Although it is fairly easy for Oregon residents to obtain a permit to carry, non-residents wishing to carry in Oregon do not quite have it so easy. Unlike most states, Oregon has no reciprocity and does not honor a concealed carry permit from any other state in the country. If you are not an Oregon resident, yet wish to carry while in Oregon you are left with but one option: Obtain an Oregon Non-Resident Concealed Handgun License.

You may be thinking okay; I’ll get an Oregon Non-Resident Concealed Handgun License. Yet, there is one big drawback for some people. Oregon will only issue a non-resident license to residents of states that border Oregon. Those states are the following: California, Nevada, Idaho and Washington. Those who are residents of other states are quite out of luck. Residents of the four listed states however can go to any Oregon Sheriff’s Office to apply for a permit. Some offices require appointments and some simply allow walk-ins. You will be required to bring Oregon’s state fees totaling $65, which goes partially to the Sheriff’s Office and partially to the Oregon State Police. Some counties require two separate checks while others are okay with just one. If you choose to bring cash, it is recommended to have exact change. You will also be required to bring with you your handgun-training certificate. Those interested can meet this requirement by taking the state-required concealed carry course online at: MyCarryPermit.com . The course takes about an hour to complete and goes over topics such as gun safety, properly handling and maintaining firearms and state laws regarding carrying in the state of Oregon. Oregon does not require range time, and this is the only course required to obtain the Oregon Concealed Handgun License.

In addition, we always recommend contacting the Sheriff’s Office before showing up. Some offices may ask non-residents to provide additional information. For example we have heard from sources that one Sheriff asked for references while another asked the applicant to supply a written statement of why he was interested in the Oregon license, such as for travel or business purposes. I have heard that Grant county Oregon is where many non-residents recommend applying if possible. Overall, the process is fairly simple and inexpensive compared to permits from many other states.

Residents of Oregon wishing to obtain a permit must apply through their own county Sheriff and must have their state fees and training certificate with them when they apply. Currently to apply for an Oregon Resident Concealed Handgun License you must have just one of the following: a current Oregon driver’s license, a voter notification card showing Oregon residence, documentation showing that you filed an Oregon tax return for the most recent tax year, or documentation showing that you currently own or lease real property in Oregon.

One day, we hope to see Oregon’s law change to allow people from more than just five states the opportunity to concealed carry in Oregon.