What Happens If Your Arizona CCW Permit Expires?

Good news: Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) provides a 60-day grace period after your permit expires to submit your renewal application. If you’re unsure whether you’re still eligible to renew, use our free Arizona CCW Renewal Calculator to instantly determine your renewal status.

If you are currently within the 60-day grace period, you should submit your renewal application as soon as possible to avoid losing your eligibility to renew.

Arizona allows permit holders to renew up to 60 days after the expiration date printed on their permit. Once your permit has been expired for 61 days or more, you are no longer eligible to renew and must apply as a new applicant.

Reapplying as a new applicant requires you to:

• Submit a new Arizona CCW permit application.
• Submit a copy of your expired Arizona CCW permit card. If you no longer have a copy of your expired permit card, simply take our online certification course to obtain a new certificate of completion.
• Pay the AZDPS application fee of $60.
• Submit new fingerprints for the FBI background check.

– Electronic fingerprints typically cost $8–$10 and are the fastest option.

– Physical fingerprint cards (FBI FD-258) generally cost $45–$75.

– Physical fingerprint cards must be rolled by a certified fingerprint technician and mailed to AZDPS.

– We strongly recommend electronic fingerprints because they are less expensive, reduce errors, and typically result in faster processing.

• Complete all requirements and provide necessary documents for a new permit application.

Choosing not to renew your permit may also result in the loss of several valuable benefits available to active Arizona CCW permit holders. These benefits include interstate reciprocity, streamlined firearm purchases, federal Gun-Free School Zone exemptions, and other legal protections.

Tip: If you’re still within the 60-day grace period, submit your renewal as soon as possible. Waiting too long could cause you to lose your eligibility to renew and require you to reapply as a new applicant.

Note: There is no “late renewal fee” option in Arizona. If your permit has been expired for 61 days or more, you must reapply as a new applicant. Use our Arizona CCW Renewal Calculator to determine whether you are still within the renewal grace period.

Key Benefits of Maintaining an Active Arizona CCW Permit

Even though Arizona is a constitutional carry state, maintaining an active Arizona CCW permit provides important benefits, including interstate reciprocity, faster firearm purchases, federal school zone exemptions, and expanded lawful carry options. Many gun owners assume there’s no reason to renew once they hear “constitutional carry.” The reality is that an active Arizona CCW permit still provides several advantages, especially:

• Reciprocity when traveling to other states
• NICS exemption for firearm purchases in Arizona
• Federal Gun-Free School Zone exemption
• Carry in qualifying restaurants and bars that serve alcohol
• Proof of formal firearms training
• Additional legal and practical benefits that come with holding a state-issued permit

Interstate Reciprocity

An Arizona CCW permit is recognized by many states across the country, allowing you to legally carry a concealed firearm while traveling. Arizona residents with an active Arizona CCW Permit have 37 states reciprocity. While Non-Residents have 30 states reciprocity. Reciprocity agreements vary by state, so always verify current laws before traveling.

Faster Firearm Purchases

Arizona CCW permit holders are generally exempt from the federal NICS background check when purchasing firearms from federally licensed dealers within Arizona. This can make firearm purchases faster and more convenient.

Federal Gun-Free School Zone Exemption

The Federal Gun-Free School Zones Act generally restricts firearm possession within 1,000 feet of a K-12 school. An active Arizona CCW permit provides an important exemption to this federal restriction for permit holders.

Carry in Restaurants and Establishments Serving Alcohol

Arizona law allows CCW permit holders to carry concealed firearms in restaurants and other establishments that serve alcohol for on-site consumption, provided the business does not prohibit firearms and the permit holder does not consume alcohol.

Carry in National Parks

An Arizona CCW permit allows lawful concealed carry within Arizona’s National Parks and many other federal recreation areas, subject to applicable federal and state laws.

Demonstrated Firearms Training

Obtaining an Arizona CCW permit requires completion of a firearms safety training course. This documented training demonstrates responsible firearm ownership and a commitment to safe firearm handling.

Additional Legal Advantages

In the event of a self-defense incident, having completed safe firearms training and maintaining an active CCW permit may help demonstrate that you have received formal instruction in firearm safety, handling, and applicable laws.

Can You Still Renew An Expired Arizona CCW Permit?

You may still renew an expired Arizona CCW permit if you are within Arizona’s 60-day grace period. If your permit has been expired for 61 days or more, you must reapply as a new applicant. Use our free Renewal Calculator to determine your eligibility.

If your permit has been expired for more than 60 days, you must apply as a new applicant. This requires a new application, application fee, fingerprints, and proof of training. If you no longer have a copy of your expired permit card, you may complete our online certification course and submit the new certificate with your application.