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Oklahoma Concealed Carry Laws |
Oklahoma is a shall-issue, permitless carry state. Licenses are processed at the county level by the local sheriff’s office.
No permit is needed to purchase a firearm from a private individual, there is no waiting period, and there is no firearms registration in the state. A background check is required if purchasing a handgun from a Federal Firearms Dealer.
Open carry is legal without a license for anyone that can legally own a firearm and is at least 21 years old (or at least 18 years old for members or veterans of the U.S. military) in lawful self-defense and self-protection or any other legitimate purpose such as hunting, fishing, educational, or recreational purposes. Some areas are off-limits, including public government buildings.
Oklahoma has permitless carry, allowing anyone who is at least 21 years old (or at least 18 years old and is a member of the military or honorably discharged veteran) that can legally own a firearm to openly or concealed carry without a license. Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation’s Self-Defense Act Licenses (SDAL) are issued to residents and military personnel and their spouses stationed in Oklahoma only. A person must be 21 or older, have completed a firearms course, and meet other criteria to apply. There are restrictions on the caliber of the firearm a license holder can carry, with .45 caliber being the highest. Licenses are not available for non-residents. In terms of reciprocity, Oklahoma recognizes permits issued by all other states. Additionally, residents of other permitless carry states can carry in the state.
A person who uses justified defensive force is immune from criminal prosecution and civil action for the use of such defensive force.
Oklahoma is a Castle Doctrine state and has a “stand your ground” statute. There is no duty to retreat, and the law applies in any place where a person has a right to be. A person has no duty to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground and meet force with force, including deadly force, if he or she reasonably believes it is necessary to do so to prevent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another, or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony.
A person within a place of worship or at a business is presumed to have held a reasonable fear of imminent peril of death or great bodily harm when using defensive force that is intended or likely to cause death or great bodily harm to another if:
- The person against whom the defensive force was used was in the process of unlawfully and forcefully entering or had unlawfully entered a dwelling, residence, occupied vehicle, place of business, or place of worship, or if that person had removed or was attempting to remove another against the person’s will; or
- The person who uses defensive force knew or had reason to believe that an unlawful and forcible entry or unlawful and forcible act was occurring or had occurred; or
- The person who uses defensive force knew or had a reasonable belief that the person against whom the defensive force was used entered or was attempting to enter into a dwelling, residence, occupied vehicle, place of business, or place of worship for the purpose of committing a forcible felony, and that the defensive force was necessary to prevent the commission of the forcible felony.
“Dwelling” means a building or conveyance of any kind, including any attached porch, whether the building or conveyance is temporary or permanent, mobile or immobile, which has a roof over it, including a tent, and is designed to be occupied by people.
“Residence” means a dwelling in which a person resides either temporarily or permanently or is visiting as an invited guest.
Gun Permit Licensure?
If Oklahoma requires a license to carry a concealed firearm, how are those licenses issued?
Oklahoma is a shall-issue state.
Minimum Age for Concealed Carry?
What is the minimum age in Oklahoma to get a concealed carry license?
The minimum age to concealed carry in Oklahoma is 21 years old.
Tasers or Stun Guns?
Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Oklahoma?
Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a license.
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed?
Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Oklahoma with a concealed carry license (or under permitless carry if applicable)?
No. However, handguns larger than .45 caliber or >16" in length are prohibited.
Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray?
Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Oklahoma?
Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Oklahoma. It is unlawful to use pepper spray against another person knowing the other person to be a peace officer, corrections officer, probation or parole officer, firefighter, or an emergency medical technician or paramedic who is acting in the course of official duty.
Magazine Limits for Handguns?
Does Oklahoma have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?
No. Oklahoma does not have magazine capacity restrictions.
Ammunition Restrictions?
Does Oklahoma have ammunition restrictions?
Yes. The possession or use of any “restricted bullet” is prohibited. Carrying a concealed handgun loaded with ammunition larger than .45 caliber is also prohibited.
