Is a New Mexico Resident Permit Valid in Arkansas?

Why

• Arkansas recognizes valid carry permits from every US state.
• Arkansas allows permitless carry for eligible adults 18+, which extends to visitors who may legally possess a handgun.

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 New Mexico.

• 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

Arkansas bans carry in 6 kinds of places. The first on the list:

• K-12 school property, school buses and designated bus stops
• Courthouses, courtrooms and county offices

See all 6 places you can't carry in Arkansas →

New Mexico vs Arkansas: what changes at the state line

Crossing from New Mexico into Arkansas changes 3 rules: permitless carry (No → Yes (18+)); duty to inform police (No → Yes); out-of-state permits honored (20 states → All states).

Going the other way, an Arkansas resident permit in New Mexico: recognized — carry with your permit.

Driving on from Arkansas

How a New Mexico resident permit fares in the states bordering Arkansas:

• Louisiana — Permit not recognized — but permitless carry applies
• Mississippi — Recognized — and permitless carry applies
• Missouri — Recognized — and permitless carry applies
• Oklahoma — Recognized — and permitless carry applies
• Tennessee — Recognized — and permitless carry applies
• Texas — Recognized — and permitless carry applies

Check a whole route with the Trip Checker →

Frequently asked questions

Does Arkansas honor a New Mexico non-resident permit?

New Mexico does not issue non-resident carry permits (residents only (domiciled 90+ days), except members of the US armed forces permanently stationed in NM and their dependents (NMSA 29-19-4(A)(2)). New residents holding a license from a reciprocity state must transfer to a NM license within 90 days), so the question does not arise.

Can an Arkansas resident permit holder carry in New Mexico?

Recognized — carry with your permit. Reciprocity is decided by the destination state, so the answer in this direction depends on New Mexico's law, not Arkansas's.

Where does Arkansas publish its official reciprocity list?

Arkansas publishes its recognition policy on an official state page, linked in the sources on this page. That page is the authority — check it shortly before travel, because recognition lists change without much notice.