Concealed Handgun License FAQ’s

1. What is the cost of the course and permit?

The cost of the Arkansas Concealed Handgun License Course is $100. The cost of the course includes the necessary paperwork, fingerprinting and required instruction for an individual to submit their application. You will have everything you need, including an envelope, to mail in your application at the conclusion of the course. The Concealed Handgun License application is now available online at www.arkansas.gov/chcl and the fee is $150.00 which is payable via credit card to the Arkansas State Police at the time you submit your application.

2. How long does the course take?

We schedule the class for a six hour period. We do not rush through any material and make sure we have time to answer questions and give more personalized instruction if needed.

3. What do I need to bring?

You will need to bring the following:

A current Arkansas Driver’s license or state approved identification
Proper clothing-we shoot Rain or Shine
Hearing protection-muffs or plugs (we have loaners available)
Eye protection-shooting glasses are preferred, but sun glasses or prescription eye wear is acceptable
Handgun-semiautomatic is preferred (loaners are available)
50 rounds (at least) of factory ammunition
Holster to properly fit handgun (optional)
Paper and pen to take notes
An open mind

4. What are the requirements for getting an Arkansas Concealed Handgun License?

Below is the text from the Arkansas State Police listing the exact license requirements:

The Director of the Department of Arkansas State Police shall issue a license to carry a concealed handgun if the applicant:

(1) Is a citizen of the United States;

(2) (A) Is a resident of the state and has been a resident continuously for ninety (90) days or longer immediately preceding the filing of the application. (B) However, subdivision (2)(A) of this section does not apply to any:

(i) Retired city, county, state, or federal law enforcement officer; or (ii) Active duty military personnel who submit documentation of their active duty status;

(3) Is twenty-one (21) years of age or older;

(4) Does not suffer from a mental or physical infirmity that prevents the safe handling of a handgun and has not threatened or attempted suicide;

(5) (A) Has not been convicted of a felony in a court of this state, of any other state, or of the United States without having been pardoned for conviction and had firearms possession rights restored. (B) A record of a conviction that has been sealed or expunged under Arkansas law does not render an applicant ineligible to receive a concealed handgun license if:

(i) The applicant was sentenced prior to March 13, 1995; or

(ii) The order sealing or expunging the applicant’s record of conviction complies with § 16-90-605;

(6) Is not subject to any federal, state, or local law that makes it unlawful to receive, possess, or transport any firearm, and has had his or her background check successfully completed through the Department of Arkansas State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Instant Check System;

(7) (A) Does not chronically or habitually abuse a controlled substance to the extent that his or her normal faculties are impaired. (B) It is presumed that an applicant chronically and habitually uses a controlled substance to the extent that his or her faculties are impaired if the applicant has been:

(i) Voluntarily or involuntarily committed to a treatment facility for the abuse of a controlled substance; or

(ii) Found guilty of a crime under the provisions of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, § 5-64-101 et seq., or a similar law of any other state or the United States relating to a controlled substance within the three- year period immediately preceding the date on which the application is submitted;

(8) (A) Does not chronically or habitually use an alcoholic beverage to the extent that his or her normal faculties are impaired. (B) It is presumed that an applicant chronically and habitually uses an alcoholic beverage to the extent that his or her normal faculties are impaired if the applicant has been:

(i) Voluntarily or involuntarily committed as an alcoholic to a treatment facility; or

(ii) Convicted of two (2) or more offenses related to the use of alcohol under a law of this state or similar law of any other state or the United States within the three-year period immediately preceding the date on which the application is submitted;

(9) Desires a legal means to carry a concealed handgun to defend himself or herself;

(10) Has not been adjudicated mentally incompetent; (11) Has not been voluntarily or involuntarily committed to a mental institution or mental health treatment facility;

(12) Is not a fugitive from justice or does not have an active warrant for his or her arrest;

(13) Has satisfactorily completed a training course as prescribed and approved by the director; and

(14) Signs a statement of allegiance to the United States Constitution and the Arkansas Constitution.

5. Do any other states honor the Arkasas Concealed Handgun License?

For a current list, please visit: http://www.asp.arkansas.gov/divisions/rs/rs_chl_law.html#rec

6. Where is the classroom located?

MVSA IDPA/Action Pistol Range where the shooting qualifications are held. 7. Where is the Shooting Range?

We are honored to have range privileges at the Mountain Valley Sportsman Association Range (MVSA) located on Ten Mile Road. Directions can be found here: http://mvsaonline.com/directions.htm

8. How long does it take to get my license?

It depends on several factors. The Arkansas State Police has 120 days to process the application in which time they can either approve or deny it. The clock does not start until they receive all the required information. Problems with the paperwork, fingerprints, or payments can delay the process. We have had clients receive their licenses in as little as two weeks while others have taken the full allotted time (and more).

9. How long is the license valid?

The license is good for 5 years from the date of issue.

10. Do I need my own handgun for the course?

No. We have loaners available, however we do prefer you qualify with the handgun you intend to carry. There are two types of licenses: restricted and unrestricted. The unrestricted license allows you to carry any legal handgun as long as you qualified with a semi-automatic. A restricted license only allows you to carry a revolver. As a standing policy, we ask all students to qualify with a semi-automatic pistol whenever reasonable.

Be Sociable, Share!