Arizona Guide

Last Updated: 02/26/2026

Note: This guide summarizes statewide requirements. Some specific locations (such as federal property, schools, airports, or tribal lands) may have additional restrictions. Always verify the latest laws with state agencies or legal counsel before purchasing or carrying. This information is provided for general guidance and is not legal advice.

Quick Cheat Sheet

Buying a Gun:

  • Minimum age: 21 Handgun , 18 Long gun (exceptions exist see below)
  • Dealer sales background check: Required
  • Waiting period: None
  • Private sales: No background check required

Concealed Carry:

  • Permit required? No, Arizona has permitless carry for those 21 and older who can legally possess a firearm. A Concealed Weapon Permit is available (CWP) and provides certain benefits.
  • Training required? Not required for permitless carry. However, training is required for obtaining a Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP).
  • Out-of-state permit recognition: Yes — recognizes permits from all other states

Special Notes:

  • Arizona has statewide preemption of firearm laws
  • No red flag laws.
  • No assault weapon or magazine capacity restrictions.
  • No firearm registration requirements.

How to Buy a Gun in Arizona

Prerequisites

  • Age: 21 Handgun through an FFL, 18 Long gun. Those 18-20 may purchase through private sales.
  • Residency: Federal law requires all handgun purchases to occur in your state of residency. Buyers must be U.S. citizens or legal residents. State residency is not required for long gun purchases from FFL dealers in Arizona.
  • ID requirements: Valid and current government-issued ID. Further proof of residency may be required.
  • Prohibited-person highlights: Felons, domestic violence misdemeanors or restraining orders, unlawful drug users, fugitives, those adjudicated mentally defective or committed, and other federally prohibited categories.

Dealer Purchase Steps

  1. Visit a Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer.
  2. Present valid ID, proof of residency, and complete the ATF Form 4473.
  3. Dealer conducts a background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
  4. If approved, complete the purchase.

Private Sales / Gun Shows

  • No background check is required for private, in-state sales between non-licensed individuals.
  • At gun shows, only sales by non-licensed attendees are treated as private sales; licensed dealers must run a background check.
  • Federal prohibited-person rules still apply at gun shows and for private sales.

Special Categories / Exceptions

  • Long guns vs handguns vs NFA items: No special restrictions for long guns or handguns. NFA items (e.g., suppressors) are legal with the appropriate federal paperwork.
  • Non-resident purchases allowed only for long gun purchases and the purchaser must comply with federal law and the laws of their home state.

Waiting Period & Timing

  • Waiting period (days): Arizona has no waiting period for firearm purchases.
  • Notes / exceptions: Immediate purchase upon background check approval.

Common Pitfalls / Practical Tips

  • While 18-20 year-olds may purchase handguns through private sales, federal law sets the minimum age to buy handgun ammunition from an FFL at 21. Those under 21 who wish to purchase handgun ammo must do so through private sales.
  • Confirm dealer requirements for proof of residency.
  • Ensure all information on the ATF Form 4473 is accurate to avoid delays.
  • If NICS is delayed, dealers may be required to hold the firearm per federal rules.
  • Federal law creates various exceptions for law enforcement and military personnel which are not covered by these guides. Consult your official sources.
  • Marijuana users of any kind are prohibited under federal law frompossessing firearms. The ATF and many courts treat a medical marijuana card as presumptive evidence of unlawful use. Marijuana use while possessing a firearm is a felony, thoughrecent court rulings are challenging this, and the Supreme Court has taken up a relevant case with a ruling likely in June or July of 2026.

How to Carry Concealed

System Type

  • Permitless carry. Legal for individuals 21 and older who can legally possess a firearm.
  • A Concealed Weapons Permit is an available option and provides certain benefits like state reciprocity.

Prerequisites

  • Age: 21 years or older.
  • Residency: Must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident. U.S. citizens do not need Arizona residency. Non-citizens must be Arizona residents.
  • Training: 8 hours approved training course or equivalent (e.g., military service)
  • Disqualifying factors: Felony convictions, certain misdemeanor convictions, adjudicated mental incompetence, and any condition that makes the applicant prohibited under federal law (e.g., involuntary commitment or unlawful controlled substance use).This list is not exhaustive, consult an official resource.

Application Steps

  1. Complete the online application through the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) CWP portal.
  2. Complete the application form and include two fingerprint cards (Attained at a Field Print Kiosk or local Law Enforcement station).
  3. Submit proof of firearms training (e.g., NRA course, hunter safety, military service, law enforcement, or AZ-approved class).
  4. Complete a background check.
  5. Pay any associated and required fees.
  6. If approved, the permit is issued by mail (valid for 5 years).

