Do You Need a Gun Permit to Shoot at a Gun Range in Arizona?

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Today, most people want to own a gun for their own safety and that of their family. However, before you purchase any firearm, you need to know how to use it safely. Gun ranges are the best places for those who want to learn responsible shooting.

Furthermore, you can also get training classes that will help you learn more about firearms and how to carry and use them safely.

Do You Need a Gun Permit to Shoot at a Gun Range in Arizona?

No, you do not need a gum permit to shot at a gun shooting facility in Arizona because the State does not require citizens to register their firearms with the state. Furthermore, it prohibits the local jurisdictions like towns, cities, and counties from requiring registration or licensing for ammunition or firearms.

Group of people in a gun range

The State has some of the less restrictive gun laws in the country and is one of the states that consider firearm ownership to be a constitutional right. This means that gun shooting enthusiasts can enjoy their fun sports at any gun range in Arizona without the need for firearm licensing. Furthermore, gun enthusiasts can rent firearms in gun ranges without the need of having a permit.

Understand Arizona Gun Permit Laws

The state of Arizona has less restrictive gun permit laws and it is the right of every resident to own a gun. If you desire to buy or own a gun, you need to know the following:

  • The handgun permit from the state of Arizona only covers concealed carry because they do not offer open carry licenses.
  • For open carry permit, the age limit is 18 years old and this is only applicable to individuals who are not prohibited to own firearms.
  • Arizona State has location restraints when it comes to open carry in areas like government buildings and schools. Additionally, there are firearm confines for assault weapons such as semi-automatic guns and machine guns.
  • The gun statutes prohibit the manufacture, purchase, and possession of assault firearms with the exception of military members, law enforcement, and individuals with proper licenses to own them.

Getting a Gun Permit in Arizona

Individuals can get a gun permit in Arizona as long as they are residents or non-residents who are above 21 years old. However, since the State of Arizona is one of the permitless carry states, individuals can still possess or buy a firearm without any permit.

The public safety department handles the Arizona gun permit application process. Since it is a shall-issue state, you will receive your gun license if you meet all the requirements set by the gun statutes. In the State of Arizona, there are no firearm purchase permits; however, you must undertake an unavoidable criminal record check unless you already have a pistol permit.

Handgun in a holster

The gun permit is issued to residents of Arizona State and non-residents and the process of applying for a permit is similar. For non-residents a proof of firearm competency is a must-have and this is done by undertaking an approved training course in their state of residence. Non-residents can use their home permits as evidence of completing their firearm training.

Arizona’s Gun Permit Application Process

If you satisfy all the requirements for Arizona gun permit, you can start the gun permit application process to get your license. The application steps include the following:

Comprehend the Gun Laws Statute

The most important step of the application is reading and comprehending the Arizona gun laws. You need to know all the title thirteen of the Arizona Gun Laws Statute, starting from chapters 4 to 31.

Complete your Firearm Training

The second thing you need to do is undertake and complete the necessitated firearm training that is permitted by the state government of Arizona.

Firearm Permit Application Request

You should contact the Arizona concealed weapon permit unit by sending a mail request for the firearm licensing application package. The package usually comes complete with several fingerprint cards, a form, and an envelope. There are forms that you will need to fill and your fingerprints will also be taken.

Submit Your Gun Permit Application

You should then submit the application forms accompanied with the fingerprint cards, gun training certificate and the compulsory fee.

Man wondering if he needs a gun permit to shoot at a gun range in Arizona

Get a Notification for Your Application

You will get a mail that notifies you about your approved application.

After your gun permit expires after 5 years, a renewal package will be sent to your mail address by the weapon permit unit. This is done about 90 days from the actual expiry date to give you adequate time for renewal. The package contains the renewal application form and a return envelope.

If you do not get the renewal package, you can also download and print it online.

Final Thoughts

Although getting a gun permit in Arizona for firearm possession or shooting at gun ranges in the city is not compulsory, getting a concealed weapon permit has immense benefits. A permit is proof that you have undergone the necessary background and criminal checks and are believed to be a law-abiding citizen by the state.

A gun permit also provides an additional layer of protection that will make law enforcement personnel less likely to suspect you because you are safely carrying a firearm. You will also know the basic safety principles of handling firearms and this will prevent any unnecessary accidents and will ensure that your firearm is used with safety in mind.

With a concealed carry permit, you will be able to carry your firearm in more public places like restaurants, national packs, malls, retail stores, and sporting activities. 

In addition, you will have the knowledge of how to carry your firearm safely in your backpack or holster, protect your firearm for unauthorized access and even protect your body whenever you are shooting. Getting a gun permit in Arizona will ensure that you use your gun safely at all times.

James Forrester is a lifelong gun and firearms owner, and an even bigger advocate for gun safety. He created KeepGunsSafe.com with the purpose of sharing helpful tips and educating others on how to keep guns and weapons safe and secure.