Arizona

Get the latest information on Arizona firearm law.

Quick Reference

No

Magazine Capacity Restrictions

Yes

Constitutional (Permitless) Carry Allowed

No

Red Flag Laws

No

Carry in Alcohol Establishments Allowed

Yes

Open Carry Allowed

Yes

No Weapons Signs Enforced by Law

Yes

NFA Weapons Allowed

No

Duty to Retreat

Quasi Duty to Inform

Duty to Inform Law Enforcement

No

"Universal" Background Checks Required

Table of Contents

State Law Summary

Constitution of the State of Arizona - Article II, Section 26
“The right of the people to bear arms shall not be infringed."

Arizona's firearm law history is marked by a series of significant legal developments and changes that reflect the state's strong tradition of gun rights. The state is known for its permissive gun laws, including the enactment of the "Constitutional Carry" law in 2010, allowing individuals to carry concealed firearms without a permit. Key legal cases, such as State v. McCannon (2000), affirmed the rights of individuals to possess firearms in their homes, reinforcing Second Amendment protections. The 2013 law prohibiting local governments from regulating firearms strengthened the rights of gun owners, while ongoing debates surrounding issues like background checks and gun sales continue to shape the legal landscape. These events underscore Arizona's commitment to individual rights regarding firearm ownership and usage.

Permit Eligibility, Training and Application Process

Arizona's history with concealed weapons permits has evolved significantly over the years. In 1994, the state established a concealed carry permit system, allowing individuals to carry concealed firearms after meeting specific requirements and completing a training course. In 2010, Arizona made a landmark change by allowing permitless carry, meaning that individuals aged 21 and older could carry a concealed firearm without a permit, provided they are legally eligible to possess a firearm. This shift was solidified with the passage of the "constitutional carry" law, reflecting a growing trend towards more permissive gun laws in the state. In 2016, additional changes streamlined the permit application process, further promoting concealed carry rights.

Permit Eligibility The department of public safety shall issue a permit to an applicant who meets all of the following conditions:

  1. Is a resident of this state or a United States citizen.
  2. Is twenty-one years of age or older or is at least nineteen years of age and provides evidence of current military service or proof of honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions from the United States armed forces, the United States armed forces reserve or a state national guard.
  3. Is not under indictment for and has not been convicted in any jurisdiction of a felony unless that conviction has been expunged, set aside or vacated or the applicant's rights have been restored and the applicant is currently not a prohibited possessor under state or federal law.
  4. Does not suffer from mental illness and has not been adjudicated mentally incompetent or committed to a mental institution.
  5. Is not unlawfully present in the United States.
  6. Has ever demonstrated competence with a firearm as prescribed by subsection N of this section and provides adequate documentation that the person has satisfactorily completed a training program or demonstrated competence with a firearm in any state or political subdivision in the United States.

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3112 (E)

Permit Training Requirements An applicant shall demonstrate competence with a firearm through any of the following:

  1. Completion of any firearms safety or training course or class that is available to the general public, that is offered by a law enforcement agency, a junior college, a college or a private or public institution, academy, organization or firearms training school and that is approved by the department of public safety or that uses instructors who are certified by the national rifle association.
  2. Completion of any hunter education or hunter safety course approved by the Arizona game and fish department or a similar agency of another state.
  3. Completion of any national rifle association firearms safety or training course.
  4. Completion of any law enforcement firearms safety or training course or class that is offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies or other divisions or subdivisions of law enforcement or security enforcement and that is approved by the department of public safety.
  5. Evidence of current military service or proof of honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions from the United States armed forces.
  6. A valid current or expired concealed weapon, firearm or handgun permit or license that is issued by another state or a political subdivision of another state and that has a training or testing requirement for initial issuance.
  7. Completion of any governmental police agency firearms training course and qualification to carry a firearm in the course of normal police duties.
  8. Completion of any other firearms safety or training course or class that is conducted by a department of public safety approved or national rifle association certified firearms instructor.

