How to Apply for a Concealed Carry Permit in Oregon
Under Oregon law (ORS 166.291 et seq.), any person wishing to carry a handgun concealed upon their person, or concealed and readily accessible within a...
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Oregon Concealed Handgun License (CHL): Application Process
Oregon Concealed Handgun License (CHL): Application Process
Overview
Under Oregon law (ORS 166.291 et seq.), any person wishing to carry a handgun concealed upon their person, or concealed and readily accessible within a vehicle, must obtain a Concealed Handgun License (CHL). CHLs are issued by the county sheriff of the applicant's county of residence and are valid throughout the state of Oregon for 4 years from the date of issuance.
Oregon does NOT recognize any other state's concealed handgun license/permit.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Complete a Handgun Safety/Competency Course
Before applying, applicants must demonstrate competency with a handgun by completing one of the following (per ORS 166.291):
Hunter education or hunter safety course approved by the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (or similar agency of another state), provided handgun safety was a component of the course.
National Rifle Association (NRA) firearms safety or training course, provided handgun safety was a component.
Firearms safety or training course available to the general public, offered by law enforcement, a community college, or a private or public institution or organization, utilizing instructors certified by the NRA or a law enforcement agency, provided handgun safety was a component.
Law enforcement firearms safety or training course offered for security guards, investigators, reserve law enforcement officers, or other law enforcement personnel, provided handgun safety was a component.
Evidence of equivalent experience with a handgun through participation in organized shooting competition or military service (e.g., DD214 specifically stating "pistol" or "handgun training").
Currently licensed or previously licensed to carry a concealed firearm in Oregon, unless the license has been revoked.
The Oregon State Sheriff's Association (OSSA) offers an approved online course at oregonchl.org.
Note: A receipt showing course completion is not sufficient, applicants must provide the actual certificate of completion.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Applicants should gather all documentation before beginning the application:
Original or certified copy of birth certificate (not a hospital-issued certificate) or a U.S. Passport
Two pieces of current identification:
One must be a current government-issued photo ID (e.g., Oregon driver's license, state ID card, U.S. Passport)
One additional piece of current identification (e.g., voter's precinct card, insurance card, employee ID card); does not have to include a photo but must be current with an expiration date
Proof of handgun competency (certificate from an approved course, see Step 1)
Completed CHL application form (available from the county sheriff's office or online through the county's application portal)
Completed reference sheet (if required by the county)
For Washington State residents applying in a border county (e.g., Columbia County):
A valid Washington State Concealed Pistol License (CPL)
A written statement providing a compelling reason for needing an Oregon CHL
Step 3: Schedule an Appointment
Many county sheriff's offices require appointments for new CHL applications, renewals, and transfers. Appointment procedures vary by county:
Columbia County: Applications are submitted through a secure online portal called Permit Direct by Permitium (columbiaor.permitium.com). Applications can be filled out 24 hours a day from a computer or smartphone.
Lane County: Appointments are required for all new applications, renewals, and transfers. Appointments can be booked online and should be scheduled a minimum of six months in advance. Walk-in service is available on Wednesdays (9:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m.) for renewals only (CHL expired less than 6 months or expiring within 60 days). New applications require a scheduled appointment, walk-ins are not accepted. Contact: 541-682-3906.
Step 4: Submit Application In Person
Applicants must appear in person at the county sheriff's office to:
Submit the completed application
Present required identification documents
Be fingerprinted (for new applications and transfers)
Have a photograph taken
Pay the applicable fee
Applications must be complete, incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Step 5: Pay Fees
Fees vary by county but are generally in the following ranges:
Service
Columbia County Fee
New Application
$115.00
Renewal
$75.00
Transfer (from another Oregon county)
$30.00
Transfer with Renewal
$90.00
Change of Address and/or Name
$15.00
Replacement/Duplicate Card
$15.00
Accepted payment methods vary by county. Common forms include cash, check, credit card, and debit card. Some counties (e.g., Lane County) do not accept American Express and charge an additional 3% fee for debit or credit card payments.
Step 6: Background Check and Processing
Once the sheriff's office has received all required documentation, including fingerprints and photograph:
The sheriff has 45 days to process the application per ORS 166.292.
A background check is conducted.
The applicant will be notified of approval, denial, or if additional information is needed.
Step 7: Receive Your CHL
Upon approval, the CHL card is typically mailed to the applicant's address on file.
Eligibility Requirements (ORS 166.291)
To be eligible for an Oregon CHL, applicants must:
Be a U.S. citizen, or a legal resident alien who can document continuous residency in the county for at least six months and has declared in writing to USCIS/INS the intent to acquire citizenship (e.g., Form N-400)
Be at least 21 years of age
Be a resident of the county where applying (or a Washington State resident applying in a qualifying border county with a valid WA CPL and compelling reason)
Have no outstanding warrants for arrest
Not be on any form of pretrial release
Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor (or found guilty except for insanity under ORS 161.295) within the four years prior to application
Never have been convicted of a felony
Not have received a dishonorable discharge from the Armed Forces of the United States
Not be required to register as a sex offender in any state
Not be subject to a restraining order or stalking citation under Oregon ORS (ORS 30.866, 107.700 to 107.735, 163.735, or 163.738)
Not have been committed to the Oregon Health Authority under ORS 426.130
Not have been found mentally ill under ORS 426.130 and prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm
Not be subject to an order under ORS 426.133 for assisted outpatient treatment
Not be within the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court
Not have been convicted of an offense involving controlled substances or completed a court-supervised drug diversion program, except as provided in ORS 166.291(1)(L) (limited exception for marijuana, not more than one violation or misdemeanor conviction or diversion for marijuana possession)
Not be an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance
Demonstrate competency with a handgun (see Step 1 above)
Renewal Process
Complete the CHL application (renewal)
Appear in person at the sheriff's office (required by ORS 166.295)
Bring your current CHL and one other piece of current identification
Pay the renewal fee
A new photograph will be taken
No new fingerprints are required for renewals
The sheriff has 45 days to process the renewal
A temporary receipt may be issued validating the CHL for an additional 45 days while the renewal is processed
Important: If you apply for renewal more than 45 days before your expiration date, you may lose time on your current permit. It is recommended to apply 45 days or less before the current expiration date.
Transfer Process (Moving Within Oregon)
If you move to a new county within Oregon:
Update your address with the Oregon DMV
Apply for a CHL transfer with the sheriff's office of your new county of residence
Bring the full CHL application, your current CHL, Oregon driver's license, and the transfer fee
Be fingerprinted and photographed
The expiration date of your CHL remains the same
Change of Address (Within Same County)
ORS requires CHL holders to keep their current physical address on file with the issuing sheriff at all times. If you move within the same county:
Submit a change of address form with the applicable fee ($15.00 in Columbia County)
Can be submitted in person or by U.S. mail (varies by county)
Denial and Revocation
A CHL can be denied for failure to meet any eligibility requirement
A CHL can be revoked for any reason that would have caused a denial at the time of initial application (e.g., new arrest with pretrial release, conviction of a misdemeanor or felony, being named as respondent of a restraining order)
If denied or revoked, the applicant will receive a certified letter stating the reason
Appeal process: Under ORS 166.293(5), applicants may file a petition through the Circuit Court within 30 days of receiving the denial/revocation letter
Prohibited Carry Locations
Even with a valid CHL, firearms are prohibited in certain locations, including:
Federal facilities (courthouses, Social Security offices, secured areas of airports, post offices)
Browse local instructors offering state-approved training in your area. Book online, complete your training, and get one step closer to your concealed carry permit.