Arkansas Gun Laws

Arkansas is a shall-issue, permitless-carry state. In Arkansas, both open carry and concealed carry are legal without a license. Anyone more than 18 years old, who may legally possess a firearm, may legally conceal carry a handgun without a license. Two types of concealed-carry permits or Concealed Handgun Carry Licenses (CHCL) are available in Arkansas: The Concealed Handgun Carry License (CHCL) and the Enhanced Concealed Carry License (E-CHCL) allowing for carrying in public places that do not allow concealed-carry handguns. The E-CHCL requires approximately eight (8) hours of firearms training. Concealed-carry permits are issued at the state level by the Arkansas Department of Public Safety.

 Is there a waiting period to buy a firearm in Arkansas?

No. There is no waiting period to purchase a firearm in Arkansas.

 Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Arkansas?

No. A permit is not required to buy firearms in Arkansas.

 Do you have to register handguns in Arkansas?

No. Handguns, rifles and shotguns do not have to be registered in Arkansas.

 Who is eligible to obtain a Concealed Handgun Carry Licenses (CHCL) in Arkansas?

Any Arkansas state resident who is at least 21 years of age, or 18 years old and a member of the military, can apply for a Concealed Handgun Carry Licenses (CHCL).

 Is firearms training a requirement in Arkansas for a Concealed Handgun Carry License (CHCL)?

Yes. In Arkansas, a firearms-training course must be completed to obtain a Concealed Handgun Carry License (CHCL).

 What are the requirements to obtain a Concealed Handgun Carry License (CHCL) in Arkansas?

To obtain an Arkansas Concealed Handgun Carry Licenses (CHCL), the applicant must:

• Be 21 years of age
• Be an Arkansas resident
• Complete a firearms-safety course
• Sign a statement of allegiance to the United States and Arkansas Constitutions
• Meet federal law requirements

 What are the steps to obtain a Concealed Handgun Carry Licenses (CHCL) in Arkansas?

1. Complete a firearms-safety course.
2. Complete or download the online application at the Arkansas Department of Public Safety website ark.org.
3. Have your fingerprints taken at your local law-enforcement agency, or by a private fingerprinting business.
4. Mail the application, your firearms-training certificate, fingerprints, and fee to: Arkansas State Police, CHCL Section, 1 State Plaza Drive, Little Rock, AR 72209. You will be notified in 120 days if your application has been approved.

 How much does an Arkansas Concealed Handgun Carry License (CHCL) cost?

The fee for an Arkansas Concealed Carry License (CHCL) is $91.90 for an online application for those 64 years old or younger ($88.25 for paper application), or $66.15 for an online application for those 65 years old or younger ($63.25 for paper application).

 Does Arkansas recognize concealed-carry pistol permits from other states?

Yes. Arkansas acknowledges all concealed-handgun-carry licenses lawfully issued by other states. Arkansas has permitless carry, so any person who can legally possess a firearm may legally carry a concealed firearm without a license or permit.

 Is Arkansas a Constitutional Carry state?

Yes. Arkansas is a Constitutional Carry state.

 Is Arkansas an Open Carry state?

Yes. Open carry is legal in Arkansas without a license or permit for anyone at least 18 years of age who may legally possess a firearm.

 Is Arkansas a Stand Your Ground state?

Yes. Arkansas is a Stand Your Ground state. There is no duty to retreat before defending yourself.

 Are AR-style and other semi-auto rifles legal in Arkansas?

Yes. Semi-auto rifles are legal in Arkansas.

 Are standard-capacity magazines allowed in Arkansas?

Yes. There are no state magazine-capacity restrictions in Arkansas.

 Does Arkansas have gun-storage laws?

No. Arkansas does not have a specific gun-storage law.

 Is Arkansas a Red Flag state?

No. Arkansas does not have a red-flag law.