Permitless Carry?
Does Oklahoma allow permitless carry?
Yes. Permitless carry went into effect on November 1, 2019. It allows anyone who is at least 21 years old (or at least 18 years old and is a member of the military or honorably discharged veteran) that can legally possess a firearm to carry openly or concealed without a license.
Open Carry Permitted?
Is open carry permitted in Oklahoma?
Yes, with a license for anyone at least 18 years old. Without a license, it is permitted for anyone that can legally own a firearm and is at least 21 years old (or at least 18 years old for members or veterans of the U.S. military) in lawful self-defense and self-protection or any other legitimate purpose.
Carry in Bars/Restaurants That Serve Alcohol?
Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Oklahoma? Yes, you can carry in the restaurant area of establishments that serve alcohol, provided you are not under the influence and it is not posted otherwise. However, carry is not permitted in the bar areas. [Okla. Stat. tit. 12A, § 1272.1]
Carry in Vehicle?
Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Oklahoma? Yes, you can carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle without a license. [Okla. Stat. tit. 12A, § 1289.7]
Carry at Roadside Rest Areas?
Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Oklahoma? Yes, concealed carry is allowed at roadside rest areas in Oklahoma. [Okla. Stat. tit. 12A, § 1289.7]
Carry in State/National Parks, State/National Forests and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)?
Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests, and Wildlife Management Areas in Oklahoma? Yes, except in any buildings within these areas. [Okla. Stat. tit. 12A, § 1277.B.4]
Carry/Possess at a Hotel?
Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Oklahoma? Hotels may restrict firearms on their property unless stored in a locked vehicle. Contact the hotel for specific policies. [Okla. Stat. tit. 12A, §§ 1290.22(B) and (C)]
Store in a Vehicle in an Employee Parking Lot?
Does Oklahoma have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot? Employers cannot prohibit storing firearms in locked vehicles in employee parking areas. [Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 21, § 1290.22(B)][Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 21, § 1289.7a]
Duty to Inform Officer You're Carrying?
Do you have a duty to inform a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Oklahoma?
No. There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Oklahoma unless the officer asks.
Driver's License Linked to Carry License?
Is my Oklahoma driver’s license linked to my Oklahoma carry license?
No. Your Oklahoma driver’s license is not linked to your Oklahoma Self-Defense Act license. Therefore, a law enforcement officer (LEO) will not be notified that you are a concealed carry license holder immediately when they run your driver’s license. However, LEOs may have access to other databases where they can obtain this information.
"No Weapons Allowed" Signs Enforced?
Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in Oklahoma?
Yes, if you are asked to leave a private establishment and refuse, you may be charged with a misdemeanor and required to pay a fine, spend time in county jail, and/or both.
Preemption?
Does Oklahoma have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e. Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)?
Yes. The authority to regulate firearms is reserved to the state, except local municipalities may regulate the discharge of firearms within the jurisdiction. State preemption is now extended to Red Flag laws as well.
Red Flag Law?
Does Oklahoma have a red flag law?
No. Oklahoma does not have a red flag law.
Non-Resident Permitting?
Does Oklahoma issue concealed carry licenses to non-residents?
Yes. Only members of the military stationed in Oklahoma and their spouses.
Public Access to Concealed Carry Registry?
Does Oklahoma allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?
No, however, the information is available for law enforcement.
Brandishing?
Does Oklahoma state law define brandishing?
No definition of brandishing was found in Oklahoma law. However, it shall be unlawful for any person to willfully or without lawful cause point a shotgun, rifle or pistol, or any deadly weapon, whether loaded or not, at any person or persons for the purpose of threatening or with the intention of discharging the firearm or with any malice or for any purpose of injuring, either through physical injury or mental or emotional intimidation or for purposes of whimsy, humor or prank, or in anger or otherwise.
Carry While Using Alcohol or Drugs?
Does Oklahoma have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or drugs?
