Arkansas Open Carry Laws (2026)

Permitted: Open carry of a handgun is legal without a permit for anyone 18 or older who may lawfully possess one.

PermittedVerified Oct 12, 2026

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Open carry of a handgun is legal without a permit for anyone 18 or older who may lawfully possess one. It is a crime only if you intend to use it unlawfully against a person. A loaded firearm may not be carried into a publicly owned building or facility (Class C misdemeanor), and a private owner who says no can have you charged with trespass.

Official source: dps.arkansas.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Open Carry in states bordering Arkansas

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

LouisianaPermitted
Open carry of a handgun needs no permit for anyone 18 or older who may lawfully have one. Carrying a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school campus is unlawful unless a listed exception applies, and the exemption there for permit holders and permitless carriers covers concealed handguns only. Other place restrictions apply.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: lsp.org · Full Louisiana rule →
MississippiPermitted
Open carry of a handgun is legal in Mississippi without a permit for anyone 18 or older who can lawfully possess one.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · Full Mississippi rule →
MissouriPermitted
Open carry of a handgun is legal under state law and needs no permit, but cities and counties may ban it by ordinance. Where banned, you may still carry openly with a Missouri permit, or a recognized out-of-state permit, kept on you and shown when an officer asks. Without a permit, carrying a firearm into a church, government building, polling place on election day or school is a crime. The statutes state no open carry age; treat 19 (18 for military) as the minimum.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: revisor.mo.gov · Full Missouri rule →
OklahomaPermitted
Open carry of a handgun is legal in Oklahoma without a license for eligible people 21 or older, or 18 and older for military members and veterans.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: oklahoma.gov · Full Oklahoma rule →
TennesseePermitted
Open carry of a handgun is allowed in Tennessee without a permit for anyone 18 or older who may lawfully possess one.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: tn.gov · Full Tennessee rule →
TexasPermitted
Open carry of a handgun is allowed in Texas without a permit at age 21 or older, but the handgun must be carried in a holster.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: guides.sll.texas.gov · Full Texas rule →

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