Concealed CarryReciprocity Map

Arkansas Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map

Arkansas is a shall-issue, permitless carry state that allows both residents and non-residents to conceal or open carry with or without a permit. 

Since the state’s constitutional carry law went into effect in 2013, anyone who is at least 18 years old and legally allowed to possess a firearm may conceal carry without a permit. Concealed carry permits are issued to those 21 and older who legally qualify.

Arkansas recognizes permits from every other U.S. state and offers non-resident permits to military members and spouses who are stationed locally. Enhanced CCW licenses are also available in Arkansas, allowing holders to carry in otherwise off-limits locations. 

To qualify for an Arkansas concealed carry permit, you must be at least 21 years old (unless an active military member or veteran); be a U.S. citizen; be a resident of Arkansas for at least 90 days; complete a firearms training course; be mentally and physically able to safely handle a weapon; and be federally permitted to possess a firearm. There are also several factors that may disqualify you from obtaining an Arkansas carry permit. 

Open carry is also legal in Arkansas for anyone 18 years or older who is allowed to possess a firearm. 

To learn more about Arkansas concealed carry law, review Arkansas laws here or visit the Arkansas Department of Public Safety’s website. 

*Disclaimer: This Arkansas concealed carry reciprocity map is not legal advice. For the most up-to-date information, check your state laws or consult an attorney. 

Arkansas Concealed Carry Laws at a Glance

Concealed Carry Arkansas FAQ

What is the Reciprocity Law in Arkansas?

Concealed carry reciprocity refers to a mutual agreement between two states to honor CCW licenses issued by one another. Depending on the state, concealed carry reciprocity can vary greatly. Some states simply accept permits from other states, while others do so with some added caveats. In Arkansas, permits from all 50 states are honored, and the state has a formal reciprocity agreement with 37 U.S. states. To learn more about this topic, check out “What is Concealed Carry Reciprocity”.

Does Arkansas Recognize Permits from Other States? 

Yes. Arkansas recognizes valid concealed carry permits from every U.S. state.

What States Does Arkansas Have Reciprocity With?

Gun laws vary from state to state. When traveling with firearms, it’s your responsibility to know and comply with the laws of the state you’re visiting. Before transporting a gun over state lines, always check the laws in that state to ensure you’re doing so legally. 

The following states have an Arkansas concealed carry permit reciprocity agreement. Please note that while those marked with an asterisk do offer Arkansas concealed carry reciprocity, additional rules and restrictions may apply. 

Can I Conceal Carry in Arkansas Without a Concealed Carry Permit?

Yes. On February 3, 2023, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed SB480 into law clarifying that Arkansas is a constitutional carry state, though permitless carry has technically been legal there since August 16, 2013. 

Now, anyone who is at least 18 years old and legally permitted to possess a firearm can conceal carry without a license. 

What are the Requirements for an Arkansas Concealed Carry Permit?

To obtain an Arkansas concealed carry permit, you must meet certain eligibility requirements: 

• Be 21 years or older, unless an active military member or veteran. 

• Be a citizen of the United States and a resident of Arkansas for at least 90 days.  

• Have completed a training course.

• Be mentally and physically able to safely handle a firearm. 

• Be legally permitted to possess a firearm under federal law.

There are also certain factors that make you ineligible to obtain an Arkansas concealed carry license:  

• A felony conviction. 

• An arrest warrant.

• Having been found mentally incompetent or been committed to a mental health institution. 

• Drug or alcohol abuse. 

For a full, detailed list of eligibility requirements and disqualifiers in the state of Arkansas, read the Arkansas Concealed Handgun Carry Licensing Law here. 

Where Can You NOT Conceal Carry in Arkansas?

Even with a concealed carry permit, some places are off-limits to concealed carry, including police or sheriff’s stations; detention facilities; courthouses and courtrooms; government meeting places; any state office; athletic events; bars; school, college, and university campuses; airport terminals; churches; a parade or demonstration requiring a permit; any place where firearms are prohibited by federal law; and areas with “no weapons” signs. 

An enhanced permit will allow you to conceal carry in many of these otherwise off-limits locations. 

What is an Arkansas Enhanced Carry Permit?

Arkansas offers an enhanced concealed handgun carry license that allows holders some added benefits. To get an enhanced CHCL, you must obtain a regular CCW permit and attend around 8 hours of additional classroom and gun-range training, plus pass a shooting competency test. 

These enhanced licenses allow holders to conceal carry in a few otherwise off-limits locations, including public college and university campuses; publicly owned buildings; State Capitol building and grounds; government meeting places; athletic events; a portion of establishments that serve alcohol; airport terminals; churches; and places where demonstrations are being held that require a permit. 

Can a Non-resident Conceal Carry in Arkansas? 

Yes. Anyone at least 18 years old and legally allowed to possess a firearm may conceal carry in Arkansas without a permit. The state also issues non-resident permits to military members and their spouses who are stationed in Arkansas. 

Is Arkansas an Open Carry State

Yes. In Arkansas, anyone who is at least 18 years old and legally allowed to possess a firearm can open carry. Arkansas open carry laws do have some restrictions, however, including carrying in schools and bars. 

Where Can I Learn More About Arkansas Carry Laws? 

You can visit the Arkansas Department of Public Safety’s website for the most up-to-date information on concealed carry in Arkansas and to learn more about how to apply for an Arkansas concealed carry permit. For the official laws regarding Arkansas CCW reciprocity and regulations, you can read state laws here.