Questions & Answers

What are the requirements necessary to obtain an Arizona CCW Permit?

Must be a United States citizen.
Must be lawfully present in the United States.
Must be at least 21 years of age.
Not under indictment or have not been convicted of a felony in the U.S. or elsewhere.
Not convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence.
Not under court order (i.e. order of protection, harassment, etc.)
Not a fugitive from justice.
Not a user of or addicted to any controlled substance.
Not been dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces.
Have never renounced U.S. citizenship.
Do not suffer from mental illness and have not been adjudicated mentally incompetent or committed to a mental institution.
Have satisfactorily completed a DPS approved CCW Training Program (8 hours). Training must take place within Arizona.

Exceptions:

a. Active duty Arizona Peace Officers Standards and Training Board certified or federally credentialed peace officers.
b. Honorably retired federal, state or local peace officers with a minimum of 10 years of service may obtain a permit without taking the firearms safety training program.
c. DPS approved Firearms Safety Training Instructors may obtain a permit without taking the firearms safety training program.

How many hours is the CCW Course and where is it held?

The course runs 8 hours in length either Saturday or Sunday starting at 8:30AM at Ben Avery Shooting Facility located in Phoenix, AZ at the I-17 and Carefree Hwy (Exit 223).  The classrooms are air-conditioned for your comfort.  One hour is spent outdoors for qualification on the range.

How long is my CCW Permit good for?

Five (5) Years.  There is NO grace period beyond your expiration date.  If you do not meet the requirements of renewal within 60 days of your permit expiration, then you must re-take the full 8 Hour CCW Course.  NO EXCEPTIONS!

When must I renew my CCW Permit and how soon before my expiration date may I take the required renewal class?

Concealed weapon permits must be renewed every five (5) years.  New renewal procedures have implemented as a result of the passage of H.B. 2074 by the Arizona Legislature.  Effective September 21st, 2006 you will no longer need to take a renewal course.  Renewal is now done by mail directly with the Arizona Department of Public Safety.  DPS will mail a renewal package to your address of record approximately 60 days prior to your permit expiration.  You will need to complete an application for renewal and submit the application along with a certified check or money order payable to AZ Department of Public Safety for $43.  Your renewed permit will be returned to you by mail within 75 days of receipt of your completed renewal package.  Issuance of the renewal permit is contingent on a clear criminal background check.


What does the AZ CCW Permit look like?



What topics are covered in this 8 Hour CCW Course?

Firearms Safety
Different Types of Handguns
Selection of Handguns, Holsters and Accessories
Concealment Techniques
Ballistics and Ammunition Selection
Arizona Firearms Laws
Judgmental Shooting Situations
Combat Triad – Mindset, Marksmanship and Gun handling
Contact with Law Enforcement
Laws associated with the use of Deadly Force
Non-Lethal Force Options
Safe Care and Storage of Handguns
Range Safety and Qualification
Fundamentals of Pistol Marksmanship


What is included in the course fee of $99.00?

All required AZ DPS CCW Permit application forms, all related printed material, Fingerprinting, Range Fees and Certificate of Completion.  The APDI course fee does NOT include the $60 fee that is payable to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.  You do not need to bring the $60 AZ DPS fee to the course.

What other fee, if any, is required for my CCW Permit?

A processing fee in the amount of $60, effective December 31st, 2007 (Cashier's Check or Money Order only) made payable to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.  This payment is submitted with your CCW Permit Application form and Fingerprint Card upon completion of the course. Your instructor will provide you with and help you complete the required forms at the conclusion of class.  

How old must I be to receive my AZ CCW Permit?

You must be 21 Years of age, however, you may attend the 8 Hour CCW Course if you are 20 years of age and your 21st birthday is within six (6) months of the date you complete training (Certification Date).

What is the range handgun qualification requirement?

You must demonstrate the ability to safely and accurately fire your handgun.  Range qualification is a total of 10 shots, five shots at 5 yards and five shots at 10 yards.  Qualifying shots must be placed in designated area of target in order to be counted as a hit.  A total of 7 out of 10 shots must score as a hit for range qualification.  APDI's range requirement for successful course completion exceeds the AZ DPS requirement.

Am I required to use my own handgun, and if so are there any special requirements?

We ask that you bring whatever handgun you feel comfortable with.  You may use a revolver or semi-automatic pistol that is in good working order.  Any caliber between .22 cal and .45 cal is acceptable.

What if I do not have access to a handgun?

APDI can provide you with your choice of revolver or semi-automatic pistol as long as you request a rental pistol at the time of registration.  There is an additional charge of $20 for handgun rental.  The rental fee includes ammunition and the use of a holster.  Our rental handguns are Glock 9mm semi automatic pistols or Smith & Wesson .38 Special revolvers.  Other calibers are available in limited quantity and by special request only.  Call APDI at 480-607-5144 for more information.

Does APDI provide the ammunition as well?

We would prefer that you bring your own ammunition.  We generally only supply ammunition for our rental handguns.  In the event that you are unable to secure ammunition or forget to bring ammo for your firearm, the following ammunition is available for purchase on-site in limited quantities:

     9mm Luger -- $15 / box of 50 rounds
     .38 Special -- $17 / box of 50 rounds
     .40 cal S&W -- $17 / box of 50 rounds
     .357 SIG -- $20 / box of 50 rounds
     .45 cal ACP -- $20 / box of 50 rounds

What am I required to bring to class?

Pen (black ink only) and note taking materials, your handgun (unloaded and in a case or holster), a quality strong side holster, 50 rounds of factory target ammunition and eye and ear protection.  Eye and ear protection can be purchased on-site at the time of the class is available at a cost of $7 for eye protection and $15 for ear protection.