Arizona gun laws are found mostly in Title 13, Chapter 31 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. There is no registration or licensing of non-NFA firearms in Arizona. In fact, Section 13-3108 subsection B prohibits any political subdivision of the state from enacting any laws requiring licensing or registration. According to state law, a person must be 18 years of age to purchase any non-NFA firearm from any source; however, there is a federal age limit of 21 years on handgun purchases from federal firearms licensees.
Arizona is classified as a “shall issue” state. Concealed carry permits are issued by the Concealed Weapons Permit Unit of the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Requirements for issuance include taking an 8 hour training class (provided by a licensed third party, where you actually can apply for not just the background check, but verify your employees education, etc.), submitting a finger print card, and paying a $60 fee. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age. New permits are valid for five years. Permits issued before August 12, 2005 are valid for four years. Renewing a permit requires only an application and finger print card. However, effective December 31, 2007 the finger print card requirement for renewal is scheduled to end. Arizona recognizes almost all valid out-of-state carry permits, with few exceptions.
The law regarding the carrying of firearms in motor vehicles by non-permit holders is complex and has been further muddled by court decisions. However, it is clear that no permit is required to carry a firearm in a vehicle if the firearm is in plain view or locked in a trunk or other place not immediately accessible. “Plain view” means that the firearm would be discernible from the ordinary observation of a person located outside and within the immediate vicinity of the vehicle.
On foot, no permit is required to openly carry a firearm in a belt holster, gun case or scabbard. Generally, a person must be at least 18 years of age to possess or openly carry a firearm. However, this does not apply to:
Subject/Law
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Long guns
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Handguns
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Relevant Statutes
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Notes
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State Permit to Purchase? | No | No | None | No |
Firearm registration? | Partial | Partial | ARS 13-3101 | State law requires artillery, machine guns and short-barreled rifles and shotguns to be registered per the National Firearms Act. |
“Assault weapon” law? | No | No | None | No |
Owner license required? | No | No | None | No |
Carry permits issued? | Yes | Yes | ARS 13-3112 | Concealed carry requires a permit. Open carry is legal without a permit in most places where it is legal for permit holders to carry concealed and law enforcement is well-versed as to its legality. With holsters the gun can be partly covered; if no holster is present the firearm needs to be completely revealed. |
State Preemption of local restrictions? | Partial | Partial | ARS 13-3108 | Explained below. |
NFA weapons restricted? | Partial | Partial | ARS 13-3101 | It is a violation of state law to possess NFA weapons except as permitted by federal law. |
Peaceable Journey laws? | No | No | None | Federal rules observed. |
Title 13. Criminal Code
Chapter 9. Probation and Restoration of Civil Rights
13-904. Suspension of civil rights and occupational disabilities.
A. A conviction for a felony suspends the following civil rights of the person sentenced:
B. Persons sentenced to imprisonment shall not thereby be rendered incompetent as witnesses upon the trial of a criminal action or proceeding, or incapable of making and acknowledging a sale or conveyance of property.
C. A person sentenced to imprisonment is under the protection of the law, and any injury to his person, not authorized by law, is punishable in the same manner as if such person was not convicted and sentenced.
D. The conviction of a person for any offense shall not work forfeiture of any property, except if a forfeiture is expressly imposed by law. All forfeitures to the state, unless expressly imposed by law, are abolished.
E. A person shall not be disqualified from employment by this state or any of its agencies or political subdivisions, nor shall a person whose civil rights have been restored be disqualified to engage in any occupation for which a license, permit or certificate is required to be issued by this state solely because of a prior conviction for a felony or misdemeanor within or without this state. A person may be denied employment by this state or any of its agencies or political subdivisions or a person who has had his civil rights restored may be denied a license, permit or certificate to engage in an occupation by reason of the prior conviction of a felony or misdemeanor if the offense has a reasonable relationship to the functions of the employment or occupation for which the license, permit or certificate is sought.
F. Subsection E of this section is not applicable to any law enforcement agency. G. Any complaints concerning a violation of subsection E of this section shall be adjudicated in accordance with the procedures set forth in title 41, chapter 6 and title 12, chapter 7, article 6.
H. A person who is adjudicated delinquent under section 8-341 for a felony does not have the right to carry or possess a gun or firearm.
13-905. Restoration of civil rights; persons completing probation.
A. A person who has been convicted of two or more felonies and whose period of probation has been completed may have any civil rights which were lost or suspended by his felony conviction restored by the judge who discharges him at the end of the term of probation. …
C. If the person was convicted of a dangerous offense under section 13-604, the person may not file for the restoration of his right to possess or carry a gun or firearm. If the person was convicted of a serious offense as defined in section 13-604 the person may not file for the restoration of his right to possess or carry a gun or firearm for ten years from the date of his discharge from probation. If the person was convicted of any other felony offense, the person may not file for the restoration of his right to possess or carry a gun or firearm for two years from the date of his discharge from probation.
