Gun Laws in Arizona
Gun Friendliness Score
How We Calculate Gun Friendliness Scores
The Gun Friendliness Score ranges from 0 to 100 and represents how favorable a state's laws are toward gun ownership and use. We evaluate each state across 50 key gun policies, assigning points based on how these policies affect gun owners:
- Policies that support gun rights, reduce restrictions, or expand legal protections for gun owners receive positive points
- Policies that restrict firearm ownership, limit purchase options, or add regulatory burdens receive negative points
Arizona's exceptional score of 92 reflects the state's constitutional carry laws, minimal restrictions on firearm types, strong preemption laws, and robust self-defense protections.
Arizona Gun Laws Summary
Arizona has established itself as one of the most gun-friendly states in the nation. The state has minimal restrictions on firearms and ammunition, often avoiding duplication of federal regulations and not imposing additional burdens beyond what federal law requires.
Arizona is a shall-issue state for concealed weapons permits, though permits are entirely optional. The Department of Public Safety handles permit issuance, and qualifying applicants will receive their permits without discretionary denial. While not required, obtaining a permit provides advantages including reciprocity with other states and streamlined firearm purchases.
Since July 29, 2010, Arizona has been a constitutional carry state when Governor Jan Brewer signed SB 1108 into law. Any law-abiding citizen or legal resident who is at least 18 years old and legally permitted to possess a firearm can carry a concealed weapon without a permit. Arizona was the third state in modern times to adopt constitutional carry, further cementing its reputation as a state that strongly protects Second Amendment rights.
Permitting, Sales and Transfers
No permits are required to purchase firearms or ammunition in Arizona. Background checks are conducted for sales through federally licensed dealers (FFLs) as required by federal law, using the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
Private sales between individuals require no background check, permit, or registration. Arizona law explicitly prohibits any state or local governmental unit from maintaining a registry of firearm transfers or firearm ownership.
Firearms in Public and in the Home
Arizona is a constitutional carry state where no permit is required for open or concealed carry. Residents aged 18 and older who can legally possess firearms may carry without a permit, while non-residents must be at least 21 years old. Arizona honors concealed carry permits from all states.
Open carry is legal without a permit for anyone 18 years or older who can legally possess a firearm. Certain locations prohibit carry, including federal buildings, polling places, businesses that serve alcohol (unless you don't consume alcohol and the business allows it), and school grounds. For those who choose to obtain a permit, Arizona requires a firearms safety training course or evidence of current or prior military service. Active duty military members stationed in Arizona and veterans who qualify can receive discounted permit fees.
Firearm, Feature and Accessory Bans
Arizona has no bans on semi-automatic firearms, detachable magazines, or firearms with specific features. There are no magazine capacity restrictions. All NFA items (suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, machine guns, etc.) are legal to own provided federal requirements are met. Arizona law specifically prevents local governments from enacting any regulations more restrictive than state law.
Local Laws
Arizona has strong statewide preemption of firearms laws. State law explicitly prohibits counties, cities, towns, and other political subdivisions from enacting any ordinance, regulation, tax, or rule relating to firearms. This ensures uniform gun laws throughout the state and prevents local governments from creating a patchwork of regulations that could confuse gun owners and potentially criminalize otherwise lawful behavior.
2025 Gun Law Checklist
Arizona Gun Policy Profile: 50 Key Legislative Points
Purchasing and Sales Regulations
Background Check for Any Firearm Sale
State requires any firearm sale to go through a licensed dealer (FFL) and be subject to a background check. (Federal law requires those "engaged in the business" of buying/selling firearms to perform a background check during a sale). A private sale or transfer of any firearm between individuals (non-family members) must be also conducted through an FFL.
Background Check for Any Handgun Sale (Including Private Sales)
All handgun sales and most transfers are subject to a background check. Private sales of handguns between individuals (non-family members) must be conducted through an FFL.
Background Check Extensions
State will halt the transfer of a firearm if a background check is delayed. Some states will halt the process indefinitely, some for a set amount of time.
Failed Background Check Reported to Law Enforcement
The firearm dealer (or state agency conducting the background check) has a responsibility to notify local law enforcement of a failed background check.
Must be 21 or Older to Purchase
Most firearms–including rifles, shotguns, and handguns–cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 21. (Federal laws permit long guns to be sold to those over the age of 18.)
