Is a California Non-Resident Permit Valid in Arizona?

Why

• California does not issue carry permits to non-residents (penal code § 26150 requires the applicant to be a resident of the issuing county/city or have a principal place of employment or business there where substantial time is spent; there is no general non-resident path).

A.R.S. § 13-3112(Q): Arizona recognizes any other state's permit if it is valid in the issuing state and the holder is legally present and not prohibited — no resident-only condition, so non-resident permits qualify. But out-of-state permit holders under 21 may not carry concealed in Arizona (§ 13-3112(S)).

Carry rules in Arizona

Whatever your permit status, Arizona law governs how you carry inside the state. The rules below matter most on a short trip.

• No proactive duty, but if an officer asks whether you are carrying a concealed deadly weapon you must answer accurately (A.R.S. § 13-3102(A)(1)(b)); permit holders must present the permit for inspection on request (§ 13-3112(A), civil penalty up to $300).
• Arizona sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.
• Arizona allows permitless concealed carry from age 21 for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.
• Anyone 21+ who may lawfully possess may carry a loaded handgun, concealed, in a vehicle without a permit; under-21s are limited to visible-holster or cased transport.

Off-limits places in Arizona

• School grounds (K-12)
• Polling places on election day
• Nuclear and hydroelectric generating stations
• Correctional facilities
• Any public establishment or event after a request to remove or check the weapon

Frequently asked questions

Is a California non-resident permit valid in Arizona?

No such permit is issued. California restricts its carry permits to residents (penal Code § 26150 requires the applicant to be a resident of the issuing county/city OR have a principal place of employment or business there where substantial time is spent; there is no general non-resident path), so this page exists to say exactly that and point you to alternatives that Arizona does recognize.

Do I have to tell police in Arizona that I am carrying?

No proactive duty, but if an officer asks whether you are carrying a concealed deadly weapon you must answer accurately (A.R.S. § 13-3102(A)(1)(b)); permit holders must present the permit for inspection on request (§ 13-3112(A), civil penalty up to $300).

Does Arizona limit magazine capacity?

Arizona sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.

Can I carry in Arizona without any permit?

Arizona allows permitless concealed carry from age 21 for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.

Does California issue non-resident carry permits?

No. California issues carry permits to residents only (penal Code § 26150 requires the applicant to be a resident of the issuing county/city OR have a principal place of employment or business there where substantial time is spent; there is no general non-resident path). Non-residents who want multi-state coverage usually obtain a non-resident permit from a state that offers one, such as those listed in our non-resident permit guide.