Basics
Weapon laws (Title 13, Ch. 31 ARS)
Arizona does not have purchase permits, gun registration, or gun-owner licensing. There is no waiting period mandated for firearm purchases and private gun sales are legal. Arizona is a constitutional carry state; permits are not required to carry concealed in most places. Concealed weapon permits (CCW) are-shall issue, all US permits are recognized, and loaded open carry is allowed (with some exceptions).
Arizona does not have purchase permits, gun registration, or gun-owner licensing. There is no waiting period mandated for firearm purchases and private gun sales are legal. Arizona is a constitutional carry state; permits are not required to carry concealed in most places. Concealed weapon permits (CCW) are-shall issue, all US permits are recognized, and loaded open carry is allowed (with some exceptions).
Constitutional Carry (Permitless concealed carry)
Anyone over 21 may legally carry a concealed firearm without a concealed weapon permit. This applies to residents and non-residents alike. You may not carrying a firearm in an establishment that services alcohol without a permit.
Anyone over 21 may legally carry a concealed firearm without a concealed weapon permit. This applies to residents and non-residents alike. You may not carrying a firearm in an establishment that services alcohol without a permit.
Government buildings
Firearms are prohibited in polling place on election day, a nuclear or hydroelectric power plant (13-1302), detention facilities(including the parking lot) (31-129, 13-2505, 13-2514), or the secure areas of airports (13-3119).
Firearms are prohibited in polling place on election day, a nuclear or hydroelectric power plant (13-1302), detention facilities(including the parking lot) (31-129, 13-2505, 13-2514), or the secure areas of airports (13-3119).
No guns signs
You may not enter any "public establishment" (public buildings) or a public event carrying a firearm after a "reasonable request" by the operator not to (13-1302). Storage, usually lockers, must be provided (13-3202.01) This does not apply to private property unless they serve alcohol on-site (see below).
You may not enter any "public establishment" (public buildings) or a public event carrying a firearm after a "reasonable request" by the operator not to (13-1302). Storage, usually lockers, must be provided (13-3202.01) This does not apply to private property unless they serve alcohol on-site (see below).
Polling places
Firearms are prohibited in polling place on election day (13-1302). If the polling place is at a more restricted location, such as a school, the prohibition may be year round.
Firearms are prohibited in polling place on election day (13-1302). If the polling place is at a more restricted location, such as a school, the prohibition may be year round.
Bar/restaurant carry
You cannot consume alcohol at an establishment that serves alcohol, you cannot possess a firearm on the premises, and signs have the force of law even for concealed weapon permittees. Without properly posted signs, a permittee can carry concealed. 4-229 and 4-244
You cannot consume alcohol at an establishment that serves alcohol, you cannot possess a firearm on the premises, and signs have the force of law even for concealed weapon permittees. Without properly posted signs, a permittee can carry concealed. 4-229 and 4-244
School carry
Only legal when unloaded and remains in a vehicle under the control of an adult and if the vehicle is unattended, the vehicle is locked and firearm is out of sight. Firearms used for approved school programs and possessed by off-duty and retired peace officers under LEOSA is also legal. 13-1302
Only legal when unloaded and remains in a vehicle under the control of an adult and if the vehicle is unattended, the vehicle is locked and firearm is out of sight. Firearms used for approved school programs and possessed by off-duty and retired peace officers under LEOSA is also legal. 13-1302
Campus carry (college/universities)
There are no specific laws prohibiting firearms on college or university campuses, however, individual campuses may have their own policies regarding firearms.
There are no specific laws prohibiting firearms on college or university campuses, however, individual campuses may have their own policies regarding firearms.
Employee protection/parking lots
Generally, a property owner, tenant, public or private employer or business cannot prohibit a person from lawfully transporting or storing a firearm in a locked vehicle out-of-sight. 12-781
Generally, a property owner, tenant, public or private employer or business cannot prohibit a person from lawfully transporting or storing a firearm in a locked vehicle out-of-sight. 12-781
Airports
No firearms in any airport secure area located beyond the main area where the public generally buys tickets, checks and retrieves luggage. This is past the TSA security checkpoints. 13-3119
No firearms in any airport secure area located beyond the main area where the public generally buys tickets, checks and retrieves luggage. This is past the TSA security checkpoints. 13-3119
Federally Prohibited Places
Firearms, loaded or unloaded, concealed or openly carried, are prohibited in the following places
Interstate Transportation Protection 18 USC § 926A
This section was intended to protect innocent passage of travelers who might have a firearm prohibited by local jurisdiction. For instance, a resident of a frontier state driving through California with an 'assault weapon' to another free state. The trip must be from one free state to another, the firearm unloaded, and neither the firearm nor any ammunition is readily accessible from the passenger compartment. In the case of a vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver’s compartment the firearm or ammunition shall be contained in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console.