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3112 (N)

Permit Application Process The Arizona Department of Public Safety accepts applications online or by mail. Applicants must provide the following:

  1. Completed application form.
  2. Proof of competence with a firearm.
  3. Proof of identity (Government-issued photo ID).
  4. 2 complete fingerprint cards.
  5. Payment of $60 in the form of a money order, cashier’s check, or certified check payable to AZ DPS.

Mail application packets to: AZ DPS CWPU P.O. 6488 Phoenix, AZ 85005 The permit will be issued within 75 days. Permits are valid for five years. The renewal fee is $43.

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3112

Instructor Eligibility
Only an individual who meets the following qualifications is eligible to be certified by the Department under A.R.S. § 32-2632 as a firearms-safety instructor:

1. Is a resident of this state or a U.S. citizen;
2. Is at least 21 years old;
3. Is not under indictment for and has not been convicted in any jurisdiction of a felony;
4. Does not suffer from mental illness and has not been adjudicated mentally incompetent or committed to a mental institution;
5. Is not unlawfully present in the United States;
6. Is not a prohibited possessor;

Ariz. Admin. Code R 13-6-701

Instructor Training Requirements
7. Must possess current evidence of completing one of the following firearms-safety training instructor programs:

a. Arizona Basic Police Firearms Instructor training provided by the Arizona Peace Officers Standards and Training Board;
b. Police Firearms Instructor Development School provided by the National Rifle Association;
c. Law Enforcement Security Firearms Instructor Development School provided by the National Rifle Association;
d. Training provided by the National Rifle Association that results in rating as one of the following:
i. Pistol Instructor and Personal Protection Instructor,
ii. Law Enforcement Tactical Handgun Instructor, or
iii. Law Enforcement Handgun or Shotgun Instructor; or
e. Firearms Instructor Training Program provided by a federal law enforcement agency.

Ariz. Admin. Code R 13-6-701

Instructor Application Process
Applicants only need to provide the Arizona Department of Public Safety-located at 2222 W. Encanto Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85009-with a certificate from a recognized organization, such as NRA or any of the aforementioned organizations, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding state and federal holidays. Another option is to email their credentials/instructor license, proposed course syllabus, and a sample of the training certificate for their students to: ccw@azdps.gov. For more information, applicants may contact the Concealed Weapon Unit of the Arizona Department of Public Safety at 602-256-6280.

Permitless Carry Law

The terms “constitutional carry” and “permitless carry” refer to states that have laws allowing individuals to carry a loaded firearm in public without requiring a license or permit.

On April 16, 2010, Governor Jan Brewer signed Senate Bill 1108 into law. It took effect on July 29, 2010. What it Does: As of 07/29/2010 anyone who can legally own and purchase a firearm may carry it, concealed or openly, in Arizona without the necessity of a permit. (§13-3102).

Who Can Carry Under Arizona Constitutional Carry?

  • Must be 21 years of age or older;
  • Must not be prohibited from possessing a firearm in a public place under state or federal law

What the law doesn’t do: It does NOT eliminate concealed weapons permits. They will still be issued.

  1. It does not apply to anyone under the age of 21.
  2. It does not allow someone to carry outside of the state of Arizona without a permit
  3. It does not allow someone to carry to a K-12 school.
  4. It does not exempt you from the background check when purchasing a firearm

Senate Bill 1108

 

Reciprocity Agreements

Reciprocity refers to an agreement between states to recognize, or honor, a concealed firearm permit issued by another state. When you are in another state, you are subject to that state’s laws. Even if a state recognizes your carry permit or allows for permitless carry, the state may have additional restrictions on certain types of firearms, magazines, or ammunition. Take time to learn the law!

Recognizes an Arizona CWP or does not require a license
RecognizesArizona Resident CWP only
Does not recognize an Arizona CWP
Permitless Carry State

State Preemption Laws

State firearm preemption laws are statutes that prevent local governments from enacting or enforcing their own gun regulations that are more restrictive than state law. These laws ensure that firearm regulations remain consistent across the state, preventing a patchwork of different rules in various cities or counties.

