How to Get an Arizona CCW Permit
Everything you need to know about Arizona CCW permit requirements, training, fingerprints, application fees, and the application process for residents and non-residents.
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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO OBTAIN AN AZ CCW PERMIT
What Is an Arizona CCW Permit?
An Arizona CCW (Concealed Weapons Permit) is an optional permit issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) that allows qualified individuals to legally carry a concealed firearm. Arizona is a Constitutional Carry state, which means most adults age 21 and older who may legally possess a firearm can carry a concealed weapon without a permit. Although a permit is not required for concealed carry within Arizona, obtaining an Arizona CCW Permit provides several important benefits that many firearm owners find valuable.
Benefits of an Arizona CCW Permit
✅ Reciprocity With Other States
An Arizona CCW Permit is recognized by approximately 37 states, allowing permit holders to legally carry concealed firearms while traveling, subject to each state’s laws and restrictions.
✅ Federal Gun-Free School Zone Exemption
A valid Arizona CCW Permit provides an exemption to certain provisions of the Federal Gun-Free School Zones Act, which generally restricts possessing a firearm within 1,000 feet of a K-12 school.
✅ Carry in Restaurants That Serve Alcohol
Arizona permit holders may legally carry a concealed firearm into restaurants and other establishments that serve alcohol, provided they do not consume alcohol while carrying and the business does not prohibit firearms.
✅ Faster Firearm Purchases
When purchasing a firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL) in Arizona, having a valid Arizona Driver’s License and Arizona CCW Permit allows you to bypass a standard NICS background check, helping streamline the purchase process. For many Arizona gun owners, these benefits make obtaining an Arizona CCW Permit worthwhile, even though a permit is no longer required for concealed carry within the state.
✅ Recognized Form 0f Firearms Training
Some states allow prior Arizona CCW training to help satisfy permit requirements or training documentation for future applications.
Do You Need An Arizona CCW Permit?
Arizona does not require a permit to carry a concealed firearm for most adults who are legally allowed to possess a firearm. However, many Arizona gun owners still choose to obtain a CCW Permit because it provides additional legal benefits, reciprocity with other states, and exemptions under certain federal and state firearm laws.
If you plan to travel, carry near school zones, or want the convenience of a recognized concealed weapons permit, obtaining an Arizona CCW Permit may be beneficial.
Who Can Apply?
Arizona residents and non-residents may apply for an Arizona CCW Permit if they meet the eligibility requirements established by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS). Applicants must be at least 21 years of age (19 years old for military applicants), successfully complete an approved firearms safety training course, and pass a FBI background check.
Arizona CCW Permit Eligibility Requirements
✅ Age Requirement
Applicants must be at least 21 years old. Active-duty military personnel, military reservists, and honorably discharged veterans may apply at 19 years old.
✅ Citizenship and Residency
Applicants must be a United States citizen or an Arizona lawful permanent resident (with a 10-year card). Arizona residency is not required, and qualified non-residents may also apply for an Arizona CCW Permit.
✅ Background Check Requirements
Applicants must pass an FBI background check. Also be legally eligible to possess a firearm under both Arizona and federal law. Certain criminal convictions, pending felony indictments, domestic violence prohibitions, unlawful controlled substance use, or specific mental health disqualifications may prevent approval.
Unless the conviction has been expunged, set aside, vacated, or pardoned, or the individual right to possess firearms has been restored, and must not be a prohibited possessor under state or federal law. Must provide proper court documentation to apply.
✅ Firearms Safety Training
Applicants must demonstrate competence with a firearm by completing an firearms safety training course, taught by an NRA Certified instructor. Applicants must attest under penalty of perjury on the application that they have reviewed and are knowledgeable about Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) – Title 13, Chapters 4 and 31. Which should be covered in the firearms training course
Disqualified Applicants
❌ If you’ve been discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions are automatically disqualified from applying.
❌ You cannot be a Substance Abuser. If you have a medical marijuana card, you are considered a prohibited possessor in the state of Arizona. Therefore you cannot apply for an AZ CCW Permit card, unless you voluntarily surrender or cancel your medical marijuana (MMJ) card. You generally need to submit a formal request or cancellation form through your state’s health or cannabis regulatory portal.
Arizona Fingerprint Requirements
✅ All applicants must submit fingerprints for an FBI background check.
✅ May be submitted electronically with Fieldprint for $8-$10. Instructions will be emailed directly from AZDPS after you submit your online application.
