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

Why

• Arizona recognizes valid carry permits from every US state.
• Arizona allows permitless carry for eligible adults 21+, which extends to visitors who may legally possess a handgun.

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

Arizona's rules control while you're there. These are the ones travelers trip over most.

• 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

Arizona bans carry in 5 kinds of places. The first on the list:

• School grounds (K-12)
• Polling places on election day

See all 5 places you can't carry in Arizona →

South Carolina vs Arizona: what changes at the state line

Crossing from South Carolina into Arizona changes 2 rules: permitless carry (Yes (18+) → Yes (21+)); out-of-state permits honored (2 states → All states).

Going the other way, an Arizona non-resident permit in South Carolina: permit not recognized — but permitless carry applies.

Driving on from Arizona

How a South Carolina non-resident permit fares in the states bordering Arizona:

• California — Not recognized
• Nevada — Recognized — carry with your permit
• New Mexico — Recognized — carry with your permit
• Utah — Recognized — and permitless carry applies

Check a whole route with the Trip Checker →

Frequently asked questions

Does Arizona honor a South Carolina resident permit?

Recognized — and permitless carry applies. The answer is the same as for the non-resident permit on this page.

Can an Arizona non-resident permit holder carry in South Carolina?

Permit not recognized — but permitless carry applies. Reciprocity is decided by the destination state, so the answer in this direction depends on South Carolina's law, not Arizona's.

Where does Arizona publish its official reciprocity list?

Arizona publishes its recognition policy on an official state page, linked in the sources on this page. That page is the authority — check it shortly before travel, because recognition lists change without much notice.