Arkansas is one of the permitless carry states in the USA.

To apply for the state pistol permit, you must meet all requirements provided by its gun statutes.

It is also essential that you familiarize yourself with Arkansas gun permits laws.

Arkansas Gun Permit Summary

Arkansas is a shall-issue state for firearm permits, and the state department of public safety is in charge of the processing.

Arkansas does not issue a purchase permit, but the NICS criminal record background check is compulsory.

Only those that have a pistol permit in the state are exempt from the criminal record check.

How To Get A Gun Permit In Arkansas?

Application for Arkansas pistol permit is for residents of the state that are more than twenty-one years old.

However, since the state is a permissive carry state, you do not need a firearm for open carry.

Arkansas Gun Permit Laws

Arkansas pistol permit is only for concealed carry, and you do not need any license for open carry.

Anybody that is at least eighteen years old without a prohibition to possess firearms, and does not have any intention to commit an unlawful act with a weapon can open carry in Arkansas.

But there are still gun laws that restrict places where you can possess or make use of a firearm in the state.

Some of these places include schools and buildings owned by the government of the state.

In terms of possession of assault weapons, Arkansas bans machine guns or similar firearms possessed for aggressive or unlawful purposes in the state.

Arkansas Pistol Permit Requirements

To apply for a pistol permit in Arkansas, some of the requirements provided by the state gun statutes includes the following:

  • You must legally be a citizen of the United States Of America.
  • You must meet the age requirement of twenty-one years old, and eighteen years old for members of the United States Armed Forces.
  • You must either be a resident of Arkansas that has lived in the state for a minimum of three months, a member of the military stationed in the state, or the spouse of a military member.
  • You must not have a mental instability or physical deformity such that it can affect your handling of firearms.
  • You must not have at any point in time contemplated or attempted to commit suicide.
  • You must not be a convicted felon that is yet to receive a pardon to restore the right to possess firearms.
  • You must complete a National Instant Criminal Record Background Check System NICS, done through the police department in Arkansas.
  • You must not be subject to any form of prohibition in Arkansas that restricts you from the possession of firearms.
  • You must not be an addict of harmful substances or alcohol, such that it has an impact on your rational thinking faculties.
  • You must read and understand all gun statutes relating to concealed carry in Arkansas.
  • You must not be a patient of any mental health hospital in the state, either by choice or involuntarily.
  • You must not be a fugitive in the state or have an arrest warrant in your name.
  • You must duly complete a licensed Arkansas firearm training class.
  • You must not be guilty of any offense for the possession of firearms in Arkansas for the last five years.
  • You must meet all federal requirements concerning the requirements for firearm permits in the state.

Different Types Of Gun Permits In Arkansas

A summary of firearms permits available in Arkansas includes the following:

  • State permit to purchase long guns: Arkansas does not issue a state permit to buy long guns.
  • State permits to purchase handguns: Arkansas does not issue a state permit to buy guns.
  • State permit to open carry: Arkansas is a permissive state, so no license required to open carry.
  • State permits to conceal carry long guns: Arkansas does not issue a state permit to conceal long guns.
  • State permits to conceal carry handguns: Arkansas issues a pistol permit to conceal carry guns in the state.
  • State enhanced gun license: Arkansas issues an enhanced gun license that allows the possession of firearms in some parts of the state ordinarily prohibited by Arkansas gun permits laws.

How Much Does A Pistol Permit Cost In Arkansas?

The breakdown of Arkansas gun license fees includes the following:

New License Fee

New licenses in Arkansas are categorized based on their mode of application. So, there are online and paper applications.

The fees for anyone that is sixty-four years old or younger are ninety-one dollars and nine cents, and eighty-eight dollars and twenty-five cents for online and paper applications, respectively.

The fees for anyone that is sixty-six years old or more are sixty-six dollars and fifteen cents, and sixty-three dollars and twenty-five cents for online and paper applications, respectively.

The fee includes costs for the NICS criminal record background check. Every applicant is responsible for the fingerprint check, and this cost is not part of the payment.

Renewal License Fee

Arkansas renewal license costs fifty-two dollars and five cents, and fifty dollars, for online and paper applications, respectively.

The fee includes costs for NICS criminal record background checks in the state.

Late renewal of Arkansas handgun permit attracts an additional fine of fifteen dollars.

License Transfer Fee

You can transfer a license from another state, and the cost for this is seventy-three dollars and twenty-five cents.

Gun Permits Application And Renewal Law In Arkansas?

To apply for Arkansas pistol license, follow the process below:

Complete The Firearm Training Class

Undergo an Arkansas firearm training class for concealed carry. The training is also a requirement for those applying for enhanced firearm permits in the state.

Application For The Permit

After six months of completing the application, apply online for the permit. Also, fill in your confirmation order on your training certificate.

Obtain Your Fingerprints Card

Visit any local law enforcement agency in the state to take your fingerprints.

Submit Fingerprints

Visit the Arkansas state police department to submit your firearm training certificate and fingerprint cards.

Receive Notification

You will receive a mail notification about your application status after the processing period.

For the permit renewal process in Arkansas, you must first complete a firearm training at least six months before the expiry date of your permit.

This firearm training must also have a live-fire session.

You can begin the renewal application three months before the expiry date of your current permit.

However, the state will only issue a new permit when the old one has almost expired.

You have a grace of six months after the expiry date to renew the application, but this comes with a fine.

If you have not renewed the application after these six months, then you forfeit your permit, and to get a new one, you have to start with the application process all over again.

You can either apply for a renewal permit via mail or online.

Gun Permit Reciprocity With Arkansas

Arkansas is a permitless carry state, so non-residents do not need to have a license before they can conceal carry or make use of firearms in the state.

