Oregon CHL Frequently Asked Questions

Q.Even with a concealed handgun license, where can I not carry a firearm?

A. Oregon law provides very few limits on where a person with a Concealed Handgun License (CHL) can carry a firearm, and federal laws contain a few more prohibitions. Even if you have a Concealed Handgun License, you cannot carry a firearm on any of the following properties: 

Federal facilities - federal courthouses, social security offices, in secured areas of airports, and on airplanes 

National forests marked or posted by signs prohibiting all firearms 

Indian reservations or Indian property - you may not carry a firearm concealed without the written permission of the tribal judge; this may also apply to certain casinos on Indian lands 

Courts - in a courtroom, jury room, judge's chambers or adjacent areas that the presiding judge determines should be free of firearms to ensure the safety of the litigants, court personnel, witnesses and others 

Private property where the owner prohibits firearms possession 

If you violate these conditions you could, under certain circumstances, be subject to arrest under Oregon trespass laws, in which case your concealed handgun license would be seized and/or revoked. Learn more, read ORS 166.370. 

No person may bring a firearm or weapon into that portion of this building occupied by the County Circuit Court, except for a peace officer or federal officer on official duty. Violating these provisions may result in your arrest for a Class C felony, and could also result in your being found in contempt of court. ORS 166.370 and Uniform Trial Court Rule 6.180. 

No person may bring a firearm, weapon or other contraband into the secured perimeter of the County Jail, and all visitors to the jail must go through a security screening and metal detector. Knowingly introducing contraband into a correctional facility is a Class C felony. ORS 162.185. 

Q.What will disqualify me from obtaining a concealed handgun license?

A. Oregon law prohibits the issuance of a concealed handgun license to anyone convicted of a felony or convicted of a misdemeanor within the last four years, or anyone that is the respondent of a current restraining order or stalking order. 

Federal law prohibits anyone convicted of a domestic violence-related crime, misdemeanor or felony, from possessing a firearm. Also prohibited is anyone with more than one drug-related conviction and registered sex offenders. 

If you feel you are eligible for a license, please submit appropriate documentation to include dates and explanation of circumstances, including court orders surrounding your circumstances for further consideration. Include this information with your application. 

You are also ineligible for a concealed handgun license if you are not a U.S. citizen, unless you are a legal resident alien. You must be able to document continuous residency in the country for at least six months, and you must have declared in writing to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services the intent to acquire citizenship. You must be able to provide proof of the written declaration.

Q. How long are licenses valid?

A. Oregon concealed handgun licenses are valid for four years unless otherwise  revoked or denied. If you are transferring your permit from another county the expiration date will remain the same as your current permit.

Q. How do I meet the competency requirement to apply for an Oregon Concealed license 

A. Proof of competency must be presented at the time of your scheduled appointment. Please do not make an appointment until you have met the competency requirement in one of the following ways:

• Completion of any hunter education or hunter safety course approved by the State Department of Fish and Wildlife or a similar agency of another state if handgun safety was a component of the course;

• Completion of any National Rifle Association firearms safety or training course if handgun safety was a component of the course;

• 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 National Rifle Association or a law enforcement agency if handgun safety was a component of the course;

• The Online certification course offered by OregonConcealed.com

• Completion of any law enforcement firearms safety or training course or class offered for security guards, investigators, reserve law enforcement officers or any other law enforcement officers if handgun safety was a component of the course;

• Presents evidence of equivalent experience with a handgun through participation in organized shooting competition or military service;

• Is licensed or has been licensed to carry a firearm in this state, unless the license has been revoked; or

• Completion of any firearms training or safety course or class conducted by a firearms instructor certified by a law enforcement agency or the National Rifle Association if handgun safety was a component of the course. 

Q. Does Oregon recognize any other state’s concealed handgun licenses?

A. No. Not at this time.

Q. Do I have to take another handgun safety class to renew my license?

A. No. Your valid or expired concealed handgun license is proof that you attended a handgun safety course. 

There are no penalties for letting your license expire.  However, without a valid concealed handgun license, you have no authority to carry a handgun concealed.