Firearms in Phoenix, AZ: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Phoenix or are thinking about moving there, firearms are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Phoenix has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of firearms, and some of them might surprise you.

Concealed Carry

Arizona has been a permitless or constitutional carry state since 2010 under ARS section 13-3102. Adults twenty-one and older may carry a concealed handgun in Phoenix without a permit, though an optional CCW unlocks reciprocity and gun-free school zone access.

Key details: Permitless carry since: July 29, 2010. Minimum age: 21 without permit. CCW issuer: AZ DPS, ARS 13-3112. Phoenix add-ons: None beyond state.

Carrying concealed under twenty-one or while a prohibited possessor is a class one misdemeanor under ARS section 13-3102, escalating to a felony if the carrier is a prohibited possessor or in a posted area.

Phoenix is more permissive than most cities when it comes to concealed carry. That said, there are still limits.

Open Carry

Arizona has long permitted open carry of handguns and long guns without a permit. Adults eighteen and older may openly carry in Phoenix, subject only to ARS section 13-3102 posted-area limits and federal restrictions near schools.

Key details: Minimum age: 18 to open carry. Permit required: No. Statute: ARS 13-3102. Posted areas: Carry barred when posted.

Open carry by a prohibited possessor or under eighteen is a class six felony or class one misdemeanor under ARS section 13-3102, and brandishing in a threatening way is disorderly conduct under section 13-2904.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Phoenix gives residents more flexibility on open carry.

Firearms in Vehicles

Arizona allows adults to keep loaded firearms in a vehicle without a permit. ARS section 13-3102 lets a Phoenix driver carry a loaded handgun openly or concealed in the passenger compartment, including the glove box or center console, with limited posted-area exceptions.

Key details: Loaded carry in vehicle: Allowed at 21+. Ages 18-20: Case or compartment OK. Statute: ARS 13-3102. School zones: Federal GFSZA limits apply.

Vehicle carry by a prohibited possessor or by a person under twenty-one outside the case or compartment exception is a violation of ARS section 13-3102, prosecuted as a misdemeanor or felony depending on circumstance.

Phoenix is more permissive than most cities when it comes to firearms in vehicles. That said, there are still limits.

Local Firearms Preemption

Phoenix cannot enact local firearm ordinances — Arizona Revised Statutes Section 13-3108 preempts municipal regulation of the transportation, possession, carrying, sale, transfer, purchase, storage, licensing, registration, discharge, or use of firearms or ammunition. Any local ordinance more prohibitive than state law is void.

Key details: Preemption Statute: A.R.S. Sec. 13-3108. Statewide Carry: Permitless open & concealed carry (21+). What Phoenix May Regulate: Sales tax, minors <14, park discharge, employee conduct. What's Preempted: Transport, possession, carry, sale, transfer, purchase, storage, licensing, registration, discharge, use. Civil Penalty: Up to $50,000 per knowing violation + fees.

Any Phoenix ordinance more prohibitive than A.R.S. Sec. 13-3108 is null and void. The statute creates a private cause of action with a civil penalty up to $50,000 for knowing violations by a political subdivision, plus attorney fees and costs.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Phoenix gives residents more flexibility on local firearms preemption.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Phoenix gives residents more room on firearms. 4 of the 4 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

This guide is based on Phoenix's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.