Other aspects of the reciprocity include the following:

States Permit That Arkansas Honors

You can conceal carry with any state permit in Arkansas. Even if you do not have a license, the state allows permitless carry.

State That Recognizes Arkansas Pistol Permits

These states will honor a pistol permit from Arkansas. However, permit holders must ensure that they possess firearms according to state gun laws. These states are:

  • Alabama
  • Delaware
  • Georgia
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Louisiana
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Mexico
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming
  • Puerto Rico

States That Have Restricted Reciprocity With Arkansas

These states accept Arkansas gun licenses based on specific criteria, so not all permit holders from Arkansas can possess firearms in these states. They include:

  • Colorado
  • Florida
  • Michigan
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina

States With Permitless Policy

Just like Arkansas, these states do not require any permit to possess firearms within their jurisdiction. They include the following:

  • Arizona
  • Alaska
  • Idaho
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Maine
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • New Hampshire
  • Oklahoma
  • South Dakota
  • Vermont
  • West Virginia

FAQs About Gun Permits In Arkansas

Some of the most frequently asked questions about gun permits in Arkansas include the following:

Is It Compulsory That I Have An Arkansas Pistol Permit Before Concealed Carry In The State?

No. Even though the state issues handgun permits, it still has a permitless carry policy for people that are of legal age.

How Long Is Arkansas Concealed Weapon Permit Valid?

Arkansas pistol permit is valid for five years after which you have to apply for a renewal

Can Non-Residents Apply For Arkansas Gun License?

No, non-residents that can apply for Arkansas pistol permits are members of the military posted to the state and their spouses.

How Can I Change The Name And Address On My Arkansas Pistol License?

To change your name, address, or any other information on your Arkansas permit, you have to obtain the change of address form.

What Can I Do If I Lost My Arkansas Permit Or It Gets Stolen?

If you lose your permit or it gets stolen, you can apply for a new one. Make sure you notarize the form and submit it to the state police.

How Soon Can I Apply For Arkansas Pistol Permit After Moving To The State?

You must live in Arkansas for at least ninety days before you can apply for the handgun permit.

Can I Make Use Of Arkansas Concealed Weapon Permit After Moving To Another State In The Country?

No. As soon as you establish residency in another state, your Arkansas pistol permit develops a disability.

Do I Need A Permit For Open Carry In Arkansas?

No, Arkansas is not a licensed open carry state. Hence anybody that is eighteen years old or more and does not have a prohibition against possessing firearms can open carry in the state.

What Is The Minimum Age Requirement To Apply For Arkansas Pistol Permit?

You must be at least twenty-one years old or nineteen years old if you are a member of the military.

Do I need A Permit To Purchase Firearms In Arkansas?

No, Arkansas does not issue a purchase permit to buy firearms in the state.

Does My Pistol Permit Arkansas Exempt Me From Completing A Criminal Record Background Check Before Buying Firearms In The State?

Yes, you do not have to undergo a NICS criminal record check if you have an Arkansas pistol permit.

Do I Need An Arkansas Pistol Permit To Possess Firearms In My Private Property?

No, you do not need a permit to possess firearms in your private property or personal car.

Do I Need To Complete A Firearm Training Before Applying For Arkansas Permit?

Yes, firearm training is an essential requirement for the Arkansas pistol permit application.

What Is The Processing Period For Arkansas Handgun License?

The processing period for Arkansas Permit is one hundred and twenty days.

Is Arkansas A Preemption Gun Law State?

Yes, the state government reserves all authority to regulate the use of firearms, except that local municipalities can control the discharge of firearms within their territory.

Can I Conceal Carry During Hunting In Arkansas?

Yes, but it is a prohibition to take down wildlife with the firearm, especially during bow hunting in the state.

What Is The Age Limit For Possession Of Firearms In Arkansas?

The minimum age requirement for possession of firearms in Arkansas is eighteen years old.

Relevant Gun Permits Laws And Legislature In Arkansas

Some of Arkansas gun permit laws that you must know before possession of firearms in the state include the following:

Possession Of Firearms In Vehicles

You can conceal carry in a private car with a permit, or without a permit in some situations.

Arkansas gun statute [Ark. Code § 5-73-120] indicates that any firearm handler must not possess a firearm for any crime or with an unlawful intent of attacking another person.

If this is the case, then the possession of a firearm in a vehicle will be considered a criminal act.

Section C of this statute states that Arkansas permits the possession of a weapon in a car when on a journey away from the person’s county of residence.

Such a person can conceal carry with Arkansas pistol permit or any out of state permit.

Possession Of Firearms While Under The Influence Of Alcohol

According to [Ark. Code § 5-73-306(12)], concealed carry is illegal in restaurant areas of a venture that sells alcohol, except posted.

However, it is a prohibition to conceal carry in bar areas except with an enhanced permit.

Possession Of Firearms In Hotels

Arkansas gun laws do not include the possession of firearms in hotel areas. Hotel management is responsible for gun policies on their premises.

Enhanced Pistol Permit In Arkansas

Enhanced permit holders in Arkansas can possess firearms in some places that are off-limit for the ordinary handgun permits. These places are:

  • Public owned buildings.
  • State capitol premises.
  • Meetings of any government body in any political subdivision of the state.
  • State offices.
  • Sports events.
  • Bars and places for the consumption of alcohol in the state.
  • Airport terminals.
  • Places of worship.
  • During parades in the state.
  • On university campuses.

Additional Resources

Arkansas Gun Laws
Arkansas Concealed Carry Laws
Arkansas Open Carry Laws

Get Your
Concealed Carry Weapons Permit 
Online In Minutes

About the Author

Follow me


{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}