Arizona Preemption

A. Except as provided in subsection G of this section, a political subdivision of this state shall not enact any ordinance, rule or tax relating to the transportation, possession, carrying, sale, transfer, purchase, acquisition, gift, devise, storage, licensing, registration, discharge or use of firearms or ammunition or any firearm or ammunition components or related accessories in this state. B. A political subdivision of this state shall not require the licensing or registration of firearms or ammunition or any firearm or ammunition components or related accessories or prohibit the ownership, purchase, sale or transfer of firearms or ammunition or any firearm or ammunition components, or related accessories. C. A political subdivision of this state shall not require or maintain a record in any form, whether permanent or temporary, including a list, log or database, of any of the following:

  1. Any identifying information of a person who leaves a weapon in temporary storage at any public establishment or public event, except that the operator of the establishment or the sponsor of the event may require that a person provide a government issued identification or a reasonable copy of a government issued identification for the purpose of establishing ownership of the weapon. The operator or sponsor shall store any provided identification with the weapon and shall return the identification to the person when the weapon is retrieved. The operator or sponsor shall not retain records or copies of any identification provided pursuant to this paragraph after the weapon is retrieved.
  2. Except in the course of a law enforcement investigation, any identifying information of a person who owns, possesses, purchases, sells or transfers a firearm.
  3. The description, including the serial number, of a weapon that is left in temporary storage at any public establishment or public event.

D. A political subdivision of this state shall not enact any rule or ordinance that relates to firearms and is more prohibitive than or that has a penalty that is greater than any state law penalty. A political subdivision's rule or ordinance that relates to firearms and that is inconsistent with or more restrictive than state law, whether enacted before or after July 29, 2010, is null and void.

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3108

Preemption Exceptions

This section does not prohibit a political subdivision of this state from enacting and enforcing any ordinance or rule pursuant to state law or relating to any of the following:

  1. Imposing any privilege or use tax on the retail sale, lease or rental of, or the gross proceeds or gross income from the sale, lease or rental of, firearms or ammunition or any firearm or ammunition components at a rate that applies generally to other items of tangible personal property.
  2. Prohibiting a minor who is unaccompanied by a parent, grandparent or guardian or a certified hunter safety instructor or certified firearms safety instructor acting with the consent of the minor's parent, grandparent or guardian from knowingly possessing or carrying on the minor's person, within the minor's immediate control or in or on a means of transportation a firearm in any place that is open to the public or on any street or highway or on any private property except private property that is owned or leased by the minor or the minor's parent, grandparent or guardian.
  3. The regulation of commercial land and structures, including a business relating to firearms or ammunition or their components or a commercial shooting range in the same manner as other commercial businesses.
  4. Regulating employees or independent contractors of the political subdivision who are acting within the course and scope of their employment or contract.
  5. Limiting or prohibiting the discharge of firearms in parks and preserves.

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3108 (G)

Purchase/Transfer Laws

When buying or selling a firearm, both federal and state laws must be followed. Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(5), a private party may sell a firearm to a resident of the same state if two conditions are met: (1) the seller and buyer must be residents of the same state, and (2) the seller must not know or have reasonable cause to believe that the buyer is prohibited from receiving or possessing firearms under federal law, as outlined in 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). Additionally, a private seller may loan or rent a firearm to a resident of any state for temporary lawful sporting use, provided they meet the same condition of not knowing or having reason to believe the borrower is prohibited under federal law. In addition to federal law, state laws governing firearm sales must also be followed, as states may impose additional restrictions such as background checks, waiting periods, or bans on specific types of firearms.

In Arizona, a private party may sell/give a firearm to anyone except

  1. Someone you know is under the age of 18
  2. Someone you know is prohibited from owning a firearm under state/federal law, or is intoxicated or under the influence
  3. Someone who resides in another state than Arizona.

 

Firearm Classification and Accessory Restrictions

COMING SOON!

Magazine Capacity Restrictions

Magazine capacity laws are designed to limit the number of rounds a firearm's magazine can hold, typically restricting it to a certain number of cartridges (e.g., 10 rounds or fewer). Some state laws restrict the amount of rounds that may be placed in a magazine at any given time, while others prevent the mere possession of unloaded magazines capable of accepting more than a certain number of rounds.

