How to Obtain a Conceal Carry Permit Arkansas

Last Updated: August 18, 2020 References

Arkansas residents concerned about safety can seek a license allowing them to legally carry a concealed handgun for self-defense. The concealed carry permits, which are granted by the state police, are valid for five years. Successful applicants must pass state and federal background checks, declare allegiance to the United States and Arkansas constitutions, and complete firearms safety training in order to obtain an Arkansas conceal carry permit.

Steps

1
Be 21 years of age or older, a citizen of the United States, and an Arkansas resident for at least 90 days.^{[1]
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2
Go to the Arkansas State Police website. Download the concealed handgun carry license application. Other information about the license is available on the website.^{[2]
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- You can opt to fill out an online application for an Arkansas concealed carry permit on the state police website. The site accepts payment via credit cards and eChecks. The online cost is slightly higher due to a portal processing fee.
3
Review and complete the application for the Arkansas concealed carry permit.^{[3]
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4
Write a check for the application fee or obtain a money order payable to the Arkansas State Police. This also covers the cost of state and federal background checks. The fees are non-refundable.^{[4]
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5
Complete a firearms safety course approved by the state police and obtain your training certificate. You must show proficiency with a handgun on a firing range to pass the training course. Search the state police website for approved instructors in your area.^{[5]
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6
Obtain a full set of your fingerprints from an expert technician. You can get fingerprinted at a police station, at a private firm with a trained technician, or during your firearms safety course.^{[6]
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Mail a packet including the concealed carry application form, payment, fingerprints, and training certificate to: Arkansas State Police, CHCL Section, 1 State Police Plaza Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72209.^{[7]
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8
Expect approval or denial of your concealed handgun carry license from the state police within 120 days.

Community Q&A

Question

Will the permit be mailed to the holder when approved?

Community Answer

Yes, but it is not a permit on paper. It will come as a plastic card the size of a driver's license that you can place in your wallet.
Question

On the fingerprint card, whose info goes in the "employer and address" field?

Community Answer

You just put whoever you are working for. If you are unemployed or self employed, you could specify that.
Question

How do I transfer a conceal carry permit from state to state?

Community Answer

Contact the state in which you are moving for information.
Question

What is the exact amount needed to pay for a person under 65 for a mail-in application as of February 1, 2016?

Community Answer

Online application cost for a new license for age 64 and younger is $144.94; age 65 and older is $93.44. You can still mail in an application. A new license for age 64 and younger is $139.75; age 65 and older is $89.75.
Question

Is there any financial assistance available to pay for the permit?

Community Answer

No, there is not.
Question

Can disabled people get a concealed weapon permit in Arkansas?

Community Answer

It depends on the type of disability. Mentally disabled - no. Wheelchair bound - yes.
Question

Do I have to own I own gun before I do the class, or will one be given during?

Community Answer

In most cases you need to own your own gun. They usually will not provide one to you.
Question

What are the actual range shooting requirements?

Community Answer

Different testing instructors will have different methods. But expect 3, 5, and 7 yards. 5 shots each with both hands on gun, then possibly 5 shots one-handed at 3 and 5.
Question

How do I renew licenses?

Community Answer

Go to the ASP website and look under CHCL. All of the information you need to renew is on this page.
Question

Where can I print a safety training certificate?

Community Answer

You get one from your local CHCL instructor after completing the course. There is nowhere to get a blank form.

Warnings

Lying on the application for an Arkansas concealed handgun permit or knowingly providing false documents during the process is a criminal offense.

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