Carrying a firearm for self-defense comes with a lot of responsibility. Knowing the laws where you carry is just one important task armed Americans must undertake. To help with that, we’ve provided a comprehensive overview of Arizona gun laws. Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in the Grand Canyon State below.
Can You Carry a Gun in Arizona?
Since Arizona has permitless carry, any person who is at least 18 years old and can legally possess a firearm may open carry. Any person at least 21 years old may carry a concealed firearm without a permit.
Arizona Concealed Carry Permit
Arizona issues Concealed Weapons Permits (CWP) to residents and non-residents for reciprocity purposes. It requires a firearms training course that has been state-approved.
Open Carry Gun Laws in Arizona
Open carry is legal in Arizona for any person who is at least 18 years old and who can legally possess a firearm. Some areas are off-limits, including schools and liquor stores that have posted “no weapons” signs.
Stand Your Ground
Arizona state laws effectively allow people to stand their ground. If you’re not engaged in an unlawful act and you’re in a place you have a right to be, you don’t have to retreat when someone threatens or assaults you. Nevertheless, you can only use proportional and reasonable force when immediately necessary to protect against potentially deadly force.
Gun Purchase and Handgun Registration Requirements
Permits are not required when buying a handgun, and there is no firearms registration in Arizona. Buying a handgun from a private individual does not require a background check. A purchaser must be at least 18 years old to buy a gun from a private individual. There is also no magazine capacity restrictions or mandatory waiting period for handgun purchases.
Less-Lethal Legal Self-Defense Weapons
You may carry a small chemical dispenser of pepper spray (sold commercially for personal protection), a stun gun or a Taser. All are legal to purchase and possess without a permit.
Where Can One Carry Concealed in Arizona?
Understanding where you can and cannot carry a firearm is crucial for staying compliant with Arizona’s gun laws. The state has specific locations where carrying a concealed handgun is allowed and places where it is strictly prohibited, even for permit holders. Familiarize yourself with these regulations to ensure you are always carrying legally and responsibly.
- Restaurants that serve alcohol, unless posted, and provided no alcohol is consumed
- State/national parks
- State/national forests
- Wildlife Management Areas
- Places of worship, unless posted
Take an Arizona in-person class
Locations where carry is prohibited even for permit holders include:
- The grounds of any public school (Handguns inside of vehicles must be unloaded before entering school grounds. If you have to exit your vehicle, the handgun(s) must be unloaded and secured within the vehicle and out of plain view.);
- Any public college or university where the carrying of deadly weapons or firearms has been prohibited by the governing board
- The three Arizona State universities (except in a locked and privately owned motor vehicle or in a locked compartment (not visible from the outside) on the person’s privately owned motorcycle);
- Any establishment or event open to the public where the operator makes a reasonable request for you to give him or her custody or remove the weapon from the premises
- On the premises of an on-sale liquor retailer while consuming alcohol or where the retailer has posted a sign prohibiting weapons
- Correctional facilities
- Game preserves
- Secure areas of airports
- Polling places on election day
- Nuclear or hydroelectric generating stations
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law or state law or regulation
Can You Carry a Gun in Your Car in Arizona?
In terms of locations where a concealed handgun may be carried, anyone who is 21 years old and legally entitled to carry a firearm can carry a concealed handgun without a permit in a vehicle in Arizona. There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm unless you are specifically asked. Anyone who is under 21 years old is required to keep his or her firearm(s) in plain view from outside of his or her vehicle. Carry is also allowed at roadside rest areas without a permit.
Can You Carry a Gun in the Grand Canyon?
Federal law makes park firearm regulations reflect state law. Anyone who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state and local laws, can possess firearms in the Grand Canyon. However, the park buildings (visitor centers, ranger stations, offices, fee collection buildings and maintenance facilities, etc.) are still federal facilities and off limits to firearms. These places are marked with signs at all public entrances. Six Native American tribes also have land in the Grand Canyon. For example, the Hualapai Tribe owns the Grand Canyon SkyWalk. Be sure to do your research on gun laws in any tribal land you may be visiting.
Ready to Learn More About Arizona Gun Laws?
It’s your responsibility as a gun owner to know and understand the laws regarding your concealed carry rights. The USCCA’s Concealed Carry Reciprocity & Gun Laws Map is the ultimate tool for armed citizens like you to stay informed. To learn more about this state’s permit application process, concealed carry restrictions and training requirements visit Arizona’s gun laws page now…
The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. members and the concealed carry community, and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case. Laws are constantly changing, and as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.
