General Information

Learning the laws regulating the use of firearms is a must for responsible ownership. Local regulations differ and laws vary from state to state. Citizens must check with the jurisdiction where the firearm is to be used.

In Oregon, the Sheriff and his staff are required to follow strict state guidelines when performing the necessary background checks for issuing Concealed Handgun Licenses. Due to the detailed nature involved with conducting these background checks, processing time can take up to 45 days. During the application process, the applicant will be asked to schedule an appointment for a New or Transfer Concealed Handgun License application. 

Please read the requirements section below to make sure you have all the information required for applying for a Concealed Handgun License.

RENEW Concealed Handgun License OR TRANSFERRING from another County and RENEWING

By choosing this application type, you acknowledge, that you are either renewing your Columbia County issued concealed handgun license OR you are transferring your concealed handgun license from another county AND renewing, as the expiration date on your current CHL is nearing expiration.


TRANSFERRING FROM ANOTHER COUNTY

By choosing this application type, you acknowledge that you are requesting to either transfer your concealed handgun license from another County and do not need to renew as you have a year or more remaining on your current CHL OR are requesting a name change and/or a change of address on your current Columbia County concealed handgun license.

 

Pricing:

Type of Permit Fee

New Concealed Handgun License

$115.00
Renew Concealed Handgun License $75.00
Transferring from Another County (Not needing to renew) $30.00
Transferring from Another County and needing to renew $90.00
Requesting a Duplicate Concealed Handgun License $15.00
Change of Address on a Columbia County issued CHL $15.00
Change of Name on a Columbia County issued CHL $15.00

 

  • If you are applying for a NEW or TRANSFER license, you will be required to book a fingerprinting appointment. Fingerprinting is available on TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS between 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM.
  • Applications are processed within forty-five (45) days upon being received by the Sheriff's Office.
  • Concealed Handgun Licenses are valid for four (4) years.

 

Gaining competency with firearms is like learning to drive a car or fly an airplane. You need expert instruction and practice. There is no shortcut. If you are not willing to invest the time and effort to become competent, then having a firearm and trying to use it can, in many instances, be more hazardous than any impending threat.

 

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Concealed Handgun License Information



Concealed Handgun License Requirements: must meet ALL requirements

 

Requirements for Applying for a Concealed Handgun License:

NEW Concealed Handgun License

  • Handgun safety class certificate: 
  • Proof of residency: In Columbia County or Washington state by providing ONE of the following: current driver’s license, previous year’s state tax return, real property ownership in Columbia County, voter’s registration card, or current rent/lease agreement.
  • Two Forms of ID: One piece of identification must be a valid and current picture identification, valid passport, voter card, employee ID, etc.
  • IF YOU ARE A WASHINGTON RESIDENT - Your Valid Washington State Concealed Pistol License (CPL).
  • Proof of Citizenship: If you were not born in the United States, you must provide proof of citizenship: current 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 card, work permit, or legal resident alien card does NOT meet the requirement for citizenship. 

RENEWAL Concealed Handgun License:

  • One government-issued photo identification (e.g., DMV issued driver license or ID card, US Passport, etc.).
  • Your current/expired CHL.  
  • For Washington residents, your valid Concealed Pistol License (CPL).

TRANSFERRING from another county:

  • Proof of residency: In Columbia County or Washington state by providing ONE of the following: current driver’s license, previous year’s state tax return, real property ownership in Columbia County or Washington state, voter’s registration card, or current rent/lease agreement. 
  • Previous County’s CHL

CHANGE OF ADDRESS or CHANGE OF NAME:

  • 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

Required Documents

PROOF OF FIREARMS SAFETY

  • 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;
  • Completion of any National Rifle Association firearms safety or training 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;
  • 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;
  • 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.

ALL TRAINING MUST COVER HANDGUN SAFETY AS A COMPONENT OF THE COURSE.

 


For More Information, Contact:

Columbia County Sheriff's Office

Address:

901 Port Avenue
St Helens, OR 97051

Phone: 503-366-4611
Fax: 503-366-4644
Email: ccso.chl@columbiacountyor.gov

 

For Technical Support, Contact:

Permitium Software
Email: help@permitium.com