Concealed Handgun Licenses

Who Can Apply for a Concealed Handgun License?

You must be a citizen of the United States or 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.
You must be at least 21 years of age.
You must be a resident of the County, have ownership of land in the County or have a letter from the Sheriff stating your eligibility to obtain a concealed handgun license in the County. The letter from the Sheriff applies to those people residing in an adjoining state that may have a need for a concealed handgun license.
You must not have any outstanding warrants for arrest.
You must not be free on any form of pretrial release.
You must never have been convicted of a felony or found guilty, except for insanity under ORS 161.295, of a felony.
You must never have been convicted of a misdemeanor or found guilty of a misdemeanor within the four years prior to the application. An exception to this would be for insanity under ORS 161.295 .
You must never have been committed to the Oregon Health Authority under ORS 426.130.
You must never have been found to be mentally ill and must not be subject to an order under ORS 426.130 where you are prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm as a result of that mental illness.
You must be discharged from the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court for more than four years if, while a minor, you were found to be within the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court for having committed an act that, if committed by an adult, would constitute a felony or a misdemeanor involving violence, as defined in ORS 166.470.
You must never have been convicted of an offense involving controlled substances or participated in a court-supervised drug diversion program, except this disability does not operate to exclude a person if:

The person has been convicted only once of violating ORS 475.864 (3) and has not completed a court-supervised drug diversion program under ORS 135.907 or
The person has completed a court-supervised drug diversion program under ORS 135.907 and has not been convicted of violating ORS 475.864 (3).

You must not be subject to a citation issued under ORS 163.735 or an order issued under ORS 30.866, 107.700 to 107.735 or 163.73.
You must not have received a dishonorable discharge from the Armed Forces of the United States.
You must not be required to register as a sex offender in any state.
A person who has been granted relief under ORS 166.274 or 166.293 or 18 U.S.C. 925(c), or has had the person’s record expunged under the laws of this state or equivalent laws of other jurisdictions, is not subject to the disabilities listed above.

What Qualifies as Proof of Firearms Safety Training?

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 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 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.
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.
You hold a previous Oregon license to carry a concealed handgun; unless the license has been revoked. You may also use this as a piece of identification.
You have a certified law enforcement identification card (active or retired) and qualify under USC 18.44.
You have a certificate of completion from DPSST for a certified law enforcement position.
DD 214 -- Must not have a Dishonorable discharge. Must list handgun competency, not small arms.
Training Letter -- Must include pistol, handgun or sidearm competency language.

Is a Concealed Handgun License Good Everywhere I Go?

Your concealed handgun license is good anywhere in the state it is issued from. If you are traveling to another state, you will need to check with their State Police to find out any restrictions or guidelines you will need to follow.

The following places do not allow firearms:

ANY FEDERAL FACILITY

You cannot possess a firearm in a Federal Facility, except for hunting or other legal purpose. The term “Federal Facility” means a building or part thereof owned or leased by the Federal Government or where Federal employees are regularly present for the purpose of performing their official duties. These areas include Federal Courthouses, the Post Office, Social Security Offices, and Recruiting Offices to name a few. (18 USC 930) Also, you may not take a firearm into a military post without the authorization of the post commander.

AIRPORTS

You cannot possess weapons past the security checkpoint in airports. If you have questions regarding transporting firearms in luggage, you should check with the Transportation Security Administration or the airline with which you will be flying. A CHL does not permit you to carry your firearm through the security check point.

NATIONAL FORESTS OR WILDERNESS AREAS

Persons who have obtained a valid concealed handgun license may carry their weapon onto National Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management lands unless there is a specific order issued by the local administrator or forest ranger to the contrary. It is your responsibility to check on restrictions where you plan to visit. Restrictions are generally put into effect during festivals or large gatherings, or at popular recreation areas where there are safety concerns. Be aware that any Ranger Station or Visitors Center in any National Forest is a Federal Building and it is illegal to carry there.