✅ Or you may submit 2 completed ink-rolled fingerprint cards done with a certified fingerprint technician and mailed to AZDPS for processing. The average cost for two completed FBI FD-258 fingerprint cards is about $50.
✅ AZDPS cannot process your application until they receive your fingerprints.
✅ You must pass and clear the FBI background check to be approved for an Arizona CCW Permit.
✅ If you do not pass the FBI background check, you will be notified by email on next steps to submit the appropriate documentation so you will be approved. This may cause a delay with processing.
✅ Before submitting your application, be sure to review all current Arizona CCW Permit requirements and gather any supporting documentation needed to complete the application process.
Arizona CCW Permit Application Fee
Current AZDPS application processing permit fee: $60
✅ Online Applications: There is an additional credit card and processing fees totaling $67.45
✅ Mailed Applications: The $60 fee must be paid in the form of certified funds, such as a cashier’s check or money order. Personal checks are not accepted.
What Documents Do I Need To Apply?
Before submitting your Arizona CCW Permit application, make sure you have:
✅ Government-issued photo ID (Arizona Driver License, State ID, Passport, etc.)
✅ Firearms safety training certificate
✅ Fingerprints (electronic or fingerprint cards)
✅ Payment for the AZDPS application fee $60 (plus applicable processing fees for online payments)
✅ Supporting court documents (if required)
✅ Make sure you verify all your information and documents before submission. Any errors will cause delays.
✅ If you need help, we offer a complete Concierge Application Services to ensure everything is submitted correctly. We can help you get approved within 1-2 weeks versus waiting 75 days.
HOW TO APPLY FOR AN ARIZONA CCW PERMIT
Obtaining an Arizona CCW Permit is a straightforward process. Applicants must complete a firearms safety training course, submit their application to AZDPS, submit fingerprints and undergo an FBI background check. Then allow AZDPS up to 75 days to process their application. Follow the steps below to get started.
Step 1: Verify You Meet the Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, make sure you meet Arizona’s minimum eligibility requirements. Applicants must meet the age requirements, be legally eligible to possess a firearm, and pass an FBI background check. You satisfy all Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) application requirements.
Step 2: Complete a Firearms Safety Training Course
Arizona requires applicants to demonstrate competence with a firearm before applying for a CCW Permit. Applicants may satisfy this requirement by completing a firearms safety training course online, taught by an NRA Certified Instructor. The certificate issued must have the instructor’s active NRA ID Certification # to be valid (cannot be expired). The training course must cover Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) – Title 13, Chapters 4 and 31. In addition to these topics below.
- Firearm safety rules
- Arizona firearm laws
- Safe handling and storage
- Concealed carry responsibilities
- There is no live-fire qualification required
Military service members, veterans, and individuals with qualifying firearms certifications may already meet the training requirement. However, civilian firearms safety training is completely different from military training. Military service members and veterans must also learn about Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) – Title 13 – Chapters 4 and 31. Take our Arizona CCW Certification Course online now.
Step 3: Complete the Arizona CCW Permit Application
Complete the Arizona CCW Permit application online through Permitium or by mail application. The online application submission is the quickest and easiest process to apply for your permit. Please carefully review all information before submission.
You will need:
- Submit an AZDPS CCW Permit Application.
- A certificate of completion as proof of firearms safety training.
- Electronic fingerprints or (2) completed ink-rolled physical fingerprint cards on FBI FD-258 cards.
- Copy of a government-issued photo identification (driver’s license)
- Application fee of $60 (paid online with credit/debit card). Mailed applications must include certified funds.
- If born outside the United States or one of its territories, submit a copy of one of the following: record of birth abroad to an American citizen, record of birth to Armed Service personnel, passport issued by the United States, certificate of naturalization (required if you are a naturalized US citizen).
- If you are a Law Permanent Resident, your issued card must be for 10 years (2 year cards are not accepted). You must submit a copy of your driver’s license, and the address listed on the application must match the address on your driver’s license. Also, you must submit a copy of the front and back sides of your green card (two separate files).
- If you have any felony or domestic violence convictions, the conviction must be expunged, set aside, vacated, or pardoned, or the individual right to possess firearms has been restored, and must not be a prohibited possessor under state or federal law. You must provide proper court documentation to apply.
- Incomplete applications may result in processing delays.
Step 4: Obtain Fingerprints
Most new applicants must submit a fingerprint card as part of the application process. Fingerprints are used to conduct state and federal background checks.
- Online Applicants: Electronic fingerprints through Fieldprint for $8-$10. Email instructions from AZDPS will follow after you submit your online application.
