Oregon Concealed Carry Laws

Overview

Under Oregon law (ORS Chapter 166), if you wish to carry a handgun concealed upon your person, or concealed and readily accessible within a vehicle, you must have a Concealed Handgun License (CHL). Oregon is a "shall-issue" state, meaning the sheriff must issue a CHL if the applicant meets all statutory requirements.

Legal Basis

• Primary Statutes: ORS 166.291 (Issuance of concealed handgun license; application; fees; liability), ORS 166.292 (Procedure for issuing; form of license; duration), ORS 166.293 (Denial or revocation of license; review), ORS 166.295 (Renewal of license)
• Unlawful Possession: ORS 166.250 makes it a crime to carry any firearm concealed upon the person or possess a handgun that is concealed and readily accessible within any vehicle without a valid CHL
• Classification: Unlawful possession of a firearm (carrying concealed without a license) is a Class A misdemeanor under ORS 166.250(5)

Issuing Authority

CHLs are issued by the county sheriff of the applicant's county of residence. The license is valid throughout the entire state of Oregon.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a CHL under ORS 166.291, an applicant must:

1. Age: Be at least 21 years of age
2. Citizenship: Be a U.S. citizen, or a legal 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)
3. Residency: Reside in the county where applying, or be a resident of a contiguous state (specific counties may issue to Washington state residents with a valid CPL and a compelling reason)
4. No Outstanding Warrants: Have no outstanding warrants for arrest
5. No Pretrial Release: Not be on any form of pretrial release
6. No Felony Convictions: Never have been convicted of a felony
7. No Recent Misdemeanor Convictions: Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor or found guilty of a misdemeanor (except under ORS 161.295) within the four years prior to application
8. No Dishonorable Discharge: Must not have received a dishonorable discharge or dismissal from the armed forces of the United States
9. Not a Sex Offender: Must not be required to register as a sex offender in any state
10. No Domestic Violence Convictions: Never have been convicted of a disqualifying crime of domestic violence
11. No Controlled Substance Convictions: Not have been convicted of an offense involving controlled substances or completed a court-supervised drug diversion program (with limited exceptions for marijuana)
12. No Restraining/Stalking Orders: Not be subject to a citation issued under ORS 163.735 or an order issued under ORS 30.866, 107.700 to 107.735, or 163.738 (stalking or restraining orders)
13. Mental Health: 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
14. Not Under Juvenile Court Jurisdiction: Must not be within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court
15. Handgun Competency: Must demonstrate competency with a handgun
16. Background Check: Must pass a background check conducted by the sheriff's office

Handgun Competency Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate competency with a handgun through one of the following methods:

1. Hunter Education Course: Completion of any 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
2. NRA Course: Completion of any National Rifle Association firearms safety or training course, provided handgun safety was a component
3. General Firearms Training: Completion of any firearms safety or training course or class available to the general public offered by law enforcement, community college, or private or public institution or organization, or firearms training school utilizing instructors certified by the NRA or law enforcement officers, provided handgun safety was a component
4. Law Enforcement Training: Completion of any 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
5. Equivalent Experience: Evidence of equivalent experience with a handgun through participation in organized shooting competition or military service (DD214 must specifically state "pistol" or "handgun training", terms like "small arms" or "marksmanship" alone are not sufficient)
6. Prior License: Being licensed or having been 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 CHL certificate course at oregonchl.org.

Application Process

1. Complete Application: Submit a completed application to the sheriff's office in your county of residence
2. Provide Documentation:
   • Original or certified copy of birth certificate or U.S. Passport
   • Two pieces of current identification (one must have a photo, e.g., driver's license)
   • Proof of handgun competency (certificate, not just a receipt)
   • Completed reference sheet (new applicants must provide two references who are not related and do not live in the applicant's household)
3. Fingerprinting: New applicants and transfers require fingerprinting
4. Pay Fees: Fees are non-refundable and cover the cost of the background check
5. In-Person Appearance: Personal appearance is required per ORS 166.295

Processing Time

ORS 166.292 allows the sheriff 45 days to review and issue the permit on a CHL application.

Fees

Fees are set by the county sheriff's office. Typical fees (as listed by Jackson County and Columbia County):

Note: Some counties may charge additional convenience fees for card payments.

License Duration and Renewal

• Validity: Oregon CHLs are valid for 4 years from the date of issuance, unless otherwise revoked or denied
• Renewal: Governed by ORS 166.295. Applicants should apply for renewal before expiration. Carrying concealed with an expired CHL is not permitted
• Active Military: Active members of the armed forces, National Guard, or Oregon National Guard may submit renewal applications while on active duty
• Renewal Timing: Applying more than 45 days prior to expiration may result in lost time on the current permit

Reciprocity

• Oregon does NOT recognize any other state's concealed handgun license or permit
• An Oregon CHL carries no force outside of Oregon unless recognized by another state
• Travelers should check the concealed carry requirements of any state they plan to visit

Open Carry

Per ORS 166.250(3): "Firearms carried openly in belt holsters are not concealed within the meaning of this section." Open carry of firearms is generally legal in Oregon without a license, though cities and counties may regulate the possession of loaded firearms in public places under ORS 166.173. CHL holders are exempt from local loaded firearm regulations.

