Arizona CWP Renewal & New Application Processing

[Baja Daze]

UPDATE - June 03, 2022

Arizona DPS - CWPU is entirely caught-up! There is NO more backlog for new permits or renewals! All mail is being opened in real time on the date received.

This is worthy of a new thread so here you go and you are welcome!

First this thread ONLY pertains to the processing and related delays for both New and Renewal CWP Applications which are processed by the Arizona DPS Concealed Weapons Permit Unit (CWPU). https://www.azdps.gov/services/public/cwp

These are the DIRECT phone lines for the CWPU based in Phoenix, AZ: (800) 256-6280 or (602) 256-6280

Spoke to my CWPU contact today and there are several issues related to their backlog. The primary issue as most know relates to a staffing shortage, however they are aggressively trying to hire, but can't find candidates who can pass the background check.....

The other problem is screwed up mail service and when you multiple this by their tsunami of applications, it's a real issue and not a scapegoat. It is now HIGHLY recommended that all applications be sent with some form of tracking! USPS Certified or Priority Mail both provide tracking and are what is now recommended.

Another unique problem that has arisen with this backlog is Cashier's Checks! Many of these are only valid for a certain amount of days, depending upon your financial institution. And with their current backlog, the CWPU is opening application mail only to find that the Cashier's Check has expired and the application gets returned to you! The CWPU now recommends to ONLY send USPS Postal Money Orders as they never expire!

As the CWPU receives application mail, they date stamp each individual piece of mail and do not open it. The mail then gets separated into two different queues, one for renewals and one for new applications. They can easily identify the new applications without opening because they contain the fingerprint cards that can't be folded. However, CWPU now recommends that on renewal applications, write ATTN: Renewal in the address label portion of your mail to them to ensure it lands in the renewal queue!

All mail is opened in the order received and as I mentioned above, it is all date stamped, then it is also placed into a bin(s) for that specific date. So as of today, the CWPU is processing mail for RENEWALS received on 11/16/2021 and mail for NEW APPLICATIONS received on 11/02/2021 because they obviously take longer to process.

In regards to RENEWAL applications, once your mail is opened and if there are NO issues, they are processing the application and printing a new CWP within 24 hours. Any questions, pleases post in this thread and I will keep it updated with any new info from the CWPU.

[krypto99]

seems like 95% of their staff must have died to go from being mailed and receiving a permit in ten days to months and they haven’t even opened the mail yet. I’m guessing they added more red tape and it is taking significantly longer to process.

[Jeepergeo]

Tag for future reference.
Thanks for posting the update.

[Baja Daze]

Originally Posted by krypto99

seems like 95% of their staff must have died to go from being mailed and receiving a permit in ten days to months and they haven’t even opened the mail yet. I’m guessing they added more red tape and it is taking significantly longer to process.

No additional red tape added and as I wrote, once your renewal application is opened and there are no issues, the renewal is processed and permit printed within 24 hours. The problem is the backlog of mail that has accumulated.

Most of the CWPU staff are professional employees and NOT sworn LEO's so between Covid, the many opportunities outside of government, early retirements, etc. staffing is a challenge. This is not a situation where you simply have a bunch of LEO's assigned to the CWPU and they have to stay for the duration.

[LoadedM333]

Thanks for the updates OP.

I sent my renewal app via USPS priority mail back in December; however, I used cashier’s check from my bank, hope this doesn’t expire yet.


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[pewanon]

Thanks for the update, I mailed mine in I think Jan 1st so I guess I'll wait a bit longer to follow up on things.

[Eat Dirt]

Thanks ,,
Was just looking into this

[kriele]

They cashed my money order back in July. I honestly forgot about it until the other day, so I called and she said, oh you were in the pile to be double checked....ok your permit will be mailed out tomorrow. Simple.

[slixx1320]

Great info OP.. thanks!

Originally Posted by kriele

They cashed my money order back in July. I honestly forgot about it until the other day, so I called and she said, oh you were in the pile to be double checked....ok your permit will be mailed out tomorrow. Simple.

How can one verify it was cashed?

[yendor]

Originally Posted by slixx1320

Great info OP.. thanks!



How can one verify it was cashed?

Go on the USPS website under money orders. Type in the MO number on your
receipt in the status section and it will let you know if it's been cashed yet.

[slixx1320]

Originally Posted by yendor

Go on the USPS website under money orders. Type in the MO number on your
receipt in the status section and it will let you know if it's been cashed yet.

Thanks!! I didn’t pay with USPS MO. Didn’t think it’ll get to this point. I’ll call them and see what they say.

[LoadedM333]

Originally Posted by slixx1320

Thanks!! I didn’t pay with USPS MO. Didn’t think it’ll get to this point. I’ll call them and see what they say.

I just spoke to a clerk about check/money order that expired; I used cashier’s check from my bank that has 90 expiration date. I told her that my bank will still honor the check but she said the processing department will just send the application back because it is difficult for them to deal with it and mark the app with error.
I offered to send additional check in advance but she said they have no easy way of attaching it to the application and with the amount of mails they received, it will likely be lost.

