Is a California 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

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 resident permit valid in Arizona?

You're covered either way. Arizona honors California resident permits, and its permitless-carry law also lets eligible visitors carry without any permit at all.

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.

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.