Is a Kentucky Non-Resident Permit Valid in Arizona?

Why

• Kentucky does not issue carry permits to non-residents (kentucky residents (or us citizens / lawfully admitted persons on active military duty assigned to a kentucky posting) only - ksp ccdw qualifications).

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

Carry law is state law. From the moment you enter Arizona, these rules replace the ones you know from Kentucky.

• 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 Kentucky non-resident permit valid in Arizona?

Kentucky does not sell permits to out-of-state applicants (kentucky residents (or US citizens / lawfully admitted persons on active military duty assigned to a Kentucky posting) only - KSP CCDW qualifications). For carry in Arizona, what matters is a permit you can actually hold — your resident permit, or a non-resident permit from a state that issues them.

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 Kentucky issue non-resident carry permits?

No. Kentucky issues carry permits to residents only (kentucky residents (or US citizens / lawfully admitted persons on active military duty assigned to a Kentucky posting) only - KSP CCDW qualifications). 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.