Arkansas Gun Laws - 2026 Complete Guide

Last verified: 2026-01-01 | Not legal advice - verify with your state AG

Legal Permitless / Constitutional Carry Castle Doctrine Constitutional Carry Stand Your Ground

⚠️ This is not legal advice. Gun laws change frequently. Always verify current laws with your state attorney general or a licensed firearms attorney before carrying.

Quick Reference: Arkansas Gun Laws

Open Carry	Legal
Concealed Carry	Permitless / Constitutional Carry
Permit Required	No - permitless carry
Permit Cost	N/A (No permit required)
Permit Validity	N/A
Waiting Period	None
Background Check	Required
Castle Doctrine	✓ Yes
Stand Your Ground	✓ Yes
Red Flag Law	✓ No
Magazine Limit	None
Suppressors	Legal (NFA rules apply)
NFA Items	All legal (federal rules apply)

Open Carry Laws in Arkansas

Open carry is legal in Arkansas for anyone who is legally allowed to possess a firearm. No permit is required to openly carry a holstered handgun or a long gun in public, subject to restricted location laws.

Concealed Carry Laws in Arkansas

Arkansas is a constitutional carry state. Anyone who is legally allowed to possess a firearm may carry concealed without a permit. Arkansas allows permitless carry since 2017 for anyone 18+. Optional CHCL permit available ($142.50 total) for reciprocity.

Where You Cannot Carry in Arkansas

The following locations generally prohibit firearms carry in Arkansas. This list is not exhaustive - always verify current law before carrying in any location.

Schools
Government Buildings
Police Stations
Churches Without Permission
Bars
Sporting Events

Federal law also prohibits carry in federal buildings, national parks ranger stations, and other federal facilities regardless of state law.

Optional Arkansas CCW Permit

Arkansas allows permitless carry since 2017 for anyone 18+. Optional CHCL permit available ($142.50 total) for reciprocity.

Even though Arkansas does not require a permit to carry, obtaining an optional permit allows you to carry in other states that have reciprocity agreements with Arkansas but require a permit from your home state.

Apply for Optional Arkansas Permit

CCW Reciprocity for Arkansas

States that honor your Arkansas permit (28)

AL AK AZ CO FL GA ID IN IA KS KY LA ME MS MO MT NE NH ND OH OK SD TN TX UT VA WV WY

Arkansas honors permits from (31)

AL AK AZ CO FL GA ID IN IA KS KY LA ME MI MS MO MT NE NH ND OH OK PA SC SD TN TX UT VA WV WY

View Full CCW Reciprocity Map

Reciprocity agreements change frequently. Always verify current reciprocity with the issuing state's law enforcement agency before traveling. Some states have additional requirements beyond permit reciprocity.

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Arkansas Gun Law Cheat Sheet - Free PDF

Download our one-page quick reference for Arkansas gun laws. Open carry rules, carry restrictions, permit info, and CCW reciprocity at a glance. Keep it in your range bag.

Frequently Asked Questions: Arkansas Gun Laws

What is the minimum age to carry a firearm in Arkansas?

18 years old for constitutional carry. To obtain a Concealed Handgun Carry License for reciprocity, you must be 21.

Can I carry in Arkansas state parks?

Yes, you may carry in Arkansas state parks. Firearms are prohibited in designated campgrounds and certain facilities.

Does Arkansas have castle doctrine?

Yes. Arkansas has castle doctrine protections for defending yourself in your home, vehicle, or workplace.

Shooting Ranges in Arkansas

Find pistol ranges, rifle ranges, and indoor/outdoor shooting facilities in Arkansas. Filter by type, features, and location.

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Neighboring State Gun Laws