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.
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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 state-approved firearms training course.
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 law effectively allows 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 threatened or assaulted. You may only use proportional, 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, and purchasers must be at least 18 years old. There are no magazine capacity limits or mandatory waiting periods 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 is crucial. Arizona has specific locations where concealed carry is allowed and places where it is prohibited, even for permit holders.
- 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
Locations where carry is prohibited even for permit holders include:
- The grounds of any public school (handguns inside vehicles must be unloaded before entering school grounds. If you must exit the vehicle, the handgun(s) must be unloaded, secured within the vehicle and out of plain view.)
- Any public college or university where the governing board prohibits firearms
- The three Arizona State universities (except in a locked, privately owned motor vehicle, or in a locked, non-visible compartment on a privately owned motorcycle)
- Any establishment or event open to the public where the operator makes a reasonable request to remove or surrender weapons
- On the premises of an on-sale liquor retailer while consuming alcohol or where the retailer has posted a prohibiting sign
- Correctional facilities
- Game preserves
- Secure areas of airports
- Polling places on election day
- Nuclear or hydroelectric generating stations
- Any place where firearms are prohibited by federal or state law or regulation
Can You Carry a Gun in Your Car in Arizona?
Anyone 21 or older who is legally entitled to carry may carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle without a permit. There is no duty to inform law enforcement that you’re carrying unless specifically asked. Anyone under 21 must keep firearms in plain view from outside the 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 laws may possess firearms in the Grand Canyon. Park buildings (visitor centers, ranger stations, offices, fee collection and maintenance facilities) remain federal facilities and are off limits to firearms; signs are posted at public entrances. Six Native American tribes also have land in the Grand Canyon (e.g., the Hualapai Tribe owns the Grand Canyon Skywalk). Research gun laws on any tribal land you plan to visit.
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 a powerful tool to stay informed. To learn more about Arizona’s permit process, restrictions and training requirements, visit Arizona’s gun laws page now.
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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.
