Oregon Concealed Handgun License: Frequently asked Questions

Oregon Concealed Handgun License FAQ's 

What do I do if I move? If you move within your County, please contact your county office or check their website for instructions.  If you no longer have residency in your county of application (see ORS 166.291 for the definition), you must apply to the County Sheriff of your new residence address to transfer your CHL.  There is typically a $15.00 fee for this transfer.  The expiration date of your CHL will remain the same.  If you move out of state, consult the regulating agency where you are residing.

Does the 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.

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 carry permit, including:

Federal Facilities - federal courthouses, social security offices, secured areas of airports, airplanes. Posted private property where the owner prohibits firearms possession, and others. National forests 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.  Learn more at ORS 166.370 Where do I find Oregon Concealed Handgun law?Oregon concealed handgun law can be found at:  http://oregonconcealedtraining.com/oregon-gun-laws-conceal-carry-ors-166-291/ How long is a CHL valid?Four years from date of issue.  However, an arrest or criminal activity involvement is cause of revocation . What are the application requirements? There are three requirements: 1.  County Residency* 2.  Proof of Competency 3.  Pass a criminal background check            *residency is defined in ORS 166.291 What is the cost to apply for a Concealed Handgun License (CHL)? - New License - $65.00  - Renewal License within County - $50.00 - Address change or replacement within County - $15.00 Where can I get an application for a Concealed Handgun License? Applications are usually available from the sheriff office, or on-line at the county sheriff website. What would disqualify me from obtaining a CHL? Please review the requirements for obtaining a CHL .  If you do not meet the requirements, you would be disqualified.  If you have a unique situation, you should call the CHL Unit to discuss your particular circumstances.  Otherwise, the requirements are that you must: Be a US citizen, or a legal alien who can document continuous residency in the United States for at least six months and has declared, in wirting, to the INS your intent to acquire citizenship (Form N400). Be at least 21 years old. 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 withing four years prior to application  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). Demonstrate handgun competency.  For military veterans, this can be accomplished by presenting a DD214 that specifies handgun training.  For all others, this can be accomplished by presenting a certificate of completion from a handgun safety course taught by an NRA instructor. How will I know if my application was denied or revoked? If your CHL is denied or revoked, you will be sent a certified letter advising you of that fact and the reason for the denial/revocation. If your CHL is denied or revoked, you will be sent a certified letter advising you of that fact and the reason for the denial/revocation. What would cause my CHL to be revoked?In essence, anything that would cause you to be denied a license when you initially applied would cause your CHL to be revoked.  Examples would include:  new arrests where you are on a form of pre-trial release, conviction of a misdemeanor, or being named as the respondent of a restraining order that's in effect.  Please call if you have a concern in this area. If my CHL application is denied or my CHL is revoked, can I appeal? ORS 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). I am a veteran with a DD214; does that satisfy the competency requirement for my application? Maybe.  If your DD214 specifically states the words pistol or handgun training, it would satisfy the requirement.  Words such as 'small arms' or 'marksmanship' alone will not fulfill the statutory wording. What type of identification do I need to bring?You must bring two pieces of current ID: One must have a current photo (e.g. Oregon Driver's License). The second piece of ID does not have to be a photo ID, however, it must be current (have an expiration date, include your name, and not be expired). New applicants must also bring: Proof of competency (e.g. NRA Certificate) Completed Reference Sheet How do I satisfy the competency requirement?  Please do not apply until you have met the competency requirement in one of the following ways: • Complete a hunters' safety course approved by the Department of Fish and Wildlife or similar agency, if handgun training was a component of the course. • Completion of any firearm safety or training course available to the general public offered by law enforcement, a community college or private or public institution or organization, or firearms training school, if the instructors were certified by the NRA or a law enforcement agency and if the course had a handgun safety component. • Complete a handgun safety class taught by an NRA certified instructor. Certification or card issued must be presented at the time of your scheduled appointment. • Completion of any law enforcement firearms safety offered for security guards or other law enforcement officers. Certification must be presented at your scheduled appointment. • Provide a copy of your DD214 if it indicates you have been trained with a handgun, sidearm or pistol. If your DD214 does not indicate handgun training, we will be unable to accept this as proof of your competency. • Present evidence of equivalent experience with a handgun through participation in organized shooting competition or military experience. Which county should I apply in if I am not a resident of Oregon          Statutes mandate that as a non-resident you must live in a contiguous state.          From the research I have done I would recommend applying in Linn, Grant, or Columbia (WA residents) county.          Clackamas county website says it will not issue to non-residents           Marion county website says it will not issue to non-residents           Multnomah county FAQ page says it will not issue to non-residents                WWW.OREGONCONCEALEDTRAINING.COM What states can I carry concealed in with an Oregon License   Oregon does not have reciprocity with any other states, but there are a number of states that will recognize the Oregon concealed handgun license. REMEMBER you must follow other states laws when legally carrying within that state.     These are the states that recognize the Oregon license as of January 2014 according to usacarry.com The statutes are hard to understand. Where can I get a better understanding of Oregon Gun Laws   The book OREGON CONCEALED is an easy to read and easy to understand book giving the reader an excellent understanding of the law and how it applies to you in the real world, going over such topics as: How to handle a police stop The definition of concealed Justification of deadly force Written by a retired attorney who had (and won) numerous cases involving firearms and conceal carry