Oregon FAQ
Oregon FAQ
Oregon FAQ
Oregon Concealed Frequently Asked Questions
The application costs are listed in the table below. These costs are separate from the class fee you will pay to PDX Arsenal for your concealed class.
| New Application | $115.00 |
| Renewal License | $75.00 |
| Transfer Fee | $30.00 |
| Name Change | $15.00 |
| Address Change, Replacement | $15.00 |
Fees are non-refundable. Only checks, money order, and Visa/MasterCard are accepted.
The main reason the vast majority of Oregon residents choose to also get their Utah concealed firearm permit is for the ability to legally carry concealed in Washington state, which the Oregon concealed handgun license by itself does not cover. As an Oregon resident, once you possess both the Oregon and Utah concealed licenses you are legal to concealed your handgun in 38 states across the country! At class we will provide you a up to date color-coded reciprocity map that will be yours to take home for future reference showing which states you will be legal to conceal in once you have both your Oregon and Utah concealed licenses.
While you can attend your Oregon concealed class in any county that you'd like, you must apply for your concealed handgun license in the county in which you reside.
- Be a U.S. citizen, or a legal alien who can document continuous residency in the United States for at least six months and has declared, in writing, to the INS your intent to acquire citizenship (Form N300).
- Be at least 21 years of age.
- Have no legal condition that would prohibit you from possessing a firearm under either Oregon or Federal law.
- Have no outstanding warrants for your arrest.
- Not have been dishonorably discharged from the Armed Services.
- Not be an unlawful user of, or addicted to, a controlled substance.
- Not be on any form of pre-trial release.
- Not be required to register as a sex offender in any state.
- Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor, or found guilty of a misdemeanor within four years prior to application, except under ORS 161.295.
- Not be subject to a citation issued under ORS 161.555 or an order issued under ORS 30.866, 107.700 to 107.723 or 163.738 (e.g. Stalking or Restraining Orders).
- Demonstrate competence with a handgun by any one of the following means:
- The NRA concealed carry course offered here at PDX Arsenal meets and exceeds all requirements set forth by the state to get your concealed license;
- 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 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.
At PDX Arsenal, we understand that every student comes with a unique level of experience when it comes to safely handling and operating firearms.
That’s why our custom-tailored curriculum is designed with passion and precision to meet each individual’s needs. Our goal is for every student to leave our classes with a transformative improvement in both knowledge and confidence.
We cover essential topics such as firearm safety, the laws and lifestyle of concealed carry, and the legal use of force — including the justified use of lethal force.
We provide unrivaled post-class follow up care free of charge to answer any and all questions that may arise after class, regardless of how long ago you attended our course!
We are also extremely unique in that we are one of the only concealed licensing companies in Oregon that offers to pair the classroom portion of our concealed carry class with our highly recommended live-fire instruction which you will receive a 30% off discount on if your take your concealed class with us first. (optional separate classes)
We partner with nearly all local gun shops, and offer to go with any student of ours to help them purchase their first firearm free of charge.
Applications for your Oregon concealed handgun license are available online by visiting your local county sheriff’s website. PDX Arsenal provides every student a copy of our complete powerpoint presentation which includes a "resource slide" near the end of our presentation to help our students simplify the process of making their appointments with their local county sheriff station after completing our class.
Not at this time.
If you are a new applicant or you transfer from another county, you will need to schedule an appointment online with your local county sheriff station to obtain that county's CHL. (PDX Arsenal provides you a resource slide in our presentation that will be sent to every student after class that helps to simplify this process.)
Once the application is completed online and your appointment is made, you will visit your local county sheriff station's CHL unit for digital fingerprints, your passport quality photo which will be used on your Oregon CHL, and a criminal background check will be conducted. Once these required steps have been successfully completed, your Oregon CHL will either be printed and issued to you at the time of your appointment, or mailed to you a short time later. (depending on which county you reside in.)
You must be at least 21 years of age prior to attending your appointment with your local county sheriff station to obtain your Oregon Concealed Handgun License (CHL.)
