Recently I have had a several questions from active duty military folks regarding concealed carry in Arizona.  I decided to combine the last few questions into a single post to explain how it works for those of you who are stationed here or have some general questions about the need for or the renewal of an Arizona CCW permit.

First, I was asked if there was a provision in the Patriot Act that permits Active Duty military to carry concealed without having a CCW permit.  I’m sorry to say that there is no provision for this in the Patriot Act.

The USA Patriot Act was signed into law on October 26, 2001 and included a wide range of provisions designed to expand the authority of US law enforcement agencies, enabling them to be more effective in fighting terrorism both in the US and abroad.

The Patriot Act included provisions in the broad categories of surveillance procedures, anti-money-laundering provisions, border security, terrorism investigation, terrorism criminal law and provisions to make information sharing between law enforcement agencies easier.

It did not include any provisions regarding concealed carry by active duty military without a state issued concealed carry permit from their state of residence.

Second, I was asked a question about whether or not active duty military stationed in Arizona need to get an Arizona permit in order to carry concealed.

The short answer is yes.

In Arizona, active duty military personnel visiting  here that have a valid concealed carry permit from their state of residence are permitted to carry concealed as long as their non-resident permit is recognized by Arizona.  As of this writing, Arizona recognizes any valid permit issued by another state to a non-resident visitor in Arizona.

As soon as a person holding a non-resident permit from another state become a resident of Arizona, they are required to get an Arizona permit to carry a concealed weapon in Arizona.  In general, active duty military personnel stationed in Arizona pursuant to military orders are considered to be Arizona residents.

Third, I was asked what happens if an Arizona permit holder is on active duty overseas when their permit expires.  How do they renew their permit?

It is possible to renew an Arizona permit completely by mail by simply submitting a renewal application and a renewal fee of $43 to the Arizona Department of Public Safety CCW Permit Unit.  This is an option available to any person, including active duty military.

There is an additional provision that if a person is a member of the US Armed Forces, Arizona National Guard or a reserve member of any military establishment of the US and is on federal active duty and deployed overseas at the time their Arizona CCW permit expires, they are permitted to renew their permit using the standard renewal procedures within 90 days after the end of their overseas deployment.  Evidence of the dates of deployment must accompany the person’s renewal application.