CCW FAQs - Revised 10/19/07
I am considering obtaining an Arizona concealed-weapons permit. What do I do? Review the Arizona concealed carry law, ARS 13-3112 and Arizona Administrative Rules R13-9-101 through R13-9-603 (links are available on this web site). It is recommend you also review ARS 13-3101 and Title 18 USC section 922(d & g) for complete eligibility criteria and ARS 13-3102, Misconduct Involving Weapons.
How do I apply for an Arizona CCW permit?
Contact a DPS-approved CCW Training Organization. Complete the 8-hour initial CCW course. The instructor will fill out the certificate of completion located on the CCW application. Ensure you fill out the rest of the aplication and affix your signature. Send the completed application, a fingerprint card and the $60 fee to DPS. The instructor should provide a pre-addressed return envelope but if not, mail your materials to: DPS P.O. Box 6488 Phoenix, AZ 85005-6488.
1. Where can I get my fingerprints taken?
DPS DOES NOT PROVIDE THIS SERVICE. You may contact your local Law Enforcement Agency and ask if they provide a fingerprinting service, or you may contact a private fingerprinting service. NOTE: You can use any "Applicant" fingerprint card, although DPS provides a pre-printed fingerprint card it is not required to use the one they issue.
2. May I drop off my application at DPS?
Yes, although DPS prefers you mail your application you may drop off your packet at DPS Headquarters located 2102 W. Encanto Blvd Phoenix Arizona 85005 Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. The lobby is no longer available for drop off after hours and weekends
3. Can armed security guard training and concealed weapons training be combined ?
No. The only DPS approved training program is the 8 hour CCW Class. Applications received by CWPU that have combined training will be returned without action.
4. I heard under the new law that I don't have to take any training for a concealed weapon permit, it this true?
No. The new law refers to the RENEWAL process only.
5. My permit expired a couple years ago, under the new law can I now renew without taking a class?
No. CWPU will renew permits 90 day before expiration and 60 days after expiration.
6. I downloaded the renewal application and I have a money order for $65.00. Do I have to submit another fingerprint card?
NOTICE:
***INITIAL and RENEWAL applications postmarked on or after October 1, 2007 should include a fee in the amount of $60.00.***
***Effective December 31, 2007, the fee for a CCW RENEWAL application will be $43.00, and a fingerprint card will not need to be submitted with your application.***
7. I'm renewing my permit and as I fill out the application there is a question that asks me if I satisfactorily completed a training program. How do I answer?
Answer NO. There is no requirement to take the 2 hour renewal course after September 21, 2006.
8. This is my second renewal do I have to provide a fingerprint card?
Yes, a law was passed in August 2005 to allow dropping the fingerprint requirement for second and subsequent fingerprint cards for renewal, however this effects renewals after the law was passed. So, your second renewal after August 2005 you will not be required to submit fingerprint cards.
Yes, until a change to ARS 13-3112 takes effect on December 31, 2007.
SB 1250, effective December 31, 2007, eliminates the requirement of submitting additional fingerprints when applying to renew a concealed weapon permit.
9. I'm moving to Arizona, is my concealed weapon permit from my former state of residence transferable?
No. There is no provision in the law for transferring concealed weapon permits.
10. I have taken a number of courses related to weapons training that are more extensive than the eight hour required course to obtain an Arizona CCW Permit. May I be granted an exemption from having to take the course?
The only exemption for the eight hour CCW Course are for Certified Peace Officers.
11. I've moved to Arizona and I have a CCW from my prior state of residence. How long before I have to get an Arizona CCW to carry legal in Arizona?
Once you become an Arizona Resident and you wish to carry a concealed weapon you must obtain an Arizona CCW Permit.
12. Can I pay my application fee to DPS with a personal check?
No. The only form of payment CWPU will accept is a money order, certified funds, or cashiers check. Fee's are: CCW Application (initial or renewal) $65.00.
NOTICE:
***INITIAL and RENEWAL applications postmarked on or after October 1, 2007 should include a fee in the amount of $60.00.***
***Effective December 31, 2007, the fee for a CCW RENEWAL application will be $43.00, and a fingerprint card will not need to be submitted with your application.***
13. My significant other and I took the class together, can we combine our fee's in one money order?
DPS would rather you not combine fee's. It only slows down the process.
