Oregon Concealed Handgun License (CHL): Permit Basics

Issuing Authority

Concealed Handgun Licenses in Oregon are issued by the county sheriff's office. Applicants apply through the sheriff of the county in which they reside (or, for Washington State residents, through certain Oregon county sheriffs). The CHL is valid throughout the entire state of Oregon.

Governing Statute: ORS 166.291 et seq.

Permit Type

• Official Name: Concealed Handgun License (CHL)
• Validity Period: 4 years from date of issuance, unless otherwise revoked or denied
• Scope: Authorizes carrying a handgun concealed upon one's person, or concealed and readily accessible within a vehicle (ORS 166)

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for an Oregon CHL, an applicant must meet all of the following requirements:

1. Age: Must be at least 21 years of age
2. Citizenship: Must 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 INS the intent to acquire citizenship (e.g., Form N-300)
3. Residency: Must reside in the issuing county, or (in some counties) own property/business or pay taxes in that county. Washington State residents may apply in certain Oregon counties with a valid Washington CPL and a compelling reason.
4. Application: Must submit a completed application
5. Firearm Safety Training: Must provide documentation demonstrating competency with a handgun through one of the following approved methods:
   • Hunter education or hunter safety course taught by the State Department of Fish or Wildlife with handgun safety as a component
   • National Rifle Association (NRA) course with handgun safety as a component
   • Law enforcement, community college, or private/public institution course instructed by an NRA-certified instructor with handgun safety as a component; or law enforcement training course or security office training with handgun safety as a component
   • Evidence of equivalent experience with a handgun through military service or organized shooting competition
   • Completion of any firearms training or safety course or class conducted by a firearms instructor certified by a law enforcement agency or the NRA, with handgun safety as a component
6. Background Check: Must pass a background check conducted by the sheriff's office

Disqualifying Factors

An applicant is not eligible if any of the following apply:

• Has been convicted of a felony (ever)
• Has been convicted of a misdemeanor within the last four years
• Has been convicted of a disqualifying crime of domestic violence
• Has been convicted of any crime involving a controlled substance (with limited exceptions, must not have had any misdemeanor or felony drug convictions or diversions other than for marijuana; must not have had more than one violation or misdemeanor conviction or diversion for marijuana possession)
• Is a registered sex offender in any state
• Has any outstanding warrants for arrest
• Is on any form of pretrial release
• Is subject to a current stalking order or restraining order
• Has been committed to the Oregon Health Authority under ORS 426.130
• Has been found mentally ill under ORS 426.130 and prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm because of mental illness
• Is subject to an order under ORS 426.133 for assisted outpatient treatment
• Is within the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court
• Has received a dishonorable discharge or dismissal from the armed forces of the United States

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. Applicants should check reciprocity agreements before traveling to other states.

Fees

Fees are set by the sheriff's office and are non-refundable (they cover the cost of the background check). Typical fee schedules (as listed by Jackson County and Columbia County):

Note: Some counties may charge a bank convenience fee (e.g., 2% for card payments). Fees may vary slightly by county.

Required Documentation

When applying for a CHL, applicants must provide:

1. Government-issued photo identification: e.g., DMV-issued driver license or ID card, U.S. Passport
2. One additional current piece of identification: e.g., voter's precinct card, insurance card, employee ID card
3. Proof of handgun safety course completion: actual certificate required (receipts are not accepted)
4. For Washington State residents: Valid Washington Concealed Pistol License (CPL)

Application Process

1. Complete an approved handgun safety course before applying
2. Submit application: many counties now offer online application through third-party software (e.g., Permitium, Laserfiche). Some counties allow in-person applications.
3. Pay the non-refundable fee
4. Schedule and attend an in-person appointment at the sheriff's office for fingerprinting (new and transfer applicants), photograph, and identity verification
5. Background check: once the office has received all required documentation (including fingerprints for new/transfer applicants and a photograph), the sheriff has 45 days to process the application (per ORS 166.292)

Processing Time

• The sheriff's office has 45 days from receipt of all required documentation to process the application

Renewal

• CHL renewal is governed by ORS 166.295
• Applicants should apply for renewal no more than 45 days before expiration to avoid losing time on the current permit
• A personal appearance is required for renewal (per ORS 166.295) for identity verification and a new photograph
• A receipt may be issued at the time of renewal that validates the CHL for an additional 45 days while the new card is processed
• An expired CHL does not authorize concealed carry: the applicant must receive the new card before legally carrying concealed again

Transfers

• If moving to a new county within Oregon, the CHL holder must transfer the license to the new county sheriff's office
• The new address must first be updated with the Department of Motor Vehicles before applying for a transfer

Address and Name Changes

• Address change: Must be submitted if the licensee moves within the county during the licensure period; no appointment is typically needed
• Name change: Must be changed at DMV first; documentation must be brought to the appointment

Additional Notes

• The Oregon CHL (also referred to as "Concealed Weapon Permit" or "Concealed Handgun License") is recognized by Oregon DMV as an acceptable form of identification, valid for up to five years past expiration, for non-REAL ID driver license/ID card applications
• Oregon Health Authority also recognizes a "concealed weapon permit with photo" as one of the acceptable forms of identification for ordering vital records
• Active members of the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard, or Oregon National Guard may submit renewal applications while on active duty