states with which Arizona has reciprocity agreements. It also exempts you from federal background checks when purchasing firearms.

Training Requirements:

Permit Applicants: To obtain a CCW permit, applicants must complete a firearms safety training program or demonstrate competency with a firearm.

Vehicle Carry:

Concealed Carry: Anyone 21 or older and legally allowed to possess a firearm can carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle without a permit.
Open Carry: Individuals under 21 may carry in a vehicle only if the firearm is visible from outside the vehicle.

No Duty to Inform:

Police Interaction: You are not required to inform law enforcement that you are carrying a concealed weapon unless asked.

State Preemption:

Uniform Laws: Arizona has full state preemption, meaning local governments cannot enact stricter gun laws than those at the state level.

Additional Considerations

No Magazine Restrictions: Arizona does not limit magazine capacity for handguns.
No Handgun Registration: Handguns do not need to be registered in Arizona.
No Red Flag Law: Arizona does not have a red flag law.
No Ammunition Restrictions: There are no restrictions on ammunition types.
Non-Lethal Weapons: Some non-lethal weapons (e.g., blackjacks, slapjacks, billy clubs) are illegal to own or carry.
Byrna/Non-Lethal Guns: Byrna guns and similar non-lethal devices are legal and can be carried openly or concealed without a permit.

Summary Table

Feature	Arizona Law (2025)
Permitless Concealed Carry	Yes, for ages 21+ (or 19+ for military/veterans)
Open Carry	Yes, for ages 18+
CCW Permit Available	Yes, for reciprocity and background check exemption
Training for Permit	Required
Prohibited Persons	Felons, mentally incompetent, domestic violence, etc.
Vehicle Carry	Concealed allowed for 21+; open for under 21 if visible
Duty to Inform Police	No
State Preemption	Yes
Magazine Restrictions	No
Handgun Registration	No
Red Flag Law	No

In Arizona, if you are at least 21 years old and legally allowed to possess a firearm, you can carry concealed without a permit in most public places. Open carry is allowed at 18.

Arizona’s laws are designed to maximize lawful gun ownership while prohibiting certain individuals from carrying. Always observe private property restrictions and stay informed about any potential changes to local or state law.

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