Arizona permit process

How To Get Your Arizona Concealed Carry Permit

Whether you're new to owning a firearm or have had a gun for home defense for years, getting a concealed handgun permit may seem daunting. It doesn't have to be. There are many reasons and ways to carry a concealed weapon, but the first step is knowing Arizona's concealed carry laws. Applying for a CWP varies by state.

Read about the process for getting a Arizona Concealed Weapons Permit below.

Steps To Get A Arizona Concealed Carry Permit

1

COMPLETE a firearms safety training course, or meet one of the exemptions outlined in the Training Requirements Section.

2

DOWNLOAD and complete the Concealed Carry Weapons Permit application (or contact the Concealed Weapons Permit Unit via email to request an application packet)

3

SUBMIT

  • A complete the Concealed Carry Weapons Permit application (or contact the Concealed Weapons Permit Unit via email to request an application packet)
  • A firearms-safety certificate of completion or document demonstrating firearm competence
  • Two fingerprint cards taken by a qualified fingerprint technician, and submitted on FBI form FD-258
  • Fee


4

CHECK YOUR MAILBOX -- You will be notified if your application has been approved.

Find a CCW Training Class

What Are the Firearms Training Requirements in Arizona?

A CWP applicant must demonstrate competence with a firearm through any of the following:

  • Completion of any firearms safety training course or class that is offered by a law enforcement agency, junior college, college, or a private or public institution, academy, organization or firearms training school that is approved by the Department of Public Safety or that uses instructors who are certified by the National Rifle Association (NRA)
  • Completion of any hunter education or hunter safety course approved by the Arizona Game and Fish Department or a similar agency of another state
  • Completion of an NRA firearms safety or training course
  • Completion of any law enforcement firearms safety or training course or class that is offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies or other divisions or subdivisions of law enforcement or security enforcement and that is approved by the Department of Public Safety
  • Evidence of current military service or proof of honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions from the U.S. armed forces
  • Possession of a valid current or expired concealed weapon, firearm or handgun permit or license that is issued by another state or a political subdivision of another state and that has a training or testing requirement for initial issuance
  • Completion of any governmental police agency firearms training course and qualification to carry a firearm in the course of normal police duties 
  • Completion of any other firearms safety or training course or class that is conducted by a Department of Public Safety approved or NRA certified firearms instructor


A Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals Class from the USCCA meets permitting requirements in Arizona.

What Are the Arizona License to Carry a Handgun Requirements?

An applicant must:

  • Be at least 21 years old or 19 for active military and veterans;
  • Be a resident of Arizona or a U.S. citizen;
  • Not be unlawfully present in the United States;
  • Have completed an approved firearms training class or meet an exemption;
  • Have no pending charges;
  • Not be under indictment or not have been convicted of a felony (with some exceptions);
  • Not suffer from mental illness and not have been adjudicated mentally incompetent or committed to a mental institution; and
  • Meet federal law requirements.

*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Arizona.

What are the Fees and Terms?

Up to 75 days to process

$60 for ra new permit

$43 for a replacement permit

Valid for Five Years from Date of Issue

Where Can I Find Application Forms?

What Concealed Carry Permit Options Exist Based on Residency?

Residency Changes:

Moving to Arizona and interested in applying for a resident permit? How soon can you apply? Is your concealed carry permit from your former state transferable?Arizona doesn't distinguish between resident and non-resident permits, so you can apply for your permit at any time. You may carry concealed utilizing another state's permit as long as that permit is valid and in good standing. Although your permit isn't transferable, you may be able to use it as proof of firearms competence when applying for an Arizona permit. Contact the permit unit for additional information.

Moving from Arizona and have an Arizona resident permit? Does that permit transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Arizona permit remains valid?If a person with an Arizona concealed weapon permit establishes residency in another state, the permit is valid until it expires provided that individual submits the above referenced name/address change form.

How Do I Renew My Concealed Carry Permit in Arizona?

The Concealed Weapon Permit Unit (CWPU) no longer mails a courtesy renewal packet to customers whose permits are due to expire. The renewal application is available on the CWPU's website.

Renewals may be processed between 90 days prior to expiration and 60 days after expiration. If your permit is expired more than 60 days, and you still want to possess a concealed weapons permit, you must apply for a new permit. You may use your expired permit card as proof you have attended the firearms safety training, if it is in good standing.

1

COMPLETE the renewal application, include the applicable fee and mail them to DPS.


AZ DPS-CWPU Attn: Renewal

P.O. Box 6488

Phoenix, AZ 85005-6488


You may also drop off your application packet at the DPS Public Service Center building located at 2222 W. Encanto Blvd in Phoenix between the hours of 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please go to the main entrance.

2

CHECK YOUR MAILBOX -- Typically, applications are processed within 75 days of receipt if no additional research is required.

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Make sure you understand Arizona Gun Laws and Arizona concealed carry reciprocity with other states.