13-906. Applications by persons discharged from prison.
A. Upon proper application, a person who has been convicted of two or more felonies and who has received an absolute discharge from imprisonment may have any civil rights which were lost or suspended by his conviction restored by the superior court judge by whom the person was sentenced or his successors in office from the county in which he was originally sentenced. …
C. If the person was convicted of a dangerous offense under section 13-604, the person may not file for the restoration of his right to possess or carry a gun or firearm. If the person was convicted of a serious offense as defined in section 13-604 the person may not file for the restoration of his right to possess or carry a gun or firearm for ten years from the date of his absolute discharge from imprisonment. If the person was convicted of any other felony offense, the person may not file for the restoration of his right to possess or carry a gun or firearm for two years from the date of his absolute discharge from imprisonment.
13-907. Setting aside judgment of convicted person on discharge; application; release from disabilities; exceptions.
A. Except as otherwise provided in this section, every person convicted of a criminal offense, on fulfillment of the conditions of probation or sentence and discharge by the court, may apply to the judge, justice of the peace or magistrate who pronounced sentence or imposed probation or such judge, justice of the peace or magistrate’s successor in office to have the judgment of guilt set aside. The convicted person shall be informed of this right at the time of discharge.
B. The application to set aside the judgment may be made by the convicted person or by the convicted person’s attorney or probation officer authorized in writing.
C. If the judge, justice of the peace or magistrate grants the application, the judge, justice of the peace or magistrate shall set aside the judgment of guilt, dismiss the accusations or information and order that the person be released from all penalties and disabilities resulting from the conviction other than those imposed by: 1. The department of transportation pursuant to section 28-3304, 28-3306, 28-3307, 28-3308 or 28-3319, except that the conviction may be used as a conviction if such conviction would be admissible had it not been set aside and may be pleaded and proved in any subsequent prosecution of such person by the state or any of its subdivisions for any offense or used by the department of transportation in enforcing section 28-3304, 28-3306, 28-3307, 28-3308, 28-3319 as if the judgment of guilt had not been set aside. …
13-909. Restoration of civil rights; persons completing probation for federal offenses.
A. A person who has been convicted of two or more felonies and whose period of probation has been completed may have any civil rights which were lost or suspended by his felony conviction in a United States district court restored by the presiding judge of the superior court in the county in which he now resides, upon filing of an affidavit of discharge from the judge who discharged him at the end of the term of probation.
B. Upon proper application, a person who has been discharged from probation either prior to or after adoption of this chapter may have any civil rights which were lost or suspended by his felony conviction restored by an application filed with the clerk of the superior court in the county in which he now resides. The clerk of the superior court shall process the application upon request of the person involved or his attorney.
C. If the person was convicted of an offense which would be a dangerous offense under section 13-604, the person may not file for the restoration of his right to possess or carry a gun or firearm. If the person was convicted of an offense which would be a serious offense as defined in section 13-604 the person may not file for the restoration of his right to possess or carry a gun or firearm for ten years from the date of his discharge from probation. If the person was convicted of any other felony offense, the person may not file for the restoration of his right to possess or carry a gun or firearm for two years from the date of his discharge from probation.
13-910. Applications by persons discharged from federal prison.
A. Upon proper application, a person who has been convicted of two or more felonies and who has received an absolute discharge from imprisonment in a federal prison may have any civil rights which were lost or suspended by his conviction restored by the presiding judge of the superior court in the county in which he now resides.
B. A person who is subject to the provisions of subsection A of this section may file, no sooner than two years from the date of his absolute discharge, an application for restoration of civil rights that shall be accompanied by a certificate of absolute discharge from the director of the federal bureau of prisons, unless it is shown to be impossible to obtain such certificate. Such application shall be filed with the clerk of the superior court in the county in which the person now resides, and such clerk shall be responsible for processing applications for restoration of civil rights upon request of the person involved or his attorney.
C. If the person was convicted of an offense which would be a dangerous offense under section 13-604, the person may not file for the restoration of his right to possess or carry a gun or firearm. If the person was convicted of an offense which would be a serious offense as defined in section 13-604 the person may not file for the restoration of his right to possess or carry a gun or firearm for ten years from the date of his absolute discharge from imprisonment. If the person was convicted of any other felony offense, the person may not file for the restoration of his right to possess or carry a gun or firearm for two years from the date of his absolute discharge from imprisonment.
