Oklahoma is a shall-issue, permitless carry state. Licenses are processed at the county level by the local sheriff’s office.
No permit is needed to purchase a firearm from a private individual, there is no waiting period and there is no firearms registration in the state. A background check is required if purchasing a handgun from a Federal Firearms Dealer.
Open carry is legal without a license, for anyone that can legally own a firearm and is at least 21 years old (or at least 18 years old for members or veterans of the U.S. military) in lawful self-defense and self-protection or any other legitimate purpose such as hunting, fishing, educational or recreational purposes. Some areas are off-limits, including public government buildings.
Oklahoma has permitless carry. It allows anyone who is at least 21 years old (or at least 18 years old and is a member of the military or honorably discharged veteran) that can legally own a firearm to openly or concealed carry without a license. Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation’s Self-Defense Act Licenses (SDAL) are issued to residents and military personnel and their spouses stationed in Oklahoma only. A person must be 21 or older, have completed a firearms course and meet other criteria to apply. There are restrictions on the caliber of the firearm a license holder can carry with, .45 caliber being the highest. Licenses are not available for non-residents. In terms of reciprocity, Oklahoma recognizes permits issued by all other states. In addition, residents of other permitless carry states can carry in the state.
Where can I carry with my Oklahoma permit?
Yes
Yes, Constitutional Carry
Yes, Other Restrictions
No
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Important Firearm Laws
red flag law?
No. Oklahoma does not have a red flag law.
carry while using alcohol or drugs?
Not while under the influence of beer, intoxicating liquors or any hallucinogenic, or any unlawful or unprescribed drug, or any drug prescribed by a licensed physician if the aftereffects of such consumption affect mental, emotional or physical processes to a degree that would result in abnormal behavior.
As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgement, slow your reaction times or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.
non-resident permitting?
Yes. Only members of the military stationed in Oklahoma and their spouses.
"no weapons allowed" signs enforced?
Yes, if you are asked to leave a private establishment and refuse, you may be charged with a misdemeanor and required to pay a fine, spend time in county jail, and/or both.
duty to inform officer you're carrying?
No. There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Oklahoma unless the officer asks.
driver's license linked to carry license?
No. Your Oklahoma driver’s license is not linked to your Oklahoma Self-Defense Act license. Therefore, a law enforcement officer (LEO) will not be notified that you are a concealed carry license holder immediately when they run your driver’s license. However, LEOs may have access to other databases where they can obtain this information.
preemption?
Yes. The authority to regulate firearms is reserved to the state, except local municipalities may regulate the discharge of firearms within the jurisdiction. State preemption is now extended to Red Flag laws as well.
public access to concealed carry registry?
No, however, the information is available for law enforcement.
brandishing?
No definition of brandishing was found in Oklahoma law.However, it shall be unlawful for any person to willfully or without lawful cause point a shotgun, rifle or pistol, or any deadly weapon, whether loaded or not, at any person or persons for the purpose of threatening or with the intention of discharging the firearm or with any malice or for any purpose of injuring, either through physical injury or mental or emotional intimidation or for purposes of whimsy, humor or prank, or in anger or otherwise.
[Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 21 § 1289.16]
It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in reckless conduct while having in his or her possession any shotgun, rifle or pistol, such actions consisting of creating a situation of unreasonable risk and probability of death or great bodily harm to another, and demonstrating a conscious disregard for the safety of another person.
Carry Basics
permitless carry?
Yes. Permitless carry went into effect on November 1, 2019. It allows anyone who is at least 21 years old (or at least 18 years old and is a member of the military or honorably discharged veteran) that can legally possess a firearm to carry openly or concealed without a license.
ammunition restrictions?
Yes. The possession or use of any “restricted bullet” is prohibited. A “restricted bullet” is a round or elongated missile with a core of less than 60% lead and that has a fluorocarbon coating, designed to travel at high velocity and capable of penetrating body armor. Carrying a concealed handgun loaded with ammunition larger than .45 caliber is also prohibited.
open carry permitted?
Yes, with a license for anyone at least 18 years old. Open carry is defined as a loaded or unloaded pistol or handgun carried upon the person in a holster where the firearm is visible, or carried upon the person using a scabbard, sling or case designed for carrying firearms.
Without a license, for anyone that can legally own a firearm and is at least 21 years old (or at least 18 years old for members or veterans of the U.S. military) in lawful self-defense and self-protection or any other legitimate purpose. Other legitimate purposes include hunting, fishing, educational or recreational purposes. The carrying or use of weapons must be in a manner otherwise permitted by statute or authorized by the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act and must not be carried in furtherance of a crime.
However, handguns larger than .45 caliber are prohibited.
gun permit licensure?
Oklahoma is a shall-issue state.
minimum age for concealed carry?
The minimum age to concealed carry in Oklahoma is 21 years old.
magazine limits for handguns?
No. Oklahoma does not have magazine capacity restrictions.
weapons other than handguns allowed?
No. However, handguns larger than .45 caliber or >16" in length are prohibited.
[Okla. Stat. tit. 21, § 1290.6]
non-lethal weapons?
STUN GUNS and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a license.
PEPPER SPRAY - Legal for self-defense purposes. Oklahoma imposes no restrictions on size or concentration. Prohibited in schools, government buildings, and other restricted areas.
TEAR GAS - Legal for self-defense but subject to general misuse laws.