Arizona has no laws restricting the ammunition capacity of magazines.

Prohibited Areas - Where Firearms Are Prohibited Under State law

Carrying a firearm into a place where firearms are prohibited by state or federal law is a common way for gun owners to find themselves in legal trouble. These places are known as “prohibited areas,” and they can vary greatly from state to state. Below you will find the list of the places where firearms are prohibited under this state’s laws. Keep in mind, in addition to these state prohibited areas, federal law adds additional places where firearms are prohibited. See the federal law section for a list of federal prohibited areas.

Places Where Firearms Are Prohibited Under Arizona Law

Firearms are prohibited in all of the following locations:

  1. Any business that sells alcohol for consumption unless all 3 of the following are met: 1) You have a CCW permit and the gun is concealed, 2) You do not consume alcohol, 3) There is not a sign prohibiting firearms posted near the liquor license (see A.R.S. § 4-229 and § 4-244 and A.R.S. § 13-3102 for exceptions)
  2. Polling places on the day of an election (see A.R.S. § 13-3102.A.11)
  3. Public and private schools. (A.R.S. § 13-3102 see next slide for exceptions)
  4. Nuclear or hydroelectric generating facilities A.R.S. § 13-3102.A.13 (see A.R.S. § 13-3102.C for exceptions)
  5. Correctional facilities (see A.R.S. § 13-2505.A.1 and A.R.S. § 13-2514.A.1)
  6. Tribal Lands (Check with the tribe for specific regulations)
  7. Any public establishment or event after a reasonable request by the operator of the establishment or the sponsor of the event or the sponsor's agent to remove his weapon and place it in the custody of the operator of the establishment or the sponsor of the event for temporary and secure storage of the weapon. (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 13-3102)
  8. Any public college or university where the carrying of deadly weapons or firearms has been prohibited by the governing board
  9. On the grounds of or in a secure care facility under the jurisdiction of the department of juvenile corrections
  10. Any “posted” buildings. A building is posted if it is:
    1. Posted in a conspicuous location accessible to the general public and immediately adjacent to the liquor license posted on the licensed premises.
    2. Contain a pictogram that shows a firearm within a red circle and a diagonal red line across the firearm.
    3. Contain the words, "no firearms allowed pursuant to A.R.S. section 4-229".

The prohibition for firearms in school zones does not apply to any

  • Firearm that is not loaded and that is carried within a means of transportation under the control of an adult provided that if the adult leaves the means of transportation the firearm shall not be visible from the outside of the means of transportation and the means of transportation shall be locked.

Methods of Carry - Open Carry Laws

Open carry and concealed carry refer to two distinct methods of carrying firearms in public. Open carry involves visibly carrying a firearm, typically in a holster, where it is easily seen by others. Concealed carry, on the other hand, involves carrying a firearm in a hidden manner, such as under clothing, so that it is not visible to others. Arizona law has long expressed a preference for the wearing of arms openly (see State v. Moerman, 895 P.2d 1018, 1021 (Ariz. Ct. App. 1994). No permit is required nor available for open carry. Any law abiding person over the age of 18 may openly carry in all places not prohibited by state law, with the exception of places where alcohol is served for consumption.

Open Carry is a Constitutional Right in Arizona
The right to bear arms in self-defense is not impaired by requiring individuals to carry weapons openly. Appellants are free to bear exposed weapons for their defense. Dano v. Collins, 802 P.2d 1021, 1022-23

Ariz. App. 1st Div. 1990

Defensive Display of a Firearm The defensive display of a firearm by a person against another is justified when and to the extent a reasonable person would believe that physical force is immediately necessary to protect himself against the use or attempted use of unlawful physical force or deadly physical force. This section does not apply to a person who:

Intentionally provokes another person to use or attempt to use unlawful physical force.

Uses a firearm during the commission of a serious offense as defined in section 13-706 or violent crime as defined in section 13-901.03.