Training Requirements

  • Hours: 8 hours classroom training. Arizona does not require a live fire training or demonstration session.
  • Proficiencies required: The Arizona CWP requires only a written test.
  • Instructor certification: Required for the course provider.

Processing Time

  • Typically times vary, limited by statute to 75 days.

License validity period

  • WCLs are valid for 5 years.

Restrictions / Prohibited Places

  • Schools (K–12), colleges/universities (with exceptions for storage in vehicle).
  • Polling places on Election Day.
  • Secured areas of airports, nuclear facilities,and certain government buildings where firearms are restricted by federal law.
  • Posted private property (“no guns” signs carry legal force).
  • Bars/restaurants serving alcohol unless not drinking and holding permit.
  • Do not carry while consuming alcohol; carrying while consuming alcohol is illegal and punishable by law.
  • This list is not exhaustive, consult your CWP training resource.

Reciprocity

  • Out-of-state permits recognized: Yes, all states.
  • State permits recognized elsewhere? Many states; check DPS reciprocity map.

Denial & Appeal Process

  • Written notice provided if denied.
  • Right to appeal through administrative hearing.

Common Pitfalls / Practical Tips

  • Permitless carry only for 21+. 18–20 may open carry but not concealed.
  • Even with permit, private property postings override carry rights
  • Carrying in prohibited places can result in serious penalties.
  • Carrying while intoxicated can result in serious penalties.
  • Ensure your CWP is renewed before expiration to avoid legal issues.
  • Federal law creates various exceptions for law enforcement and military personnel which are not covered by these guides. Consult your official sources.

Associated Fees

  • Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP): $60 – covers application and background check. Does not cover fingerprinting.
  • Concealed Weapons Permit Renewal: $45, required every five years.
  • Other Fees / Notes: Fingerprinting costs ~$10. Online certification classes and testing are in the $60-75 range.

Trans-Specific Considerations

Constitutional Carry as Trans: Avoiding Advanced Licenses

After careful consideration of the options available to trans people in potentially hostile constitutional carry states, Arm the Dolls strongly recommends relying on constitutional carry and avoiding optional permit applications.

In constitutional carry states, obtaining a concealed carry permit is optional for residents who wish to carry within the state. However, some states have documented practices of tracking trans people who interact with government identification and permitting systems, and this surveillance creates unacceptable privacy and safety risks both now and in the future.

In August 2024, the Texas Department of Public Safety was directed by Attorney General Ken Paxton to track anyone who requests gender marker changes on state identification. DPS employees were instructed to forward names, driver’s license/ID numbers, and scanned court orders to an internal email address. This tracking includes people who simply asked questions about the process, not just those who submitted formal requests. As of August 2025, over 110 names have been collected on this list. The Attorney General’s office has refused to explain the purpose of this database or how the information will be used.

When you apply for an optional permit in a constitutional carry state, you voluntarily submit:

  • Personal identifying information (name, address, date of birth).
  • Documentation that may reveal your trans status (name change court orders, mismatched gender markers, etc.).

This information enters state databases controlled by agencies that may be led by officials hostile to trans people. In some states, these agencies have demonstrated a willingness to track and collect information about trans individuals for undisclosed purposes.

Constitutional carry allows trans people to exercise Second Amendment rights while avoiding unnecessary risk. By declining optional permits, you prevent creating records that connect your firearm ownership to your trans status, even if state agencies already have other documentation about you. There’s no reason to voluntarily add another data point to files that could be weaponized against you.

While advanced licenses provide benefits, you should be clear about whether those are benefits you require and will utilize. Interstate reciprocity and other benefits may be important, but they must be weighed against the potential weaponization of your data by a hostile administration. If your personal use case does not require the advantages of an advanced license and you can otherwise carry lawfully, we strongly recommend you rely on constitutional carry.

Name or Gender Marker Changes in Progress

  • Your ID must be current and valid at the time of purchase. If your name and / or gender marker change is finalized but your ID has not yet been updated, you may face delays or denial. If possible, complete your ID update before attempting to purchase. Note that your Drivers License must be updated within 10 days of your name and / or gender marker change.
  • CWP Applications: If you submit an application and your legal name changes during processing, notify your issuing authority immediately. Failure to update your information could result in application denial or a permit issued under an incorrect name, which may create legal complications when carrying.
  • Form 4473 Accuracy: The ATF Form 4473 must reflect your current legal name as it appears on your government-issued ID. The form also asks for sex information; at present, using the gender marker on your current government-issued ID is the standard practice. Using identifying information that does not match your ID could constitute providing false information and may result in denial or legal consequences.
  • Practical Implications: It is important if at all possible to complete all legal name and gender marker changes and obtain updated government ID before beginning the firearms purchase or permit application process. Arizona’s relatively straightforward process for updating IDs makes this feasible, and avoids potential complications with background checks and application processing.

