Information on how to obtain your permit, fees, and locations coming soon. If you would like to contribute to this page, please post the information in the State Forums .

Concealed Permit:
Shall Issue to Residents Only.

Example Resident Permit:

Issuing Authority:
Department of Public Safety: Arkansas State Police

NICS/Background Check:
The Arkansas State Police performed a name based check through the Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC), the Interstate Identification Index (III) and the National Instant Check System (NICS). The fingerprint card is forwarded to the FBI and they perform a nationwide fingerprint based search.

Permit Valid For:
The permit is valid for no more than four (4) years.

Processing Time:
It depends on your criminal history and the quality of the fingerprints submitted. If you do not have a criminal history or any kind, the process will take a week longer than it takes to get the FBI results back (Usually 4-6 weeks). The process may also be delayed if your fingerprints are not of high enough quality to be accepted y the FBI. If your fingerprints are rejected an additional submission time (4-6 weeks) would be necessary.

If you do have a criminal history it may take longer to obtain dispositions or review the arrest or conviction information in the file. . If any further information about your charges is needed then ASP will send you a letter specifically outlining what you need to obtain.

Cost:
Separate checks are no longer required. The amount is $144.25 (application fee $100.00, state background check $25.00, and the FBI background check $19.25). You may send a check or money order payable to the “ARKANSAS STATE POLICE.” All fees are NON-REFUNDABLE.

Requirements:
1. Resident of Arkansas
2. At least twenty-one (21) years old
3. A U.S. citizen
4. Satisfactorily completes an approved firearms safety program
5. Submits fingerprints and a fee determined by the Department of Public Safety
6. Does not fall into a class of person prohibited to possess a firearm, such as a convicted felon, adjudicated mental incompetent, or illegal alien.
7. The completed application and all required documents must be mailed to this office within six months from the date of training.

Required Documents:
1. Original completed appliation
2. Fingerprin card
3. A signed release to ASP for the use of your DL/ID card photo on your CHCL.

Renewal Information:
Concealed Handgun License Renewal Application Form

You Must Enclose The Following With This Renewal Application:
1. This properly completed form.
2. A legible copy of your Arkansas Concealed Handgun License.
3. A legible copy of your Arkansas Driver’s License or I.D. Card.
4. The completed “Certificate Of Training” form from the Concealed Handgun Carry License Firearms Safety Instructor dated within the last twelve (12) months.
5. If your license is not expired, send a check or money order for $60.00, payable to the “Arkansas State Police”. If your license is expired less than six months, add an additional $15.00 fee.
If your license is expired over six months, you will not use this form, but will need to begin the application process with a new application and not a renewal.

Change of Address:
Fill out the ASP-40 COA and e-mail or regular mail it to the Arkansas State Police, Concealed Handgun Licensing Section, 1 State Police Plaza Drive, Little Rock, AR 72209
Concealed Handgun License Change of Address Notification Form

Lost or Destroyed Permit:
Concealed Handgun License Replacement Application Form

You Must Enclose The Following With This Request:
1. This properly completed form.
2. A legible copy of your Arkansas Concealed Handgun License (if possible).
3. A legible copy of your Arkansas Driver’s License or I.D. Card.
4. A check or money order for $15.00 payable to the Arkansas State Police.

Informing Law Enforcement of Carry:
The licensee must carry the license, together with valid identification, at all times in which the licensee is carrying a concealed handgun and must display both the license and proper identification upon demand by a law enforcement officer.

Automobile carry:
Concealed carry in the vehicle is ok with a permit. Without a permit, handguns must be unloaded and cased; glove compartment carry of a handgun is illegal; rifles and shotguns may be carried in plain view or secured in commercial cases.

Places off-limits when carrying:
1. Any police, sheriff or Arkansas State Police office.
2. Arkansas Highway Police facility.
3. Detention facility, prison or jail.
4. Courthouse or courtroom.
5. Any polling place.
6. Meeting place of any government entity.
7. Meeting place of any session of the Arkansas General Assembly or committee of the General Assembly.
8. Any athletic event not related to firearms competition in which the license holder is participating.
9. Any part or section of an establishment licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, except a restaurant.
10. Any part of section of an establishment in which alcohol is consumed on the premises, except a restaurant.
11. Any school, college, community college, or university campus building or school/college event unless the event is for the purpose of participating in an authorized firearms related activity.
12. Inside the passenger terminal of any airport, unless the handgun is encased for shipment by lawful transportation.
13. Any church or other place of worship.
14. Any place where the possession of firearms is prohibited by federal law.
15. Any place where a property owner or manager has exercised discretion to prohibit the possession of a firearm.
16. Participating in a parade or demonstration for which a permit is required.
17. At a private residence without having first advised the occupants that the license holder is carrying a concealed weapon and given the permission to carry the handgun.

Alcohol and Drugs:
Waiting For Information. As always, alcohol/drugs don't mix with firearms. That's a pretty simple rule of thumb.
Not Allowed to carry in any part or section of an establishment licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, except a restaurant as well as any part of section of an establishment in which alcohol is consumed on the premises, except a restaurant.

Deadly Force / Castle Doctrine:
Arkansas is not a Castle Doctrine state and does not have a stand-your-ground law.

Open Carry:
Prohibited under most circumstances (certain affirmative defenses exist).

Localities with Varying Laws:
For additional information please contact your local county Sheriff's office.

Forms & Links:
Arkansas State Police: Concealed Handgun Licensing
NRA-ILA: Arkansas Gun Laws

Concealed Handgun License Driver's License Photo Release
Concealed Handgun License Renewal Application Form
Concealed Handgun License Replacement Application Form
Concealed Handgun License Change of Address Notification Form
Concealed Handgun License Change of Name Notification Form
Concealed Handgun License Transfer Application Form
Certificate of Training Form