Arizona
PermitlessArizona concealed carry & gun laws.
Open carry, sensitive places, vehicle carry, reciprocity, and recent law changes — all in one place, with official sources cited.
Key facts
Open carry in Arizona
Arizona has had permitless open and concealed carry since 2010 (SB 1108). Adults 21+ may carry concealed; 18-20 may carry openly but not concealed without a CWP. Active military 19+ may carry concealed with CWP.
Vehicle carry
Loaded handgun may be carried in a private vehicle without a permit by adults 21+. No duty to inform on traffic stops, though officers may ask.
Where you can't carry — sensitive places
These are the statutory locations where Arizona prohibits carry regardless of permit status. Federal facility bans (post offices, federal courthouses, etc.) apply on top of these.
- K-12 schools and school grounds
- Higher-education campuses (per institution policy)
- Polling places during elections
- Nuclear and hydroelectric generating stations
- Military installations
- Correctional facilities
- Establishments licensed to serve alcohol for on-premises consumption (if carrier consumes alcohol)
- Posted private property
- Federal facilities (federal law)
Self-defense law
- Castle doctrine: Arizona recognizes castle doctrine — no duty to retreat in your home (and typically vehicle/workplace).
- Stand your ground: Arizona has a stand-your-ground law — no duty to retreat in any place you are lawfully present, when meeting the use-of-force criteria.
- Duty to inform on traffic stops: Only if the officer asks.
Recent law changes
- 2010-07-29 — Constitutional carry — SB 1108. Arizona became the third constitutional-carry state, allowing any qualifying adult 21+ to carry concealed without a permit. Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) preserved for reciprocity. Source →
Reciprocity — your Arizona permit elsewhere
A Arizona Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) is honored in approximately 38 states. See the full list and travel-route planning on our Can I Carry tool.
Reciprocity — other states' permits in Arizona
Constitutional carry since 2010 for 21+. Honors all state permits. AZ CWP highly portable for reciprocity to other states.
How to get a Arizona Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP)
See our Arizona permit guide for full process details: required class, fingerprinting, application form, fee, and processing time.
Next step
See where your permit travels.
Use our interactive Can I Carry map to plan trips across state lines — including states that recognize your permit, states that don't, and states with permitless carry for visitors.
Check reciprocity →Sources
Frequently asked
Do I need a permit to carry concealed in Arizona?
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No. Arizona is a permitless / constitutional carry state for residents and (in most cases) non-residents 21+ who are eligible to legally possess a firearm. A Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) is still useful for reciprocity in other states, expedited NICS processing, and (in some states) school-zone exceptions.
Is open carry legal in Arizona?
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Arizona has had permitless open and concealed carry since 2010 (SB 1108). Adults 21+ may carry concealed; 18-20 may carry openly but not concealed without a CWP. Active military 19+ may carry concealed with CWP.
Can I keep a loaded handgun in my car in Arizona?
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Loaded handgun may be carried in a private vehicle without a permit by adults 21+. No duty to inform on traffic stops, though officers may ask.
Where am I prohibited from carrying in Arizona?
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Statutory sensitive places in Arizona include: K-12 schools and school grounds, Higher-education campuses (per institution policy), Polling places during elections, Nuclear and hydroelectric generating stations, Military installations, and others. Federal facility bans (post offices, federal buildings, schools under GFSZA) apply on top.
Does Arizona have stand-your-ground or castle doctrine?
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Castle doctrine: yes. Stand your ground: yes. Duty to inform on traffic stops: only if asked.
What's the most recent Arizona gun law change?
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2010-07-29: Constitutional carry — SB 1108. Arizona became the third constitutional-carry state, allowing any qualifying adult 21+ to carry concealed without a permit. Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) preserved for reciprocity.
Where can I carry my Arizona permit?
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A Arizona Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) is honored in approximately 38 other states. See our Can I Carry interactive map for the full state-by-state breakdown plus travel-route planning.