Step 1: Understand Arizona’s Concealed Carry Laws
The state of Arizona is a constitutional carry state, so you can carry a concealed handgun lawfully without a permit if you’re 21 years of age and over and not disqualified by law. That being said, possession of the permit has some tangible benefits. It lets you carry in additional locations, makes buying firearms easier, and is useful if you’re visiting other states which honor the permit from the state of Arizona.
If your desire is to have those advantages, obtaining your concealed carry weapon (CCW) permit is a good idea.
Step 2: Take a State-Approved Training Course
In order to qualify for your CCW permit in the state of Arizona, you must take a firearms safety and training class from a certified teacher. C2 Tactical in Goodyear is where this comes in.
Our CCW courses are taught by licensed state instructors and include all necessary:
- Safe firearm handling and storage
- Legal use of deadly force
- Az firearms laws
- Conflict avoidance and de-escal
- Live-fire portion
The 4 to 5-hour class features range time and class time. You will be departing with the certificate you need to advance.
Step 3: Fill Out Your Application Packet
At the completion of the course, you will be given a signed certificate of completion and an application package for the concealed carry permit. If you don’t receive the package at the class, you can acquire one directly from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) either online or by mail.
In the packet, you will find:
- The application form
- Two fingerprint cards
- Instructions for submission
Fill everything out carefully, making sure your information matches your ID exactly.
Step 4: Get Fingerprinted
Fingerprinting is needed for your CCW permit in the State of Arizona and needs to be conducted on the special cards found in the DPS packet. Black ink only, please, and ensure the prints come out clearly and easily. Fuzzy or partial prints might put your application on hold.
Step 5: Submit Your Application to DPS
Once your application is completed and your prints arrive, ship the whole thing to the Arizona Department of Public Safety with the current application fee ($60, most likely by money order, by cashier’s check, or by credit card with the DPS form), and you’ll receive your card by mail shortly.
Mail the full packet to:
AZ DPS CWPU
PO Box 6488
Phoenix, AZ 85005
Make sure to double-check your signature, fingerprints, and payment before you submit it.
Step 6: Wait for Processing and Obtain Your Permit
Once DPS receives your complete application, the processing time is usually 75 business days or less. If everything is in order, your Arizona concealed weapons permit will arrive by mail and is valid for five years.
If anything’s missing or incorrect, DPS will contact you for corrections. Keep an eye on your mail and reach out if the process takes longer than expected.
Additional Tip: Traveling and Reciprocity
The CCW permit in Arizona is reciprocated in over 30 states, but the laws range drastically. Always check the local laws and restrictions before carrying in another state. The permit doesn’t provide you with absolute rights outside the state of Arizona.
