Arkansas Basic and Enhanced Concealed Carry License
Are you considering joining the over 200,000 concealed carry license holders in Arkansas? Learning the responsibilities, laws, and lifestyle choices of being a prepared concealed carry gun owner can be challenging. We understand you will have many questions before and after getting your license. Our instructors will help with every step of your journey, from determining which license type to obtain, classroom training, mental preparation to carry a gun, developing shooting skills, the shooting qualification, application process, sourcing the best concealed carry gear, and additional training classes. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us, we’re always happy to help.
The state required classes create a good foundation for CCW holders. However, most concealed carry licensees will want additional training to feel comfortable and confident before carrying a gun. Even experienced shooters will need occasional training to keep their skills honed. Independence Firearms and Training offers many classes designed to prepare your mental and shooting skills to be ready to defend yourself, your family, and your friends.
Sign up for your Arkansas Basic or Enhanced
Concealed Carry License Today
The Concealed Carry Licenses Offered in Arkansas
Arkansas issues a basic and enhanced concealed carry license. The enhanced license allows you to carry in more locations prohibited by the basic license. Our enhanced combo class has an additional 1 1/2 hours of classroom training, and the State Police have a specific required live fire qualification test.
We recommend that students take the same-day combo basic and enhanced concealed carry class when possible. The cost with the state application is the same for both license types. In addition, by taking the combo class, you will be able to apply for the enhanced license from the start. This allows you to carry in more areas, plus it saves time and money if you ever decide to upgrade from a basic to an enhanced license.
Arkansas Concealed Carry Basic Licensing Course
This class includes the training to obtain a basic concealed carry license. You do not need a current concealed carry license to take this course.
$85 (Summer sale through August)
Minimum Requirements
Class Time – a minimum instruction time for classroom training (excluding range live fire) is 5 hours. Our basic class runs for 6 1/2 – 7 hours including the live fire portion.
Live Fire – students must show proficiency with live fire on the range.
Application – an online or paper application to the Arkansas State Police is required.
Fingerprinting – applicants must submit digital fingerprints to the Arkansas State Police.
Basic Concealed Carry Training Overview
– Application Process
– Avoiding Victimization
– Laws Regarding Use of a Handgun
– Encounters with Law Enforcement
– Prohibited Places
– Handgun Safety Rules and Familiarization
– Types of Handguns, How to Inspect Them and Ammunition
– Cleaning and Storage of Handguns
– Carrying Concealed
– How to Properly Shoot a Handgun
– Range Safety Rules
Live Fire – 30 rounds are required for the live fire portion.
Arkansas Enhanced Combo Concealed Carry Course
This class includes the basic and enhanced training to obtain the enhanced concealed carry license even if you do not have a current license.
$125 (Most Popular)
Minimum Requirements
Class Time – a minimum instruction time for classroom training (excluding range live fire) is 5-6 hours. Our enhanced class runs for 8 – 8 1/2 hours, including the live fire portion.
Live Fire – students must pass the state live fire qualification on the range with at least a 35 out of 50 score.
Application – an online or paper application to the Arkansas State Police is required.
Fingerprinting – applicants must submit digital fingerprints to the Arkansas State Police.
Enhanced Concealed Carry Training Overview
All of the Classroom Subjects from the Basic Class Plus These Subjects
– Further Explanation of the Law and Significant Changes
– What the Enhanced License Does and Does Not Do
– Prohibited Places for Enhanced Licenses
– Self-Defense Under Arkansas Law
– General Liability
– Emergent Situations and Active Threat Scenario
– Campus Carry
– Firearm Use with Dangerous Materials Nearby
– Laws Regarding Alcohol and Firearms
Live Fire State Qualification – 50 rounds are required for the test. We suggest bringing 100 rounds so the test can be retaken if not passed the first time
Arkansas Enhanced Upgrade Concealed Carry Course
This class is for current basic concealed carry license holders who want to upgrade to the enhanced concealed carry license.
$85 (Summer sale through August)
Minimum Requirements
Class Time – a minimum instruction time for classroom training (excluding range live fire) is 5-6 hours. Our enhanced class runs for 8 – 8 1/2 hours, including the live fire portion.
Live Fire – students must pass the state live fire qualification on the range with at least a 35 out of 50 score.
Enhanced Endorsement License Form – a paper application to the Arkansas State Police is required along with a payment for the replacement license.
Enhanced Concealed Carry Training Overview
All of the Classroom Subjects from the Basic Class Plus These Subjects
– Further Explanation of the Law and Significant Changes
– What the Enhanced License Does and Does Not Do
– Prohibited Places for Enhanced Licenses
– Self-Defense Under Arkansas Law
– General Liability
– Emergent Situations and Active Threat Scenario
– Campus Carry
– Firearm Use with Dangerous Materials Nearby
– Laws Regarding Alcohol and Firearms
Live Fire State Qualification – 50 rounds are required for the test. We suggest bringing 100 rounds so the test can be retaken if not passed the first time
Benefits of a Concealed Carry License
In states where open carry and/or constitutional carry are legal, many people ask why should I get a concealed carry license? While there are numerous benefits, here are the top 4 reasons you should get a concealed carry license.
