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Oregon Concealed Carry Laws |
Oregon's gun laws cover various aspects of firearm possession, open carry, concealed carry, and use of force.
Oregon is a shall-issue state for concealed carry permits (CHLs), processed at the county level by the sheriff’s office. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and demonstrate handgun competence through training or military experience. Non-residents from contiguous states can also apply.
Open carry is legal in Oregon without a permit, though local jurisdictions can impose restrictions. The minimum age for open carry is 18 years old. Certain locations, like federal facilities, are off-limits.
No license is required for firearm purchases, but private-party transfers must go through a licensed dealer with a background check. Records of dealer sales are kept for five years by the Oregon State Police.
Oregon law allows the use of physical force for self-defense or defense of others against unlawful force. Deadly force is justified to prevent certain felonies or in defense against deadly threats, without a duty to retreat in public areas.
Deadly force can be used to prevent specific felonies or imminent deadly threats, but only in defense of oneself or others.
Oregon's laws do not explicitly include a Castle Doctrine or stand-your-ground provision, but they affirm the right to self-defense with necessary force.
Does Oregon allow constitutional carry?
No. Oregon is not a constitutional carry state.
Is open carry permitted in Oregon?
Yes, without a license. However, local governments can prohibit open carry for persons who do not have an Oregon concealed handgun license and are carrying a loaded handgun in public places (inside of vehicles are considered public places). For instance, the cities of Portland, Beaverton, Tigard, Oregon City, Salem and Independence, plus the entirety of Multnomah County, prohibit open carry of loaded firearms. All public buildings are off-limits for those that open carry without an Oregon concealed handgun license.
If Oregon requires a license to carry a concealed firearm, how are those licenses issued?
Oregon follows a shall-issue license policy.
What is the minimum age in Oregon to get a concealed carry license?
The minimum age to carry concealed in Oregon is 21.
Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Oregon with a concealed carry license (or under permitless carry if applicable)?
No. An Oregon CHL only allows the concealed carry of handguns.
Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Oregon?
Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a license.
Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Oregon?
Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Oregon. However, a person can be charged with a crime for recklessly discharging either of these items against another person.
Does Oregon have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?
No. There are no handgun magazine capacity limits in Oregon.
Does Oregon have ammunition restrictions?
Yes. It is illegal to possess teflon-coated handgun ammunition or handgun ammunition coated with any chemical compound with properties similar to Teflon and which is intended to penetrate soft body armor, for any person with the intent to use the ammunition in the commission of a felony.
Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Oregon?
Yes, with an OR CHL. Without a license, a loaded handgun must not be concealed and readily accessible. A handgun is considered readily accessible if it is in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. However, local governments can set their own laws on public places, which includes vehicles.
Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Oregon?
Yes, with an OR CHL.
Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in Oregon?
Yes, with an OR CHL.
Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Oregon?
Yes, there is no statute making it illegal to concealed carry with a valid OR CHL, unless posted.
Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Oregon?
Oregon statutes don't specifically address firearms at hotels. Please note that each hotel develops its own policies.
Does Oregon have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot?
Not addressed in Oregon state law.
Is my Oregon driver’s license linked to my Oregon carry license?
Yes. Your Oregon driver’s license is linked to your Oregon concealed handgun license. Therefore, a law enforcement officer will be notified immediately that you are a concealed carry license holder if they run your driver’s license.
Does Oregon have preemption laws related to concealed carry?
Yes, the state has preemption of firearms laws in Oregon, except cities may:
- Regulate the discharge of firearms within the city’s boundaries; and
- Regulate, restrict, or prohibit the possession of loaded firearms in public places.
Does Oregon have a red flag law?
Oregon has a red flag law. A law enforcement officer or a family or household member of a person may file a petition enjoining the person from having in the person’s custody or control, owning, purchasing, possessing, or receiving, or attempting to purchase or receive, a deadly weapon.
Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in Oregon?
No. Oregon does not enforce "No Weapons Allowed" signs.
Does Oregon have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or drugs?
Not addressed in state statutes. As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgment, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.
Does Oregon issue concealed carry licenses to non-residents?
Yes, only for residents of contiguous states with compelling business interest or other legitimate demonstrated need.
Does Oregon allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?
