Arkansas concealed carry permit guide

Permitless (constitutional) carry

Yes. Arkansas allows carry without a license; check the minimum age with Arkansas State Police.

Permit types

• Concealed handgun carry license (CHCL)
• Enhanced CHCL

Issuing agency and how to apply

Arkansas State Police

Complete training with an Arkansas instructor, apply online, then submit Livescan fingerprints and the training certificate.

Go to the official site

Eligibility and minimum age

Minimum age

21

Eligibility

21+ (18+ for qualifying active-duty, Guard/reserve members and honorably discharged veterans) (A.C.A. 5-73-309).

Fees

Resident (new)

$93.70 online (age 64 or younger); $67.95 (65+)

Non-resident (new)

Not applicable (no non-resident permit)

Renewal

$52.50 online ($67.95 if expired less than 6 months)

Training requirements

At least 5 hours of instruction plus live-fire proficiency, within 6 months before applying. Enhanced license: about 8 hours.

Find CCW classes in Arkansas

Processing time, validity and renewal

Processing time

Up to 120 days after a complete application (5 CAR 1-202)

Valid for

5 years

Non-resident permits

Not available to non-residents. Arkansas residency of 90+ days is required (active-duty military and spouses excepted) (A.C.A. 5-73-309).

Reciprocity

Arkansas honors valid concealed carry licenses from every other state (5 CAR 1-210).

Official reciprocity information

Sources

1. asp.ark.org/asplicense/chcl_application/chcl.aspx
2. codeofarrules.arkansas.gov/Rules/Rule?chapterID=53&levelType=section&partID=1102&sectionID
3. codeofarrules.arkansas.gov/Rules/Rule?chapterID=53&levelType=section&partID=1102&sectionID
4. law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/title-5/subtitle-6/chapter-73/subchapter-3/section-5-73-309/

Last verified November 1, 2026. Where a field says "Check with", we couldn't confirm it from an official source.