Confidence, Comfort, & Mental Preparedness – the knowledge, advice and training you will receive from a qualified instructor is invaluable. Good instructors will help you prepare mentally for self-defense situations, source the correct gear for your specific carrying situation, and be able to guide you in the right direction on your journey to becoming a responsible gun owner/concealed carry licensee.
Legal Defense – we all hope the day doesn’t come that you need to use deadly force to defend yourself or your loved ones. However, if put in that situation, showing the training class you’ve been through can help your legal defense. One of the most critical classes for your defense is a state-approved concealed carry class. Unfortunately, in the current environment we live in, there are too many anti-gun prosecutors looking for any reason to make examples out of law-abiding citizens protecting themselves.
Ease of Buying Firearms – in Arkansas, if you have a valid Arkansas Concealed Carry License, there is no background check required to purchase guns.
Reciprocity – Once you have an Arkansas Concealed Carry License around 3/4 of the other states will have reciprocity with that license allowing you to conceal carry in those states. About half the states do not have constitutional carry and those that do often only apply to their state citizens. If you visit that state, you may not have the right to constitutional carry like the residents of that state. If you plan to travel outside of Arkansas and carry a gun, it’s best to obtain an Arkansas Concealed Carry License.
Sign-up for an Arkansas Basic or Enhanced Concealed Carry Class
We offer the basic, enhanced, and combo concealed carry classes once a month on a Saturday. In addition, any individuals, groups, churches, clubs, or families who prefer to have a private concealed carry class can schedule directly with our office for a private class upon request. Private classes are offered at our range and training facility in Cord, AR or at a location arranged by the students. If we are holding a remote class, the students must provide a setting with a projector or large TV and seating for everyone in the course, along with a range with a berm that is safe to perform the live fire qualification out to 15 yards.
Location:
Independence Firearms and Training Classroom and Range at 305 Circle Dr, Cord, AR 72524
*Don’t have a handgun yet. We have you covered with a rental package. Our Concealed Carry Firearm Rental Package costs $50 and includes a pistol, magazines, 50 rounds of ammo, and safety gear if needed. *More ammo can be purchased if needed.
*More ammo can be purchased if needed.
What to Bring for Concealed Carry Classes:
- Pistol of your choice (with enough magazines to have 20 rounds loaded at the same)
- 100 rounds of ammunition for the Enhanced Class (the qualification only requires 50 rounds if you pass the 1st time)
- 50 rounds of ammunition for Basic Class (the live fire portion requires a minimum of 30 rounds)
- Holster and mag pouches are suggested but not required
- Eye and ear protection
- Government Photo ID
- Appropriate clothing (the qualifications will be outside typically in the afternoon)
- Sack Lunch or Country Crossroads does have lunch items & is close to the range
- Snacks and Drinks
*We have a rental plan to take care of the pistol, magazines, ammo, and safety gear if needed.
Weather and the Class
We will have the class regardless of the weather on class day. Most of the day, we are inside the classroom. Dress appropriately for the weather (hot or cold), but there is a covered area to shoot from on the range if it’s rainy.
Upcoming Concealed Carry Classes
Concealed Carry Renewal
Concealed carry licenses must be renewed every 5 years. The renewal class consists of the recent legal updates and a live fire proficiency demonstration. We offer concealed carry renewal classes every month and have private or group renewal classes offered upon request. Call our office to schedule your renewal. You can take the renewal class up to 6 months before your license expires.
Application Links and Other Document Downloads
State Police Concealed Handgun Carry Licensing
New and Renewal Online Application
Check the Status of a Current Application
New, Renewal and Transfer Paper Application
Concealed Handgun Carry License Live Scan Operators
How to Obtain Enhanced Concealed Handgun Carry License
Concealed Handgun Carry License (CHCL) Laws (5-73-301 through 327)
Locations Where Possession of a Handgun is Prohibited
FAQ for Arkansas Concealed Carry
Q: Can I get the enhanced concealed carry license without a basic license first?
A: Yes, our 1 day combo class has all the training requirements to apply for the enhanced concealed carry license.
Q: What’s the difference between the basic & enhanced license?
A: The enhanced license allows you to carry in more areas.
Q: How old do I have to be to get a license?
A: 21 years or 18 if currently an enlisted member on active duty in the US armed forces or an officer.
Q: Do I have to be a resident of Arkansas to get a license?
A: Yes, you must be a resident for at least 90 days.
Exceptions:
1) if you have a concealed carry license in another state, you can transfer your license without waiting the 90 days for a basic license.
2) if you are a member of the US armed forces or have a legal partner who is active in the military.
Q: How long is my license good for?
A: Concealed carry licenses are good for 5 years.
Q: How do I renew my license?
A: Take a renewal class from a CHCL Instructor and submit your renewal paperwork to the state police.
Q: How long does it take to get my license?
A: While it might process faster, it can take up to 120 days from the time the state police receive your application, proof of training, fingerprints, and other required documents.