Concealed carry weapon (CCW) reciprocity is a practice across the United States that allows for a permit from one state to be accepted in another. This gives you the ability to conceal carry your firearm in states other than the one where your permit was issued. Arizona CCW reciprocity can help protect your rights while you are in another state with your firearm. Since this does not apply to all states, it is important to check the legal requirements for states you will be traveling to or through.
Arizona is one of the few states that allows you to carry a weapon (concealed carry or open carry) without a permit, provided you meet all legal requirements. However, it still benefits you to obtain a CCW. Arizona CCW reciprocity laws are one major reason for this. When in another state that requires a concealed carry permit, simply being an Arizona resident is not enough to give you the right to carry a concealed handgun or other firearms. No permit means no right to carry your weapon.
Some of the situations where CCW reciprocity could impact you:
Traveling with a Concealed Weapon
Your firearm can be an important tool for self-defense. When you are traveling away from home, particularly to a place you have never been to before, you may feel uncomfortable and question your safety. In these cases, you might want to have a concealed weapon. You should also consider whether or not you have a firearm in your car. If you are driving across multiple states, you need to consider what the laws are regarding concealed carry in vehicles. Having a CCW permit in Arizona can give you peace of mind in the states that have reciprocity. However, you still need to check local restrictions.
Moving With a Firearm
Moving involves packing up all of your belongings and relocating. In many cases, your new home will be in a different state. The process of moving can be very stressful. The last thing you want to worry about is how to transport your gun(s) and if you will need to get a concealed carry permit in your new state. Arizona CCW reciprocity may cover your new home or any states you pass through during your move. You should check specific regulations for each state you pass through and for the area you will live in so you don’t break any laws that differ from those in Arizona. You may also need to obtain a resident permit in your new state at some point in the future, but having an Arizona CCW can give you more time so you don’t have to worry.
States with Arizona CCW Reciprocity
The following states honor Arizona CCW permits:
- Alabama
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Louisiana
- Montana
- Michigan
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- Nebraska
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
States similar to Arizona that have “permitless carry,” also called constitutional carry, are:
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- New Hampshire
- South Dakota
- Vermont
- West Virginia
If you travel to any of the above states, Arizona CCW reciprocity is valid and you should be able to conceal carry your weapon. However, it is important that you check the local laws for each state where you will possess your weapon. The restrictions on concealed carry can vary, even if there is reciprocity.
The Hub Can Help You Understand Arizona CCW Reciprocity
The Hub offers CCW classes so you can earn your permit. This gives you many benefits, including reciprocity in other states. During our classes, we go over important topics related to concealed carry. This includes reciprocity and we are happy to answer any questions you have during our courses.
Contact us today to reserve a spot in one of The Hub’s Arizona CCW classes.
