Arizona Concealed Carry
A concealed firearm is not:
- A manner where any portion of the firearm or holster in which the firearm is carried is visible.
- A holster that is wholly or partially visible.
- A scabbard or case designed for carrying weapons that is wholly or partially visible.
- Luggage.
- A case, holster, scabbard, pack or luggage that is carried within a means of transportation or within a storage compartment, map pocket, trunk or glove compartment of a means of transportation.
"Printing," where the imprint of your gun shows through your clothing, is not illegal anywhere in the United States.
Arizona is a 'Constitutional Carry' state, meaning that a permit is not required to carry a concealed firearm. There is no law authorizing this; the language requiring a concealed weapon permit to carry a firearm was repealed by a 2010 bill. A concealed weapon permit grants additional privileges and the ability to carry legally in states that recognize Arizona permits. Permitless concealed carry in Arizona is limited to those 21 or older.
Constitutional carry recognizes that the right to keep and bear arms is a God-given right (that of self-defense) and that government cannot authorize it, but only regulate it or improperly prohibit it. Many citizens object to having to pay to exercise a constitutional right. A permit is does three things: 1, it tells police the permittee isn't a bad guy; 2, it allows the police to arrest bad guys carrying concealed without a permit; and 2, it allows the government to take it away if the permittee does something wrong. A permit does not magically make citizen carriers better people or better shots, nor does it stop criminals from carrying illegally.
Carrying a non-visible firearm is not going to suddenly transform a decent person into a criminal. Those who cannot legally possess a firearm, including criminals and felons, are still prohibited. The main effect of permitless concealed carry is that the general unlicensed public can conceal a firearm instead of being limited to just open carry. Women can now carry a firearm in their purse without needing a permit. The idea that one can legally openly carry a firearm, but the second a shirt or jacket covers the weapon or a woman puts it in her purse, the carrier is now a criminal, is absurd. Not requiring a permit allows many more people to carry firearms who would not openly carry otherwise.
No obstacles or delays exist for law-abiding citizens who choose to protect themselves, such as mandatory training or waiting for a permit to be approved and issued. While training and background checks are good things, they can be abused to deny or delay citizens from protecting themselves, as examples from other states have shown. The right to free speech does not require an education or permit. Training was never mandatory for mere ownership of firearms or open carry; this lack of a training requirement has not lead to widespread deaths, injuries, or crimes. Since Arizona enacted constitutional carry, the crime rate has actually fallen.
Constitutional carry recognizes that the right to keep and bear arms is a God-given right (that of self-defense) and that government cannot authorize it, but only regulate it or improperly prohibit it. Many citizens object to having to pay to exercise a constitutional right. A permit is does three things: 1, it tells police the permittee isn't a bad guy; 2, it allows the police to arrest bad guys carrying concealed without a permit; and 2, it allows the government to take it away if the permittee does something wrong. A permit does not magically make citizen carriers better people or better shots, nor does it stop criminals from carrying illegally.
Carrying a non-visible firearm is not going to suddenly transform a decent person into a criminal. Those who cannot legally possess a firearm, including criminals and felons, are still prohibited. The main effect of permitless concealed carry is that the general unlicensed public can conceal a firearm instead of being limited to just open carry. Women can now carry a firearm in their purse without needing a permit. The idea that one can legally openly carry a firearm, but the second a shirt or jacket covers the weapon or a woman puts it in her purse, the carrier is now a criminal, is absurd. Not requiring a permit allows many more people to carry firearms who would not openly carry otherwise.
No obstacles or delays exist for law-abiding citizens who choose to protect themselves, such as mandatory training or waiting for a permit to be approved and issued. While training and background checks are good things, they can be abused to deny or delay citizens from protecting themselves, as examples from other states have shown. The right to free speech does not require an education or permit. Training was never mandatory for mere ownership of firearms or open carry; this lack of a training requirement has not lead to widespread deaths, injuries, or crimes. Since Arizona enacted constitutional carry, the crime rate has actually fallen.
Concealed Weapon Permits (13-3112)
Permits are issued by the state Department of Public Safety (DPS) and are available to both residents and non-residents.
