Frequently Asked Questions

I am from Washington State.  Can I get an Oregon CHL?

Yes. Multnomah County currently issues to Washington state residents.

I am from Washington and have a Washington CHL. Do I still need to take a safety handgun class?

Yes. You must take a handgun safety course taught by an NRA or Law Enforcement Certified instructor. After you complete the course, bring the certificate or License with you to your scheduled appointment.

I am from Idaho (or California). Can I get an Oregon CHL?

We do not issue to non-residents, except for Washington state. If you live in another state, but own a residence in Multnomah County and can provide proof of real property ownership, then you are eligible to receive an Oregon CHL.

I have a DD214. Will that satisfy the safety handgun class requirement?

Maybe. The form must show you have qualified with handguns. If the DD214 specifically states the words pistol, sidearm, or handgun training, it would satisfy the requirement.

I am law enforcement.  Do I still need to provide proof of safety handgun training?

Yes. We need to see an official form to indicate handgun training or pistol qualification.

I am active military. What do I need to provide for proof of safety handgun training?

You will need to show an official document that shows you have qualified with handguns. If it specifically states the words pistol, sidearm, or handgun training, then it would satisfy the requirement.

I am a veteran.  Do I get a discount?

No, we do not give a veteran discount.

I took the safety handgun training.  What do I do next?

You must apply in the Oregon County that you reside in and every County does the application process a little different. If you reside in Multnomah County or live in the State of Washington Complete a Concealed Handgun application either online or by coming into the Multnomah County Sheriff's Concealed Handgun licensing office. 

  • Links to our online application can be found on our website (www.mcso.us) or you can apply in person at 3083 NE 170th Place, Portland, OR 97230. If you apply in person, we have a kiosk available that accepts credit card payment. If you opt to fill out a paper application in person, you must pay with either a check or exact cash.

What are the requirements for getting a CHL?

  • Residency
    • You must be a resident of Multnomah County or Washington State or own real property in Multnomah County or Washington State to be eligible for an Oregon Concealed Handgun License issued by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office
  • Citizenship
    • You must be a citizen of the United States
    • The only exception to this is if you are a legal resident alien, have continuously lived in the US a minimum of six months and have proof in writing, and/or you have declared to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services your intention to become a citizen.
    • You must show the accepted form of proof of your declaration from Immigration Services at the time of application. 
  • Age – You must be 21 years of age prior to making an application for a concealed handgun license.
  • You cannot have any outstanding warrants for your arrest;
  • You must be a resident of county for which you are applying or;
  • The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office issues to residents of the State of Washington if you can present a compelling business interest or other legitimate demonstrated need.
  • You must be free of any form of pretrial release;
  • You must demonstrate competence with a handgun by any one of the following:
    • Completion of any hunter education or hunter safety course approved by the State Department of Fish and Wildlife or a similar agency of another state if handgun safety was a component of the course;
    • Completion of any National Rifle Association firearms safety or training course if handgun safety was a component of the course;
    • Completion of any firearms safety or training course or class available to the general public offered by law enforcement, community college, or private or public institution or organization or firearms training school utilizing instructors certified by the National Rifle Association or a law enforcement agency if handgun safety was a component of the course;
    • Completion of any law enforcement firearms safety or training course or class offered for security guards, investigators, reserve law enforcement officers or any other law enforcement officers if handgun safety was a component of the course;
    • Presents evidence of equivalent experience with a handgun through participation in organized shooting competition or military service;
    • Is licensed or has been licensed to carry a firearm in this state, unless the license has been revoked; or
    • Completion of any firearms training or safety course or class conducted by a firearms instructor certified by a law enforcement agency or the National Rifle Association if handgun safety was a component of the course;
  • You cannot have been convicted of a felony or found guilty, except for insanity under ORS 161.295 (Effect of qualifying mental disorder), of a felony;
  • You cannot have been convicted of a misdemeanor or found guilty, except for insanity under ORS 161.295 (Effect of qualifying mental disorder), of a misdemeanor within the four years prior to the application, including a misdemeanor conviction for the possession of marijuana as described below in paragraph m.
  • You cannot have been committed to the Oregon Health Authority under ORS 426.130 (Court determination of mental illness);
  • You cannot have been found to be a person with mental illness and is subject to an order under ORS 426.130 (Court determination of mental illness) that the person be prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm as a result of that mental illness;
  • You cannot have been discharged from the jurisdiction of the juvenile court for more than four years if, while a minor, the person was found to be within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court for having committed an act that, if committed by an adult, would constitute a felony or a misdemeanor involving violence, as defined in ORS 166.470 (Limitations and conditions for sales of firearms);
  • You cannot have been convicted of an offense involving controlled substances or participated in a court-supervised drug diversion program, except this disability does not operate to exclude a person if:
    • The person can demonstrate that the person has been convicted only once of a marijuana possession offense that constituted a misdemeanor or violation under the law of the jurisdiction of the offense, and has not completed a drug diversion program for a marijuana possession offense that constituted a misdemeanor or violation under the law of the jurisdiction of the offense; or
    • The person can demonstrate that the person has only once completed a drug diversion program for a marijuana possession offense that constituted a misdemeanor or violation under the law of the jurisdiction of the offense, and has not been convicted of a marijuana possession offense that constituted a misdemeanor or violation under the law of the jurisdiction of the offense;
  • You cannot be a subject to a citation issued under ORS 163.735 (Citation) or an order issued under ORS 30.866 (Action for issuance or violation of stalking protective order), 107.700 (Short title) to 107.735 (Duties of State Court Administrator) or 163.738 (Effect of citation);
  • You cannot have received a dishonorable discharge from the Armed Forces of the United States;
  • You cannot be required to register as a sex offender in any state; and
  • You are not presently subject to an order under ORS 426.133 (Assisted outpatient treatment) prohibiting you from purchasing or possessing a firearm.