13-912. Restoration of civil rights for first offenders; exception.
A. Any person who has not previously been convicted of any other felony shall automatically be restored any civil rights that were lost or suspended by the conviction if the person both:
B. This section does not apply to a person’s right to possess weapons as defined in section 13-3101 unless the person applies to a court pursuant to section 13-905 or 13-906.
13-912.01. Restoration of civil rights; persons adjudicated delinquent.
A. A person who was adjudicated delinquent and whose period of probation has been completed may have his right to possess or carry a gun or firearm restored by the judge who discharges the person at the end of his term of probation.
B. A person who was adjudicated delinquent and who has been discharged from probation,on proper application, may have his right to carry or possess a gun or firearm restored by the judge of the juvenile court in the county where the person was adjudicated delinquent or his successors. The clerk of the superior court shall process the application on the request of the person involved or the person’s attorney. The applicant shall serve a copy of the application on the county attorney.
C. If the person’s adjudication was for a dangerous offense under section 13-604, a serious offense as defined in section 13-604, burglary in the first degree, burglary in the second degree or arson, the person may not file for the restoration of his right to possess or carry a gun or firearm until the person attains thirty years of age. If the person’s adjudication was for any other felony offense, the person may not file for the restoration of his right to possess or carry a gun or firearm for two years from the date of his discharge.
Chapter 31. Weapons and Explosives
13-3101. Definitions.
A. In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
8. “Prohibited weapon”: (A) Includes the following:
B. The items set forth in subsection A, paragraph 8, subdivision (a), items (I), (II), (III) and (IV) of this section do not include any firearms or devices that are registered in the national firearms registry and transfer records of the United States treasury department or any firearm that has been classified as a curio or relic by the United States treasury department.
13-3102. Misconduct involving weapons; defenses; classification; definitions.
A. A person commits misconduct involving weapons by knowingly:
B. Subsection A, paragraph 1 of this section shall not apply to a person in his dwelling, on his business premises or on real property owned or leased by that person.
C. Subsection A, paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 7, 10, 11, 12 and 13 of this section shall not apply to:
D. Subsection A, paragraphs 3 and 7 of this section shall not apply to:
2. The regular and lawful transporting as merchandise; or
3. Acquisition by a person by operation of law such as by gift, devise or descent or in a fiduciary capacity as a recipient of the property or former property of an insolvent, incapacitated or deceased person.
E. Subsection A, paragraph 3 of this section shall not apply to the merchandise of an authorized manufacturer of or dealer in prohibited weapons, when such material is intended to be manufactured, possessed, transported, sold or transferred solely for or to a dealer, a regularly constituted or appointed state, county or municipal police department or police officer, a detention facility, the military service of this or another state or the United States, a museum or educational institution or a person specifically licensed or permitted pursuant to federal or state law.
F. Subsection A, paragraph 1 of this section shall not apply to a weapon or weapons carried in a belt holster that is wholly or partially visible, or carried in a scabbard or case designed for carrying weapons that is wholly or partially visible or carried in luggage. Subsection A, paragraph 2 of this section shall not apply to a weapon or weapons carried in a case, holster, scabbard, pack or luggage that is carried within a means of transportation or within a storage compartment, map pocket, trunk or glove compartment of a means of transportation.
G. Subsection A, paragraph 10 of this section shall not apply to shooting ranges or shooting events, hunting areas or similar locations or activities.
H. Subsection A, paragraph 3 of this section shall not apply to a weapon described in section 13-3101, subsection A, paragraph 8, subdivision(A), item (V) , if such weapon is possessed for the purposes of preparing for, conducting or participating in lawful exhibitions, demonstrations, con-tests or athletic events involving the use of such weapon. Subsection A, paragraph 12 of this section shall not apply to a weapon if such weapon is possessed for the purposes of preparing for, conducting or participating in hunter or firearm safety courses.
I. Subsection A, paragraph 12 of this section shall not apply to the possession of a:
J. The operator of the establishment or the sponsor of the event or the employee of the operator or sponsor or the agent of the sponsor, including a public entity or public employee, is not liable for acts or omissions pursuant to subsection A, paragraph 10 of this section unless the operator, sponsor, employee or agent intended to cause injury or was grossly negligent.
