The director ( Arkansas State Police ) will issue a license if the applicant

1.. Is a resident of Arkansas and has been continuosly for 12 months or longer immediately preceding the filing of the application, (provided this shall not apply to any retired city, county, or state or federal law enforcement officer)

2. Is 21 years of age or older

3. Does not suffer from any mental or physical infirmity which prevents the safe handling of a handgun and has not threatened or attempted suicide.

4. (A) Is not ineligible to possess a firearm by virtue of having been convicted of a felony in a court in this state, or any other state or the United States without having been pardoned for the same and had firearms rights restored.

(B) Is not subject to any federal, state or local law which makes it unlawful to receive, possess or transport any firearm, and has had his or her background checked through the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Instant Criminal Background check System (NICS)

5. Does not chronically or habitually abuse controlled substances to the extent that his normal faculities are impaired. Has not been voluntarily or involuntarily committed to a treatment facility for the abuse of a controlled substance, or been found guilty of a crime under the provision of the Uniform Controlled Substance Act or similar laws of any state or the United States within three (3)year period immediately preceding the date on which the application is submitted.

6. Does not chronically or habitually use alcoholic beverages to the extent that his normal faculties are impaired, if the applicant has been voluntarily or involuntarily commited as an alcoholic to a treatment facility or has been convicted of two or more offenses related to the use of alcohol under the laws of this state or similar laws of any other state or the United States within the three year period immediately preceding the date on which the application is submitted.

7. Desires a legal means to carry a concealed handgun to defend himself.

8. Has not been adjudicated mentally incompetent.

9. Has not been voluntarily or in voluntarily committed to a mental institution or mental health treatment facillity.

10. Is not a fugitive from justice.

11. Has satisfactorily completed a training course as prescribed and approved by the director and,

12. That the applicant sign a statement of allegiance to the United States Constitution, and the Arkansas State Constitution.

(c) The director may deny the license if within the preceding five (5) years the applicant has been found guilty of one or more crimes of violence constituting a misdemeanor, or for the offense of carrying a weapon. The director may revoke any license if the licensee has been found guilty of one or more crimes of violence within the preceding three (3) years. This subdivision shall not apply to a misdemeanor that has been expunged or for which the imposition of sentence was suspended.

(d) The application shall be completed, under oath, on a form promulgated by the director.