Permits are valid for five years, but deployed service members have 90 days to renew after returning home. Permittees' information is not public information. Permittees qualify for exemption from the Brady background check.
Fees: new permits are $60, renewals are $43, replacements are $10, and LEOSA certifications are $20.
Permits are valid for five years, but deployed service members have 90 days to renew after returning home. Permittees' information is not public information. Permittees qualify for exemption from the Brady background check.
Fees: new permits are $60, renewals are $43, replacements are $10, and LEOSA certifications are $20.
Qualification
DPS shall issue a permit to carry a concealed weapon to a qualified person. A qualified person:
- Is a resident of this state or a United States citizen.
- Is twenty-one years of age or older or is at least nineteen years of age and provides evidence of current military service or proof of honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions from the United States armed forces, the United States armed forces reserve or a state national guard.
- Is not under indictment for and has not been convicted in any jurisdiction of a felony unless that conviction has been expunged, set aside or vacated or the applicant's rights have been restored and the applicant is currently not a prohibited possessor under state or federal law.
- Does not suffer from mental illness and has not been adjudicated mentally incompetent or committed to a mental institution.
- Is not unlawfully present in the United States.
- Has ever demonstrated competence with a firearm and provides adequate documentation that the person has satisfactorily completed a training program or demonstrated competence with a firearm in any state or political subdivision in the United States.
Issuance, denials, and appeals
DPS has shall complete all of the required qualification checks within 60 days after receipt of the application. DPS has 15 days working days to issue a permit after completing the qualification checks.
If an application is denied, DPS shall notify the applicant in writing within 15 days after completing the qualification checks and state the reasons why the application was denied. The applicant must submit additional documentation in response to a denial within 20 days; DPS then has 20 days to reconsider and reply. After a subsequent denial, an applicant may request an administrative hearing.
DPS has 15 days to notify a permittee their permit has been revoked or suspended and and shall state the reasons for the revocation or suspension.
If an application is denied, DPS shall notify the applicant in writing within 15 days after completing the qualification checks and state the reasons why the application was denied. The applicant must submit additional documentation in response to a denial within 20 days; DPS then has 20 days to reconsider and reply. After a subsequent denial, an applicant may request an administrative hearing.
DPS has 15 days to notify a permittee their permit has been revoked or suspended and and shall state the reasons for the revocation or suspension.
Training
Any of the following methods satisfy the training requirement:
- Completion of any firearms safety or training course or class that is available to the general public, that is offered by a law enforcement agency, a junior college, a college or a private or public institution, academy, organization or firearms training school and that is approved by DPS or that uses instructors who are certified by the NRA.
- Completion of any hunter education or safety course approved by the Arizona Game and Fish Dept. or a similar agency of another state.
- Completion of any NRA firearms safety or training course.
- Completion of any law enforcement firearms safety or training course or class that is offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies or other divisions or subdivisions of law enforcement or security enforcement and that is approved by DPS.
- Evidence of current military service or proof of honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions from the United States armed forces.
- A valid current or expired concealed weapon, firearm or handgun permit or license that is issued by another state or a political subdivision of another state and that has a training or testing requirement for initial issuance.
- Completion of any governmental police agency firearms training course and qualification to carry a firearm in the course of normal police duties.
- Completion of any other firearms safety or training course or class that is conducted by a DPS approved or NRA certified firearms instructor.
Duties of permittee
The person shall carry the permit at all times when the person is in actual possession of the concealed weapon and is required by section 4-229 or 4-244 (establishments that serve alcohol) to carry the permit (see below).
If the person is in actual possession of the concealed weapon and is required by section 4-229 or 4-244 to carry the permit, the person shall present the permit for inspection to any law enforcement officer on request.
If the person is in actual possession of the concealed weapon and is required by section 4-229 or 4-244 to carry the permit, the person shall present the permit for inspection to any law enforcement officer on request.
Bars and Restaurants (alcohol)
Arizona law defines two type of retailers: off-sale retailers, liquor stores/package stores where consumption on the premises is illegal, and on-sale retailers, such as bars and restaurants.