K. Misconduct involving weapons under subsection A, paragraph 9, 14 or 15 of this section is a class 3 felony. Misconduct involving weapons under subsection A, paragraph 3, 4, 8 or 13 of this section is a class 4 felony. Misconduct involving weapons under subsection A, paragraph 12 of this section is a class 1 misdemeanor unless the violation occurs in connection with conduct that violates section 13-2308, subsection A, paragraph 5, section 13-2312, subsection C, section 13-3409 or section 13-3411, in which case the offense is a class 6 felony. Misconduct involving weapons under subsection A, paragraph 5, 6 or 7 of this section is a class 6 felony. Misconduct involving weapons under subsection A, paragraph 1, 2, 10 or 11 of this section is a class 1 misdemeanor.
L. For the purposes of this section:
13-3102.01. Storage of deadly weapons; definitions.
13-3103. Misconduct involving explosives; classification
B. Misconduct involving explosives is a class 1 misdemeanor.
13-3105. Forfeiture of weapons and explosives.
13-3106. Firearm purchase in other states.
A person residing in this state, or a corporation or other business entity maintaining a place of business in this state, may purchase or otherwise obtain firearms anywhere in the United States if such purchase or acquisition fully complies with the laws of this state and the state in which the purchase or acquisition is made and the purchaser and seller, prior to the sale or delivery for sale, have complied with all the requirements of the federal gun control act of 1968, Public Law 90-618, section 922, subsection (c) and the code of federal regulations, volume 26, section 178.96, subsection (c).
13-3108. Firearms regulated by state; state preemption; violation; classification.
A. Except as provided in subsection C of this section, a political subdivision of this state shall not enact any ordinance, rule or tax relating to the transportation, possession, carrying, sale, transfer or use of firearms or ammunition or any firearm or ammunition components in this state.
B. A political subdivision of this state shall not require the licensing or registration of firearms or ammunition or any firearm or ammunition components or prohibit the ownership, purchase, sale or transfer of firearms or ammunition or any firearm or ammunition components.
C. This section does not prohibit a political subdivision of this state from enacting and enforcing any ordinance or rule pursuant to state law, to implement or enforce state law or relating to any of the following:
3. The use of land and structures, including a business relating to firearms or ammunition or their components or a shooting range in the same manner as other commercial businesses. Notwithstanding any other law, this paragraph does not authorize a political subdivision to regulate the sale or transfer of firearms on property it owns, leases, operates or controls in a manner that is different than or inconsistent with state law. For the purposes of this paragraph, a use permit or other contract that provides for the use of property owned, leased, operated or controlled by a political subdivision shall not be considered a sale, conveyance or disposition of property.
4. Regulating employees or independent contractors of the political subdivision who are acting within the course and scope of their employment or contract.
5. Limiting firearms possession in parks or preserves of one square mile or less in area to persons who possess a concealed weapons permit issued pursuant to section 13-3112. The political subdivision shall post reasonable notice at each park or preserve. The notice shall state the following: “Carrying a firearm in this park is limited to persons who possess a permit issued pursuant to section 13-3112.” In parks or preserves that are more than one square mile in area, a political subdivision may designate developed or improved areas in which the political subdivision may limit firearms possession to persons who possess a concealed weapons permit issued pursuant to section 13-3112. The political subdivision shall post reasonable notice at each designated developed or improved area. The notice shall state the following: “Carrying a firearm in this developed or improved area is limited to persons with a permit issued pursuant to section 13-3112.” For the purposes of this paragraph, “developed or improved area” means an area of property developed for public recreation or family activity, including picnic areas, concessions, playgrounds, amphitheaters, racquet courts, swimming areas, golf courses, zoos, horseback riding facilities and boat landing and docking facilities. Developed or improved area does not include campgrounds, trails, paths or roadways except trails, paths and roadways directly associated with and adjacent to designated developed or improved reas. Any notice that is required by this paragraph shall be conspicuously posted at all public entrances and at intervals of one-fourth mile or less where the park, preserve or developed or improved area has an open perimeter. Any limitation imposed by a political subdivision pursuant to this para- graph shall not apply to a person:
6. Limiting or prohibiting the discharge of firearms in parks and preserves except:
D. A violation of any ordinance established pursuant to subsection c, paragraph 6 of this section is a class 2 misdemeanor unless the political subdivision designates a lesser classification by ordinance.
13-3109. Sale or gift of firearm to minor; classification.
A. Except as provided in subsection C of this section, a person who sells or gives to a minor, without written consent of the minor’s parent or legal guardian, a firearm, ammunition or a toy pistol by which dangerous and explosive substances may be discharged is guilty of a class 6 felony.
B. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require reporting sales of firearms, nor shall registration of firearms or firearms sales be required.