Airports/Aircraft 49 CFR 1540.111 and 49 USC § 46505
Under federal law (local laws may differ), firearms are prohibited beyond the TSA checkpoints. You also cannot attempt to enter a TSA checkpoint while armed, even by mistake. Check your bags! Even loose ammunition, empty magazines, spent cases, and miscellaneous gun parts have caused problems and prosecutions for travelers. Learn more about the TSA regulations.
Military Bases
Self-defense firearms are generally prohibited on base. Almost uniformly, civilians may not possess firearms on base. Service-members may be required to store their weapons as their commanding officer directs. Check individual base and service branch regulations.
National Park
Section 512, Credit CARD Act of 2009 (and 54 USC § 104906) changed federal law to make park firearm regulations reflect state law. Typically, the only restrictions on firearm carry are state and local laws. If it is legal elsewhere in the state, it is legal in the park and sections that conflict with state law regarding carrying and possessing firearms (but not shooting bans) do not apply. So though on National Park Service lands (National Parks, Monuments, etc.) carrying a firearm or possessing loaded firearms are prohibited in vehicles (unless one has a special park permit, usually for hunting), this does not apply if the state allows open and/or concealed carry, or loaded/unloaded firearms in vehicles.
The park buildings (visitor centers, offices, etc.) are still federal facilities and off-limits to firearms. Discharge of firearms, except when lawfully hunting, is generally prohibited. Discharge of firearms, except when lawfully hunting, is generally prohibited. NPS pamphlet here. The same applies for National Wildlife Refuges, 16 USC § 1a–7b.n National Park Service lands (National Parks, Monuments, etc.), the only restrictions on firearm carry are state and local laws (§ 512, Credit CARD Act of 2009 and 54 USC § 104906). If you can carry legally outside the park, you can carry legally inside the park. The park buildings (visitor centers, offices, etc.) are still federal facilities and off-limits to firearms. Discharge of firearms, except when lawfully hunting, is generally prohibited. The same applies for National Wildlife Refuges, 16 USC § 1a–7b.
National Forest and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands in Arizona have no ban on the carry of firearms except guns are prohibited in the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area.
Indian Reservations
Firearm carry on Indian reservations is a gray area. Reservations can make their own laws regarding possession and carry of firearms. Laws and attitudes vary dramatically from reservation to reservation in Arizona. Tribes cannot enforce tribal law on non-tribal members, though they can enforce state and federal law. You may be trespassed from the reservation and have your firearm confiscated. One should contact individual reservation authorities for clarification of their regulations.
- Inside federal facilities (including courthouses and offices like a Social Security office);
- On military bases (military personnel should refer to DoD policy and post orders regarding storing personal weapons on base);
- The Post Office property (includes the parking lot), but not post-office windows in stores (contract stations);
- VA hospitals/facilities including federal veterans' cemeteries (carrying).
Interstate Transportation Protection 18 USC § 926A
This section was intended to protect innocent passage of travelers who might have a firearm prohibited by local jurisdiction. For instance, a resident of a frontier state driving through California with an 'assault weapon' to another free state. The trip must be from one free state to another, the firearm unloaded, and neither the firearm nor any ammunition is readily accessible from the passenger compartment. In the case of a vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver’s compartment the firearm or ammunition shall be contained in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console.
Airports/Aircraft 49 CFR 1540.111 and 49 USC § 46505
Under federal law (local laws may differ), firearms are prohibited beyond the TSA checkpoints. You also cannot attempt to enter a TSA checkpoint while armed, even by mistake. Check your bags! Even loose ammunition, empty magazines, spent cases, and miscellaneous gun parts have caused problems and prosecutions for travelers. Learn more about the TSA regulations.