Updating an Existing CWP Permit After Name or Gender Marker Change

  • Where to update: CWP’s are updated through the Arizona Department of Safety Concealed Weapons Permit office and can be done either through an online portal or through the mail.
  • Required documentation:  Legal documentation proving your name and / or gender marker change, be prepared to provide proof of your name and / or gender marker change (court order, updated birth certificate, or other official documentation). If you are updating both your name and your gender marker, submit both changes at the same time with supporting documentation.
  • Update process: When updating your name and / or gender marker on your CWP you will file for a replacement CWP. This can be done through a web portal (found here) or through the mail via a form titled “CCW Replacement Request” (found here). Note that upon receipt of your updated CWP, you must turn in your CWP with your old name.
  • Processing fee: $10
  • Processing time: Usually less than a week, then depends on mail delivery time (see note below).
  • Important notes on carrying: 
    • AtD Researchers contacted the Arizona DPS on 12/8/2024 and to confirm the gender marker update process as no online resources were found which pertained to this issue. We confirmed that updating a gender marker is possible and just requires a copy of the court order.
    • When contacting the Arizona DPS AtD Researchers were also informed that upon receipt of a name and / or gender marker change update request, a new background check is run. Please take note of this as complications may arise.
    • According the contact at the AZ DPS you must update your CWP within 10 days of your name and / or gender marker change, but should update your drivers license / state-issued ID first.
    • Your CWP permit should reflect your current legal name before you carry concealed. A mismatch between your ID and permit could create complications during a law enforcement encounter. While Arizona is a constitutional carry state and permits are optional for residents 21+, if you choose to obtain or maintain a permit for reciprocity purposes, keeping it current is important.

Notes:

  • AtD Researchers are in the process of reaching out to the Arizona DPS CWP office to clarify gender marker documents and processing times. Updates will be made as soon as we hear back.
  • There are ongoing regulatory developments regarding sex designation requirements on Form 4473. We are monitoring this situation and will update this guide as more information becomes available.

State-Specific Considerations

  • Local ordinance preemption: Yes, local governments cannot impose firearm regulations stricter than state law.
  • Assault weapons / magazine limits: No statewide assault-weapon ban or magazine cap beyond any established federal restrictions.
  • ERPO / Red flag laws: Not in effect in Arizona.
  • Registration requirements: None.
  • Safe storage laws: Not required by state law.
  • Transportation rules: Firearms may be carried loaded or unloaded in vehicle; permitted in passenger compartment. Handguns in plain view must be in holster.
  • Other unique issues: None

Official Links & Documents

State Statutes / Codes

State Police / Firearms Division

Permit Applications / Forms

Attorney General Opinions / Court Decisions

Other Official Resources

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can non-residents buy a gun in this state?
Non-residents may purchase long guns in the state if they comply with federal law and their home state laws. Handgun purchases are generally restricted to state residents, with limited exceptions for law enforcement or military personnel.

Are private sales required to do background checks?
No, private sales do not require background checks in Arizona.

How long is the waiting period?
There is no waiting period for firearm purchases in Arizona.

What is the minimum age to buy a handgun?
21 from a dealer; 18 for private handgun sales.

Do I need a permit to carry concealed?
No. Arizona allows permitless carry for adults 21+. Permits are optional.

Where am I prohibited from carrying even with a permit?
You are prohibited from carrying, even with a CWP, at schools (K–12) and on school grounds (including school‑sanctioned events); polling places on Election Day; courts, jails, and correctional facilities; posted private property (“no firearms” signs carry legal force under ARS § 13‑3102); secured areas of airports, nuclear facilities, and certain government buildings where firearms are restricted by federal law. Carrying in bars or restaurants that serve alcohol is allowed only if you do not consume alcohol while armed and the establishment does not have a lawful “no firearms” sign. This list is not exhaustive, consult an official resource.

Are ghost guns or unserialized guns legal?
Arizona does not have its own ghost-gun ban, but federal rules (and recent judicial rulings) now regulate kits/parts — check ATF/FDLE guidance.

Are out-of-state permits recognized here?
Yes. Arizona recognizes all valid state permits.

How long does the permit process typically take?
Up to 60 days, usually shorter.

What happens if my concealed carry permit is denied?
You receive written notice and may appeal through an administrative process.