- Mailed Applications: Go to a certified fingerprint technician with any third party to obtain ink-rolled fingerprints on FBI FD-258 cards for around $50 (average fee). Be sure to follow AZDPS instructions on physical fingerprint cards to avoid delays. You must mail your application and fingerprint cards to AZDPS. Or, you may drop them off at AZDPS in person for processing.
Step 5: Wait for Application Processing
Once the AZDPS receives your fingerprints, they will review your application, conduct the required background checks, and verify that all eligibility requirements have been met. Processing times vary depending on application volume and background check results. AZDPS generally advises applicants to allow 75 days for processing. Applications that are incomplete or require additional documents for review may take longer.
You may contact the Concealed Weapons Permit Unit (CWPU) if you have questions regarding your application. If you have not heard back from AZDPS after 60 days, you may contact AZDPS for a status update on your application.
Step 6: Receive Your Arizona CCW Permit
Once approved, AZDPS will mail your Arizona CCW Permit to the address listed on your application. After receiving your permit, review the information on the card for accuracy and carry it with you at all times (in your wallet or purse).
Congratulations! You are now an Arizona CCW Permit holder and may enjoy the many benefits that come with maintaining an active Arizona Concealed Weapons Permit.
Step 7: AZ CCW Permit Renewal
Your Arizona CCW Permit is valid for 5 years. You may renew your permit 90 days before the expiration date listed on your permit card. Use our free Renewal Calculator to obtain your 90 day renewal window and 60 day grace period.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR NEW APPLICANTS
Find answers to common Arizona CCW Permit questions about eligibility, training requirements, fingerprints, application fees, processing times, and the application process.
Do I Need a CCW Permit in Arizona?
No. Arizona is a Constitutional Carry state, which means most adults who are at least 21 years old and legally allowed to possess a firearm may carry a concealed firearm without a permit. However, many gun owners still choose to obtain an Arizona CCW Permit because it provides additional benefits, including reciprocity with other states, exemptions under certain federal firearm laws, and the ability to carry in some locations where a permit may be required.
How Much Does an Arizona CCW Permit Cost?
The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) charges a $60 application processing fee for a new Arizona CCW Permit. Applicants who submit their application online will also pay additional credit card and processing fees. The firearms safety course fee and fingerprinting costs are separate and may vary depending on the vendor you choose.
How Long Does It Take to Get Approved?
Processing times vary depending on application volume and the time required to complete the FBI background check. AZDPS recommends allowing up to 75 days for a new Arizona CCW Permit application to be processed. Applications that are incomplete or contain errors may take longer.
Is Live-Fire Training Required?
No. Arizona does not require a live-fire shooting qualification to obtain a CCW Permit. Applicants must complete a firearms safety training course, taught by an NRA Certified Instructor.
Can Non-Residents Apply?
Yes. Arizona issues permits to both resident and non-residents. Non-residents who meet Arizona’s eligibility requirements may apply for an Arizona CCW Permit. Non-resident applicants must complete a firearms safety training course online, submit fingerprints, pass the required background checks, and provide the necessary supporting documentation if required.
Can Military Training Qualify?
Yes. Active-duty military personnel, veterans, reservists, and certain former military members may use qualifying military firearms training to satisfy Arizona’s training requirement. Military applicants should submit a copy of their Military CAC Card and LES Statement or Current Orders. A veteran should submit a copy of their DD-214 as proof of honorable discharge.
Military service members and veterans must also learn about Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) – Title 13 – Chapters 4 and 31. Take our Military Service Arizona CCW Certification Course online now.
How Long Is an Arizona CCW Permit Valid?
An Arizona CCW Permit is valid for five years from the date it is issued. Permit holders may renew their permit beginning 90 days before the expiration date listed on their permit card. Arizona also provides a 60-day grace period after expiration to renew before reapplying as a new applicant becomes necessary. Once you obtain your Arizona CCW Permit, use our free Arizona CCW Renewal Calculator to determine when your renewal window opens and the end of your 60-day grace period. Arizona permit holders may renew within the 90-day renewal window before expiration.
Do I Need Fingerprints?
Yes. Fingerprints are required for all new Arizona CCW Permit applicants. Arizona residents and non-residents may complete electronic fingerprinting through Fieldprint after submitting their online application. Once your application is submitted, Permitium will send detailed fingerprinting instructions by email. Applicants may also submit physical fingerprint cards by mail according to Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) requirements. Your Arizona CCW Permit application cannot be processed until fingerprints have been received and the required FBI background check has been completed.
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Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with AZDPS. This website provides Arizona CCW permit information, renewal resources, permit tools, and educational content.