This section does not require the defensive display of a firearm before the use of physical force or the threat of physical force by a person who is otherwise justified in the use or threatened use of physical force. For the purposes of this section, "defensive display of a firearm" includes: Verbally informing another person that the person possesses or has available a firearm. Exposing or displaying a firearm in a manner that a reasonable person would understand was meant to protect the person against another's use or attempted use of unlawful physical force or deadly physical force. Placing the person's hand on a firearm while the firearm is contained in a pocket, purse or other means of containment or transport.

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-421

No Weapons Signs

"No weapons" signs are notices posted by businesses or private property owners indicating that firearms or other weapons are not allowed on the premises. The legal impact of these signs varies by state. In some states, these signs have the force of law, meaning that if a person carries a weapon onto the property in violation of the sign, they can face criminal penalties such as fines or arrest. In these states, ignoring a "no weapons" sign can result in legal consequences similar to trespassing. In other states, however, these signs are merely a business's policy, and while a person carrying a weapon might be asked to leave, there are no legal penalties for entering with a weapon unless they refuse to leave when asked, at which point trespassing laws may apply.

“No Weapons” signs in Arizona have the force of law:

A person commits criminal trespass in the third degree by: Knowingly entering or remaining unlawfully on any real property after a reasonable request to leave by a law enforcement officer, the owner or any other person having lawful control over such property, or reasonable notice prohibiting entry. Knowingly entering or remaining unlawfully on the right-of-way for tracks, or the storage or switching yards or rolling stock of a railroad company. B. Pursuant to subsection A, paragraph 1 of this section, a request to leave by a law enforcement officer acting at the request of the owner of the property or any other person having lawful control over the property has the same legal effect as a request made by the property owner or other person having lawful control of the property. C. Criminal trespass in the third degree is a class 3 misdemeanor.

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-1502

Controlled Substance/Alcohol Laws

Most, but not all, states have laws in place that regulate possessing firearms while intoxicated, and individual states will define "intoxicated" differently. In addition to state law, federal law also prohibits the possession of a firearm by any person who is “an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance” as defined by the Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”). There are five different schedules of controlled substances regulated by the CSA, scheduled as I–V. The types of drugs that are regulated range from heroin as a Schedule I substance, to Robitussin AC as a Schedule V substance. Even a gun owner that is prescribed a scheduled drug by a physician can be in legal jeopardy if it is proven that the drug was taken in a frequency or manner other than was prescribed. Although legal for medicinal or recreational use in many states, marijuana remains classified as a scheduled controlled substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA), codified as 21 U.S.C. § 812. On May 16, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice published a proposed rule change that would reclassify marijuana from schedule I to a schedule III drug. It is anticipated this rescheduling will formally occur in 2024 or 2025. Unlike schedule I drugs, schedule III drugs may be lawfully prescribed by a licensed physician, and thus the possession of these prescribed drugs does not make the possession of a firearm inherently unlawful the way possession of a schedule I substance would. This means that the rescheduling of marijuana to a schedule III drug would finally allow for the lawful use, possession and purchase of firearms by prescription marijuana users. However, if it is determined that the marijuana is possessed without a prescription, is used in a manner that is not prescribed, or that the individual with the prescription is addicted to marijuana, possession of a firearm would still be a federal offense. Federal law states that a person is addicted to a controlled substance when they have “lost the power of self-control with reference to the use of controlled substance; and any person who is a current user of a controlled substance in a manner other than as prescribed by a licensed physician.”

27 C.F.R. § 478.11, 18 U.S.C. §922(g)(3)

It is unlawful for any person in possession of a firearm while on the licensed premises of an on-sale retailer to consume spirituous liquor. This paragraph does not prohibit the consumption of small amounts of spirituous liquor by an undercover peace officer on assignment to investigate the licensed establishment.