Military Bases
Self-defense firearms are generally prohibited on base. Almost uniformly, civilians may not possess firearms on base. Service-members may be required to store their weapons as their commanding officer directs. Check individual base and service branch regulations.
National Park
Section 512, Credit CARD Act of 2009 (and 54 USC § 104906) changed federal law to make park firearm regulations reflect state law. Typically, the only restrictions on firearm carry are state and local laws. If it is legal elsewhere in the state, it is legal in the park and sections that conflict with state law regarding carrying and possessing firearms (but not shooting bans) do not apply. So though on National Park Service lands (National Parks, Monuments, etc.) carrying a firearm or possessing loaded firearms are prohibited in vehicles (unless one has a special park permit, usually for hunting), this does not apply if the state allows open and/or concealed carry, or loaded/unloaded firearms in vehicles.
The park buildings (visitor centers, offices, etc.) are still federal facilities and off-limits to firearms. Discharge of firearms, except when lawfully hunting, is generally prohibited. Discharge of firearms, except when lawfully hunting, is generally prohibited. NPS pamphlet here. The same applies for National Wildlife Refuges, 16 USC § 1a–7b.n National Park Service lands (National Parks, Monuments, etc.), the only restrictions on firearm carry are state and local laws (§ 512, Credit CARD Act of 2009 and 54 USC § 104906). If you can carry legally outside the park, you can carry legally inside the park. The park buildings (visitor centers, offices, etc.) are still federal facilities and off-limits to firearms. Discharge of firearms, except when lawfully hunting, is generally prohibited. The same applies for National Wildlife Refuges, 16 USC § 1a–7b.
National Forest and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands in Arizona have no ban on the carry of firearms except guns are prohibited in the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area.
Indian Reservations
Firearm carry on Indian reservations is a gray area. Reservations can make their own laws regarding possession and carry of firearms. Laws and attitudes vary dramatically from reservation to reservation in Arizona. Tribes cannot enforce tribal law on non-tribal members, though they can enforce state and federal law. You may be trespassed from the reservation and have your firearm confiscated. One should contact individual reservation authorities for clarification of their regulations.
State Preemption of Local Gun Laws
Local municipalities are prohibited from making their own gun laws with limited exceptions. Any law that is in conflict with state law is null and void. 13-3108
A. Except as provided in subsection G of this section, a political subdivision of this state shall not enact any ordinance, rule or tax relating to the transportation, possession, carrying, sale, transfer, purchase, acquisition, gift, devise, storage, licensing, registration, discharge or use of firearms or ammunition or any firearm or ammunition components or related accessories in this state.
D. A political subdivision of this state shall not enact any rule or ordinance that relates to firearms and is more prohibitive than or that has a penalty that is greater than any state law penalty. A political subdivision's rule or ordinance that relates to firearms and that is inconsistent with or more restrictive than state law, whether enacted before or after July 29, 2010, is null and void.
I. For the purposes of this section, "political subdivision" includes a political subdivision acting in any capacity, including under police power, in a proprietary capacity or otherwise.
Effective Aug. 6, 2016, the enhanced penalties came into effect (SB 1266):
H. Any ordinance, regulation, tax or rule that is enacted by a political subdivision in violation of this section is invalid and saubject to a permanent injunction against the political subdivision from enforcing the ordinance, regulation, tax or rule. It is not a defense that the political subdivision was acting in good faith or on the advice of counsel.
I. If a court determines that a political subdivision has knowingly and wilfully violated this section, the court may assess a civil penalty of up to fifty thousand dollars against the political subdivision.
J. If a court determines that a person has knowingly and wilfully violated this section while acting in the person's official capacity through enactment of any ordinance, regulation, tax, measure, directive, rule, enactment, order or policy, the person may be subject to termination from employment to the extent allowable under state law.
K. A person or an organization whose membership is adversely affected by any ordinance, regulation, tax, measure, directive, rule, enactment, order or policy that is in violation of this section may file a civil action for declaratory and injunctive relief and actual damages against the political subdivision in any court of this state having jurisdiction over any defendant in the action. If the plaintiff prevails in the action, the court shall award both:
1. Reasonable attorney fees and costs.
2. The actual damages incurred not to exceed one hundred thousand dollars.
SB 1344(G)(4) of 2017 clarified protections for independent contractors.
