Concealed Handgun Licensing

The Concealed Handgun Licensing Unit (CHL) administers and manages all aspects of the application and issuance of concealed carry licenses. 

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    The Concealed Handgun Licensing Unit (CHL) administers and manages all aspects of the application and issuance of concealed carry licenses. The unit is responsible for investigating applicants and issuing concealed handgun licenses to those who meet the legal standards set by Oregon Revised Statute (ORS).

    Our Concealed Handgun Unit is located at 3083 NE 170th Pl, Portland, OR 97230.

    Requirements

    Requirements for Obtaining a Concealed Handgun License in Multnomah County

    You may only obtain one concealed handgun license, generally, from the county that you reside in. If you own property in two different counties, it is your choice which county you apply to, but you cannot have more than one license. A concealed handgun license in Oregon is recognized by all counties in the state.

    1. You must be a U.S. Citizen, or a legal alien who can document continuous residency in the United States for at least six months and have declared, in writing, to the INS your intent to acquire citizenship, (e.g. Form N300);
    2. You must be 21 years of age;
    3. You must be a resident of Multnomah County or the State of Washington. The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office may issue a license to residents of the State of Washington, provided that the individual submits a compelling reason for obtaining an Oregon Concealed Handgun License;
    4. Have no legal condition that would prohibit you from possessing a firearm under either Oregon or federal law;
    5. Have no outstanding warrant(s) for your arrest;
    6. If you served in the Armed Forces and were not dishonorably discharged;
    7. Not be an unlawful user of, or addicted to, a controlled substance;
    8. Not be on any form of pre-trial release;
    9. Not be required to register as a sex offender in any state;
    10. No convictions of a misdemeanor, or found guilty of a misdemeanor within four years prior to application, except under ORS 161.295;
    11. Not been ever convicted of a felony or found guilty, except for insanity under ORS 161.295, of a felony;
    12. Not be subject to a citation issued under ORS 163.735 or an order issued under ORS 30.866, 107.700 to 107.723, or 163.738 (e.g. Stalking or Restraining Order):
      1. 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;
      2. Completion of any National Rifle Association firearms safety or training course if handgun safety was a component of the course;
      3. 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. Visit Oregon CHL Prep to access a course offered by the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office. This course meets the training requirements needed for obtaining a concealed handgun license for the State of Oregon;
      4. 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;
      5. Presents evidence of equivalent experience with a handgun through participation in organized shooting competition or military service;
      6. Is licensed or has been licensed to carry a firearm in this state, unless the license has been revoked; or
      7. 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.

    For complete details and other statutory conditions for issuance of a CHL, see ORS 166.291 Issuance of concealed handgun license; application; fees; liability.

    Online course

    Multnomah County Online Concealed Handgun Course

    The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office offers an online option for individuals who want to apply for a concealed handgun license and need to meet the handgun training requirement set by ORS 166.291(1)(f). Completion of this training satisfies the Oregon educational requirement for handgun safety training to obtain your concealed handgun license. This course is only required for individuals applying for a concealed handgun permit for the first time with the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office. Additionally, this course is not required if you are transferring your CHL from one Oregon county to another and have already met the training requirement. Our CHL preparation course provides relevant and practical information you need to not only meet the education requirements necessary to obtain your license, but also to help determine if carrying a concealed handgun is right for you.

    It's easy to start the process. Visit Oregon CHL Prep, create an account, register for the class and pay online.

    The course covers:

    • CHL requirements
    • Weapons safety and storage
    • Methods of concealment
    • Use of force

    Test questions ensure that you understand the material before moving on to the next section.

    After completing the course, you can print your certificate immediately. Check with the sheriff’s office in the county you reside in, to learn more about their process for getting a concealed handgun.

    License cost

    Cost of Concealed Handgun License

    New Application - $115.00

    Renewal License - $75.00

    Transfer Fee - $30.00

    Transfer and Renewal - $90.00

    Address Change and Replacement - $15.00

    Fees are non-refundable. Only exact cash, check, money order, VISA/MASTERCARD, Debit/Credit.

    Review Multnomah County Fee Schedule here.

    Applications

    • Complete the application in its entirety. All fields marked with a red star are mandatory. Incomplete applications will be subject to withdrawal, and fees paid will not be refunded.
    • Be sure to include a valid cell phone number in the Cell field of the Telephone Number section and click the “Yes” in response to Updates via text message? if you would like text notifications.
    • Be sure the email address and contact numbers used on the application are accurate. This is where notifications from Permitium about your application will be sent.
    • Applicants are responsible for the information they submit. You will not be able to change information on the original application once it has been submitted.
    • Upload all requested, required documents as stipulated.
    • You must complete an online application in its entirety, which includes providing all requested, required documents dependent on your type of application, (e.g., valid government issued photo identification with current address; proof of citizenship; current/expired CHL, etc.).