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 4-244 (31)

 

Vehicle and Transport Laws

Permit reciprocity and other differences between state regulation of firearms can create a difficult landscape for firearm owners to navigate while transporting firearms interstate. In 1968, and again in 1986, Congress set out to help hunters, travelers, and other firearm owners who were getting arrested for merely transporting firearms through restrictive states. To help simplify the complex web of state firearm laws, Congress passed the 1986 Firearm Owners Protection Act (“FOPA”) as part of Senate Bill 2414. The specific “safe harbor” provision of the law, often referred to as the “McClure-Volkmer Rule,” provides some protection for gun owners transporting firearms through restrictive states, subject to strict requirements. This federal law is covered in more detail in the federal law section of this database. Beyond federal law, the laws of each state will impose additional restrictions, or protections, related to transporting firearms in a vehicle. Arizona law protects the transportation or storage of firearms in locked motor vehicles or in locked motorcycle compartments on public and private parking lots, provided the firearm is not visible from outside the vehicle or motorcycle.

Arizona Vehicle Storage

A property owner, tenant, public or private employer or business entity shall not establish, maintain or enforce a policy or rule that prohibits a person from lawfully transporting or lawfully storing any firearm that is both:

  • In the person's locked and privately owned motor vehicle or in a locked compartment on the person's privately owned motorcycle.
  • Not visible from the outside of the motor vehicle or motorcycle.

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-781

 

Storage Requirements

Some states have laws that require gun owners to take specific measures to secure their firearms, especially in households with children. Many of these state laws mandate that guns be stored in locked containers or safes when not in use. These laws often impose penalties for failing to secure firearms, particularly if they are accessed by unauthorized individuals, such as minors.

Storage of Deadly Weapons

If an operator of a public establishment or a sponsor of a public event requests that a person carrying a deadly weapon remove the weapon, the operator or sponsor shall provide temporary and secure storage. The storage shall be readily accessible on entry into the establishment or event and allow for the immediate retrieval of the weapon on exit from the establishment or event. This section does not apply to the licensed premises of any public establishment or public event with a license issued pursuant to title 4. The operator of the establishment or the sponsor of the event or the employee of the operator or sponsor or the agent of the sponsor, including a public entity or public employee, is not liable for acts or omissions pursuant to this section unless the operator, sponsor, employee or agent intended to cause injury or was grossly negligent. For the purposes of this section, "public establishment" and "public event" have the same meanings prescribed in section 13-3102.

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3102.01

 

Other Weapons Restrictions

Amended Arizona Revised Statute
A. Unless otherwise prescribed by this title, it is unlawful for a person to:

4. Discharge a firearm while taking wildlife within one-fourth mile of an occupied farmhouse or other residence, cabin, lodge or building without permission of the owner or resident.

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 17–309

Effective Date: April 14, 2025

Police Encounter Laws

Some states impose a legal duty upon permit holders that requires them to inform a police officer of the presence of a firearm whenever they have an official encounter, such as a traffic stop. These states are called “duty to inform” states. In these states you are required by law to immediately, and affirmatively, tell a police officer if you have a firearm in your possession. In addition to “duty to inform states,” some states have “quasi duty to inform” laws. These laws generally require that a permit holder have his/her permit in their possession and surrender it upon the request of an officer. The specific requirements of these laws will vary from state to state. The final category of states is classified as “no duty to inform” states. In these states there are no laws that require a gun owner to affirmatively inform an officer if they have a firearm. Additionally, there are also generally no laws that require you to respond or provide a permit if asked about the presence of a firearm. Arizona is a quasi-duty-to-inform state, which means you are not required to affirmatively tell a police officer if you have a firearm, but you must respond if asked.

Arizona law:

A person commits misconduct involving weapons by knowingly carrying a deadly weapon except a pocketknife concealed on his person or within his immediate control in or on a means of transportation: In the furtherance of a serious offense as defined in section 13-706, a violent crime as defined in section 13-901.03 or any other felony offense; or When contacted by a law enforcement officer and failing to accurately answer the officer if the officer asks whether the person is carrying a concealed deadly weapon

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3102 (A)

Red Flag or Emergency Risk Orders

Emergency Risk Orders (or "Red Flag Laws") enable rapid legal action when someone is believed to be at significant risk of harming themselves or others with a firearm. Generally speaking, these controversial laws allow law enforcement to seek a court order to temporarily confiscate firearms from the individual and prevent them from purchasing new ones while the order is in effect. The most robust laws also permit family members and others to file petitions.

Arizona does not have Emergency Risk Orders ("Red Flag Laws).