She did mention that the application will be processed with the original date of when it was received when I resend the package again.


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[Nismo]

Mine expired last week. I called about a week ago, and was told they are still working on November. The lady looked up my info, and it didn't show up that it was processed yet. I submitted my online renewal in Jan, so maybe I will see mine in 2-3 months.

[jws]

Mailed my renewal in Nov 20th so hopefully the $43 money order is still good

[G-forceJunkie]

Sent my renewal in early October, guess its time to call.

[REDHORSE]

Following thread.

NV CCW expired during COVID, so I decided to go for AZ CCW instead.

New AZ nonresident CCW Application sent to AZDPS 12/6/21 with USP MO.

Probably out another 5-6 weeks before it's processed and mailed. ETA is probably end of April to Early May? We shall see...

[BobG78]

FYI
Postal money orders do not expire and have no unpaid service fees.

My permit expires in August, I should probably start the renewal process now.

[M76]

would it make sense to plan a trip to AZ for a couple days and turn in app in person?

[krypto99]

Originally Posted by M76

would it make sense to plan a trip to AZ for a couple days and turn in app in person?

At $6/gallon? I wouldn't.

[Quiet]

Originally Posted by M76

would it make sense to plan a trip to AZ for a couple days and turn in app in person?

Nope.

The AZ Department of Public Safety requires the permit application be mailed to the AZ DPS CWPU's P.O. Box in Phoenix.

You can go to AZ DPS HQ (2222 W. Encanto Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85009) and attempt to give it to someone, but not sure if they will accept it or trash it, since it was not properly delivered to correct department within AZ DPS.

[nbk992h]

I called earlier today had to sit on hold for a little while before I got alive person. Like several others who have called I, unfortunately egot somebody who wasn't very helpful. I was told they're currently processing applications receive November 19th 2021( No mention if that was new or renewal applications). I mentioned that my permit was expiring soon expiring soon within a week, and that I had mailed it in as soon as I could at the 90 day mark before my current permit was expiring, but all I was told was I'd have to wait, and no date was given for when I might have my renewal applcation processed. Based on when she told me they are currently processing applications they are over 4 months behind.

[REDHORSE]

Originally Posted by nbk992h

I was told they're currently processing applications receive November 19th 2021( No mention if that was new or renewal applications).

At the Start of the thread (OP) 3/15/2022 = AZDPS was processing:

• RENEWALS mailings received @ 11/16/2021
• NEW Apps mailings received @ 11/02/2021

Your 3/29/2022 Update = AZDPS was processing: 11/19/2021 mailings

I doubt they processed only 3 days more of Renewals in 10 work days, when the renewals are easier to process. Maybe a simple criminal background check only and address changes. That would be slow progress.

To move from 11/02/2021 mailings to 11/19/2021 mailings for NEW Apps is pretty good progress. 17 days of new Apps mailings is pretty good progress for 10 work days.

We just don't know the volume of RENEWALS vs NEW Apps are?

[pewanon]

Originally Posted by nbk992h

Based on when she told me they are currently processing applications they are over 4 months behind.

Cool, seems like they're finally getting to mine I sent in 1/1 =)

[nbk992h]

I am just posting what I was told....I have no way to know if what I was told was correct or not....all I know for almost certainty is they are very behind due to being short staffed and receiving tons of permit applications (probably more new than renewals). When I first applied 5 years ago, it took 9 calender days to process and issue, with some people I heard getting theirs in 3 to 7 days. Unfortunately the combination of more applicants and less people to process them has slowed the issuing/renewal process greatly. Just have to be patient and wait....I doubt constantly calling them every day/other day will speed up the process. I will try calling again but will wait a lil while....hopefully I will get someone more helpful.

[.40Cal]

I've been considering getting a non-resident CWP from AZ or UT - I prefer the AZ because it seems to be honored in most southern/western/ & eastern states. UT is fine too, but Not sure why they're not valid in NM, a state they touch borders with? Hence, I thought of applying for AZ.

Looking at their backlog, is it advisable to apply for the UT instead of AZ? Or go through the long wait for AZ CWP?

[Baja Daze]

Originally Posted by .40Cal

I've been considering getting a non-resident CWP from AZ or UT - I prefer the AZ because it seems to be honored in most southern/western/ & eastern states. UT is fine too, but Not sure why they're not valid in NM, a state they touch borders with? Hence, I thought of applying for AZ.

Looking at their backlog, is it advisable to apply for the UT instead of AZ? Or go through the long wait for AZ CWP?

Seriously? Get both so you at least have a back-up permit.

There are 10 States (+D.C.) that DO NOT honor any other State permit. That leaves you with 40 States possible for a permit. Of the 40, Arizona CWP does NOT have MN or WA, so 38/40. The Utah CFP does NOT have MN, NM, or SC, so 37/40. If these are both non-resident permits, you then also have to factor in the 8 States that DO NOT honor any non-resident permits. If you have BOTH AZ + UT = 39/40, only losing MN.

