By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Maddy Teka, Esq. | Last reviewed June 04, 2021
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Arizona gun control laws are among the least restrictive in the United States. Arizona law states that any person 21 years or older, who is not a prohibited possessor, may carry a weapon openly or concealed without the need for a license.
The Arizona Constitution states: “The right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself or the State shall not be impaired, but nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing individuals or corporations to organize, maintain, or employ an armed body of men."
Learn more about Arizona gun control laws in the table below. See Details on State Gun Control Laws for more general information.
Relevant Statutes (Laws) |
|
|---|---|
Illegal Arms |
The following firearms are illegal to own in Arizona:
|
Waiting Period |
There is no waiting period to purchase a firearm in Arizona. |
Who May Not Own |
The following persons can't own a firearm:
|
License Required? |
You don't need a license to own or purchase a firearm in Arizona. |
Concealed Carry License Required? |
You don't need a license to carry a concealed firearm in Arizona. |
Open Carried Allowed? |
Open carry is allowed in Arizona. |
Eligibility for a Concealed Carry License |
The Arizona Department of Public Safety will issue you a permit if you:
Arizona accepts a concealed firearm permit issued by other states if the license holder is legally present in the state and is not otherwise prohibited from owning a firearm. |
Machine Gun Laws |
It's illegal to possess, transfer, or sell a machine gun in Arizona unless it's compliant with federal law. |
Penalties for Illegal Firearm Possession |
|
Penalties for Illegal Possession on or Near School Grounds |
Possessing a firearm on or near school grounds could be a class 1 misdemeanor (up to six months in jail) or a class 6 felony (up to 1 year in prison). |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Gun control is a controversial subject in the U.S. Some people believe in strict gun control laws, while others have a more expansive view of who should be allowed to own a gun. Wherever you stand on the political spectrum, if you have questions about gun control laws in Arizona, you should speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney near you.
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