Use of Force in Defense of Person

The legal use of force, including deadly force, is regulated by state law. There are no federal laws that dictate when you can use force in self-defense in all states. As such, it is essential to become familiar with individual state laws.

Arizona Use of Force

A person is justified in threatening or using physical force against another when and to the extent a reasonable person would believe that physical force is immediately necessary to protect himself against the other's use or attempted use of unlawful physical force.

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-404 (A)

Arizona Deadly Force

A person is justified in threatening or using deadly physical force against another:

  1. If such person would be justified in threatening or using physical force against the other under section 13-404, and
  2. When and to the degree a reasonable person would believe that deadly physical force is immediately necessary to protect himself against the other's use or attempted use of unlawful deadly physical force.

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-405 (A)

Use of Force in Crime Prevention

    1. A person is justified in threatening or using both physical force and deadly physical force against another if and to the extent the person reasonably believes that physical force or deadly physical force is immediately necessary to prevent the other's commission of arson of an occupied structure under section 13-1704, burglary in the second or first degree under section 13-1507 or 13-1508, kidnapping under section 13-1304, manslaughter under section 13-1103, second or first degree murder under section 13-1104 or 13-1105, sexual conduct with a minor under section 13-1405, sexual assault under section 13-1406, child molestation under section 13-1410, armed robbery under section 13-1904 or aggravated assault under section 13-1204, subsection A, paragraphs 1 and 2.
    2. There is no duty to retreat before threatening or using physical force or deadly physical force justified by subsection A of this section.
    3. A person is presumed to be acting reasonably for the purposes of this section if the person is acting to prevent what the person reasonably believes is the imminent or actual commission of any of the offenses listed in subsection A of this section.
    4. This section includes the use or threatened use of physical force or deadly physical force in a person's home, residence, place of business, land the person owns or leases, conveyance of any kind, or any other place in this state where a person has a right to be.

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-411

 

Use of Force in Defense of Others

Defense of third-party laws allow an individual to use force, including deadly force, to protect another person from harm. These laws generally permit intervention if the third party would have had the right to use force in their own self-defense under the same circumstances. The exact application of these laws will vary by jurisdiction, so it is important to understand the framework of each individual state.

Arizona Defense of Others

A person is justified in threatening or using physical force or deadly physical force against another to protect a third person if, under the circumstances as a reasonable person would believe them to be, such person would be justified under section 13-404 or 13-405 in threatening or using physical force or deadly physical force to protect himself against the unlawful physical force or deadly physical force a reasonable person would believe is threatening the third person he seeks to protect.

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-406

 

Use of Force in Defense of Habitation

The term "castle doctrine" comes from English common law providing that one's abode is a special area in which one enjoys certain protections and immunities, from which one is not obligated to retreat before defending oneself against attack, and in which one may do so without fear of prosecution. Many states have instituted castle doctrine laws, with varying degrees of formality. Some states have statutorily enacted castle doctrine laws, some have judicially-created protections (called “common laws”), while others have no amplified protections in the home at all.

Defense of Premises

A person or his agent in lawful possession or control of premises is justified in threatening to use deadly physical force or in threatening or using physical force against another when and to the extent that a reasonable person would believe it immediately necessary to prevent or terminate the commission or attempted commission of a criminal trespass by the other person in or upon the premises. A person may use deadly physical force under subsection A only in the defense of himself or third persons as described in sections 13-405 and 13-406. In this section, "premises" means any real property and any structure, movable or immovable, permanent or temporary, adapted for both human residence and lodging whether occupied or not.