    • New application

      If you've never had a CHL in Oregon, you will need to select the NEW Concealed Handgun License Application link from here. You will need the following documentation to submit a complete application:

      • One government issued photo identification with a current address residing in Multnomah County or the State of Washington, (e.g., DMV issued driver license or ID card, US Passport, etc.);
      • One other piece of identification, (i.e., voter’s precinct card, medical insurance card, employee identification card, etc.), or for transfers, your current/expired CHL from another county (must be turned in with application);
      • Proof of US citizenship using a birth certificate, US passport or naturalization documents;
      • Handgun safety course certificate; and
      • If your government-issued photo ID does not include a Multnomah County address, you must show proof of residency. Acceptable documents include:
        • Show proof of voter registration in Multnomah County and have a precinct memorandum card showing a residence address in Multnomah County;
        • Provide documentation that you currently own or lease real property in Multnomah County;
        • Provide documentation that you filed an Oregon tax return for the most recent tax year with a residence address in Multnomah County.

      Your fingerprinting appointment is scheduled through the online application. Walk-ins are not permitted.

      The non-refundable cost for a new concealed handgun license is $115.00. All major credit cards are accepted through the online CHL application program.

      If you do not have the ability to complete the process electronically, you may visit our business office Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., for assistance with your online application using our handheld tablet.

    • Renewing application

      If you have a current CHL from Multnomah County and you have had no changes, (name and address are the exact same), even if your CHL is expired, use this link. 

      You will need the following documentation to submit a complete application:

      • One government issued photo identification (e.g., DMV issued driver license or ID card, US Passport, etc.); and
      • Your current/expired CHL.

      The non-refundable cost for a renewal concealed handgun license is $75.00. All major credit cards are accepted through the online CHL application program.

      Per ORS 166.295, an otherwise expired concealed handgun license continues to be valid for up to 45 days after the licensee applies for renewal if:

      • The licensee applies for renewal before the original license expires;
      • The licensee has proof of the application for renewal; and
      • The application for renewal has not been denied.

      If you do not have the ability to complete the process electronically, you may visit our location Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., for assistance with your online application using our handheld tablet.

    • Transfer CHL

      If you have been issued a CHL in Oregon in a county other than Multnomah and it is due for renewal, even if it is expired, then you will need to select the RENEW Concealed Handgun License OR TRANSFERRING from Another County and RENEWING link from here.

      OR

      If you have a current unexpired CHL issued in an Oregon county other than Multnomah, then you will need to use this link.

      Depending on the type of application, the following forms of identification are required:

      • One government issued photo identification with current address residing in Multnomah County, (e.g., DMV issued driver license or ID card, US Passport, etc.);
      • One other piece of identification, (i.e., voter’s precinct card, medical insurance card, employee identification card, etc.);
      • Your current/expired CHL from another county, (must be turned in at time of fingerprinting appointment); and
      • If your government-issued photo ID does not include a Multnomah County address, you must show proof of residency. Acceptable documents include:
        • Show proof of voter registration in Multnomah County and have a precinct memorandum card showing a residence address in Multnomah County;
        • Provide documentation that you currently own or lease real property in Multnomah County;
        • Provide documentation that you filed an Oregon tax return for the most recent tax year with a residence address in Multnomah County.

      Your fingerprinting appointment is scheduled through the online application. There will be no walk-ins permitted.

      The non-refundable cost for a TRANSFER (RENEWAL) CHL is $90.00. The non-refundable cost for a TRANSFER (CURRENT/VALID) CHL is $30.00.

      All major credit cards are accepted through the online CHL application program.

      If you do not have the ability to complete the process electronically, you may visit our Business Office Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., for assistance with your online application using our handheld tablet.

    • Duplicate/Change of name or address

      If you have a current CHL from Multnomah County or the State of Washington, but you have either mislaid your CHL card, have legally changed your name, or have moved but are still within Multnomah County or the State of Washington, then you will need to select the REQUEST A CHANGE OF NAME or CHANGE OF ADDRESS within Multnomah County on an existing Concealed Handgun License OR TRANSFERRING from Another County. Link from here. Depending on the type of application, the following forms of identification are required:

      • One government issued photo identification, (e.g., DMV issued driver license or ID card, US Passport, etc.);
      • Pursuant to ORS 166.295(C)(2), your address must be updated with the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles before submitting your application;
      • Court certified true copy of your legal name change if applicable;
      • Current CHL if applicable.

      The non-refundable cost for a DUPLICATE or CHANGE NAME/ADDRESS CHL is $15.00. All major credit cards are accepted through the online CHL application program.

      If you do not have the ability to complete the process electronically, you may schedule an appointment to visit our location Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., for assistance with your online application using our handheld tablet.

    Checking on application status

    Please refrain from calling or emailing to check the status; the more time staff spend responding to status inquiries, the less time they have to process applications.

