Whether you're new to owning a firearm or have had a gun for home defense for years, getting a concealed handgun permit may seem daunting. It doesn't have to be. There are many reasons and ways to carry a concealed weapon, but the first step is knowing Arkansas's concealed carry laws. Applying for a CHCL varies by state.
Read about the process for getting a Arkansas Concealed Handgun Carry License below.
COMPLETE a CHCL firearms safety class for a CHCL. If applying for an enhanced CHCL, the enhanced training class is also required.
Apply online or by submitting a paper application within 6 months of finishing your firearms safety class and write your confirmation number/order ID on your training certificate.
Have your fingerprints taken at your local law enforcement agency or by a private fingerprinting business.
Submit your fingerprints, training certificate and fee to the Arkansas State Police at:
Arkansas State Police
CHCL Section
1 State Police Plaza Drive
Little Rock, AR 72209
CHECK YOUR MAILBOX -- Processing time for permit applications is 120 days
Approximately 5-hour training class is required to obtain a CHCL
All training must be obtained within the last six months prior to applying for a license.
An additional approximately eight-hour enhanced training class and live-fire qualification is required to obtain an E-CHCL, although there are limited exemptions from the “live-fire” training requirement.
An applicant must:
*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Arkansas.
$88.25 -- Paper Applications 64 and younger
Valid for Five Years from Date of Issue
120 Days to Process
$91.90 - Online Applications 64 & Younger
Yes, but only for members of the military permanently stationed in Arkansas and their spouses. The process is the same as for residents.
Moving to Arkansas and interested in applying for a resident license? How soon can you apply? Is your resident permit from your former state transferable to Arkansas? Arkansas issues licenses to residents and members of the military, National Guard and military spouses. You can apply for your license once you have been a resident of Arkansas for at least 90 days, meet the military requirements or if you are a spouse of an active duty member of the military. You can also transfer your previous resident permit by completing the new paper application above indicating Transfer Application.
Moving from Arkansas and have an Arkansas resident license? Does that license transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Arkansas license remains valid?If a person with an Arkansas concealed handgun carry license establishes residency in another state, the license expires upon the establishment of residence in the other state.
Renewals are the responsibility of the licensee. You must complete a firearm renewal training course within 6 months prior to the license expiration or renewal date. The renewal training must include “live fire.”
The Department will accept the application packet prior to the 90 days before renewal, although the license will not be issued until closer to the renewal date. If your license has been expired for more than 6 months, you are required to submit a new application.
You may apply online or using a mail-in renewal application.
COMPLETE the online renewal form.
If you use the mail-in process, first complete a firearm training course within the 6 months prior to the license expiration or renewal date.
CONTACT a Concealed Handgun Instructor and complete the required training for a concealed handgun carry license.
For Mail-In renewals, the following documents must be mailed in:
MAIL-IN ONLY -- Mail your documents to:
Arkansas State Police ATTN: CHCL
Section1 State Police Plaza Drive
Little Rock, AR 72209
CHECK YOUR MAILBOX -- You will be notified if your application has been approved.
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Make sure you understand Arkansas Gun Laws and Arkansas concealed carry reciprocity with other states.