Concealed Carry in Vehicles

Under ORS 166.250:

• A handgun is considered "readily accessible" if it is within the passenger compartment of a vehicle
• Without a CHL, a handgun in a vehicle must be stored in a closed and locked glove compartment, center console, or other container (with the key not inserted in the lock)
• For motorcycles, ATVs, or snowmobiles: the handgun must be in a locked container within or affixed to the vehicle, or equipped with a trigger lock or other locking mechanism
• With a valid CHL, a person may carry a concealed handgun readily accessible within a vehicle

Prohibited Locations

Even with a valid CHL, firearms are prohibited or restricted in certain locations:

• Federal Facilities: Federal courthouses, Social Security offices, secured areas of airports, airplanes, Post Offices
• Courthouses: District, Circuit, Municipal (entire building)
• Oregon State Capitol (per ORS 166.370)
• School Property: Marked or posted with signs prohibiting firearms (subject to ORS 166.370 and policies under ORS 166.377)
• Certain Public Buildings: Buildings subject to policies described in ORS 166.377(3)
• Indian Reservations or Property: Concealed carry prohibited without written permission of the tribal judge; may apply to certain casinos on tribal lands
• Military Reservations and Recruiting Offices
• National Forests: Areas marked or posted with signs prohibiting all firearms
• Endangered Species or Wildlife Refuge Areas: If prohibited by state or local law; cannot carry in buildings or structures where employees work (federal facilities)
• State Forest Lands: Designated Recreation Areas per OAR 629-025-0050
• Posted Private Property: Private businesses or facilities where the owner prohibits firearms possession
• Commercial Service Airports: Passenger terminals of airports with over one million passenger boardings per year (per ORS 166.360, enforced under ORS 166.370)

Possession in Public Buildings

ORS 166.370 governs possession of firearms in public buildings and court facilities. ORS 166.377 addresses possession of firearms in certain public buildings by concealed handgun licensees. ORS 166.380 allows a peace officer to examine a firearm and request presentation of a concealed handgun license.

Denial and Revocation

• Denial/Revocation: Governed by ORS 166.293. A CHL can be denied or revoked for any of the disqualifying conditions listed in the eligibility requirements
• Examples of Revocation Triggers: New arrests with pretrial release, conviction of a misdemeanor or felony, being named as respondent of a restraining order
• Notification: If denied or revoked, the applicant/holder will be sent a certified letter with the reason
• Appeal: ORS 166.293(5) provides an appeal process through filing a petition in Circuit Court within 30 days of receiving the denial/revocation letter
• Annual Reporting: ORS 166.297 requires annual reporting regarding revocation of licenses

Change of Address

• Oregon Revised Statutes require CHL holders to keep their current physical address on file with the issuing sheriff at all times
• Moving within the same county requires a change of address application ($15.00 fee)
• Moving to a different county within Oregon requires a transfer application to the new county sheriff
• Moving out of state: consult the regulating agency in the new state of residence

State Preemption

ORS 166.170 establishes state preemption over firearms regulation:

• The authority to regulate the sale, acquisition, transfer, ownership, possession, storage, transportation, or use of firearms is vested solely in the Legislative Assembly
• Counties, cities, or other municipal corporations may not enact ordinances to regulate firearms except as expressly authorized by state statute
• Ordinances contrary to this provision are void

Exceptions to preemption:

• Cities and counties may regulate the discharge of firearms (ORS 166.171, 166.172)
• Cities and counties may regulate possession of loaded firearms in public places (ORS 166.173), but CHL holders are exempt

Persons Exempt from ORS 166.250 (Concealed Carry Prohibition)

Per ORS 166.260, the following persons are not subject to the concealed carry prohibition:

• Parole and probation officers, police officers, or reserve officers (as defined in ORS 181A.355)
• Federal officers and certified reserve officers or corrections officers acting within scope of employment
• Honorably retired law enforcement officers (unless convicted of a disqualifying offense)
• Persons summoned by law enforcement to assist in making arrests
• Licensed CHL holders
• Licensed hunters or fishermen while engaged in hunting or fishing
• Members of shooting clubs while practicing at established target ranges

Firearms Background Checks

Oregon requires background checks for all firearm transfers:

• Dealer Sales: ORS 166.412 requires background checks through the Oregon State Police Firearms Instant Check System (FICS) for all transfers through federally licensed firearms dealers
• Private Party Sales: ORS 166.435 (Oregon Firearms Safety Act / SB 941) requires background checks for all private party transfers
• Gun Show Sales: ORS 166.433, 166.438, and 166.441 require background checks for private party sales at gun shows
• Fee: $10.00 per transaction
• CHL and Background Checks: A valid Oregon CHL does not exempt the holder from the background check requirement when purchasing a firearm

Key Definitions (ORS 166.210)

• Firearm: A weapon, by whatever name known, which is designed to expel a projectile by the action of powder
• Handgun: Any pistol or revolver using a fixed cartridge containing a propellant charge, primer and projectile, and designed to be aimed or fired otherwise than from the shoulder
• Concealed: Firearms carried openly in belt holsters are NOT concealed (ORS 166.250(3))