Concealed Handgun License

     WHO CAN APPLY FOR A CONCEALED HANDGUN LICENSE?

If you reside in Polk County, are a citizen of the United States, and are at least 21 years of age you can apply.

    YOU MUST ALSO MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA

You must not have any outstanding warrants for arrests, you must not be on a

pretrial release, been convicted of a felony, been convicted of a misdemeanor within the previous four years, been found mentally ill under ORS 426.130, have a history that shows confrontation with others such as family or neighbors, have a history of conflict with police officers, offenses involving firearms, documented problems involving alcohol and/or drug abuse.

You must be a citizen of the United States or a legal resident alien who can document continuous residency in the county for at least six months and have declared in writing to the Immigration and Naturalization Service of your intention to become a citizen and present proof of the written declaration to the sheriff's office at the time of your application.

    WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO APPLY?

You will need to bring two pieces of identification; one of which must have your picture and signature.

You will need to bring three personal reference names, phone numbers, and mailing addresses. We will be sending them reference letters so make sure they know to expect them and also return them as soon as possible.

Proof of a firearm safety course taken. This can include a certificate or written statement that you have been trained by: A handgun safety course utilizing either police instructors or those certified by N.R.A., including courses provided for security guards, reserve police officers, law enforcement officers, military service, or an organized shooting competition.

If you have an Oregon license to carry a concealed handgun license, that will also be acceptable. Out of state concealed handgun licenses will not be considered proof.

You will need to bring a check or money order in the amount of $15.00 made payable to O.S.P. (Oregon State Police). This fee is NONREFUNDABLE.

You will need to bring a check or money order in the amount of $50.00 made payable to P.C.S.O. (Polk County Sheriff's Office). Cash is also acceptable. This fee is NON-REFUNDABLE.

You will need to bring a typed or legibly printed application (both sides). These are

available at  the Sheriff's Office.You will need to fill out a fingerprint card, in black ink, the morning you bring in your information. Fingerprints are done on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:00 am to 9:00 am on a first come first serve basis. It is recommended that you get here closer to 8:00am. There is no cost for this service for concealed handgun license applicants.

    HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET MY LICENSE?

The process usually takes about 45 days and you will receive it in the mail.

    IS MY CONCEALED HANDGUN LICENSE GOOD EVERYWHERE I GO?

Your concealed handgun license is good anywhere in the state it is issued from. 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.

The following places do not allow firearms:  

Any Federal facility. Federal facility means a building or part thereof owned or leased by the Federal Government where Federal employees are regularly present for the purpose of performing their office duties. (I.e. Federal Courthouse, Post Office, Social Security Office, certain areas of airports and on airplanes). This prohibits the carry of firearms on Federal lands, other than designated areas, incident to hunting or other lawful purposes.

Generally, persons who have obtained a valid concealed handgun license may carry their weapon onto National Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands unless there is a specific order issued by the local administrator, or forest ranger, to the contrary. It is the responsibility of the license holder to check with the local range district or BLM land management office to determine if an order has been issued prohibiting possession of a weapon in areas designated by those offices. The local offices may also issue restrictions upon the use of weapons on National Forest Service and BLM lands. It is the further responsibility of the license holder to contact the local range district or land management office to discover

any restrictions and thereafter comply with those restrictions while on federally owned property. Carrying of a concealed firearm while upon an Indian Reservation/Indian property without the written permission of the tribal judge. This may also apply to certain casinos that are on Indian lands. In a courtroom, jury room, judge's chambers or the areas adjacent thereto that the presiding judge determines should be free of firearms to ensure the safety of the litigants, court personnel, witnesses and others ORS 166.370(4). Any private business or private facility where a condition of being on the premises or in the facility is to not possess a

firearm. Anywhere in any court facility.

    DO I EVER HAVE TO RENEW MY CONCEALED HANDGUN LICENSE?

A Concealed Handgun License is good for four years and should have the

actual expiration date printed on the license itself. We do not send out renewal notices, so you will need to keep track of the date it expires.

    WHEN CAN I COME IN TO RENEW?

You can renew no more than 30 days prior to the expiration date and no more than 45 days after the expiration date.

   WHAT HAPPENS IF I MOVE INTO POLK COUNTY WITH AN EXISTING

    CONCEALED HANDGUN LICENSE?

When you move into Polk County, as long as your license was issued in the State of Oregon, there is a 30-day grace period for you to come in and get a change of address. The cost of this is $15.00 and you can come in Monday through Friday between 8:00am and 5:00pm.

If you have a concealed handgun license issued from another state you will need to go through the initial process again including being fingerprinted and providing references. See the instructions listed above.

    WHAT HAPPENS IF I JUST MOVE TO A NEW LOCATION IN POLK COUNTY?

If you move inside of Polk County there is a 30-day grace period for you to come in and get a change of address. The cost of this is $15.00 and you can come in Monday through Friday between 8:00am and 5:00pm.

   WHAT HAPPENS IF I MOVE OUT OF POLK COUNTY?

You will need to apply for a change of address for your license in which ever county you move into.

    WHAT DO I DO IF MY LICENSE HAS BEEN EXPIRED MORE THAN 45 DAYS?

You will need to go through the initial process again including being fingerprinted and providing references. See the instructions listed above.

   WHAT ALL IS INVOLVED IN A CHANGE OF ADDRESS?

The cost of a change of address is $15.00 and you can come in Monday through Friday between 8:00am and 5:00pm. We will have you fill out an application and take your picture. The change of address process usually takes two weeks and you will receive your new license in the mail.