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-407

Residential Structures

A person is presumed to reasonably believe that the threat or use of physical force or deadly force is immediately necessary for the purposes of sections 13-404 through 13-408, section 13-418 and section 13-421 if the person knows or has reason to believe that the person against whom physical force or deadly force is threatened or used is unlawfully or forcefully entering or has unlawfully or forcefully entered and is present in the person's residential structure or occupied vehicle. For the purposes of sections 13-404 through 13-408, section 13-418 and section 13-421, a person who is unlawfully or forcefully entering or who has unlawfully or forcefully entered and is present in a residential structure or occupied vehicle is presumed to pose an imminent threat of unlawful deadly harm to any person who is in the residential structure or occupied vehicle. The presumptions in subsections A and B of this section do not apply if: The person against whom physical force or deadly physical force was threatened or used has the right to be in or is a lawful resident of the residential structure or occupied vehicle, including an owner, lessee, invitee or titleholder, and an order of protection or injunction against harassment has not been filed against that person. The person against whom physical force or deadly physical force was threatened or used is the parent or grandparent, or has legal custody or guardianship, of a child or grandchild sought to be removed from the residential structure or occupied vehicle. The person who threatens or uses physical force or deadly physical force is engaged in an unlawful activity or is using the residential structure or occupied vehicle to further an unlawful activity. The person against whom physical force or deadly physical force was threatened or used is a law enforcement officer who enters or attempts to enter a residential structure or occupied vehicle in the performance of official duties.

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-419

 

Use of Force in Defense of Property

Generally speaking, the use of deadly force is limited to circumstances that reasonably present an imminent threat of serious bodily injury or death of a human being. As such, using deadly force in defense of mere personal property is almost categorically prohibited. Although most states will allow the use of some amount of force (i.e. physically restraining someone until the police arrive), the use or threatened use of deadly force in defense of mere property is generally not permitted.

Arizona Defense of Property

A person is justified in using physical force against another when and to the extent that a reasonable person would believe it necessary to prevent what a reasonable person would believe is an attempt or commission by the other person of theft or criminal damage involving tangible movable property under his possession or control, but such person may use deadly physical force under these circumstances as provided in sections 13-405, 13-406 and 13-411.

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-408

 

Self-Defense Immunity

To address the risk that those acting in lawful self-defense might be sued by their attacker, some states have implemented protective measures in the form of civil immunity statutes. These statutes serve to shield victims from certain civil lawsuits. If a state has a civil immunity statute in place, you generally enjoy protection from being sued by your attacker or attacker’s family as long as your use of force is deemed to be criminally justified. This legal framework provides a layer of protection for individuals who, in the course of defending themselves, might otherwise be subjected to additional legal challenges in the form of civil lawsuits.

Arizona law:

No person in this state shall be subject to civil liability for engaging in conduct otherwise justified pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-413

 

Duty to Retreat

A duty to retreat is an obligation to flee that is imposed upon a civilian who is under attack. If applicable, it applies to the victim of unlawful force prior to their ability to use deadly force to defend him or herself. The duty to retreat makes self-defense unavailable to those who use deadly force when they could have retreated from the confrontation safely. The alternative to duty-to-retreat laws is no-duty-to-retreat laws or stand-your-ground laws as they’re commonly called. Stand-your-ground states impose no duty to flee upon victims and instead state that one can stand their ground and meet force with force, under certain situations.

Arizona Duty to Retreat

A person has no duty to retreat before threatening or using deadly physical force pursuant to this section if the person is in a place where the person may legally be and is not engaged in an unlawful act.

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-405 (B)

 

Self-Defense Limitations

The threat or use of physical force against another is not justified

  1. In response to verbal provocation alone; or
  2. To resist an arrest that the person knows or should know is being made by a peace officer or by a person acting in a peace officer's presence and at his direction, whether the arrest is lawful or unlawful, unless the physical force used by the peace officer exceeds that allowed by law; or
  3. If the person provoked the other's use or attempted use of unlawful physical force, unless:
    1. The person withdraws from the encounter or clearly communicates to the other his intent to do so reasonably believing he cannot safely withdraw from the encounter; and
    2. The other nevertheless continues or attempts to use unlawful physical force against the person.

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-404 (B)

Use of Force Considerations

COMING SOON!

Use of Force Against Animals

COMING SOON!

Cases to Watch

COMING SOON!

Latest Updates

07/30/2025 Update:

  • Firearm Discharge Violations; classification (AZ LEGIS 54 (2025) H.B. 2603): An Act amending Sections 17-309 and 17-340, Arizona Revised Statutes; Relating to the Game and Fish Commission. Approved by the Governor, April 14, 2025.

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