Gun Law FAQs

Q. Do I need a background check to buy a gun in Arizona?

A. If you purchase a gun from a federally licensed firearms dealer, the dealer is required by federal law to conduct a background check. Federal law, however, does not apply to private sales. Under Arizona law, you do not need a background check to buy a gun from a private party in Arizona.

Q. How old do I need to be to own a gun?

A. In general, you must be 18 years old to buy and possess a gun in Arizona. Those who are under 18 may only possess a gun under the supervision of a parent, guardian, or grandparent. Exceptions are generally made for minors between ages 14 and 17 for hunting, shooting competitions, and target practice.

Q. Arizona allows "open carry." What does that mean?

A. Open carry means that you are carrying a firearm in such a way that at least part of the gun or its holster is visible. Under Arizona law, you are allowed to open carry if you are at least 18 years old and not prohibited to possess a firearm.

Q. Do I need to obtain a Concealed Weapons Permit to concealed carry?

A. As a "constitutional carry" state, Arizona does not require a permit for concealed carry. Individuals who are age 21 or older and not prohibited possessors are allowed to concealed carry. Visitors to Arizona may also concealed carry without a permit. An Arizona Concealed Weapons Permit grants some additional privileges and allows you to carry a concealed weapon in any state that has a concealed carry reciprocity arrangement with Arizona.

Q. What is a prohibited possessor?

A. Arizona law defines a prohibited possessor as a person who is not allowed to possess a firearm due to a court order, felony conviction, age limitation, or another reason. If you are a prohibited possessor, you could face felony charges for possessing a gun.

Q. Where can I open carry or concealed carry?

A. There are very few limitations regarding where you can carry a gun in Arizona. You are generally allowed to carry anywhere except on school grounds, on the campus of a correctional facility, at a polling place during an election, or at a nuclear or hydroelectric power station. Any establishment or event with a "no weapons" policy is also off-limits.

Q. I am attending the University of Arizona. Can I bring a gun with me to school?

A. While it is illegal in Arizona to possess a gun on school grounds, the law only applies to elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools. It is not explicitly against the law to possess a firearm on a college campus, but most colleges and universities, including the University of Arizona, maintain strict "no weapons" policies.

Q. I will be moving to Arizona soon. Will I need to register my guns or transfer my concealed carry permit?

A. There are no gun registration requirements in Arizona. If you move to Arizona, you have the option of applying for an Arizona Concealed Weapons Permit, but you do not necessarily need one to concealed carry legally.

Q. What types of guns can I own?

A. Arizona law offers relatively few restrictions on the types of guns that residents can own. You can own most semi-automatic firearms, including handguns, rifles, shotguns, and so-called "assault weapons." Machine guns, short-barreled rifles, and sawed-off shotguns are not legal to own.

Q. Who can I call if I need more information?

A. If you would like to learn more about gun laws in Arizona, contact The Behan Law Group. Call 520-485-7143 for a confidential consultation today. We help clients in Tucson, Pima County, and the surrounding areas.