Do I need a permit to carry in Arkansas?

No. Arkansas allows concealed carry without a permit for eligible adults 18 and older. Some places stay off limits under state and federal law.

Where can I check Arkansas's official rules?

Check Arkansas State Police. The controlling law is Ark. Code Ann. § 5-73-321.

Carry laws · 2026

Arkansas concealed carry laws, backed by the statute

At a glance

Carry rule: Permitless at 18
Minimum age: 18
Non-resident permit valid here?: Yes
Statute: Ark. Code Ann. § 5-73-321

Carrying in Arkansas

Arkansas lets adults 18 and older carry concealed without a permit.

That rule stops at the Arkansas line. If you travel, the law of the next state applies.

An enhanced Concealed Handgun License allows carry in more locations than permitless.

Source: Ark. Code Ann. § 5-73-321. Arkansas State Police. Reviewed Q3 2026.

Does a non-resident permit work in Arkansas?

A non-resident permit is a carry permit issued by a state you do not live in.

Yes. Arkansas recognizes a valid out-of-state permit under Ark. Code Ann. § 5-73-321. The state's own rules about where and how you carry still apply to you.

Getting Arkansas's own permit

Arkansas does not require a permit at home. An optional permit is still useful, because other states may honor it when you travel.

Common questions

Do I need a permit to carry in Arkansas?: No. Arkansas allows concealed carry without a permit for eligible adults 18 and older. Some places stay off limits under state and federal law.
Does Arkansas honor out-of-state permits?: Yes. Arkansas recognizes a valid out-of-state permit under Ark. Code Ann. § 5-73-321.
Where can I check Arkansas's official rules?: Check Arkansas State Police. The controlling law is Ark. Code Ann. § 5-73-321.

Not sure where you stand?

Check your state's rules in 30 seconds. Free, no signup.

Check your state's rules →

Sources and verification

AR: Ark. Code Ann. § 5-73-321. Arkansas State Police.

Recognition and carry-law data compiled from each state's statutes and official Attorney General, State Police, or Department of Public Safety reciprocity pages. Reviewed quarterly. Last reviewed: Q3 2026. We review and update this information about once a quarter. Laws change between reviews, so verify with the destination state before you travel or apply. Read how we verify our information, including our public corrections log.