Concealed Carry in Oregon (CHL): A Practical Central Oregon Guide
Last checked: November 2025. Always confirm with your county sheriff and Oregon law before you carry.
Quick answers
Do I need a permit to carry concealed in Oregon?
Yes. It is a Concealed Handgun License (CHL).
Official statute (issuance and training requirement):
https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_166.291
How long is it valid?
Four years. Renew with your county sheriff.
Official statute (renewal):
https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_166.295
Minimum age to apply?
21 years old with other qualifications.
Official statute (qualifications):
https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_166.291
Training required?
Yes. You must show handgun competence via an accepted course or equivalent experience.
Official statute (accepted training types):
https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_166.291
Does Oregon honor other states’ carry permits?
No. Oregon does not recognize other states’ permits.
Example county statement:
https://www.yamhillcounty.gov/706/Concealed-Handgun-Licenses
Can non-residents get an Oregon CHL?
Possibly. Sheriffs may waive Oregon residency for residents of contiguous states who show a legitimate need. Issuance is discretionary and varies by county.
Statute reference (sheriff authority):
https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_166.291
How to get your Oregon CHL (step by step)
Take a qualifying handgun safety class
Pick an Oregon-accepted course. Keep your completion certificate.
Statute reference:
https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_166.291
Apply with your county sheriff
Oregon CHLs are issued by county sheriffs. You will complete an application, fingerprints, a background check, and pay fees.
Deschutes County CHL info:
https://sheriff.deschutes.org/services/concealed-handgun-license/
Deschutes County CHL application (PDF):
https://sheriff.deschutes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/CHL_Application_2025.pdf
Approval and pickup
Follow the sheriff’s instructions for processing and how you receive your license.
Renew every 4 years
Set a reminder. Renew before it expires.
Renewal statute:
https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_166.295
Classes and training (what to look for)
Course meets Oregon’s CHL training standard (keep proof).
Instructor credentials listed and easy to verify.
Live-fire range time and safe-handling coaching.
First-timer checklist and gear guidance before class.
Option to do classroom and range on separate days, if that fits your schedule.
Online theory option that meets Oregon’s standard (pair with live-fire in Central Oregon):
https://oregonchl.org/
Where you can and can’t carry in Oregon (high level)
A valid Oregon CHL lets you carry concealed.
Some locations can restrict or ban firearms by policy. Oregon SB 554 allows schools, universities, and some local governments to prohibit firearms in certain public buildings if posted. Always look for signs and confirm local policy.
SB 554 text:
https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2021R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/sb554/B-Engrossed
Private property owners can prohibit firearms on their premises. Respect posted signs.
Airport terminal areas and many government buildings have restrictions. Follow posted rules and law enforcement instructions.
Keep it simple: if a building is posted or staff tell you no carry, do not carry inside.
Carry in vehicles (quick basics)
Without a CHL, carrying a concealed, readily accessible handgun in a vehicle can be unlawful under ORS 166.250.
With a valid CHL, that specific prohibition does not apply in the same way. Read the statute and follow your county’s guidance.
Vehicle and person possession statute:
https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_166.250
Reciprocity and travel
Oregon honors no other states’ carry permits. If you carry concealed in Oregon, you need an Oregon CHL.
Some other states may honor an Oregon CHL when you travel. Verify on that state’s official site before your trip. Rules change.
Example county statement:
https://www.yamhillcounty.gov/706/Concealed-Handgun-Licenses
Non-resident CHL (border states)
Sheriffs may issue to residents of contiguous states at their discretion. You must show a legitimate need. Processes vary by county.
Statute reference:
https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_166.291
Storage and safety
Oregon has secure storage rules and penalties if an unauthorized person gains access due to improper storage. Know the law at home and in your vehicle.
SB 554 text:
https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2021R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/sb554/B-Engrossed
Deschutes County (apply here)
Deschutes County CHL info and FAQs:
https://sheriff.deschutes.org/services/concealed-handgun-license/
Deschutes County CHL application (PDF):
https://sheriff.deschutes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/CHL_Application_2025.pdf
Oregon Secretary of State license directory (general CHL info):
https://apps.oregon.gov/SOS/LicenseDirectory/LicenseDetail/1457
Central Oregon trainers and resources
Use these to complete your training and get a certificate that works for your sheriff. Keep entries short and practical. “Book it” shows one link, with UTMs, per your preference.
Cascade Gun & Safety • Sisters, OR
Calm instruction for first-timers. CHL lecture and outdoor range time. Serving Bend, Sisters, and Central Oregon.
What they offer
CHL lecture and certificate for Oregon CHL
Intro to Basic Handgun range class (good first step)
Private lessons and small-group coaching
Tactical handgun progression after your basics
Good for
Beginners who want patient instruction
Adults 21+ working toward Oregon CHL
Folks who want real outdoor range time
Things to know
Classes taught by USCCA and NRA certified instructor
Certificate provided when you complete the required class
Book early for weekends and peak months
Checkout firearms training as well
OregonCHL.org • Online course (pair with local live-fire)
State-accepted online classroom portion you can complete before your range day in Central Oregon.
What they offer
Oregon-accepted classroom content for CHL
Printable completion certificate
Take at your own pace
Good for
People who want to do the classroom work at home
Busy schedules before a local range session
Things to know
Pair with a local live-fire class to build real handling skills
Bring your completion proof to your sheriff appointment
Find more instructors (trusted directories)
Use these to locate instructors near Bend, Redmond, and Sisters. Verify that a course meets the Oregon CHL standard and gives you a certificate you can bring to the sheriff.
NRA Instructor Finder:
https://www.nrainstructors.org/
USCCA Training Class Finder:
https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/training/class-schedule/
FAQ
What class do I need for an Oregon CHL?
A qualifying handgun safety course or equivalent competence listed in ORS 166.291. Your sheriff publishes accepted options.
Statute:
https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_166.291
How long does an Oregon CHL last?
Four years. Renew with your county sheriff.
Renewal statute:
https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_166.295
Can I carry in schools or public buildings with a CHL?
Many public entities can prohibit carry if posted by policy under SB 554. Check signs and local rules.
SB 554:
https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2021R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/sb554/B-Engrossed
Does Oregon recognize my out-of-state permit?
No. Oregon honors no other states’ permits.
Example county statement:
https://www.yamhillcounty.gov/706/Concealed-Handgun-Licenses
I live in WA/ID/CA/NV. Can I get an Oregon CHL?
Maybe. Some sheriffs consider contiguous-state applicants who show a legitimate need. It is discretionary.
Statute reference:
https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_166.291
Can I carry in my car?
A valid CHL generally covers concealed, readily accessible carry. Without a CHL, vehicle rules are stricter under ORS 166.250.
Vehicle statute:
https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_166.250
