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 CHCL Requirements
How to get a Arkansas Arkansas Concealed Handgun Carry License (CHCL): fees, training, fingerprints, processing time, and renewal.
How to apply
- Application fee
- $50 — The nonrefundable license fee is $50 ($25 for applicants 65 or older); there is no age-based reduction for renewals. The Enhanced license involves additional training costs.
- Minimum age
- Varies by class — see below
- Training
- Varies by class — see below
- Fingerprints
- Required
- Processing time
- See official source
- Validity / renewal
- 5 years, then renewal
- Residency
- Arkansas residents only
- Non-resident permit
- Not available
Permit classes — procedural details
Concealed Handgun Carry License (CHCL)
- Minimum age:
- 21
- Training:
- Required
- Fee:
- $50 (same application fee schedule for all classes)
Recommended for out-of-state reciprocity travel. The standard Arkansas CHCL.
Enhanced Concealed Handgun Carry License (E-CHCL)
- Minimum age:
- 21
- Training:
- Required
- Fee:
- $50 (same application fee schedule for all classes)
Primarily an in-state permit — check reciprocity before relying on it out of state. Requires ~8 hours of additional training + live-fire; permits carry in public colleges/universities, most public buildings, non-secure airport areas, and churches — places closed to the standard license. The enhancement is an in-state privilege, not a separate reciprocity class.
Applications are processed by Arkansas State Police.
Steps to get a Arkansas CHCL
- Confirm you are eligible. Be at least 21 years old and a Arkansas resident, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and not prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law.
- Complete the required firearms training. A state-approved concealed handgun training course is required for the standard CHCL; the Enhanced CHCL (E-CHCL) requires approximately 8 additional hours of classroom instruction plus a live-fire proficiency qualification.
- Get fingerprinted. Submit fingerprints for the state and FBI background check as part of the application.
- Submit your application to Arkansas State Police. File your Arkansas Concealed Handgun Carry License (CHCL) application with Arkansas State Police. See the official page for forms and instructions.
- Pay the application fee. Pay the CHCL application fee of $50. The nonrefundable license fee is $50 ($25 for applicants 65 or older); there is no age-based reduction for renewals. The Enhanced license involves additional training costs.
- Receive your permit and note the renewal date. Once approved, your CHCL is valid for 5 years, after which it must be renewed.
Note: Arkansas allows permitless carry, so this permit is optional in-state — but it is still worth holding for reciprocity when traveling.
Last verified 2026-07-10 against Arkansas State Police — Concealed Handgun Carry Licensing.
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Arkansas CHCL FAQ
- What are the requirements for a Arkansas CHCL?
- Applicants must be at least 21 years old, a resident of Arkansas, and submit fingerprints. The application is processed by Arkansas State Police.
- Is training required for a Arkansas CHCL?
- Yes. Arkansas requires firearms training to obtain the CHCL. A state-approved concealed handgun training course is required for the standard CHCL; the Enhanced CHCL (E-CHCL) requires approximately 8 additional hours of classroom instruction plus a live-fire proficiency qualification.
- How long does it take to get a Arkansas CHCL?
- Arkansas has not published a specific processing-time estimate for the CHCL — check with Arkansas State Police for current wait times.
- Can non-residents get a Arkansas CHCL?
- No. Arkansas generally limits the CHCL to residents.
- How much does the Arkansas CHCL cost, and how long is it valid?
- The application fee is $50. The nonrefundable license fee is $50 ($25 for applicants 65 or older); there is no age-based reduction for renewals. The Enhanced license involves additional training costs. The permit is valid for 5 years before renewal.