A common misconception is that it is legal for a concealed weapon permittee to carry a firearm inside an establishment that serves alcohol (bar/restaurant), as long as the firearm remains concealed and the carrier does not drink alcohol. This only applies when there is not a 'no-guns' sign posted. A 'no-guns' sign means no guns, period. If the sign does not meet the below requirement, 4-229 is not enforceable.
'No guns' signs and alcohol 4-229
A person may carry a concealed handgun on the premises of a licensee who is an on-sale retailer unless the licensee posts a sign that clearly prohibits the possession of weapons on the licensed premises. A person shall not carry a firearm on the licensed premises of an on-sale retailer if the licensee has posted a 'no guns' sign.
The sign must meet the following requirements to be enforceable:
You may enter an establishment that serves alcohol to seek emergency aid or determine whether a 'no guns' sign has been posted. Generally, no 'guns' signs are posted at the entrances.
A common misconception is that it is legal for a concealed weapon permittee to carry a firearm inside an establishment that serves alcohol (bar/restaurant), as long as the firearm remains concealed and the carrier does not drink alcohol. This only applies when there is not a 'no-guns' sign posted. A 'no-guns' sign means no guns, period. If the sign does not meet the below requirement, 4-229 is not enforceable.
'No guns' signs and alcohol 4-229
A person may carry a concealed handgun on the premises of a licensee who is an on-sale retailer unless the licensee posts a sign that clearly prohibits the possession of weapons on the licensed premises. A person shall not carry a firearm on the licensed premises of an on-sale retailer if the licensee has posted a 'no guns' sign.
The sign must meet the following requirements to be enforceable:
- Be posted in a conspicuous location accessible to the general public and immediately adjacent to the liquor license posted on the licensed premises;
- Contain a pictogram that shows a firearm within a red circle and a diagonal red line across the firearm;
- Contain the words, "no firearms allowed pursuant to A.R.S. section 4-229";
- The signs required by this section shall be composed of block, capital letters printed in black on white laminated paper at a minimum weight of one hundred ten pound index. The lettering and pictogram shall consume a space at least six inches by nine inches. The letters constituting the words "no firearms allowed" shall be at least three-fourths of a vertical inch and all other letters shall be at least one-half of a vertical inch.
You may enter an establishment that serves alcohol to seek emergency aid or determine whether a 'no guns' sign has been posted. Generally, no 'guns' signs are posted at the entrances.
Concealed carry with a permit legal only without a 'no guns' sign 4-244(29)
It is illegal for any person to be in possession of a firearm while at an establishment that serves alcohol except:
Illegal to serve or sell alcohol to someone carrying a firearm or allow them to remain 4-244(30)
A licensee or employee cannot knowingly permit a person in possession of a firearm to remain on the licensed premises or to serve, sell or furnish spirituous liquor to a person in possession of a firearm while on the licensed premises of an on-sale retailer. It shall be a defense to action under this paragraph if the licensee or employee requested assistance of a peace officer to remove such person. Concealed weapon permittees may stay as long as there is not a 'no guns' sign posted and they do not consume alcohol.
It is illegal for any person in possession of a firearm while on the licensed premises of an on-sale retailer to consume spirituous liquor 4-244(31)
"Spirituous liquor" includes alcohol, brandy, whiskey, rum, tequila, mescal, gin, wine, porter, ale, beer, any malt liquor or malt beverage, absinthe, a compound or mixture of any of them or of any of them with any vegetable or other substance, alcohol bitters, bitters containing alcohol, any liquid mixture or preparation, whether patented or otherwise, which produces intoxication, fruits preserved in ardent spirits, and beverages containing more than one-half of one per cent of alcohol by volume. 4-101(31)
It is illegal for any person to be in possession of a firearm while at an establishment that serves alcohol except:
- Law enforcement officers;
- The licensee or their employees; but
Illegal to serve or sell alcohol to someone carrying a firearm or allow them to remain 4-244(30)
A licensee or employee cannot knowingly permit a person in possession of a firearm to remain on the licensed premises or to serve, sell or furnish spirituous liquor to a person in possession of a firearm while on the licensed premises of an on-sale retailer. It shall be a defense to action under this paragraph if the licensee or employee requested assistance of a peace officer to remove such person. Concealed weapon permittees may stay as long as there is not a 'no guns' sign posted and they do not consume alcohol.
