Oregon FAQ

Oregon Concealed Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Oregon concealed handgun license cost?

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.

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Why should I get my Utah concealed license too?

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 35 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 on which states you are legal in.

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What are the requirements for obtaining a concealed handgun license in the State of Oregon?

You must apply for a concealed handgun license in the county in which you reside.

  1. 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).
  2. Be at least 21 years of age.
  3. Have no legal condition that would prohibit you from possessing a firearm under either Oregon or Federal law.
  4. Have no outstanding warrants for your arrest.
  5. Not have been dishonorably discharged from the Armed Services.
  6. Not be an unlawful user of, or addicted to, a controlled substance.
  7. Not be on any form of pre-trial release.
  8. Not be required to register as a sex offender in any state.
  9. Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor, or found guilty of a misdemeanor within four years prior to application, except under ORS 161.295.
  10. Not be subject to a citation issued under ORS 163.735 or an order issued under ORS 30.866, 107.700 to 107.723 or 163.738 (e.g. Stalking or Restraining Orders).
  11. 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.
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How are you different from other instructors?

Here at PDX Arsenal we understand that each student has various levels of experience in the safe handling and shooting of firearms. Our carefully crafted curriculum is delivered with passion to ensure that every student who attends is not only confident in the understanding of the material covered, but leaves class with a firm understanding of the laws surrounding firearms, and when the use of force (including lethal force) is justified.

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 the only concealed company in Oregon that offers to pair the classroom portion of our concealed carry class with our highly recommended 30% off live-fire instruction. (optional separate classes)

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How do I obtain an application?

Applications for your Oregon concealed handgun license are available online on your local county sheriff’s website.

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Can I check the status of my CHL application online?

Not at this time.

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Do I need to make an appointment?

If you are a New Applicant or a Transfer from another county, you will need to schedule an appointment online. For all other Concealed Handgun License transactions, you do not need an appointment if you fill out our online application. Once the application is completed online, if you pass the background check, a new license will be mailed to you.

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How old do I have to be to apply for a concealed handgun license?

You must be at least 21 years of age prior to making application for a concealed handgun license.

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Do I have to be a citizen of the United States to get a concealed handgun license?

Yes. The only exception is if you are a legal resident alien who can document continuous residency in the county for at least six months and has declared in writing to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services the intent to acquire citizenship status and can present proof of the written declaration to the sheriff at the time of application for the license.

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How do I meet the competency requirement to apply for an Oregon concealed carry license?

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;
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I am a veteran with a DD-214; does that satisfy the competency requirement for my application?

It is possible, if your DD-214 specifically states the words pistolsidearm or handgun training, it would satisfy the requirement. Words such as “small arms” or “marksmanship” alone will not fulfill the statutory requirement.

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How long are licenses valid?

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.

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

No.

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What will the concealed handgun license allow me to do?

A concealed handgun license allows you to carry a loaded or unloaded handgun concealed 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.

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Does a concealed handgun license allow me to carry any weapon?

No. This is a concealed handgun license. See ORS 166.210(4) for the definition of a handgun.

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Are there places I can't carry my handgun concealed?

Yes. There are several locations in which you cannot carry a firearm, even with a concealed handgun license, including:

  • Any federal facility — federal courthouses, social security offices, secured areas of airports, airplanes.
  • Posted private property where the owner prohibits firearms possession, and others.
  • Many private businesses have conditions regarding the possession of firearms on their premises.  If you violate these conditions you could, under certain circumstances, be subject to arrest under Oregon trespass laws, in which case, if convicted, your concealed handgun licensee would be seized and/or revoked.
  • National parks marked or posted with signs prohibiting all firearms.
  • Indian reservations or property — you may not carry a firearm concealed without the written permission of the tribal judge; this may also apply to certain casinos on tribal 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 litigants, court personnel witnesses, and others.

PLEASE NOTE: If you plan to carry your handgun, it is important to research the requirements at these locations before you go. Please see the Oregon Revised Statutes for any updated Oregon State restrictions.  If in doubt, contact the facility you plan to visit directly to obtain their policy.

For information regarding the Portland airports please contact the Port or Portland.

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What should I do if I lose or misplace my concealed handgun license?

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, if you pass the background check, a new license will be mailed to you.

The fee for a replacement license is $15.

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What do I do if I change my name?

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.

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Will I receive notification that my license will expire?

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.

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How do I renew my concealed handgun license when it expires?

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.

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

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.

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What will happen if I have a concealed handgun license but do not have it on my person when I'm stopped by a law enforcement officer and have a concealed handgun in my possession?

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.”

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If I have been fingerprinted previously and my fingerprints are on file with the Oregon State Police, do I have to be fingerprinted again?

Yes. We are mandated by law to fingerprint new applicants for concealed handgun licenses, regardless of whether they have been fingerprinted before or not.

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If my fingerprints are on file with the Oregon State Police, as a new applicant do I have to wait to have my concealed handgun license mailed to me?

Yes.

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How long does it take to renew my concealed handgun license?

It generally takes about 10 minutes to apply for your renewal application online.  Assuming there is nothing in your background to preclude you from renewing your license; once your background check is completed, a new license will be mailed to you.

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How long does it take to get my new concealed handgun license?

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 you 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.

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How will I know if my application was denied or my concealed handgun license was revoked?

If your concealed handgun license is denied or revoked, you will be sent a certified letter advising you of that fact and the reason for the denial/revocation.

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What would cause my concealed handgun license to be revoked?

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.

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If my concealed handgun license application is denied or my concealed handgun license is revoked, can I appeal?

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).

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