Is a Wyoming Non-Resident Permit Valid in Arkansas?

Why

• Wyoming does not issue carry permits to non-residents (residents only — the dci faq answers 'can a non-resident obtain a concealed firearm permit in wyoming?' with 'no.' active-duty wyoming military stationed out of state may still apply; a permit remains valid if the holder later moves away but cannot be renewed).

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

Carry law is state law. From the moment you enter Arkansas, these rules replace the ones you know from Wyoming.

• 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 Wyoming non-resident permit valid in Arkansas?

None issued, so none recognized. Wyoming keeps its permits resident-only (residents only — the DCI FAQ answers 'Can a non-resident obtain a concealed firearm permit in Wyoming?' with 'No.' Active-duty Wyoming military stationed out of state may still apply; a permit remains valid if the holder later moves away but cannot be renewed). Your route to carrying in Arkansas runs through a permit you are eligible to obtain elsewhere.

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 Wyoming issue non-resident carry permits?

No. Wyoming issues carry permits to residents only (residents only — the DCI FAQ answers 'Can a non-resident obtain a concealed firearm permit in Wyoming?' with 'No.' Active-duty Wyoming military stationed out of state may still apply; a permit remains valid if the holder later moves away but cannot be renewed). 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.