Permit to Purchase
State requires a permit (single-use or renewable) for all firearms or specifically for handguns. States typically charge a fee for the permit and a background check is performed during the application.
Mandatory Waiting Periods
Prior to purchasing a firearm, an individual must wait a specified period (typically between 3-14 days) between initiating the purchase and taking possession of the firearm.
State Licenses All Gun Dealers
State has a licensing system for firearms merchants above and beyond the federal (FFL) system.
Purchase Rejected for Public Safety Reasons
State officials able to block sales of firearms if the purchaser is deemed to be a threat to themselves or to public safety (according to the judgment of the official)
Approved Handgun Roster
State controls what make and model handguns are sold; according to their own criteria. Often, this involves a "roster" of approved handguns with the right "safety" features, such as a loaded chamber indicator, or even the amount of metal in the firearm (Maryland). Often, LE are exempt from these requirements.
Strict Unfinished Frames and Receivers Laws
State sets a lower threshold for unfinished frames and receivers (beyond ATF rule 2021R-05F). Includes ban on 3D-printing of these parts in some states.
Ownership and Registration Requirements
Permit to Possess
Several states require a permit just to possess: a handgun (New York); any firearms or ammunition (Illinois).
State Firearm or Handgun Registry
State keeps a record of every firearm or handgun sold. Includes states with a permit to purchase and states that keep records of purchases.
Mandatory Firearms Training
Prior to purchasing a firearm, an individual must prove they completed the state ordered training. Often, this is part of the application process for a Permit to Purchase.
Secure Storage Requirement
Gun owners must lock up firearms in the home (or anywhere else a minor or prohibited person may have access).
Magazine Capacity Limits
State limits magazine capacity for some or all firearms.
"Assault Weapons" Ban
Magazine fed, semi-automatic, centerfire rifles cannot have other "features" (pistol grip, flash hider, etc.) or they are considered "assault weapons." New guns cannot be registered as "assault weapons." Possession is prohibited with limited exceptions.
Microstamping Law
State has a law banning the sale of a new pistol unless its firing can imprint its serial number somewhere on the cartridge case during firing. This technology is make-believe at present, but these laws will effectively ban the sale of new handguns in the state if/when they become effective
Penalties for Not Reporting a Lost or Stolen Firearm
Gun owners must report the loss or theft of firearms–usually within several days of the incident or first discovering the loss–or potentially face a criminal penalty.
Carry and Location Restrictions
Mandatory Permit for Concealed Carry
State requires a permit to carry a concealed pistol. This includes all states that "may issue" a permit (where officials may deny a permit for subjective reasons).
Officials Can Deny Carry Permit
State allows the carry permit officials to deny an application based on the state's own criteria.
Open Carry Limited or Banned
State restricts open carry to rifles and shotguns or bans open carry completely unless you are LE or special permit holder.
No Carry Mandate for College Campuses
State has not passed a blanket law permitting concealed carry on college campuses.
Gun Ban on Most Public Property
State limits or bans any type of carry in and around government facilities (state, county, municipal) and/or limits carry of firearms in parades and demonstrations
Guns Banned in Bars
State prohibits carry inside bars or consumption of alcohol while carrying.
No Guns in K-12 Schools
Only LE (and in some states, specially licensed school officials) may carry on school property.
Does Not Recognize Other States' Carry Permits
State doesn't consider concealed carry permits from other states valid
Prohibited Persons and Possession Restrictions
Felons are Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting felons from owning guns and ammo, even though federal law already does this.
Fugitives are Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting fugitives from justice from owning guns and ammo, even though federal law already does this.
Involuntarily Committed are Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting those who have been involuntarily committed (to a psychiatric hospital or mental institution), or those found to be a danger to themselves or others from owning guns and ammo. Federal law already prohibits anyone found to be mentally defective or committed to a mental institution at 16 years or older.
Violent Offenders Cannot Possess
State will take away firearms, deny future possession, or at minimum deny future purchase of firearms for certain misdemeanor crimes of violence (besides domestic violence violence).
Domestic Violence Offenders Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting those convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence from owning guns and ammo, even though federal law already does this
Stalkers are Prohibited Persons at the State Level
State has either made stalking a felony (instant prohibitor) or makes an individual convicted of misdemeanor stalking a prohibited person.
