2. Requirements

You must carry your CHL on your person when you are armed.

Failure to do so can result in being treated as though it does not exist, which can include charges.

An Oregon concealed handgun license is issued by the Sheriff of the Oregon County you principally reside in. It is valid throughout the entire state of Oregon, and is valid for a period of four years. Remember: If you are stopped by law enforcement, they can disarm you for their safety for the duration of that contact.

In order to qualify for an Oregon CHL you must meet several requirements. General requirements for obtaining a CHL are:

  • US citizen, or legal resident with continuous residency in the county for at least six months plus declared in writing to INS the intent to acquire citizenship (Form N300).
  • Must be at least 21 years of age.
  • Never convicted of a criminal felony of found guilty of a felony except for insanity
  • Not convicted or found guilty except for insanity of a criminal misdemeanor in the last 4 years.
  • No outstanding warrants for your arrest.
  • Not on pre-trial release.
  • Not committed by a judge to a state mental institution or prohibited from possessing a firearm as a result of a finding of mental illness
  • Ability to demonstrate handgun competence, (course certificate)
  • No restraining or other protective orders against you.
  • Never been dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces.
  • Never convicted of a drug offense or participated in drug diversion (A single conviction for misdemeanor or violation level of possession of marijuana is not a disqualifier).
  • Not required to register as a sex offender in any state.

Possessing a valid CHL does not mean that a person can carry a concealed weapon anywhere they want to. In fact, there are some areas where possession of a concealed weapon is specifically prohibited. Examples of this are:

  • In the Oregon State Capital Building where posted.
  • County or federal courthouses in Oregon where posted.
  • In airports beyond the security checkpoint, or on commercial airplanes. (federal law)
  • In any federal building, including federal post offices where posted.
  • In FDIC insured banks, where posted.
  • Some private businesses or properties.

Many states outside of Oregon do not recognize or offer reciprocity for Oregon’s CHL, but might offer the ability to obtain a CHL for that state. If you will be traveling and would like to bring your firearm, know the laws for those areas before you go.

Also note that the Sheriff of issue may revoke your CHL for cause. If your CHL is revoked, or if your CHL application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision.

Source: Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office CHL Prep. chlprep.mcso.us/chlprep/