Yes. The only exception is if you are a legal resident alien who can provide proof of continuous residency in the county you are applying in for at least six months, and you must declare in writing to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services of your intent to acquire citizenship by completing your Federal N-300 form.
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 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 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;
- 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;
It is possible, if your DD-214 specifically states the words pistol, sidearm or handgun training, it would satisfy the requirement. Words such as “small arms” or “marksmanship” alone will not fulfill the statutory requirement.
Oregon concealed handgun licenses are valid for 4 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, but you must re-apply in the county you are moving to through that county's sheriff station.
Does Oregon Recognize Concealed Carry Permits from Other States?
No, Oregon does not recognize or honor any other state’s concealed handgun licenses (CHLs). Regardless of whether you hold a valid concealed carry permit from another state, you are not legally allowed to carry a concealed firearm in Oregon unless you have been issued an Oregon Concealed Handgun License.
Oregon is considered a non-reciprocal concealed carry state, meaning:
Out-of-state concealed carry permits are not valid within Oregon’s borders.
To legally carry a concealed handgun in Oregon, you must apply for and be approved for an Oregon CHL through a county sheriff’s office.
Non-residents may apply for an Oregon CHL, but only certain counties accept applications from out-of-state residents, and some restrictions may apply.
🔍 Why Doesn’t Oregon Honor Other States’ CHLs?
Oregon law requires all applicants to meet specific eligibility criteria outlined in the Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS 166.291–166.295). Because other states have different standards and background check requirements, Oregon has chosen not to enter into reciprocity agreements with other states.
A concealed handgun license allows you to carry a loaded or unloaded concealed handgun upon your person or concealed within your control in a car or other means of transportation. It also eliminates the majority of the legal gray area that comes along with being a firearm owner in the state of Oregon.
No, Oregon's Concealed Handgun License (CHL) only allows you to carry a concealed handgun. Rifles, shotguns, knives, and other weapons are not allowed to be concealed as states in Oregon. Please see Oregon Statute ORS 166.210(4) for the definition of a handgun.
The only time you are legally allowed to carry a concealed long gun in the state of Oregon is if you are either going strictly to/from a shooting range for training purposes, or to/from the act of hunting or fishing and you must possess a valid license to cover you for that act.
Where Can You Not Carry a Concealed Handgun in Oregon?
Even if you possess a valid Oregon Concealed Handgun License (CHL), there are several places where carrying a firearm is prohibited by law. Below is a list of restricted areas in Oregon and beyond where firearms are not allowed, regardless of licensure:
1. Federal Facilities (Including USPS)
Firearms are strictly prohibited in all federal buildings and properties, including:
Federal courthouses
Federal correctional and mental health facilities
Secured areas of airports (including carry-on luggage zones)
United States Postal Service (USPS) locations, including parking lots
2. Oregon Public Schools and Universities
Following the enactment of Oregon Senate Bill 554 (2022), several public school districts and state universities have banned firearms on their premises—even for CHL holders. These include:
Portland Public Schools
Eugene Public Schools
Salem-Keizer Public Schools
Bend-La Pine Schools
Oregon State University (OSU)
Always check with the school district or campus security before visiting with a firearm.
3. Private Businesses
Private property owners have the right to restrict firearms on their premises. Key points:
You may enter a business with a "No Firearms" sign if you have a valid CHL.
However, if your firearm is seen and you are asked to leave but refuse, you could be charged under Oregon trespass laws.
A conviction may result in revocation of your concealed handgun license.
4. National Parks & Forests – Ranger Stations
You may carry a firearm in most national parks and forests in accordance with federal and state laws. However, firearms are prohibited inside ranger stations or any other posted federal buildings within these lands.
5. Indian Reservations & Tribal Lands
You cannot carry a concealed firearm on tribal lands or Indian reservations without written permission from the tribal judge. This includes many tribal casinos.
Exception: If you're passing through on a federal highway or interstate, and remain on that road, your travel may be permitted—but it's best to confirm with the tribal authority.