Not while under the influence of beer, intoxicating liquors or any hallucinogenic, or any unlawful or unprescribed drug, or any drug prescribed by a licensed physician if the aftereffects of such consumption affect mental, emotional or physical processes to a degree that would result in abnormal behavior.
Purchase Permits?
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Oklahoma?
No. A permit is not required to purchase a handgun in Oklahoma.
Background Checks for Private Gun Sales?
Are background checks required for private gun sales in Oklahoma?
No. Private firearms transfers are not subject to a background check requirement, although federal and state purchaser prohibitions, including age restrictions, still apply. It is recommended that you retain any sales receipts to prove ownership of the gun.
Oklahoma License Exempts from Background Check?
Does my current Oklahoma concealed carry license exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm?
No.
Waiting Period?
Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Oklahoma?
No. There is not a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Oklahoma.
Handgun Registration?
Do handguns need to be registered in Oklahoma?
No. Handguns do not need to be registered in Oklahoma.
Minimum Age to Possess and Transport?
What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Oklahoma?
18 years old. It is unlawful for any parent or guardian to intentionally, knowingly or recklessly permit his or her child to possess any firearm if the parent is aware of a substantial risk that the child will use the weapon to commit a criminal offense or if the child has either been adjudicated a delinquent or has been convicted as an adult for any criminal offense that contains as an element the threat or use of physical force against the person of another. It is unlawful for any child to possess any firearm, except firearms used for participation in hunting animals or fowl, hunter safety classes, education and training in the safe use and handling of firearms, target shooting, skeet, trap or other sporting events or competitions.
Possess a Handgun on My Private Property Without a License?
Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a license?
Yes. Permitless carry is allowed in Oklahoma for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm.
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
California (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Colorado (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Connecticut (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Delaware (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
District of Columbia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Hawaii (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Illinois (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Indiana (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)
Maryland (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Massachusetts (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Michigan (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Minnesota (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Nebraska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Nevada (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Jersey (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Mexico (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New York (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New York City (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
North Carolina (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oregon (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Pennsylvania (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Puerto Rico (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Rhode Island (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Washington (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wisconsin (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Delaware
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nevada
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)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Colorado (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
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)
New Mexico (at least 21 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Pennsylvania (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)
Virginia (at least 21 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wisconsin (only permits issued/renewed on or after 10/1/2018 and 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)
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)
Application: Where can I find the application for an Oklahoma handgun license?
You can find the application here.
Processing Time: How long does it take to process an Oklahoma handgun license?
It takes 14 days for the Sheriff’s office, 60 days for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation if there are no exceptions, and 90 days if there are exceptions.
Non-Resident Concealed Carry Licenses: Can non-residents obtain concealed carry licenses in Oklahoma?
Licenses are granted only to active-duty military personnel and their spouses stationed in Oklahoma. The process is the same as for residents.
Lost/Stolen Licenses: What should I do if my handgun license is lost or stolen?
If your license is lost or stolen, submit a notarized statement requesting replacement or use the Change of Information/Replacement License Request Form. The replacement fee is $15.
Name/Address Changes: How do I update my name or address on my handgun license?
Submit a notarized statement with the updated information or use the Change of Information / Replacement License Request Form. The fee for a replacement license with updated information is $15.
Requirements: What are the eligibility requirements for an Oklahoma handgun license?
- Be at least 21 years of age or 18 years old and a member of the military, reserves, or honorably discharged veteran.
- Be a citizen of the United States or a lawful permanent resident in Oklahoma.
- Have a valid Oklahoma driver’s license or state photo ID.
- Be knowledgeable of the Oklahoma Self Defense Act.
- Complete an approved firearms training class or obtain an exemption.
- Not have any felony convictions, outstanding felony warrants, or certain misdemeanor convictions.
- Not be adjudicated incompetent or undergoing treatment for mental illness.
- Meet federal law requirements.
Fees: What are the fees for an Oklahoma handgun license?