No, however, the information is available for law enforcement.
Do you have a duty to inform a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Oregon?
No. There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Oregon.
Does Oregon state law define brandishing?
No definition of brandishing was found in Oregon law. However, a person commits the crime of menacing if by word or conduct the person intentionally attempts to place another person in fear of imminent serious physical injury. Additionally, unlawful use of a weapon and pointing a firearm laws apply.
Do handguns need to be registered in Oregon? No. However, whenever a retail dealer, pawnbroker or otherwise, buys or accepts in trade, a used firearm, the person shall enter in a register the time, date and place of purchase or trade, the name of the person selling or trading the firearm, the number of the identification documentation presented by the person and the make, model and manufacturer’s number of the firearm. The form is provided to the local law enforcement agency. Firearms dealers are required to retain a firearms transaction thumbprint form for 5 years after completion of the form.
What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Oregon? The minimum age to possess or transport a handgun in Oregon is 18 years old. [ORS § 166.470]
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Oregon? No permit is required when purchasing a handgun in Oregon.
Does my current Oregon concealed carry license exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm? No.
Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Oregon? No. There is no waiting period to buy a handgun in Oregon.
Are background checks required for private gun sales in Oregon? Yes. Private sales must be conducted by or processed through a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) pursuant to a background check. Exceptions include the transfer of a firearm to:
- A transferor's spouse or domestic partner, parent or stepparent, child or stepchild, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, aunt or uncle first cousin, niece or nephew; and
- The spouse or domestic partner of a person specified above; Also exempt is the transfer of a firearm that occurs because of the death of the firearm owner, provided that:
- The transfer is conducted or facilitated by a personal representative or a trustee of a trust created in a will; and
- The child or stepchild of the deceased. [Or. Rev. Stat. § 166.435]
Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a license? Yes. A concealed carry license is not required in a person’s place of residence or place of business. “Residence” includes a recreational vessel or recreational vehicle while used, for whatever period of time, as residential quarters for any lawful purpose. [Or. Rev. Stat. § 166.250(2)(b)]
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Carolina
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Virginia
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Michigan (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Link to example application (Each county has its own application.)
Moving to Oregon and interested in applying for a resident license? How soon can you apply? Oregon issues licenses to residents and residents of contiguous states with compelling business interests or other legitimate demonstrated needs only. You can apply for your license with the sheriff of your county once you provide proof of residency with your current address (Oregon driver’s license, voter registration card, etc.) or, if you are a resident of a contiguous state, once you provide a compelling business interest or other legitimate demonstrated need.
Moving from Oregon and have an Oregon resident license? Does that license transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Oregon license remains valid? If a person with an Oregon resident concealed handgun license establishes residency in another state, the license expires upon the establishment of residence in the other state.
An applicant must:
- Be at least 21 years of age;
- Demonstrate competence with a handgun;
- Provide proof of residency (Oregon driver’s license, voter registration card, etc.);
- Have a current address on his or her driver’s license;
- Be a citizen of the U.S.;
- Not have been convicted of a felony or found “guilty, except for insanity” of a felony;
- Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor or found “guilty, except for insanity” of a misdemeanor within the 4 years prior to the application;
- Not have been committed to the Oregon Health Authority;
- Not have been found to be mentally ill and not be subject to an order that the person be prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm as a result of that mental illness;
- Have no outstanding warrants for his or her arrest;
- Not have been convicted of an offense involving controlled substances or have participated in a court-supervised drug diversion program including a misdemeanor conviction for the possession of marijuana (unless it is the person’s first conviction or drug diversion);
- Not be on any form of pretrial release;
- Not be registered as a sex offender in any state;
- Not have been discharged from the jurisdiction of a juvenile court in the previous 4 years if under such jurisdiction for committing an act which, if committed by an adult, would have constituted a felony or a misdemeanor;
- Not have received a dishonorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces;
- Not be subject to a citation for stalking or a protective order issued pursuant to certain statutory provisions;
- Meet federal law requirements. *Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Oregon.
Initial License $100 plus $15 for background check Renewals $75
4 years
45 days
Sheriffs "may issue" licenses to residents of contiguous states with compelling business interest or other legitimate demonstrated need. The process is the same as for residents.
