The Oregon Concealed Carry Reciprocity Law Guide: Where Can You Carry?
- Shawn Kollie
- May 5
- 5 min read
If you are a gun owner, it is crucial that you understand where you can legally carry a concealed weapon in Oregon. This guide will provide an overview of Oregon’s concealed carry and reciprocity laws, specific location restrictions, the process for obtaining a CHL, and the potential penalties for carrying a firearm without a license in Oregon.
What Does Concealed Carry Mean in Oregon?
In Oregon, “concealed carry” refers to the legal practice of carrying a concealed handgun—either loaded or unloaded—on your person or within your immediate control in a vehicle or other means of transportation. This is permissible only with a valid Oregon Concealed Handgun License (CHL), which is issued by the sheriff’s office in the county where you reside.
What Does Concealed Carry Reciprocity Mean?
Concealed carry reciprocity refers to an agreement between states that allows a person with a valid concealed carry permit or license from one state to legally carry a concealed firearm in another state.
For example, if State A and State B have reciprocity, someone with a Concealed Carry Weapon or CCW (also commonly referred to as a CHL) permit from State A can legally carry a concealed weapon in State B, and vice versa, subject to each state’s laws. However, not all states recognize each other’s permits.
Reciprocity agreements vary by state—some recognize all permits, some recognize only certain states, and others don’t recognize any out-of-state permits at all.
It’s important for gun owners to check each state’s laws before traveling, as the rules about where and how you can carry can differ even if your permit is recognized.
Oregon Concealed Carry Reciprocity
As of May 2025, Oregon does not recognize concealed carry permits from any other state. To legally carry a concealed firearm in Oregon, you must obtain an Oregon CHL. This applies regardless of whether your home state has permitless carry laws or recognizes Oregon.
However, Oregon’s CHL is recognized by several other states. Holders of an Oregon CHL can legally carry concealed in these states without needing additional permits. These states include:
Alabama
Arkansas
Idaho
Indiana
Montana
North Carolina
North Dakota
South Dakota
Vermont
Virginia
Additionally, some states have partial reciprocity, which means they recognize Oregon CHLs under certain conditions, such as residency requirements or age restrictions. These states include:
Alaska
Arizona
Florida
Georgia
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Michigan
Mississippi
Missouri
Nebraska
Ohio
Oklahoma
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
West Virginia
Wyoming
It is important to note that even in states that recognize Oregon’s CHL, you must comply with that state’s specific laws regarding concealed carry. This includes adhering to restrictions on where you can carry, age requirements, and any other local regulations.
Basic CHL Requirements in Oregon
The application process for a CHL in Oregon includes background checks, fingerprinting, and completion of a safety training course. You must be at least 21 years old, be a US citizen or a legal resident alien, and be a resident of Oregon, or own property in Oregon.
Additionally, you must not have been committed to a mental institution or found mentally ill by a court.
CHL Fees in Oregon
The required fees to obtain a CHL in Oregon usually range from $65 to $100.
Where You Can Carry Concealed in Oregon
With a valid Oregon CHL, you are permitted to carry a concealed firearm in various locations, subject to certain restrictions:
Bars and Restaurants Serving Alcohol
You may carry concealed in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol, provided there are no signs posted prohibiting firearms. There is no statute making it illegal to carry concealed in these establishments unless explicitly posted.
Vehicles
A valid Oregon CHL allows you to carry a concealed handgun in your vehicle. Without a license, a loaded handgun must not be concealed and readily accessible. For example, a handgun is considered readily accessible if it is in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. However, if the handgun is stored in a closed and locked glove compartment, center console, or other container, it is considered not readily accessible.
Roadside Rest Areas
Concealed carry is permitted at roadside rest areas in Oregon with a valid CHL. There are no specific restrictions against carrying concealed in these areas.
State and National Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management Areas
You may carry concealed in state and national parks, forests, and wildlife management areas with a valid Oregon CHL. However, it’s important to be aware of any specific signage or regulations that may apply to certain areas.
Public Buildings
While Oregon law allows concealed carry in public buildings, individual institutions such as hospitals, state capitol buildings, schools, and universities have the authority to establish their own firearm policies. Many of these institutions have internal policies banning firearms on their properties, even for permit holders.
Places of Worship
There is no state statute prohibiting concealed carry in places of worship. However, since places of worship are private property, they may post signs prohibiting firearms. Always check with the specific place of worship regarding their firearm policies.
Where You Can Not Carry Concealed In Oregon
Even with a valid Oregon CHL, there are specific locations where carrying a concealed firearm is prohibited.
Court Facilities
Concealed carry is prohibited in court facilities, including courthouses. However, the presiding judge of a judicial district or a municipal court may enter an order permitting the possession of specified weapons in a court facility.
Oregon Department of Corrections Facilities
Carrying a concealed firearm is prohibited in Oregon Department of Corrections facilities. These facilities are off-limits to all firearms.
Racetracks
Concealed carry is prohibited at racetracks in Oregon. These venues have specific regulations banning firearms.
Private Property
Private property owners have the right to prohibit firearms on their premises. Even if there are no signs posted, property owners can ask individuals to leave if they are carrying a concealed firearm.
National Parks and Forests with Prohibitive Signage
While concealed carry is generally permitted in state and national parks and forests, some areas may have signs indicating firearm prohibition. Always look for posted signage before carrying concealed in these areas.
Secured Areas of Airports
Concealed carry is prohibited in secured areas of airports, including passenger terminals. This restriction is in place for safety and security reasons.
Tribal Lands
Concealed carry is not permitted on any federally recognized tribal land reservations in Oregon without a permit issued by the tribal authority. Oregon CHLs are not recognized on tribal lands.
Federal Law Prohibitions
Carrying a concealed firearm is prohibited in any place where federal law prohibits firearms, such as federal buildings and certain federal lands.
Penalties For Carrying a Firearm Without A License in Oregon
In Oregon, carrying a concealed handgun without a valid CHL is a Class A misdemeanor. This can result in up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $6,250.
Additionally, if you’re found carrying a concealed handgun in certain prohibited areas where firearms are banned, you may face enhanced penalties, including penalty charges.
Penalties can also be more severe if you have prior convictions, are prohibited from owning firearms, or commit other crimes while carrying unlawfully.
The Oregon Concealed Carry Reciprocity Law Guide: Conclusion
Oregon concealed carry reciprocity laws are clear: the state does not recognize concealed handgun licenses issued by any other state. To legally carry a concealed firearm in Oregon, you must obtain an Oregon CHL. This requirement applies regardless of whether or not you hold a concealed carry permit from another state.
If you’re caught carrying without a CHL in Oregon, we highly recommend that you consult with a criminal defense attorney to help you understand your rights and potential defenses.
For anyone seeking assistance with concealed carry laws, rights restoration, or facing firearm-related legal issues, Kollie Law offers the legal help you need. Led by our highly experienced defense attorney Shawn Kollie, we specialize in defending Second Amendment rights and provide guidance on obtaining or restoring concealed carry privileges in Oregon. We offer free legal consultations and would love to help you navigate through any legal issues you may be encountering. Give us a call today!
*Nothing herein constitutes legal advice. You should obtain independent legal counsel regarding your specific factual situation.
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