Is a Alabama Non-Resident Permit Valid in Arkansas?

Why

• Alabama does not issue carry permits to non-residents (alea: alabama issues concealed carry permits only to alabama residents, via the sheriff of the applicant's county of residence).

Since Aug 16, 2013 Arkansas 'acknowledges all concealed handgun carry licenses lawfully issued by another state' (§ 5-73-321) — the statute covers any license issued to the person by another state, with no resident-only condition; out-of-state licensees are subject to Arkansas restrictions.

Carry rules in Arkansas

Your Alabama habits may not match Arkansas's law. Check these three areas before you carry there.

• Arkansas imposes a duty to inform: you must tell an officer you are carrying. ASP rule (Code of Arkansas Rules, CHCL): a licensee carrying a handgun who is asked by an officer for identification must present the CHCL AND notify the officer of the handgun — even if the officer never asks about weapons. No notification is required if not carrying, and § 5-73-315(b)(2) separately requires displaying the license on demand.
• Arkansas sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.
• Arkansas allows permitless concealed carry from age 18 for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.
• A loaded handgun may be carried in a private vehicle without a license — § 5-73-120(c)(1) presumes lawful purpose in one's own vehicle, and lawful carry extends to vehicles generally absent unlawful intent.

Off-limits places in Arkansas

• K-12 school property, school buses and designated bus stops
• Courthouses, courtrooms and county offices
• Police stations, sheriff's offices and detention facilities
• Airport passenger terminals
• Portions of establishments licensed to serve alcohol on premises (restaurants excepted)
• Publicly owned buildings and State Capitol grounds (E-CHCL exceptions apply)

Frequently asked questions

Is a Alabama non-resident permit valid in Arkansas?

There is nothing to recognize: Alabama issues permits to its own residents only (aLEA: Alabama issues concealed carry permits only to Alabama residents, via the sheriff of the applicant's county of residence). If you don't live in Alabama, look at states that do sell non-resident permits and check which of those Arkansas honors.

Do I have to tell police in Arkansas that I am carrying?

Arkansas imposes a duty to inform: you must tell an officer you are carrying. ASP rule (Code of Arkansas Rules, CHCL): a licensee carrying a handgun who is asked by an officer for identification must present the CHCL AND notify the officer of the handgun — even if the officer never asks about weapons. No notification is required if not carrying, and § 5-73-315(b)(2) separately requires displaying the license on demand.

Does Arkansas limit magazine capacity?

Arkansas sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.

Can I carry in Arkansas without any permit?

Arkansas allows permitless concealed carry from age 18 for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.

Does Alabama issue non-resident carry permits?

No. Alabama issues carry permits to residents only (aLEA: Alabama issues concealed carry permits only to Alabama residents, via the sheriff of the applicant's county of residence). Non-residents who want multi-state coverage usually obtain a non-resident permit from a state that offers one, such as those listed in our non-resident permit guide.