How to Get a CCW Permit in Arizona in 2026 (Step-by-Step Guide)

Name: Guns 2 Ammo
Address: 6030 E Main St, Suite 103, Mesa, AZ, 85205, US
Telephone: (602) 715-2677
Price range: $$

June 6, 2026 By Nicholas Steigert 7 min read

Do You Know How to Get a CCW Permit in Arizona in 2026?

If you’re wondering how to get a CCW permit in Arizona in 2026, you’re in the right place. Arizona is one of the most firearm-friendly states in the country — and while constitutional carry means you don’t need a permit to carry concealed, getting your Arizona CCW permit in 2026 still makes a lot of sense.

Why Get an Arizona CCW Permit If You Can Already Carry?

Good question. Constitutional carry means you don’t need a permit to carry concealed in Arizona — but a permit gives you advantages you can’t get without one.

Reciprocity in 37+ states. Your Arizona CCW is honored across most of the United States. Without a permit, you’re limited to constitutional carry states when traveling. With one, you can legally carry concealed in 37+ states covering the vast majority of the country.

Skip the NICS background check. When buying a firearm from a licensed dealer, a valid CCW permit substitutes for the instant background check under federal law. Walk in, show your permit, and walk out same day.

Carry in additional locations. An Arizona CCW permit allows you to carry in certain places that constitutional carry does not cover under state law.

Peace of mind during law enforcement encounters. Your permit shows you’ve been vetted, trained, and are a responsible carrier. That carries weight.

Step 1: Confirm You Meet the Eligibility Requirements

Before signing up for a class or filling out any paperwork, verify you meet Arizona’s eligibility requirements under A.R.S. § 13-3112.

To qualify for an Arizona CCW permit in 2026, you must:

Be at least 21 years of age (19 if you are active duty military or a veteran)
Be a resident of Arizona or a U.S. citizen
Not be under indictment for, or convicted of, any felony offense
Not have been adjudicated mentally incompetent or committed to a mental health institution
Not be an unlawful user of, or addicted to, any controlled substance
Not be prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal or state law

If you meet all of the above, you’re ready to move to the next step.

Step 2: Complete a DPS-Approved Firearms Training Course

This is the most important step — and the one that trips most people up if they don’t use an approved provider.

Arizona DPS requires that all new CCW applicants complete a firearms safety training course taught by a qualified instructor. The course must cover:

Arizona firearm laws — including the legal use of force and self-defense statutes
Safe handling and storage of firearms
Specific Arizona laws related to concealed carry

At Guns 2 Ammo in Mesa, our Arizona CCW certification course covers everything DPS requires in a focused 4-hour classroom session. For $85, you’ll walk out the same day with your completion certificate in hand — and we’ll help you understand exactly what to submit to DPS.

Our instructors are NRA-certified and have trained thousands of students across the East Valley, including first-time gun owners, veterans, and experienced carriers looking to formalize their credentials.

Book your CCW class at Guns 2 Ammo →

Step 3: Get Fingerprinted

All new Arizona CCW applicants are required to submit fingerprints as part of the application. You have two options:

Digital fingerprints (LiveScan): Most applicants use a LiveScan provider. This is the fastest and most reliable method. Results are submitted electronically directly to DPS.

Hard card fingerprints: If you use traditional ink fingerprint cards, you’ll need to include a printed coversheet with your DPS order number when you mail them in. (this is provided if you take the CCW course with Guns 2 Ammo)

We recommend getting your fingerprints done after completing your training course so you have everything ready when you sit down to complete the application.

Step 4: Gather Your Required Documents

Before submitting your application to Arizona DPS, you’ll need the following documents:

Completed new CCW application form — signed in black ink (available on the AZ DPS website)
Proof of Arizona residency — your Arizona Driver License or ID card, or two separate documents (utility bill, bank statement, lease, insurance policy) showing your legal name and physical address
Firearms training certificate — your completion certificate from your DPS-approved course
Fingerprints — digital LiveScan submission or hard card fingerprints with coversheet
Application fee payment — $60 for new applicants, payable by check or money order (DPS does not accept cash or credit cards)

Double-check that every field on your application is complete and accurate. Incomplete applications are one of the most common causes of processing delays.

Step 5: Submit Your Application to Arizona DPS

Once your packet is complete, mail everything to:

Arizona Department of Public Safety Attn: Concealed Weapons Permit Unit P.O. Box 6488 Phoenix, AZ 85005-6488

Important: Do not send your application via certified mail. Arizona DPS will not accept certified mail delivery at the P.O. Box. Use standard first-class mail or a non-certified delivery method.

You can also drop off your application in person at the DPS Public Service Center at 2222 W. Encanto Blvd., Phoenix — Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Step 6: Wait for Processing

Once DPS receives your complete application, they have 60 days by law to process it — though real-world processing times typically run 75 to 90 days if no additional research is needed.

During that window, DPS will run a background check against state and federal databases. If your application is approved, your permit will arrive by mail. If it’s denied, you’ll receive a letter explaining the reason.

There is no way to expedite processing, so submit your application as soon as your training and fingerprints are complete.

What Does an Arizona CCW Permit Cost in 2026?

Here’s the full breakdown of what to budget:

Item	Cost
Training course at Guns 2 Ammo	$85
Arizona DPS application fee (new)	$60
Fingerprinting (LiveScan, varies by provider)	~$10–$25
Total estimated cost	~$155–$170

Renewal costs less — just $43 with no additional training required.

Arizona CCW Reciprocity: Where Can You Carry?

One of the biggest reasons Mesa and East Valley residents get their Arizona CCW is reciprocity. Your Arizona permit is currently recognized in 37+ states, covering a large portion of the country including Florida, Texas, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and most of the Southeast and Mountain West.

Because reciprocity agreements can change, always verify the current status of a specific state before you travel with your firearm. The Arizona DPS website maintains up-to-date reciprocity information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to own a gun to take the CCW course? No. At Guns 2 Ammo.

Does Arizona CCW require live-fire qualification? Arizona DPS does not mandate a live-fire component for the permit — but many training courses include one. Our course focuses on the classroom components required by DPS: Arizona law, legal use of force, and safe handling and storage.

How long is the Arizona CCW permit valid? Arizona CCW permits are valid for five years. Renewal requires no additional training — just a completed renewal application and the $43 renewal fee.

Can I apply online? You can begin the application process online through the Arizona DPS CCW portal, but you still must complete in-person training and fingerprinting. There is no fully online-only option.

What if I have a prior misdemeanor? Eligibility depends on the specific offense. Certain misdemeanors may disqualify you under state or federal law. When in doubt, consult with a licensed Arizona attorney before applying.

Get Your Arizona CCW in Mesa, AZ

If you’re ready to get started, Guns 2 Ammo makes it simple. Our 4-hour Arizona CCW certification course covers everything DPS requires, and we’ll walk you through the application process before you leave.

Location: 6030 E Main St, Suite 103, Mesa, AZ 85205
Course fee: $85
Format: Classroom only — no live fire required
Who qualifies: Anyone 21 and older
What you get: Completion certificate + step-by-step DPS application guidance

We serve students from across the East Valley including Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, and Apache Junction.

View available class dates and reserve your seat →

Questions before you book? Contact us here or call (602) 715-2677.

Information in this post is current as of 2026 and based on Arizona Revised Statutes and Arizona DPS guidelines. Requirements may change — always verify with the Arizona Department of Public Safety before submitting your application.