Can I carry concealed in Arkansas without a permit?

Yes. Arkansas is a constitutional (permitless) carry state — an eligible adult at least 18 years old who may lawfully possess a firearm can carry a concealed handgun in Arkansas without first obtaining the CHCL.

Should I still get a Arkansas CHCL if I can carry permitless?

Yes. The CHCL remains available in Arkansas and is worth holding because permitless carry is only valid inside Arkansas's own borders — most other states extend reciprocity to a valid permit, not to Arkansas's permitless-carry law. A Arkansas CHCL lets you carry concealed while traveling to states that honor it.

Does permitless carry in Arkansas work in other states?

No. Permitless carry is a Arkansas-specific legal status and does not travel with you. Reciprocity agreements are between states' permit systems — carrying in another state generally requires either that state's own permitless-carry law (if it has one) or a permit that state's reciprocity list recognizes.

This is not legal advice.Concealed-carry reciprocity changes frequently and carries serious legal consequences. Verify current law with the destination state's official source before you carry.

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Arkansas Constitutional Carry (Permitless Carry)

Who can carry concealed in Arkansas without a permit, the minimum age, and why the CHCL still matters for reciprocity when you travel.

Permitless carry in Arkansas

Minimum age (permitless): 18
Carry regime: constitutional
Residency: Residents and non-residents

Arkansas allows permitless carry: under Act 746 of 2013 (which removed the 'intent to unlawfully employ' element from the carry offense) and subsequent clarification, a person 18 or older who may lawfully possess a handgun may carry it openly or concealed without a license. A CHCL remains useful for reciprocity and (in its Enhanced form) for carry in additional locations.

official source · verified 2026-07-10

The Arkansas Arkansas Concealed Handgun Carry License (CHCL) still matters

The CHCL remains available in Arkansas even though a permit is not required to carry concealed within the state. It is worth obtaining anyway: most states that grant reciprocity honor a valid out-of-state permit, not another state's permitless-carry law. Holding the CHCL is typically what lets a Arkansas resident carry concealed while traveling to a state that recognizes it.

Arkansaspermit overview & reciprocity summary →Full Arkansas CHCL requirements →Where a Arkansas CHCL is honored →

Last verified 2026-07-10 against Arkansas State Police — Concealed Handgun Carry Licensing.

Verify Arkansas rules on the official page →

Arkansas constitutional carry FAQ

Can I carry concealed in Arkansas without a permit?: Yes. Arkansas is a constitutional (permitless) carry state — an eligible adult at least 18 years old who may lawfully possess a firearm can carry a concealed handgun in Arkansas without first obtaining the CHCL.
Should I still get a Arkansas CHCL if I can carry permitless?: Yes. The CHCL remains available in Arkansas and is worth holding because permitless carry is only valid inside Arkansas's own borders — most other states extend reciprocity to a valid permit, not to Arkansas's permitless-carry law. A Arkansas CHCL lets you carry concealed while traveling to states that honor it.
Does permitless carry in Arkansas work in other states?: No. Permitless carry is a Arkansas-specific legal status and does not travel with you. Reciprocity agreements are between states' permit systems — carrying in another state generally requires either that state's own permitless-carry law (if it has one) or a permit that state's reciprocity list recognizes.