Intervention and Seizure Provisions
Red Flag Law
Law enforcement (and others, depending on the state) is allowed to request that firearms be taken away from others with limited due process.
Emergency Gun Seizure Before Restraining Orders
Similar to a red flag law, state will take away guns before an actual conviction. This is often during domestic disputes, before a restraining order takes effect, and in similar situations.
Guns Seized for Hate Crimes
State will take away all firearms from an individual in response to a misdemeanor hate crime conviction.
Guns Seized After Becoming Prohibited
State will quickly respond when an individual's status changes to prohibited and take away all firearms belonging to that person.
Guns Seized After Domestic Violence Conviction
State will quickly respond to take away firearms from an individual if they are convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence.
Guns Seized Amid Restraining Orders
State will take away all firearms from anyone who is subject to a restraining order, even though federal law already does this.
No Stand Your Ground Law
State imposes a "duty to retreat" before using force or requires "proportional force" when responding to an attack or dangerous situation with force.
Monitoring and Threat Assessment
Mental Health Database
State maintains records of anyone that has been committed or involuntarily committed to psychiatric hospitals. They send this information to the FBI for use by the NICS (or when conducting a state background check, if applicable).
School Officials Conduct Threat Assessments
Teams of mostly school officials are empowered by law to refer children for mental health assessments or take more drastic action if they believe the child poses a threat to themselves or others.
Mandatory Tracing of "Crime Guns"
Law enforcement must use either a state system or the federal firearm tracing system to research any firearm recovered from a crime scene or used in a crime.
Law Enforcement Oversight and Accountability
No LE Officers Bill of Rights
Some states never passed (or passed and later repealed) a set of basic protections for public safety officers. These protections vary by state. They often include the right to engage in political activity and run for public office, and the right to refuse a lie detector test, among other things.
Heavy Restrictions on LE Use of Deadly Force
State laws severely limit the discharge of firearms to apprehend criminals, including against individuals suspected of murder or fleeing a felony in many cases.
Reports for LE Deadly Force Incidents
Law enforcement agencies are required to report any officer-involved shootings that result in serious injury or death. Monthly or annual reports are compiled using this data and made available to the public.
No Qualified Immunity Defense Laws
In civil court, LE officials may not use a defense of qualified immunity if they are accused of certain civil rights violations. This includes situations in which a firearm was used.
Prevention and Support Programs
Dedicated Office of Gun Violence Prevention
Some states have passed legislation creating gun violence prevention offices that target "community gun violence." Taxpayer funds are used to support these programs, which may have little to no effect on violent crime.
Funding for Services of Victims of Gun Violence
Some states maximize the use of federal money intended for victims of violent crime by increasing pool of eligible claimants. Money is paid out to families of convicted felons in many cases.
Local Control
Counties / Cities / Towns Can Pass Stricter Gun Laws
Local governments are free to pass their own gun control laws in addition to any existing laws at the federal and state levels. Some states prohibit local governments from passing laws about specific things-including guns. This is known as preemption.
Conclusion
This leaves much of the regulation of firearms and ammunition within Arizona up to federal regulations. With that said, most of the firearms regulation at the state level in Arizona can be found in Section 13-3108 of Arizona Revised Statutes, which is the legal basis for much of this piece. Importantly, that statute forbids cities, continues, or other political sub-units of the state from making firearms laws that are more restrictive than those at the state level. That means that once someone has a good understanding of the overall state and federal laws around ammunition and firearms in Arizona, that understanding applies to the state as a whole.
While this piece should not be construed as legal advice, it may well serve as a guide for those who are interested in purchasing, owning, and carrying firearms and ammunition within the state of Arizona. Since Arizona’s lack of firearms laws makes it exceptionally permissive, learning the regulations in the state is a simple affair. The gun laws in Arizona are mostly federal, with a small exception carved out for who can own ammunition. All things considered, Arizona’s laws are arguably the most permissive in the country for folks who want to own and carry firearms.
Ammo Laws/Buying Ammo in Arizona
First, we will cover the ammo laws of the state.
Arizona has very few restrictions on the sale and possession of ammunition. One restriction that the state does have, is a prohibition on selling or giving children firearms or ammunition without the written consent of the parent or legal guardian of the child.