NATIONAL PARKS

Persons who possess a concealed handgun license may carry their weapons into National Parks. Be aware that any visitor's center in a National Park is a Federal Building and it is illegal to carry there.

INDIAN RESERVATIONS/PROPERTY

Because each tribal council makes the rules that apply on its reservation, the firearms rules on Indian reservations vary greatly. For the most part, non-Indians are prohibited from carrying guns on reservations or tribal lands except with the permission of the tribal council. Therefore, your CHL probably has no meaning on most Indian lands. This also applies to certain casinos operated by the tribes and you should not carry your firearm while visiting there.

SCHOOLS

Persons who possess valid concealed handgun licenses are not prohibited from carrying their weapons on school property.

COURT FACILITIES

You may not carry any weapon into a court facility. A court facility is defined as a courthouse or that portion of any other building occupied by the Circuit Court, the Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court, the Oregon Tax Court, occupied by personnel related to the operations of those courts, or in which activities related to the operations of those courts takes place. This prohibition applies to the entire courthouse, not just the areas adjacent to the courtrooms. Violation of this law is a Class A Felony. (ORS 166.370(2)(a))

BARS/TAVERNS

Just as any private business can prohibit handgun possession on their property, most bars, taverns, and nightclubs prohibit guns in the bar. If you are told to leave, you must do so, even if you hold a CHL. They may ask you not to return even if you stow away your firearm. If you paid a cover charge, you will likely not get it back, nor will you likely be reimbursed for unconsumed alcohol or food. If you don’t leave, you may be arrested for Trespass.

PRIVATE BUSINESSES OR PRIVATE FACILITIES

Businesses can make it a condition that you not possess a firearm while being on the premises or in the facility. Most businesses do not regulate concealed carry, however you should expect this to occur at gun or collectable shows, conventions, concerts and sporting events. One facility that regulates weapons is the Rose Quarter in Portland. If you are found to be carrying a firearm when prohibited, you may be denied a ticket sale, be evicted from or not be allowed onto the grounds and possibly face arrest for trespass if you don't leave. If you paid an admission, you may not get a refund. Most businesses or venues will post at the entrance if this applies. If you are planning on attending an even and are unsure of the policies, you should call the facility or sponsor prior to attending.

Does Oregon Recognize Other State's Concealed Handgun Licenses?

Oregon does not recognize other permits at this time. However, a number of states do recognize Oregon permits.

States that Recognize Oregon-Issued Licenses
Alaska	Michigan	Tennessee
Arizona	Montana	Utah
Idaho	Nebraska	Vermont
Indiana	Oklahoma
Kentucky	South Dakota

* As agreements of reciprocity may be subject to change, you should check with the appropriate state, city, town or county before traveling outside of Oregon for the most current and accurate information regarding carrying a handgun in that area.

Do You Release Any Information to the Public Regarding Concealed Handgun Licenses?

Polk County Sheriff’s Office policy 4.40 XIX (E) states that all applicant files and contents therein are exempt from disclosure if ORS 192.501(23) applies to you. This statute exempts disclosure of records or information that would reveal or otherwise identify security measures, or weaknesses or potential weaknesses in security measures, taken or recommended to be taken to protect an individual. There is a place on the application itself that determines whether or not this applies to you, or if you already have a concealed handgun license, you can send in a signed copy of the following form: CHL Release of Information.

Do I Ever Have to Renew my Concealed Handgun License?

A Concealed Handgun License is good for four years and should have the actual expiration date printed on the license itself. We do not send out renewal notices, so you will need to keep track of the date it expires.

When Can I Come in to Renew my License?

You can renew no more than 30 days prior to the expiration date and no more than 45 days after the expiration date.

What Do I Do if my License has Expired?

You may come in to renew your license, but you will not be able to carry concealed until you receive your new license.

How Long Will it Take to Receive my Concealed Handgun License?

The longest it will take is 45 days and you will receive it in the mail.

Renewals.