C. The temporary transfer of firearms and ammunition by firearms safety instructors, hunter safety instructors, competition coaches or their assistants shall be allowed if the minor’s parent or guardian has given consent for the minor to participate in activities such as firearms or hunting safety courses, firearms competition or training. With the consent of the minor’s parent or guardian, the temporary transfer of firearms and ammunition by an adult accompanying minors engaged in hunting or formal or informal target shooting activities shall be allowed for those purposes.
13-3111. Minors prohibited from carrying or possessing firearms; exceptions; seizure and forfeiture; penalties; classification.
A. Except as provided in subsection B, an unemancipated person who is under eighteen years of age and who is unaccompanied by a parent, grandparent or guardian, or a certified hunter safety instructor or certified firearms safety instructor acting with the consent of the unemancipated person’s parent or guardian, shall not knowingly carry or possess on his person, within his immediate control, or in or on a means of transportation a firearm in any place that is open to the public or on any street or highway or on any private property except private property owned or leased by the minor or the minor’s parent, grandparent or guardian.
B. This section does not apply to a person who is fourteen, fifteen, sixteen or seventeen years of age and who is any of the following:
C. If the minor is not exempt under subsection B and is in possession of a firearm, a peace officer shall seize the firearm at the time the violation occurs.
D. In addition to any other penalty provided by law, a person who violates subsection A shall be subject to the following penalties:
E. Firearms seized pursuant to subsection C shall be held by the law enforcement agency responsible for the seizure until the charges have been adjudicated or disposed of otherwise or the person is convicted. Upon adjudication or conviction of a person for a violation of this section, the court shall order the firearm forfeited. However, the law enforcement agency shall return the firearm to the lawful owner if the identity of that person is known.
F. If the court finds that the parent or guardian of a minor found responsible for violating this section knew or reasonably should have known of the minor’s unlawful conduct and made no effort to prohibit it, the parent or guardian is jointly and severally responsible for any fine imposed pursuant to this section or for any civil actual damages resulting from the unlawful use of the firearm by the minor.
G. This section is supplemental to any other law imposing a criminal penalty for the use or exhibition of a deadly weapon. A minor who violates this section may be prosecuted and adjudicated delinquent for any other criminal conduct involving the use or exhibition of the deadly weapon.
H. A person who violates subsection A is guilty of a class 6 felony.
13-3113. Adjudicated delinquents; firearm possession; violation; classification.
A person who was previously adjudicated delinquent for an offense that would be a felony if committed by an adult and who possesses, uses or carries a firearm within ten years from the date of his adjudication or his release or escape from custody is guilty of a class 5 felony for a first offense and a class 4 felony for a second or subsequent offense if the person was previously adjudicated for an offense that if committed as an adult would constitute:
13-3115. Forensics firearms identification system
The department of public safety is authorized to establish and maintain a forensics firearms identification system designed to provide investigative information on criminal street gangs and the unlawful use of firearms.
13-3117. Remote stun guns; sales records; use; classification; definitions.
A. It is unlawful for a person or entity to do any of the following:
B. This section does not:
C. The regulation of remote stun guns and authorized remote stun guns is a matter of statewide concern.
D. A violation of:
E. For the purposes of this section:
2. “Remote stun gun” means an electronic device that emits an electrical charge and that is designed and primarily employed to incapacitate a person or animal either through contact with electrodes on the device itself or remotely through wired probes that are attached to the device or through a spark, plasma, ionization or other conductive means emitting from the device.
13-3118. Possession or storage of firearms; restrictions prohibited; exceptions.
(a) Except for the legislature, this state and any agency or political subdivision of this state shall not enact or implement any law, rule or ordinance relating to the possession or storage of firearms other than as provided in statute.
(b) This section does not prohibit:
Title 15. Education
Chapter 3. Local Governance of Schools
Article 3. Powers and Duties of School District Governing Boards
15-341. General powers and duties; immunity; delegation.
A. The governing board shall: …
25. Notwithstanding section 13-3108, prescribe and enforce policies and procedures that prohibit a person from carrying or possessing a weapon on school grounds unless the person is a peace officer or has obtained specific authorization from the school administrator. …
Title 44. Trade and Commerce
Chapter 11. Regulations Concerning Particular Businesses
Article 3. Pawnbrokers
44-1627. Licensing; requirements.
A. A person shall not act as a pawnbroker until licensed by the sheriff of the county in which the person regularly conducts business.
B. A pawnbroker shall obtain a separate license for each pawnshop owned by that pawnbroker.
C. A pawnbroker license may not be sold or transferred without the approval of the sheriff or the sheriff’s designee.
D. A pawnbroker shall not conduct business at a location other than a licensed location except for firearms transactions that are permitted by a federally licensed firearms dealer at an organized gun show. …
Charles Lee
March 3, 2010
US Gun Laws by State