Gun Lockers
Public buildings that are posted with "no guns" signs or otherwise require you to disarm (13-1302) must provide safe storage pursuant to 13-3202.01. There is no exception for concealed weapon permittees. Sadly, Arizona government does not understand that the safest place for a gun is its holster and increased firearm
Public buildings that are posted with "no guns" signs or otherwise require you to disarm (13-1302) must provide safe storage pursuant to 13-3202.01. There is no exception for concealed weapon permittees. Sadly, Arizona government does not understand that the safest place for a gun is its holster and increased firearm
The Attorney General will now be empowered to investigate local ordinances violating state law and the state treasurer shall without money due to the offending municipality.SB 1497, 41-194.01 AZS
Exemptions
The only exemptions are for business taxes, regulation minors' possession of firearms, business regulations, zoning, making an employee policy on firearms for government employees, very specific and narrow regulation of discharge of firearms. Any agency or political subdivision cannot enact or implement any law, rule or ordinance relating to the possession, transfer or storage of firearms. 13-3118
The only exemptions are for business taxes, regulation minors' possession of firearms, business regulations, zoning, making an employee policy on firearms for government employees, very specific and narrow regulation of discharge of firearms. Any agency or political subdivision cannot enact or implement any law, rule or ordinance relating to the possession, transfer or storage of firearms. 13-3118
Who cannot possess a firearm?
State List 13-3101
- Any person who has been found to constitute a danger to self or to others or to have persistent, acute, or grave disabilities whose right to possess a firearm has not been restored;
- Any person who has been convicted of a felony;
- Any person who is at the time of possession serving a term of imprisonment in any correctional or detention facility;
- Any person who is at the time of possession serving a term of probation pursuant to a conviction for a domestic violence or a felony offense, parole, community supervision, work furlough, home arrest or release on any other basis or who is serving a term of probation or parole;
- Undocumented alien or a nonimmigrant alien traveling with or without documentation in this state for business or pleasure or who is studying in this state and who maintains a foreign residence abroad, except:
- Nonimmigrant aliens who possess a valid hunting license or permit that is lawfully issued by a state in the United States;
- Nonimmigrant aliens who enter the United States to participate in a competitive target shooting event or to display firearms at a sports or hunting trade show that is sponsored by a national, state or local firearms trade organization devoted to the competitive use or other sporting use of firearms;
- Certain diplomats;
- Officials of foreign governments or distinguished foreign visitors who are designated by the United States department of state;
- Persons who have received a waiver from the United States attorney general.
- Who has been found incompetent as a result of a mental illness, defect, or disability and who subsequently has not been found competent;
- Who is found guilty except insane.
Minors
Minors generally 13-3111
Any minor who is unaccompanied by a parent, grandparent, guardian, a certified hunter safety or firearms safety, may not carry or possess on his person, within his immediate control, or in or on a vehicle a firearm:
Sales to minors
No person can sell or give to a minor, without written consent of the minor's parent or legal guardian a firearm, ammunition or a toy pistol. 13-3109
Any minor who is unaccompanied by a parent, grandparent, guardian, a certified hunter safety or firearms safety, may not carry or possess on his person, within his immediate control, or in or on a vehicle a firearm:
- In any place that is open to the public;
- On any street or highway; or
- On any private property not belonging to their parent/guardian.
- Engaged in lawful hunting or shooting events or marksmanship practice at established ranges or other areas where the discharge of a firearm is not prohibited.
- Engaged in lawful transportation of an unloaded firearm for the purpose of lawful hunting.
- Engaged in lawful transportation of an unloaded firearm between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. for the purpose of shooting events or marksmanship practice at established ranges or other areas where the discharge of a firearm is not prohibited.
- Engaged in activities requiring the use of a firearm that are related to the production of crops, livestock, poultry, livestock products, poultry products, or ratites or in the production or storage of agricultural commodities.
Sales to minors
No person can sell or give to a minor, without written consent of the minor's parent or legal guardian a firearm, ammunition or a toy pistol. 13-3109
Concealed Firearm Permit Reciprocity
Vermont does not issue or require concealed weapon permits. Arizona only recognizes the Idaho Enhanced permit.
All code citations are Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) unless otherwise noted.