Arizona’s Person-to-Person Firearm Laws:
What You Need to Know

Arizona is known for its relatively permissive gun laws, and this extends to person-to-person firearm sales and transfers. Understanding these regulations is crucial for anyone buying, selling, or gifting a firearm in the state.

General Principles

• No Registration or Licensing: Arizona does not require firearm registration or licenses for gun owners.
• No Background Checks for Private Sales: Unlike sales through licensed dealers, private firearm transfers in Arizona do not mandate background checks.
• Open and Concealed Carry: Arizona is a “permitless carry” state. This means that adults (21 and over) can generally carry firearms openly or concealed without a permit.

Key Regulations for Person-to-Person Transfers

• Age Restrictions:
  • You must be 18 to possess most firearms.
  • You must be 21 to purchase a handgun from a licensed dealer.
  • While private sellers can sell handguns to individuals 18 and older, it’s illegal for a private seller to sell a handgun to a minor, even with parental consent.
• Prohibited Possessors: It is illegal to sell or transfer a firearm to someone who is prohibited from possessing one under state or federal law. This includes:
  • Convicted felons
  • Individuals with certain mental health conditions
  • Those subject to domestic violence restraining orders
• Straw Purchases: It’s a federal offense to purchase a firearm for someone who is prohibited from owning one. Even if the firearm is intended as a gift, this could be considered a straw purchase if the recipient is legally barred from possessing a firearm.

Gifting Firearms

• Legality: Gifting a firearm is generally legal in Arizona, as long as the recipient is not a prohibited possessor.
• Minors: Gifting a handgun to a minor is complicated, as mentioned in the age restrictions above. However, parents or guardians can gift long guns to their children.
• Responsibility: While not legally required, it’s considered responsible practice for the giver to ensure the recipient is knowledgeable about firearm safety and handling.

Important Considerations

• Documentation: While not required, it’s a good idea to create a bill of sale or record of the transfer, including the firearm’s serial number. This can be helpful in case the firearm is later involved in a crime or if there are questions about its ownership.
• Safety: Always prioritize firearm safety. Ensure the recipient understands how to handle and store the firearm safely.

Recent Legislative Changes

• Arizona has seen several legislative efforts in recent years aimed at modifying firearm regulations, but these have not resulted in significant changes to person-to-person transfer laws.

Disclaimer: Gun laws are subject to change. It’s important to consult with legal counsel or refer to the most current Arizona state statutes for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Additional Resources

• Arizona Department of Public Safety: https://www.azdps.gov/
• National Rifle Association (NRA): https://home.nra.org/
• Giffords Law Center: https://giffords.org/lawcenter/gun-laws/

Please note: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.