Frequently Asked CCW Questions (FAQ)
This is an abbreviated list of common questions that many people have about our Arizona CCW training. If you have more questions or don’t find the answer to your questions here, please visit Arizona CCW Guide
- What are the requirements necessary to obtain an Arizona CCW Permit?
- Must be a United States citizen or Resident Alien.
- Resident aliens may apply for an AZ CCW Permit if they have been a resident of Arizona for at least 90 days.
- Any applicant must be lawfully present in the United States.
- Applicants must be at least 21 years of age at the time of application. The AZ CCW course may be taken prior to a person’s 21st birthday.
- Applicants may not under indictment for or have not been convicted of a felony or any other crime with a penalty of more than one year in prison either in the U.S. or elsewhere.
- Applicants may not have been convicted of ANY misdemeanor domestic violence offense. If you have pled guilty or no contest to a domestic violence offense you cannot get an Arizona CCW permit.
- Applicants may not be under court order (i.e. order of protection, harassment, restraining order, etc.)
- Applicants may not be a fugitive from justice.
- Applicants cannot be a user of or addicted to any illegal drugs or controlled substances.
- Applicants may not have been dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces.
- Applicants cannot have ever renounced their U.S. citizenship.
- Persons suffering from mental illness and who have been adjudicated mentally incompetent by a court or who have been committed to a mental institution are not eligible for an Arizona CCW permit.
- All applicants must satisfactorily complete a DPS approved CCW Training Program that is a minimum of 8 hours in length. The course includes a written test and a live-fire qualification using a firearm of any caliber. All training must take place within the boundaries of the State of Arizona.
- Active duty Arizona Peace Officers Standards and Training Board certified or federally credentialed peace officers.
- Honorably retired federal, state or local peace officers with a minimum of 10 years of service may obtain a permit without taking the firearms safety training program.
- DPS approved Firearms Safety Training Instructors may obtain a permit without taking the firearms safety training program.
- Firearms Safety
- Different Types of Handguns
- Selection of Handguns, Holsters and Accessories
- Fundamentals of Pistol Marksmanship
- Basic Gun Handling and Pistol Manipulation Skills
- Concealment Techniques
- Ballistics and Ammunition Selection
- Arizona Firearms Laws
- Developing the proper Mindset for the use of Lethal Force
- Arizona laws associated with the use of Deadly Force
- Where you are allowed to carry a concealed firearm
- Non-Lethal Force Options
- Judgmental Shooting Situations
- How to handle contact with Law Enforcement
- Safe Care and Storage of Handguns
- Range Safety and Live Fire Qualification
The only persons not subject to the above listed requirements are:
How many hours is the CCW Course and where is it held?
Armed Personal Defense AZ CCW courses are approximately 9 hours in length. Since our courses exceed the state training standards, our course is a little longer than the 8 hour minimum requirement. Our training courses are held at a variety of location in Arizona, including the Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff areas. Courses are generally offered on a Saturday or Sunday and are completed in a single day. Please consult our schedule page for start times and course locations. All courses are held in comfortable, air conditioned classrooms. Approximately one hour is spent outdoors for qualification on the range.
How long is my AZ CCW Permit valid?
Arizona CCW permits are valid for five years from date of issuance. There is NO grace period beyond the permit expiration date. If you do not meet the requirements of renewal within 60 days of your permit expiration, then you must re-take the full 8 Hour CCW Course.
When must I renew my CCW Permit and how soon before my expiration date may I apply for renewal?
Concealed weapon permits must be renewed every five (5) years. New renewal procedures have implemented as a result of the passage of H.B. 2074 by the Arizona Legislature. Effective September 21st, 2006 you will no longer need to take a renewal course. Renewal is now done by mail directly with the Arizona Department of Public Safety. DPS will mail a renewal package to your address of record approximately 60 days prior to your permit expiration. You will need to complete an application for renewal and submit the application along with a certified check or money order payable to AZ Department of Public Safety for $43. Your renewed permit will be returned to you by mail within 75 days of receipt of your completed renewal package. Issuance of the renewal permit is contingent on a clear criminal background check.
What topics are covered in the Armed Personal Defense AZ CCW Course?
What is included in the course fee of $99.00?
Armed Personal Defense AZ CCW courses are all inclusive. Unlike some other organizations, we never charge an additional fee. We supply all required AZ CCW Permit application forms, Fingerprint cards and Course Outline for your convenience.
We also do all Fingerprinting on site the day of the course. All range fees are also included in the cost of the course. Our course fee DOES NOT include the $60 fee that is payable to the Arizona Department of Public Safety. You do not need to bring the $60 AZ DPS fee to the course.
What other fee, if any, is required for my CCW Permit?
A processing fee in the amount of $60, effective December 31st, 2007 (Cashier's Check or Money Order only) made payable to the Arizona Department of Public Safety. This payment is submitted with your AZ CCW Permit Application form and Fingerprint Card upon completion of the course. Your instructor will provide you with and help you complete the required forms at the conclusion of class.
How old must I be to receive my AZ CCW Permit?
You must be 21 Years of age, however, you may attend the 8 Hour AZ CCW Course if you are 20 years of age and your 21st birthday is within six (6) months of the date you complete training (Certification Date).
What is the range handgun qualification requirement?
You must demonstrate the ability to safely and accurately fire your handgun. Range qualification is a total of 10 shots, five shots at 5 yards and five shots at 10 yards. Qualifying shots must be placed in designated area of target in order to be counted as a hit. A total of 7 out of 10 shots must score as a hit for range qualification. Armed Personal Defense range work may exceed the AZ DPS requirements for successful course completion depending on class size and time availability.
Am I required to use my own handgun, and if so are there any special requirements?
We ask that you bring whatever handgun you feel comfortable with. You may use a revolver or semi-automatic pistol that is in good working order. Any caliber between .22 cal and .45 cal is acceptable.
What if I do not have access to a handgun?
Armed Personal Defense can provide you with your choice of revolver or semi-automatic pistol as long as you request a rental pistol at the time of registration. There is an additional charge of $25 for handgun rental. The rental fee includes ammunition and the use of a holster. Our rental handguns are Glock 9mm semi automatic pistols or Smith & Wesson .38 Special revolvers. Other calibers are available in limited quantity and by special request only. Call Armed Personal Defense at 480-607-5144 for more information.
Does Armed Personal Defense sell ammunition?
We would prefer that you bring your own ammunition. We generally only supply ammunition for our rental handguns. In the event that you are unable to secure ammunition or forget to bring ammo for your firearm, the following ammunition is available for purchase in limited quantities:
• 9mm Luger -- $20 for a box of 50 rounds
• .38 Special -- $25 for a box of 50 rounds
• .40 cal S&W -- $20 for a box of 50 rounds
• .357 SIG -- $20 for a box of 50 rounds
• .45 cal ACP -- $25 for a box of 50 rounds
Please check with us regarding ammo availability as some shortages may exist.
What am I required to bring to class?
All students should bring the following materials with them to their course:
• Pen (black ink only) and note taking materials
• Your handgun (unloaded and in a case or holster),
• A hip holster or case for your firearm
• 30 rounds of factory target ammunition (no reloaded ammunition)
• Eye and ear protection (sunglasses are generally fine for eye protection)
• Drivers license or other government issued photo identification
• Billed hat or cap and closed toe shoes
• Limited eye and ear protection is available for your use if you don’t have it or forget to bring yours.
