Concealed Carry in Arizona

Yes for adults 21 and older. Arizona's weapons-misconduct law makes concealed carry of a deadly weapon (other than a pocket knife) a crime only in limited situations: when it furthers a serious offense, violent crime or other felony (class 6 felony), or when the person fails to answer truthfully after a law enforcement officer, during a lawful contact, asks whether they are carrying a concealed weapon (class 1 misdemeanor). Carrying a concealed deadly weapon on the person or within immediate control in a vehicle by a person 'under twenty-one years of age' is a class 3 misdemeanor. Prohibited possessors may not possess firearms at all.

Concealed weapons permit (CCW), optional, issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Shall-issue: DPS 'shall issue a permit to an applicant who meets all of the following conditions.' Applicant must be 21 or older, or at least 19 with evidence of current military service or an honorable (or general under honorable conditions) discharge; be an Arizona resident or a U.S. citizen (DPS must prioritize in-state residents); not be a prohibited possessor; and demonstrate competence with a firearm through one of the options in § 13-3112(N) (such as a DPS-approved firearms safety course, a hunter safety course, an NRA course, or military service). DPS must finish qualification checks within 60 days and issue within 15 working days after that if the applicant qualifies. The permit is valid for five years and is renewable every five years. Fees (DPS): $60.00 new; $43.00 renewal; $10.00 replacement card or profile change.

Arizona honors all states' permits on conditions: Arizona 'shall recognize' a concealed weapon, firearm or handgun permit or license issued by another state if it is recognized as valid in the issuing state and the holder is legally present in Arizona and not legally prohibited from possessing a firearm here. An out-of-state permit holder may not carry in Arizona if under 21 or under indictment for or convicted of a felony (unless expunged, set aside, vacated or rights restored). DPS enters written agreements with states that require one.

Arizona prohibits: possessing a deadly weapon on school grounds (class 1 misdemeanor; exceptions include an unloaded firearm in a locked vehicle, school-approved programs, and hunter or firearm safety courses); entering an election polling place on election day carrying a deadly weapon (class 1 misdemeanor); entering a nuclear or hydroelectric generating station carrying a deadly weapon; and entering a public establishment or public event carrying a deadly weapon after a reasonable request by the operator or sponsor to surrender it for secure storage (class 1 misdemeanor). A liquor-licensed (on-sale) business may post a statutory sign; once it does, no one may carry a firearm on those premises. Without such a sign, a concealed handgun may be carried on on-sale premises.

Adults 21 and older who are not prohibited possessors may carry a firearm, loaded or concealed, in a vehicle without a permit; concealed carry in a vehicle is an offense only if it furthers a felony or the person fails to answer truthfully when an officer asks during a lawful contact. A person under 21 may not carry a concealed deadly weapon 'within his immediate control in or on a means of transportation' (class 3 misdemeanor). On school grounds, a firearm in a vehicle is allowed only if it is unloaded, carried in a vehicle under an adult's control, and, if the adult leaves the vehicle, the firearm is not visible and the vehicle is locked.