Arizona is a constitutional carry state meaning, in most circumstances, an adult who can legally own a handgun can also carry one concealed without a permit. So why bother with a CCW at all? Three big reasons: reciprocity in 37 other states, NICS-check exemptions on firearm purchases, and access to a deeper layer of legal protection if you ever need it. Below: what the permit is, who can get one, how to apply, and the surprisingly long list of places it doesn't cover.
Arizona issues a shall-issue permit administered by the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Permit cost: $60 state fee. Course cost (here at G2A): $85. Total time, application to plastic in your wallet: ~6 weeks.
What is an Arizona CCW Permit?
The Arizona Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP, often called CCW) is a state-issued credential that allows the holder to lawfully carry a concealed weapon handgun, knife, or other deadly weapon anywhere not specifically restricted by ARS 13-3102. While Arizona has been a constitutional-carry state since 2010, the CCW remains valuable for the practical reasons above.
The permit is good for five years and can be renewed online with no additional course required, provided the holder remains eligible.
Who Qualifies for an Arizona CCW?
The eligibility list is short and strict. To apply, you must:
- Be a resident of the United States and at least 21 years of age (19 if active-duty military or honorably discharged)
- Not be a prohibited possessor under federal or Arizona law
- Not have been convicted of a felony, unless your rights have been formally restored
- Not have been adjudicated mentally incompetent or committed to a mental institution
- Demonstrate competence with a firearm by completing a state-approved CCW course
Misdemeanor domestic violence convictions are a federal disqualifier even decades after the fact. If you're unsure, check before you pay the application fee.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
- Take a state-approved CCW course. Ours runs four hours, includes live fire, and meets every DPS requirement. You walk out with a completion certificate the same day.
- Get your fingerprints taken. We do this on-site for $25. You can also use any AZ DPS-certified vendor.
- Submit your application packet to DPS. Includes your course certificate, fingerprint card, photo, and the $60 state fee. We'll review everything before you mail it.
- Wait 48 weeks for approval. DPS will mail your permit directly to you. The credential is a credit-card-sized hard plastic card.
- Carry or don't. Your call. Either way, you're now in 37 states' worth of reciprocity.
The 37 States That Honor Your AZ Permit
As of January 2026, 37 states recognize the Arizona CCW. That includes obvious neighbors (NM, UT, NV) plus most of the South and Midwest. Notable holdouts: California, New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, Hawaii, and Oregon do not honor it. New Mexico honors it but does not honor non-resident permits.
Reciprocity changes. We update this guide quarterly but always verify with the destination state's AG office before you travel armed. G2A Instructor Team
What You CAN and CANNOT Do With a CCW
The permit isn't a universal pass. Here's the practical version of ARS 13-3102 broken into a side-by-side.
- Carry concealed in most public places statewide
- Carry into restaurants that serve alcohol (so long as you don't drink)
- Skip the federal NICS check on firearm purchases
- Carry across 37 reciprocity states
- Carry on most public roads & parks
- Renew online every 5 years without a re-course
- Carry into any K12 school grounds
- Carry into a polling place on election day
- Carry into a "no firearms" posted private business
- Carry into federal buildings (post office, courthouse, etc.)
- Carry while consuming alcohol period
- Carry into Native American reservations without tribal permission
Print a one-page "no carry" cheat sheet and keep it in your glovebox. Most CCW infractions are honest mistakes not criminal intent. Knowing where you can't carry is half the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a CCW if Arizona is a constitutional-carry state?
Legally, no for in-state carry. Practically, yes if you ever travel, want to skip NICS checks at the gun counter, or want a stronger legal posture if you ever have to use a firearm in self-defense.
How long does the application take from start to finish?
About six weeks total. Course (4 hours) fingerprints (15 min) mail to DPS DPS processes in 48 weeks.
Can a non-resident get an Arizona CCW?
Yes. AZ is one of the most flexible states for non-residents you don't need to live here. We host out-of-state students every weekend.
What if I lose my permit?
Request a duplicate from DPS for $10. Until it arrives, default back to constitutional carry within Arizona.