14. How long will it take for me to get my permit?
INITIAL APPLICATION FOR CCW:
Applications are typically processed and permits issued/mailed within three days of receipt. However, if you have not received your permit within 10 business days, please call the DPS CWPU office or email DPS CWPU.
RENEWAL APPLICATION FOR CCW:
By law the CWPU has 70 days to process an application. Typically, depending on the volume received, applications are processed within two days of receipt. If no additional research is required, permits are issued and mailed within three days of receipt. If you have not received your permit within 10 business days, please call or email the DPS CWPU office.
15. I would like to drop off my application, where do I need to go?
DPS would rather you mail your application, however we understand there may be time constraints that would better accommodate dropping off your application. If that's the case you may drop off your application at 2102 W. Encanto BLVD., Phoenix Arizona 85005, between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm, Monday thru Friday. Please go to the Security Desk located on the north side of the building.
16. I'm not sure if I have a criminal record, can I call your office and have you check?
No. CWPU is not allowed to "Pre Approve" an applicant.
17. I submitted a fingerprint card four years ago. I just submitted another one while renewing my permit and it was rejected. Why can't you use the one from four years ago?
You are required by law to complete a background check each time you apply for (or renew) a permit. Although DPS conducts a background check based upon biographical information (name, date of birth, social security number, etc.), the FBI conducts their background check based upon your fingerprints. Their system is automated, meaning a computer examines the card. If the computer cannot read the card, the card is rejected and returned to DPS. DPS then returns the card to you with a notice of rejection. Ultimately, fingerprint cards submitted for the purpose of obtaining or renewing CCW permits are destroyed by the FBI within a few months of their receipt. Neither the FBI nor the DPS retain copies of fingerprint cards due to federal restrictions from retaining such information and the impracticality of storing millions of cards on law-abiding citizens. (ARS 13-3112.K)
NOTICE:
A fingerprint card must be submitted, until a change to ARS 13-3112 takes effect on December 31, 2007.
SB 1250, effective December 31, 2007, eliminates the requirement of submitting additional fingerprints when applying to renew a concealed weapon permit.
18. Can non-residents be issued an Arizona permit?
Yes. Non-residents can be issued Arizona permits after completing the 8 hour initial training, provided that said training is taken in Arizona and conducted by an authorized organization. Some law enforcement personnel may be exempt. (ARS 13-3112.E)
19. I have completed several NRA firearms safety courses. Will those substitute for the initial 8 hour course?
No. Arizona law requires everyone to complete the initial 8 hour CCW course. There are some exceptions for law enforcement. (ARS 13-3102.C.1, 13-3112.E.6 )
20. DPS denied my application for a permit because of a felony arrest many years ago. The prosecutor dropped the charges and I was never prosecuted. What do I do now?
You must contact the respective prosecutor's office or involved court that handled the case and obtain documentation to that effect. Submit that documentation to the CWPU within the time limit given on the denial letter. You may also request a review and challenge of your criminal history through the DPS Criminal History Records Section. (ARS 13-3112.H and 41-1750.G.7)
For further information and the latest updates, go to the DPS CWPU web page:
http://www.azdps.gov/ccw/
21. Fee Schedule for CCW
Concealed Weapons Permit Unit Fee Schedule
(Effective: January 1, 2008)
New Concealed Weapons Permit $60.00
Concealed Weapons Permit Renewal $43.00
Concealed Weapons Firearms Instructor $24.00
Renewal of Concealed Weapons Permit /Firearms Instructor Approval combined $43.00
Replacement Permit $10.00
(lost, stolen or name change)
Training Organization Approval Free
LEOSA Certification $20.00
LEOSA Instructor Certification Free
ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF PAYMENT INCLUDE A MONEY ORDER, CASHIERS CHECK, OR, CERTIFIED CHECK, MADE PAYABLE TO AZ DPS.
PERSONAL CHECKS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Concealed Weapons Permit Unit P.O. Box 6488 Phoenix, AZ 85005
(602) 2566280
or (800) 2566280
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday
www.azdps.gov/ccw