An Arkansas firearm bill of sale is a form a gun owner uses to transfer ownership to another individual. This document proves the firearm transfer from the seller to the buyer.
State Laws for Selling a Gun in Arkansas
Minimum Age to Purchase
In Arkansas, there is no minimum age requirement for possessing rifles and shotguns. However, with certain exceptions, individuals under 18 are generally prohibited from possessing a handgun outside their home or private property. [1]
Permit for Purchase
There are no special requirements to purchase or own a gun in Arkansas, aside from making sure the buyer is not prohibited by federal or state law.
Register a Gun
There is no requirement to register a firearm in Arkansas or to alert police that you have sold or purchased a gun.
Open Carry Permit
Open carry is generally permitted in Arkansas, but state law forbids carrying a loaded firearm or any other deadly weapon in publicly owned buildings or facilities. [2]
Concealed Carry Permit
While you do not need a license to own a firearm in Arkansas, you must secure a license to carry a concealed handgun. [3] You will need to go through the state police to get the permit.
How to Apply
You must meet the following requirements:
- Be an Arkansas resident for at least 90 days.
- Be a US citizen.
- Be at least 21 years old or 18 if you are a member of the US armed forces.
- Be free of mental illness.
- Be free of physical issues that would prevent you from safely handling a gun.
- Have no felony convictions or active warrants.
- Not be federally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
- Be free of substance addiction.
- Swear that carrying is for your personal defense.
If you meet these criteria, proceed with the following steps to obtain a permit:
- Step 1 – Fill Out Application: Complete an application with the Arkansas State Police.
- Step 2 – Consent to Background Check: All applicants must pass a background check.
- Step 3 – Pay Fees: Pay a $50 license fee. The fee is $25 if the applicant is 65 years of age or older. (current as of June 2023).
- Step 4 – Wait for Approval or Denial: The state police will issue the license once it processes and approves your application.
Gun Reciprocity
Under Arkansas law, all concealed handgun carry permits issued from other states are recognized. However, you must follow all laws in the state for carrying. [4]
Other states may honor an Arkansas license, subject to each state’s laws.
Restrictions on Firearm Ownership
One of the most important things to know when selling a firearm is the list of people prohibited from owning one. You could face legal issues if you sell a firearm to a prohibited owner.
Arkansas Code outlines who cannot own firearms: [5] [6]
- Minors (under the age of 18)
- Any person convicted of a felony
- People with a judgment of mental illness or who have been treated in a mental institution
A person can regain their rights. If this is the case, they should be able to present you with documentation that you will want to attach to the firearm bill of sale.
Firearm Inheritance Laws
Arkansas does not have any specific inheritance laws about firearms. You need to follow the general rules about prohibited owners. Having a formal account of the transfer is a good idea, such as with a will or a gun trust.