6. State Courts
Firearms are not allowed in the following court-related areas:
Courtrooms
Jury rooms
Judges' chambers
Adjacent areas designated as firearm-free by the presiding judge
These restrictions are designed to ensure the safety of litigants, staff, and visitors.
🔍 Important Reminder
If you plan to carry a firearm in Oregon, always research the specific rules and restrictions at your destination. Laws and policies can change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult the Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) or contact the facility or property owner directly.
✈️ Portland Airport (PDX) Firearm Policy
For firearm regulations at Portland International Airport, please contact the Port of Portland for the latest guidelines.
Stay informed, stay legal, and carry responsibly.
For more answers about Oregon gun laws, visit our full FAQ: PDXArsenal.com/Oregon-FAQ
You should report the loss of your concealed handgun license to the law-enforcement agency in the city or county in which you lost your license. You can apply online for a replacement. Once the application is completed online, and you pass the mandated criminal background check, a new license will be mailed to you.
The fee for a replacement license is normally $15.
You should first report your name-change to the DMV. After you notify DMV of your name change, we can issue a card with your new name.
Your driver’s license must display your new name prior to obtaining a new concealed handgun license. You can apply online for a name change. Once the application is completed online, if you pass the background check, a new license will be mailed to you.
The fee for a name change is $15.
Currently, the County Sheriff’s Office sends email reminders from the provided email listed on your application 45 days prior to your license’s expiration. This expiration date is listed on the back of your License.
You can renew your Oregon CHL online on your local county sheriff’s website. You are not required to be fingerprinted or to provide character references again. Once the application is completed online, if you pass the background check, a new license will be mailed to you.
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.
This is a serious firerarm offense and can result in your arrest, seizure of your handgun as well as a revocation of your concealed license with no possibility of getting it back.
ORS 166.292(2) states: “Failure of a person who carries a concealed handgun also to carry a concealed handgun license is prima facie evidence that the person does not have such a license.”
Yes. County sheriff stations are mandated by law to fingerprint new applicants for concealed handgun licenses, regardless of whether they have been fingerprinted before or not.
Yes.
It generally takes about 20 minutes to process new applications. ORS 166.292 allows the Sheriff 45 days to review your new application, conduct a background check and issue your new concealed handgun license.
At times we could take up to 45 days, but it is our goal to have your new concealed handgun license in the mail to you within 7 business days. It is safe to assume if there are issues that arise as a result of your background check; it will take 45 days for your new license to be issued or denied.
How Will I Know If My Oregon Concealed Handgun License (CHL) Was Denied or Revoked?
If your Oregon Concealed Handgun License (CHL) application is denied or your existing license is revoked, you will receive a formal written notice from the county sheriff’s office that processed your application or issued your permit.
The notice will typically include:
The reason for the denial or revocation
Information about your right to appeal the decision
Instructions on how to request a hearing if you choose to dispute the outcome
Each Oregon county may have slightly different procedures, but written notification is required by law under the Oregon Revised Statutes.
Common Reasons for CHL Denial or Revocation in Oregon Include:
Failing a background check
Providing false information on your application
A disqualifying criminal conviction
Mental health adjudication or commitment
Violating Oregon concealed carry laws or conditions
Being subject to a restraining or protective order
💡 Tip: If you’re unsure about your CHL status, contact the sheriff’s office in the county where you submitted your application. They can provide specific information regarding your case.
Stay informed, stay legal, and carry responsibly in Oregon.
For more answers to frequently asked questions about Oregon concealed carry laws, visit:
👉 https://pdxarsenal.com/oregon-faq/
Generally, anything that would cause you to be denied a license when you initially applied would cause your concealed handgun license to be revoked. Examples would include: new arrests where you are on a form of pre-trial release, any misdemeanor or felony conviction, being named as the respondent of a restraining order that’s in effect, etc.
Please call 503-794-8059 if you have a concern in this area.
Yes. Oregon law provides an appeal process for denials and revocations through the filing of a petition through Circuit Court. You have 30 days from the date you receive the revocation letter to appeal the decision. For additional information refer to ORS 166.293(5).
