The Regulatory Services Section is responsible for oversight and licensing of private investigators and private security companies, precious metal businesses, used motor vehicle dealers, motor vehicle salvage auction buyers and blue light sales. Regulatory Services also regulates concealed handgun licenses and performs criminal background checks.  The Fire Marshal Office also falls under this section and is responsible explosive/firework sales and storage, fire alarm/sprinkler system installer licenses and related fire prevention functions.

In the interest of public safety and an effort to prevent the potential abuse of emergency lights used by law enforcement agencies, the Arkansas State Police has been given the responsibility of regulating the sale or transfer of the lights.  Should you have questions regarding the enforcement of ACA §5-77-301, you may e-mail the Arkansas State Police Regulatory Services Division or call the office at 501-618-8600.

Arkansas businesses involved in the trade of gold, silver, platinum and other precious metals are required to be licensed by the Arkansas State Police under the authority of ACA §17-23-201.  To obtain more information regarding the licensing process, you may e-mail the Arkansas State Police Regulatory Services Division or call the office at 501-618-8600.

The Arkansas Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies Act (ACA §17-40-101 - 107 & other associated statutes) designates the Arkansas State Police as an administering agency to regulate private investigators, private security agencies and individuals or businesses offering security or investigative services.

Through the Arkansas Board of Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies, the Arkansas State Police administers a variety of licensing functions that involve the private security and investigation industry.

The requirements for obtaining an Arkansas private investigators license include a minimum of two consecutive years of investigation experience. This experience must be documented in writing by the company or agency where the investigations were assigned or ordered.  Applicants must also take and pass the state board exam. 

Arknasas reciprocates on private investigator licenses with the following states:  Tennessee, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.  To qualify for reciprocity, the license must be current, and the applicant must have been licensed in the reciprocal state for at least two consecutive years.

Should you have questions regarding those individuals or companies regulated by the State Police or if you are seeking assistance in obtaining a license, you may e-mail the Arkansas State Police Regulatory Services Division or call the office at501-618-8600.

Under the provisions of ACA §23-112-614, bidding on and sales of motor vehicles at a salvage auction in the State of Arkansas shall be open only to persons, businesses, corporations or employees thereof, who possess an Arkansas Salvage Auction Buyer's Identification Card.

To obtain more information regarding the issuance of a salvage auction buyer's identification card and access an application, open the PDF file below identified as Arkansas Salvage Auction Buyer's Identification Card.

Applications must be completed by the applicant and submitted along with the applicable fees through the U.S. Postal Service.  At this time applications will not be accepted online. To obtain more information regarding the salvage auction buyer's identification card process you may e-mail the Arkansas State Police Regulatory Services Division or call the office at 501-618-8606.

Under the provisions of ACA §23-112-607, persons who intend to operate a used motor vehicle business are required to obtain a dealer’s license.

To obtain more information regarding the licensing process, you may e-mail the Arkansas State Police Regulatory Services Division or call the office at 501-618-8600.