    You can check the status of your application at any time by logging in via the OrderTracker link, which is provided in your application confirmation email.

    Below is the list of possible statuses your application can have and what they mean:

    • Appointment Completed – Your fingerprints have been completed and your application will be assigned to a staff member soon for review.
    • Approved – Your application has been approved by a supervisor and will be finalized soon.
    • Contingently Approved – Your application review has been completed and it has been approved and routed to a supervisor.
    • Contingently Denied – Your application review has been forwarded to a supervisor due to information that may not meet Oregon Revised Statues (ORS) requirements.
    • Delivered – Good news! Your CHL has been approved, printed, and is on its way to you via USPS. Please allow 7-10 days for delivery.
    • Denied – Unfortunately, your CHL application has been denied. Per ORS 166.293, you will be receiving a certified letter documenting the reason(s) for the denial and your rights under ORS for appeal.
    • Payment Received – Your application has been received by the system and is being reviewed for completion by Sheriff’s Office staff.
    • Pending – Your application is complete (all documents received, and fingerprints completed if applicable) and has been assigned for staff review.
    • Pending Documentation – Your application requires additional documentation. Please check your email for specific documents and click the Order Tracker link to upload your documents. NOTE: We cannot proceed with processing your application until we receive the requested documents.
    • Pending Other – Your application has been reviewed for completeness, pending fingerprinting by the Sheriff’s Office.

    • Where can I carry a concealed handgun?

      Your concealed handgun license is good anywhere in the state with some stipulations and exceptions which are listed below.  If you are traveling to another state, you will need to check with their State Police to find out any restrictions or guidelines you will need to follow.

      Possession of firearms at the Oregon State Capitol
      In 2021, Oregon enacted a law that prohibits firearms carried by people with a valid Concealed Handgun License within the Oregon State Capitol.

      Possession of firearms and dangerous weapons in Federal facilities 18 U.S.C. § 930 
      You cannot carry concealed in a federal facility.  A “federal facility” means a building, or a portion of a building, owned, leased, or rented by the Federal Government, where Federal employees are regularly present for the purpose of performing their official duties. 

      The notice of restrictions must be conspicuously posted at each public entrance.  The restriction has been found by some courts to apply  to parking lots. 18 U.S.C. § 930(h) 

      Post offices are specifically excluded from 18 U.S.C. § 930 by 39 U.S.C. § 410.  Notwithstanding this, possession of weapons, either openly or concealed, is prohibited on postal property by 39 CFR 232.1(l).

      Possession of Firearms in National Parks and Wildlife Refuges
      A person cannot carry in buildings or structures in National Parks if employees work in the area, as they are “federal facilities”.  Otherwise, CHL holders can carry in National Parks and Wildlife Refuges, unless prohibited by state or local law.  16 U.S.C. § 1a-7b.

      Possession of Firearms on Tribal Property
      An Oregon Concealed Handgun License is not honored on property owned by the nine federally recognized tribes in Oregon.  You must apply to the Tribal Court and get a license signed by the Judge of the Tribal Court for each tribal property the person is considering visiting while armed.  This applies not only to the reservation, but to all property owned by a tribe, such as a casino.

      Possession of Firearms on School Property
      In 2021, Oregon enacted a law that allows a school district and institutions of higher education to prohibit firearms carried by people with a valid Concealed Handgun License.  A board that adopts such a policy is required to post a clearly visible sign, at all normal points of entry to the school grounds subject to the policy indicating that the affirmative defense described in ORS 166.370 (3)(g) does not apply. They are also required to post a notice on the board’s website identifying all school grounds subject to the policy. 

      Possession of Firearms in Court Facilities
      A person cannot carry openly or concealed in a court facility.  A court facility is a courthouse or a portion of any other building occupied by a circuit court, the Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court, the Oregon Tax Court or occupied by personnel related to the operations. If the facility is a courthouse, a person cannot carry anywhere in the courthouse. There does not have to be an order from the presiding judge prohibiting firearms. ORS 166.370(2)(a)(A)

      A person also cannot carry openly or concealed in a local court facility if the presiding judge of the local court facility entered an order prohibiting firearms in the area in which the court conducts business and during the hours in which the court operates.  A local court facility is the portion of a building in which a justice court, a municipal court, a probate court, or a juvenile court conducts business, during the hours in which the court operates. Carrying a firearm into a court facility or local court facility is a Class C felony.\

      Possession of Firearms in Airports
      A person cannot carry a firearm in the passenger terminal of a commercial service airport with over one million passenger boardings per year.

      Businesses or Private Facilities
      Businesses can make it a condition that you not possess a firearm while being on the premises or in the facility. There is no requirement that the premises be posted.

    Contact us

    • Concealed Handgun Licensing Unit

      3083 NE 170th Place Portland, OR 97230