Concealed Carry in Oregon

No. Oregon does not allow concealed carry without a license. Knowingly carrying a firearm concealed on the person, or having a concealed handgun readily accessible in a vehicle, is unlawful possession of a firearm (a Class A misdemeanor) unless an exception applies, such as holding an Oregon concealed handgun license.

Oregon issues a 'concealed handgun license' (CHL) through the county sheriff. The sheriff 'shall issue' a license to an applicant who meets the requirements. However, the sheriff may deny one if there are reasonable grounds to believe the applicant is, or is reasonably likely to be, a danger to self or others because of their mental state or a past pattern of unlawful violence or threats. Applicants must be at least 21 and residents of the county; the sheriff may waive residency for residents of neighboring states with a compelling business interest or other legitimate need. Applicants must show handgun competence, for example through a hunter safety, NRA, law enforcement or other approved course that covers handgun safety, or through competition or military experience. Fees are $100 to the sheriff for a new license, $75 for renewal, and $15 to the State Police for the fingerprint check. The license is valid for four years.

Oregon does not honor other states' concealed carry permits. The exception from the concealed-carry ban covers only licenses issued by Oregon sheriffs. A sheriff may waive county residency for residents of neighboring states who have a compelling business interest or other legitimate need.

Possessing a firearm in or on a public building (which includes schools and the Capitol) is a Class C felony, as is possessing a firearm in a court facility. Concealed handgun licensees are exempt from the public building ban, but not in court facilities, and not where a policy removes their defense. Public universities, community colleges, school boards, and city, county or district governing bodies (for buildings used for official meetings) may adopt signed policies removing the licensee defense. In the Capitol, large airport terminals, and buildings or school grounds under those policies, a licensee who is caught faces a Class A misdemeanor instead of a felony. Unloaded firearms locked in a vehicle on school property are allowed.

Without a concealed handgun license, a handgun may not be concealed and readily accessible inside a vehicle. A handgun in the passenger compartment counts as readily accessible. In a vehicle with no storage outside the passenger compartment, a handgun is not readily accessible if it is in a closed, locked glove box, center console or other container with the key not in the lock. On motorcycles, ATVs and snowmobiles it must be in a locked container or have a trigger lock. Long guns are not covered by this vehicle rule.