The process varies by county. Contact your county sheriff's office. There is a $15 fee.
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. Per the passage of SB 554, as of September 25, 2021, gun owners are required to report a stolen firearm within 72 hours of noticing it is gone. The process varies by county, but you may be able to apply online for a replacement. There is a $15 replacement fee.
An otherwise expired concealed handgun license continues to be valid for up to 45 days after the licensee applies for renewal if:
- The licensee applies for renewal before the original license expires;
- The licensee has proof of the application for renewal; and
- The application for renewal has not been denied.
Obtain an application form at your local county sheriff’s office. Some counties have an application you can download.
Take the completed application to the county sheriff’s office with the following:
- Your current/expired Concealed Handgun License; and
- Your Oregon Driver's License. Pay the fee.
You may receive a new CHL the same day. If not, you will be notified by mail if your application has been approved.
- The definition of public building (above) includes colleges and universities as well as the adjacent grounds, and by statute, concealed carry license holders are allowed to carry in them. However, all seven state colleges and universities plus most community colleges have internal policies banning firearms on the properties.
- Based on the passage of SB 554, as of September 25, 2021, the following locations are off-limits:
- The Capitol
- The terminal of Portland International Airport (with an exception for unloaded guns stowed securely in checked baggage)
- Schools, community colleges, and universities may prohibit firearms on school grounds, provided they post clearly visible signs as well as posting on their website.
- Court facilities, however, the presiding judge of a judicial district or a municipal court may enter an order permitting the possession of specified weapons in a court facility; [Or. Rev. Stat. § 166.360, Or. Rev. Stat. § 166.370]
- Dept. of Correction facilities [Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 169.076(6), 169.077(3) & 169.078(4)];
- Commission for the Blind property (including vehicles) [OAR 585-001-0010(6)];
- Racetracks [Or. Racing Comm. § 462-130-0010(w)];
- Posted private businesses or private property;
- National parks/forests marked or posted with signs prohibiting all firearms;
- Secured areas of airports;
- Indian reservations or property; and
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law or state law or regulation.
- Carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol? Yes, with an OR CHL.
- Carry in my vehicle without a permit/license? No.
- Carry in roadside rest areas? Yes, with an OR CHL.
- Carry in state/national parks, state/national forests, and WMAs? Yes, with an OR CHL.
- Carry in places of worship? There is no State statute prohibiting concealed carry in places of worship. However, since places of worship are private property, they may post signs prohibiting firearms.
- Carry in public buildings? Yes, with an OR CHL. “Public building” [ORS 166.360(9)] means a hospital, a capitol building, a public or private school, a college or university (however, see Can't Carry Section below for internal college policies), a city hall or the residence of any state official elected by the state at large, and the grounds adjacent to each such building, although court facilities are excluded. [ORS 166.370(3)(g)]
It is legal to open carry any type of knife. Unless you have been convicted of a felony, you can own any knife you choose in Oregon. It is illegal in Oregon to concealed carry on your person a dirk, dagger or stabbing knife, a butterfly knife, gravity knife, any knife with a blade that projects or swings into position by force of a spring or by centrifugal force, or any similar instrument by the use of which injury could be inflicted upon the person or property of any other person. Knives are prohibited in public buildings and court facilities except for an ordinary pocketknife having a blade less than 4 inches in length.
[Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 166.240, 166.370]
I can legally carry a concealed firearm in Oregon, but can I wear a COVID-19 protective mask while carrying concealed?
Oregon law allows residents to conceal carry a firearm while also wearing a mask.
Yes. There are no Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife administrative rules that restrict the right to carry or have in your possession a firearm at any time. You may not hunt with that firearm unless regulations for the area and type of hunt in which you are participating allow you to do so.
Yes. You may carry or have in your possession a firearm during a general or controlled archery (bow) season. You must use legal archery equipment to hunt animals for which you have an archery tag.
[OR Dept of Fish & Wildlife Fast Facts about Firearms Possession]
Yes. A person commits the offense of obstructing the taking of wildlife if the person, having no right to do so, interferes with the lawful taking, or the process of taking, of wildlife by another with the intent to prevent the taking.
[ORS 496.994]