If you are new to Polk County, please see the section on "New applicants and people transferring into Polk County."
Come to the Sheriff’s Office Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 11:00 am or between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm.
Bring a typed or legibly printed application.
Bring $50.00 cash, Visa, MasterCard, check or money order made payable to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. This fee is NON-REFUNDABLE.
Bring proof of firearms safety training. Your CHL may be used for this purpose.
Bring two (2) pieces of identification – one having your picture & signature on it, such as a driver’s license, and the other with your name imprinted on it and/or your picture and signature.
Be prepared to have your picture taken.

What All is Involved in a Change of Address?

The cost of a change of address is $15.00. If you are new to Polk County, please see the section on "New applicants and people transferring into Polk County." You can come in Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 11:00 am or between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm and to complete an application and take your picture. You must have your new information on your current and valid Oregon Driver's License, or provide a bill or some other document such as a rental agreement with your new information on it. The change of address process usually takes two weeks and you will receive your new license in the mail. Just keep your receipt with your CHL and you will be able to carry until you receive your updated license.

New Applicants and People Transferring into Polk County.

Come to the Sheriff’s Office Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 am and 11:00 am or from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Bring a typed or legibly printed application.
Bring a $15.00 cash, Visa, MasterCard, check or money order made payable to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. NON-REFUNDABLE.
NEW APPLICANTS & TRANSFERS WITH A LICENSE NEEDING TO BE RENEWED: Bring $50.00 cash, Visa, MasterCard, check or money order made payable to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. NON-REFUNDABLE.
Bring proof of firearms safety training. Your CHL may be used for this purpose.
Bring two (2) pieces of identification -- one having your picture & signature on it, such as a driver’s license, and the other with your name imprinted on it and/or your picture and signature.
Be prepared to be fingerprinted and have your picture taken.
In order to provide proof of residency, you must have the most up-to-date information on your Oregon Driver’s License and the license must be valid. You may also provide a bill or some other document such as a rental agreement with your new information on it. An Oregon Identification card will not be accepted as proof of residency.

What Happens if I Move into Polk County with an Existing Concealed Handgun License?

When you move into Polk County, as long as your license was issued in the State of Oregon, there is a 30-day grace period for you to come in and get a change of address. Transferring in from a different county requires you to be re-fingerprinted and we only do that Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 am and 11:00 am or from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The cost of the transfer is $30.00; $15.00 for fingerprinting and $15 for processing the application.

If you have a concealed handgun license issued from another state, please see the section on "New applicants and people transferring into Polk County."

What Happens if I Just Move to a New Location within Polk County?

If you move within Polk County, there is a 30-day grace period for you to come in and get a change of address. The cost of this is $15.00 and you can come in Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 11:00 am or between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm. In order to provide proof of residency you must have the most up-to-date information on your Oregon Driver’s License and the license must be valid. You may also provide a bill or some other document such as a rental agreement with your new information on it. An Oregon Identification card will not be accepted as proof of residency.

What Happens if I Move Out of Polk County?

All you need to worry about is contacting the Sheriff’s Office in the county you now reside in and ask about transferring your license. They will contact the Polk County Sheriff's Office to let us know that you have transferred your license.

Duplicates, Change of Address and Change of Name.

If you are new to Polk County, please see the section on "New applicants and people transferring into Polk County."
Come to the Sheriff’s Office Monday through Friday between 8:00 am 11:00 am or between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm.
Bring a typed or legibly printed application.
Bring $15.00 cash, Visa, MasterCard, check or money order made payable to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. This fee is NON-REFUNDABLE.
Bring proof of firearms safety training. Your CHL may be used for this purpose.
Bring two (2) pieces of identification – one having your picture & signature on it, such as a driver’s license, and the other with your name imprinted on it and/or your picture and signature.
Be prepared to have your picture taken.
In order to provide proof of residency you must have the most up-to-date information on your Oregon Driver's License and the license must be valid. You may also provide a bill or some other document such as a rental agreement with your new information on it. An Oregon Identification card will not be accepted as proof of residency.
Bring in a court-certified true copy of your legal name change.