Open Carry in Arkansas
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Arkansas permits open carry without a permit for most lawful firearm owners.
How Arkansas treats Open Carry
Arkansas allows open carry of firearms without requiring a state permit. Any person legally able to possess a firearm may openly carry a handgun or long gun in public. Schools, courthouses, and certain government facilities prohibit firearms. Arkansas also recognizes concealed carry permits and permits from other states.
The general definition of Open Carry
The legal right to carry a firearm openly and visibly in public.
Open carry means carrying a firearm in plain view on your person or in a vehicle in public spaces. Unlike concealed carry, the weapon is visible to others. Open carry laws vary widely by state and sometimes by city or county within a state. Some states allow open carry without any permit, while others prohibit it entirely or require a permit even for visible firearms.
Read the full Open Carry entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Arkansas.