Can I take an on-line safety handgun class?

Yes. The online course needs to be taught by an NRA or Law Enforcement certified instructor. We recommend the one offered by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.

My certificate from the class is over a year old.  It is still acceptable as proof of training?

Yes, if you still have your original certificate of completion. We will accept the certificate if the course was taught by an NRA or Law Enforcement certified instructor. If the instructor or class cannot be verified, you will need to take another one.

I have a certificate from taking a class for the Utah license. Is that acceptable?

Yes, it may. It must be taught by an NRA or Law Enforcement certified instructor to be accepted. If the instructor or class cannot be verified, you will need to take another one.

How long does the process take?

After your fingerprint appointment, we will do the background check and the License will be mailed to you within 30-45 days.

Do I need to call and make an appointment?

No. You will schedule your own appointment at the time you submit your application online. If you choose to apply in person, the staff at the Concealed Handgun Unit will assist you in selecting and appointment time.

How long are the licenses good for?

4 years. The expiration date is on the license.

What does the license cost and what are the forms of payment?

The price of a new license application is $115. If applying online, you can pay with a credit card. If you applying in person, you must pay with either exact cash or check.

I have a DPSST License.  Will that satisfy the requirement?

A DPSST Armed Certification License or a PS-6 form would satisfy the requirement.

How old do I have to be to get a CHL?

21.

What does the background check involve?

The background check mainly consists of criminal history and mental health incidents.

Do I get my money back if I don’t pass the background check?

No, the $115 application fee is non refundable.

I have a permanent resident License.  Can I get an Oregon CHL?

If you were not born in the United States, you must provide proof of citizenship in the following ways: US Passport, original certificate of Naturalization, foreign-service document issued at birth, or I-797C Notice of Action application showing you have applied for US Citizenship. A permanent resident License, work license, or legal resident alien License does NOT meet the requirement for citizenship.

Do you have to be a citizen to get an Oregon CHL?

Yes, you must be a citizen of the United States. The only exception is if you are a legal resident alien who has declared to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services your intention to become a citizen (and lived in the county for at least six months). You must show the accepted form of proof of your declaration (I-7979C Notice of Action application) to be eligible.

I have a CHL from another state.  Will that satisfy the safety handgun requirement?

No. You must take a handgun safety course taught by an NRA or Law Enforcement certified instructor.

I have a medical marijuana License. Will that affect my getting a CHL?

No, it will not affect eligibility for a CHL.

I have a felony but that was over 30 years ago.  Can I still get a CHL?

To receive a CHL you cannot be convicted of a felony. We would need to see documents that it was expunged or that your firearm rights were restored. However, firearm right restoration does not guarantee that you will receive a CHL.

I live in Clackamas County but work close to your office. Can I get my Oregon CHL through your office?

No. You must get your CHL in the county in which you reside.

I took a class from your office years ago but can’t find the certificate. Can I get a duplicate from your office?

No, the Multomah County Sheriff’s Office does not maintain copies of certificates.

I took an online class and they say to print the certificate. Is that acceptable? (since we ask to see the original safety handgun class certificate we get this question sometimes)

Yes, that is acceptable. Some online courses mail you the certificate, while others have you print it.

Will you accept the certificate on my phone or do I need to print out the certificate?

We need to see the original certificate, whether that was mailed to you or printed it out. We will not accept the certificate on the phone.

How do I know if I can qualify for a CHL?

We cannot pre-approve someone before their scheduled appointment. Call 503-988-0517 if you have any questions concerning your eligibility.

Can I apply on line for a CHL?

Yes, inks to our online application can be found on our website (www.mcso.us) or you can apply in person at 3083 NE 170th Place, Portland, OR 97230. If you apply in person, we have a kiosk available that accepts credit card payment. If you opt to fill out a paper application in person, you must pay with either a check or exact cash.

Are any out of state CHL’s valid in Oregon? Which states will accept a CHL from Oregon?

Oregon does not recognize CHL’s from other states. It is best to contact the specific states about reciprocity. The website www.handgunlaw.us may be a helpful resource.

Can my Concealed Handgun License be revoked?

Yes, under the following cirucumstances.