- Initial 5-year License: $100
- Renewal 5-year License: $85
- Initial 10-year License: $200
- Renewal 10-year License: $170
Valid For: How long is an Oklahoma handgun license valid?
It is valid for either 5 years or 10 years, depending on the license type.
Residency Changes: What should I do if I change my residency status?
If you are moving to Oklahoma, you can apply for a resident license once you have a valid Oklahoma driver’s license or state photo ID. If you are moving from Oklahoma, your Oklahoma license expires upon establishing residency in another state.
- Carry in Bars/Restaurants that Serve Alcohol? You can concealed carry in the restaurant area of an eatery that serves alcohol without a license, unless posted and provided you are not under the influence. However, concealed carry is not allowed in bars or the bar areas of restaurants.
- Carry in My Vehicle Without a Permit/License? Yes.
- Carry on a Boat? Yes.
- Carry When Traveling on a City Bus? Yes, it is allowed on public buses.
- Carry in Roadside Rest Areas? Yes.
- Carry in State/National Parks and State/National Forests? Yes, but not in any buildings.
- 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 at the Tulsa Zoo & Gathering Place? As of November 1, 2019, concealed carry is allowed in any municipal zoo or park of any size that is owned, leased, operated, or managed by a public trust or nonprofit entity.
Places off-limits even with a permit/license:
- Any structure, building, or office space which is owned or leased by a city, town, county, state, or federal governmental authority for the purpose of conducting business with the public.
- Any meeting of any city, town, county, state, or federal officials, school board members, legislative members, or any other elected or appointed officials.
- Any courthouse or courtroom.
- Any publicly owned or operated sports arena or venue during a professional sporting event, unless allowed by the event holder.
- Any place where gambling is authorized by law, unless allowed by the property owner.
- Any elementary school, secondary school, or school bus.
- Any college, university, or technology center school property, unless allowed by school policy (except firearms properly stored in vehicles in parking areas).
- Any prison, jail, or detention facility.
- Any place where the sale of low-point beer or alcoholic beverages constitutes the primary purpose of the business (although it is allowed in the restaurant area).
- Anywhere when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Private businesses, organizations, or residences that prohibit open carry.
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law or state law or regulation.
I can legally carry a concealed firearm in Oklahoma, but can I wear a COVID 19 protective mask while carrying concealed?
There is no known statute in Oklahoma making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed. Two state laws making it unlawful to wear a mask which conceals the identity of the wearer during the commission of a crime or for the purpose of coercion, intimidation or harassment and committing an assault with a dangerous weapon while masked. However they do not address wearing a mask while legally carrying a concealed firearm.
[Tit. 21, §§ 1301 & 1303]
Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Oklahoma?
Yes. If you are approached by a game warden or other law enforcement officer you will need to immediately notify them that you are carrying a concealed weapon. The handgun cannot be used to down a deer. Federal lands such as Corps of Engineers or National Wildlife Refuges are subject to additional regulations.
[OK Dept of Wildlife Conservation]
Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in Oklahoma?
Yes. Under the provisions of the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act a person may carry a firearm on any private or public state lands. This includes, but is not limited to while hunting, fishing, scouting and tracking. Federal lands such as Corps of Engineers or National Wildlife Refuges are subject to additional regulations that may prevent the provisions of this act. However, the handgun cannot be used to down an archery deer.
[OK General Hunting Regulations]
Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in Oklahoma?
Yes. A person may not willfully obstruct or impede the participation of any individual in the lawful activity of shooting, hunting, fishing or trapping in this state. Provided, that nothing in this section shall prohibit a landowner or lessee from exercising their lawful rights of prohibiting hunting, fishing or trapping on their land, or any other legal right.
[Okla. Stat. tit. § 29-5-212]
It is legal to own any type of knife in Oklahoma. Knives may be carried for self defense, hunting, fishing, recreating, for educational purposes and for live historical reenactments. The possession of any weapon on school grounds is illegal.
[Okla. Stat. tit. 21 , §§ 1272, 1280.1]