Permit recognition and reciprocity can change, always have back-up options!

[.40Cal]

Originally Posted by Baja Daze

Seriously? Get both so you at least have a back-up permit.

There are 10 States (+D.C.) that DO NOT honor any other State permit. That leaves you with 40 States possible for a permit. Of the 40, Arizona CWP does NOT have MN or WA, so 38/40. The Utah CFP does NOT have MN, NM, or SC, so 37/40. If these are both non-resident permits, you then also have to factor in the 8 States that DO NOT honor any non-resident permits. If you have BOTH AZ + UT = 39/40, only losing MN.

Permit recognition and reciprocity can change, always have back-up options!

Makes sense. But gotta pay for both permits, paperwork, etc... I don't leave CA much, so in a way will have no use for any of these permits (unless I visit NV, vegas, reno, etc). But you make a good point...

[Dan_Eastvale]

My last AZ renewal took 6 months
Cant stand the copout COVID excuse

[broadside]

Good to know. Mine expires in Mar 23, so I will have updated my reminder from Jan 23 to Oct 22.

Hopefully UT and ID are not having similar issues.

[JDHCA]

I just renewed Utah, was fairly fast. I sent in AZ before that and still waiting.

[nbk992h]

I'm keeping an eye on my mail and thinking positive I will get it soon....mine is expired over 2 weeks even though I sent mine in as soon as I could 90 days before expiration.

Hope you get yours soon too

[Ewok55]

I just sent my renewal in. Mine expires in 40 days. Guess I'll just have a gap..... At least I did use a postal money order.

[nbk992h]

That was smart to do...no expiration date, can track, and no personal financial information. Why I used money order too. Patience and positive thoughts....did u using a mail tracking service from post office?

[Ewok55]

Yes, but the mail hasn't lost anything for me yet. I guess tracking proves they got something you mailed them in their mailbox on a particular date.

[nbk992h]

Yes...and when I sent mine certified mail return receipt, I got the green card back with a live human signature and employee ID number with the date he/she signed for it. I am hoping to get my renewal permit before I call again to check in a few weeks....been 3 months and 1 plus week since they received my renewal application. M/O not cashed yet so they're still haven't gotten to my mail received date yet....but getting closer based on current processing times

[jws]

Anybody send in a renewal in November and receive there permit yet???

Im 5 months out and every time I call im on hold for an 45min+ before I hang up.

[arbi]

My CCW will expire mid-May and I mailed my renewal and delivered via USPS tracking on January 8. Since then I've sent 2 emails to AZDPS regarding the status of my renewal application, my last email to them was April 12, finally I've got a reply from them yesterday 4/28/22:
"Due to our backlog, your application was just entered on 4/25/22. It completed the background check process and was issued on or about the same date. It would have been sent out via USPS in 1-2 business days. USPS delivery times vary. However if you haven't received your permit within 2 weeks, please complete and submit the form at:

https://www.azdps.gov/sites/default/...0Request_2.pdf

Sincerely,
Concealed Weapons Permit Unit
602-256-6280"

Hopefully, I will get the renewal CCW next week.

[Ewok55]

I mailed my AZ renewal in on 4/16 and my new card came in today's mail. Less than two weeks.... I'm not sure what I did right!

[krypto99]

Originally Posted by Ewok55

I mailed my AZ renewal in on 4/16 and my new card came in today's mail. Less than two weeks.... I'm not sure what I did right!

This is more like it!

[nbk992h]

I called earlier today and was on hold for nearly an hour but I'm glad I waited. I spoke to a live person... her name is Carmen.... Told her I had mailed in my permit application renewal on the 10th of January this year and it was received on the 14th, and she explained to me that they were backlogged with all the volume of applications. I then explained to her that my permit was expired over 3 weeks now and was hoping to see if I could check on the status of my application. She asked me for my permit ID number my full name and then for security purposes the last 4 digits of my social security number. After place me on a brief hold she told me my permit would be mailed out on May 2nd which is this coming Monday, and I figure I should (from what i see of postal mail times these days) probably receive it in 2 to 4 mailing days from then. I was just about to hang up and send them an email, and I am feeling much better since I waited so long on hold and had a live person give me an update on my permit renewal application. I should get it between next Wednesday or Friday, but probably by Saturday of next week. It's been hard waiting so long since my permit has been expired for 24 days now, but thankfully my long wait will be over soon.

For those of u wish to call to check on your status, I recommend doing so Tuesday to Thursday, as Friday and Mondays you will probably sit on hold for a while like I did calling on a Friday today. I also recommend waiting at least 3 months as it seems like based on when they received my renewal application it is taking about 4.5 months, and new applications are probably taking longer (by at least a week).

Also send in your renewal application as soon as you possibly can in advance, as they will probably take longer than normal to process applications. How long this extended wait time will be is anyone's guess....but when I got my initial permit issued in 9 calender days (not including mail time) 5 years ago....things were different. Now....the key is patiently waiting and not waiting till close to when ur permit expires (for renewals) to send in ur application.