It is illegal for any person in possession of a firearm while on the licensed premises of an on-sale retailer to consume spirituous liquor 4-244(31)
"Spirituous liquor" includes alcohol, brandy, whiskey, rum, tequila, mescal, gin, wine, porter, ale, beer, any malt liquor or malt beverage, absinthe, a compound or mixture of any of them or of any of them with any vegetable or other substance, alcohol bitters, bitters containing alcohol, any liquid mixture or preparation, whether patented or otherwise, which produces intoxication, fruits preserved in ardent spirits, and beverages containing more than one-half of one per cent of alcohol by volume. 4-101(31)
Concealed Firearm Permit Reciprocity
Arizona recognizes a concealed weapon, firearm or handgun permit or license from another state if the license is valid in the issuing state, the permittee is legally present in Arizona, and the permittee is not prohibited from possessing a firearm under Arizona law.
A person with a concealed weapons permit from another state may not carry a concealed weapon in this state if the person is under twenty-one years of age or is under indictment for, or has been convicted of, a felony offense in any jurisdiction.
A person with a concealed weapons permit from another state may not carry a concealed weapon in this state if the person is under twenty-one years of age or is under indictment for, or has been convicted of, a felony offense in any jurisdiction.
Reciprocity maps
Vermont does not issue or require concealed weapon permits. Arizona only recognizes the Idaho Enhanced permit.
Concealed carry is better than open carry because surprise will work to my advantage.
The idea behind this is that an openly carried weapon may make the carrier a primary target of the criminal/terrorist. The concealed carrier would blend in with the crowd, and then draw at when it was to their advantage.
This assumption is generally false in the absence of evidence that an openly carried weapon leads to victimization. Abundant evidence is available that open carry is indeed a deterrent to crime. Concealed carry lacks that deterrent factor. The 'gray man' element, appearing unremarkable and blending in with the crowd, only has application when one may be specifically sought out; such as in the case of a police officer. The desire not to be spotted carrying a firearm or otherwise identified typically comes from the police influence in the concealed carry training world.
The advantage of concealed carry lies in the fact that it may be possible to carry in places where open carriers would be shunned or asked to leave. Legally speaking, the advantage is with open carry, yet due to modern sensitivities, the discreet option of undetected concealed carry would prevent any debates with anti-gunners or objections to having the weapon on private property where the owner/management might prohibit it. Also, given one’s choice of dress or activities, concealed carry may be more appropriate.
The debate is largely a matter of taste and environment. A citizen carrier with anti-gun customers or friends may want to protect themselves without alienating others. Some may feel uncomfortable carrying openly. Whatever the choice, it is a personal one and not to be judged or criticized.
Open carry and concealed carry each have their own unique advantages and disadvantages; neither is inherently superior to the other. Both methods complement each other and allow for flexibility in self-defense.
The idea behind this is that an openly carried weapon may make the carrier a primary target of the criminal/terrorist. The concealed carrier would blend in with the crowd, and then draw at when it was to their advantage.
This assumption is generally false in the absence of evidence that an openly carried weapon leads to victimization. Abundant evidence is available that open carry is indeed a deterrent to crime. Concealed carry lacks that deterrent factor. The 'gray man' element, appearing unremarkable and blending in with the crowd, only has application when one may be specifically sought out; such as in the case of a police officer. The desire not to be spotted carrying a firearm or otherwise identified typically comes from the police influence in the concealed carry training world.
The advantage of concealed carry lies in the fact that it may be possible to carry in places where open carriers would be shunned or asked to leave. Legally speaking, the advantage is with open carry, yet due to modern sensitivities, the discreet option of undetected concealed carry would prevent any debates with anti-gunners or objections to having the weapon on private property where the owner/management might prohibit it. Also, given one’s choice of dress or activities, concealed carry may be more appropriate.
The debate is largely a matter of taste and environment. A citizen carrier with anti-gun customers or friends may want to protect themselves without alienating others. Some may feel uncomfortable carrying openly. Whatever the choice, it is a personal one and not to be judged or criticized.
Open carry and concealed carry each have their own unique advantages and disadvantages; neither is inherently superior to the other. Both methods complement each other and allow for flexibility in self-defense.