Is a North Carolina Non-Resident Permit Valid in Arizona?

Why

• North Carolina does not issue carry permits to non-residents (applicant must have been a north carolina resident for at least 30 days immediately preceding the application (g.s. 14-415.12(a)); no non-resident permits).

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

Your North Carolina habits may not match Arizona's law. Check these three areas before you carry there.

• 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 North Carolina non-resident permit valid in Arizona?

North Carolina has no non-resident permit program (applicant must have been a North Carolina resident for at least 30 days immediately preceding the application (G.S. 14-415.12(a)); no non-resident permits). Travelers who want multi-state coverage usually pair their home-state permit with a widely honored non-resident permit from another state.

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 North Carolina issue non-resident carry permits?

No. North Carolina issues carry permits to residents only (applicant must have been a North Carolina resident for at least 30 days immediately preceding the application (G.S. 14-415.12(a)); no non-resident permits). 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.