There is also a general age restriction on ammunition at the federal level. The ATF regulations state that someone has to be eighteen years old to purchase rifle or shotgun ammunition, and twenty-one years old to buy handgun ammunition. Similarly, no one is allowed to possess or purchase firearms if they are what the ATF defines as prohibited persons, which usually includes felons, people convicted of drug crimes or domestic violence, and those ruled mentally unfit by a court. These rules apply in Arizona as well.
Given that there are few other regulations in Arizona, most people who are old enough to buy ammunition can have it shipped to their residential addresses within the state. Keep in mind that carriers might impose their own rules for ammunition shipments, such as requiring that an adult with a valid ID sign for the package when it is delivered.
Buying ammunition in Arizona is easy when compared to most other states given that the state itself only asks that purchasers do not give said ammunition to children and imposes no other state-level regulations in addition to the federal age limits.
Gun Laws/Buying Guns in Arizona
In much the same vein as their ammunition laws, Arizona gun laws are some of the most permissive in the country. Recall that the state prevents localities such as cities and towns from making gun laws that are more restrictive than those at the state level.
The state does not have laws that mandate background checks for private firearms sales, and, in some cases, goes to some lengths to specify that it does not keep firearms registries. For instance, the law linked above that prohibits the giving or selling of ammunition to children makes it clear that any such written permission that is given by a parent does not, and should not, constitute a government registry.
Similarly, Arizona does not impose additional background checks on firearms purchases. Thus, assuming one is not a prohibited person, buying a firearm at an FFL in the state is a simple matter of bringing an ID, filling out a Form 4473, paying, and leaving once the federal background check clears.
Arizona is also a constitutional carry state, allowing both concealed and open carry without a permit. A local newspaper did an excellent writeup on the current state of carrying a firearm in the state. Vitally, even constitutional carry states have restrictions and Arizona is no exception. Generally, folks with or without permits cannot carry in the following places:
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Polling Places
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K-12 Schools
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Colleges and Universities that have set their own policies
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Nuclear power plants
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Airport Terminals
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Mental Institutions
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People under 21 cannot carry inside a vehicle and need to have their firearms in a case.
These restrictions are nearly universal across the country, even in the most permissive states like Arizona. Arizona does have two interesting facets to its laws regarding the carry of firearms, listed in the above-linked document. First, folks with carrying permits can carry in bars, which many states forbid. Second, Arizona makes it clear that the state’s firearms policies do not apply on Native American reservations, and that people need to check with the tribal governments of these lands for their laws and policies.
Arizona also offers a concealed carry permit, the application for which requires a fee, background check, and course. The state’s website has a transparent application and useful set of information for folks who are interested in getting their Arizona permits. While the permit is not necessary for carrying a concealed firearm within the state, it is widely accepted by neighboring states with some exceptions.
Because Arizona has constitutional carry and does not impose waiting periods, registration, or bans on gun ownership in the state, Arizona is one of, if not the, most permissive state in the USA in terms of owning and carrying firearms.
Since the state is so gun-friendly, it is also a place where several companies manufacture firearms: Armalite is based out of Arizona, and Ruger makes pistols in the state.
Between the lack of bans on ammunition or firearms and the lack of additional taxes or permitting, Arizona is easily one of the most permissive states in terms of firearms. It is one of the easiest places to buy, sell, transfer, carry, or possess firearms in the country.
Sales Tax on Guns/Ammo in Arizona
The general sales tax in Arizona is 5.6%, but localities do impose their own sales taxes. Thus, taxes in one city might be as high as 11.2%, making the location of a particular FFL an important part of the final price of a firearm within the state.
Arizona does not impose additional state-level taxes on firearms and ammunition.
More Resources
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The ATF maintains a list of all of the FFLs in the country, Arizona included. This list is generally up to date: gun stores are typically Type 1 or Type 2 FFLs.
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There are lots of well-reviewed gun stores in the state, likely thanks in no small part to the very permissive laws of the state.
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Arizona’s Game and Fish Department runs a number of ranges for a variety of shooting sports.
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ArizonaShooting.org is a very active site that has information about the relevant laws in the state. as well as lots of recommendations and resources on stores, events, and events. There’s a beginner-friendly section, too, which is great for folks new to firearms in the state.