BEAR SPRAY - Legal for self-defense against wildlife. Nos specific state restrictions, but misuse against humans could lead to legal consequences.
BLUDGEONS AND BATONS - Expandable batons are legal to own and carry in Oklahoma. Batons are not classified as "dangerous weapons," so they can be carried openly or concealed without a permit.
Items such as billy clubs, slapjacks, and nightsticks are also legal unless used with criminal intent.
BRASS KNUCKLES - Legal under Oklahoma law. There are no explicit bans on possession, sale, or use.
byrna's?
Yes. These are legal for purchase and possession. Byrna guns are not classified as firearms under Oklahoma law.
Handgun Purchase & Possession
purchase permits?
No. A permit is not required to purchase a handgun in Oklahoma.
waiting period?
No. There is not a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Oklahoma.
possess a handgun on my private property without a license?
Yes. Permitless carry is allowed in Oklahoma for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm.
oklahoma license exempts from background check?
No.
handgun registration?
No. Handguns do not need to be registered in Oklahoma.
background checks for private gun sales?
No. Private firearms transfers are not subject to a background check requirement, although federal and state purchaser prohibitions, including age restrictions, still apply. It is recommended that you retain any sales receipts to prove ownership of the gun.
minimum age to possess and transport?
18 years old.
It is unlawful for any parent or guardian to intentionally, knowingly or recklessly permit his or her child to possess any firearm if the parent is aware of a substantial risk that the child will use the weapon to commit a criminal offense or if the child has either been adjudicated a delinquent or has been convicted as an adult for any criminal offense that contains as an element the threat or use of physical force against the person of another.
It is unlawful for any child to possess any firearm, except firearms used for participation in hunting animals or fowl, hunter safety classes, education and training in the safe use and handling of firearms, target shooting, skeet, trap or other sporting events or competitions.
Top Gun Laws & Concealed Carry Permit Information For Oklahoma Residents
Concealed Carry Basics Faq
what are the knife laws in oklahoma?
It is legal to own any type of knife in Oklahoma. Knives may be carried for self defense, hunting, fishing, recreating, for educational purposes and for live historical reenactments. The possession of any weapon on school grounds is illegal.
wear a covid mask & carry?
There is no known statute in Oklahoma making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed. Two state laws making it unlawful to wear a mask which conceals the identity of the wearer during the commission of a crime or for the purpose of coercion, intimidation or harassment and committing an assault with a dangerous weapon while masked. However they do not address wearing a mask while legally carrying a concealed firearm.
[Tit. 21, §§ 1301 & 1303]
carry while bow hunting?
Yes. Under the provisions of the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act a person may carry a firearm on any private or public state lands. This includes, but is not limited to while hunting, fishing, scouting and tracking. Federal lands such as Corps of Engineers or National Wildlife Refuges are subject to additional regulations that may prevent the provisions of this act. However, the handgun cannot be used to down an archery deer.
carry while gun hunting?
Yes. If you are approached by a game warden or other law enforcement officer you will need to immediately notify them that you are carrying a concealed weapon. The handgun cannot be used to down a deer. Federal lands such as Corps of Engineers or National Wildlife Refuges are subject to additional regulations.
hunter harassment law?
Yes. A person may not willfully obstruct or impede the participation of any individual in the lawful activity of shooting, hunting, fishing or trapping in this state. Provided, that nothing in this section shall prohibit a landowner or lessee from exercising their lawful rights of prohibiting hunting, fishing or trapping on their land, or any other legal right.
Fees:
Initial 5 year License $100 Renewal $85
Initial 10 year License $200 Renewal $170
Name/Address Changes:
Submit a notarized statement with the update name and/or address or use the Change of Information / Replacement License Request Form. If you wish to have a replacement license with the updated name or address, the fee is $15.
Lost/Stolen Licenses:
If your license is lost or stolen, submit a notarized statement requesting replacement of the lost or stolen license or use the online Change of Information/Replacement License Request Form. The license replacement fee is $15.
Processing Time:
14 days for Sheriff’s office; 60 days for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation if there are no exceptions; 90 days if there are exceptions.
Residency Changes:
Moving to Oklahoma and interested in applying for a resident license? How soon can you apply? Is your resident license from your former state transferable to Oklahoma? Oklahoma issues licenses to residents and active duty military personnel and their spouses stationed in Oklahoma. You can apply for your license once you have a valid Oklahoma driver’s license or state photo identification card, meet the military requirements or if you are a spouse of an active duty member of the military.
Moving from Oklahoma and have an Oklahoma resident license? Does that license transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Oklahoma license remains valid?If a person with an Oklahoma Self-Defense Act license establishes residency in another state, the license expires upon the establishment of residence in the other state.
Application:
Valid For:
5 years/10 years
Non-Resident Concealed Carry Licenses:
Licenses granted only to active-duty military personnel and their spouses stationed in Oklahoma. The process is the same as for residents.
Requirements:
An applicant must:
*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Oklahoma.
Step 1:
Read the Oklahoma Self Defense Act.
Step 2:
Complete the firearm safety class if necessary. The date on the certificate must be within the last 3 years.
Step 3:
Download the application, apply online or complete an application. (Applications are also available at Sheriffs' offices or by emailing the OSBI.)
Step 4:
Take the completed application or online summary sheet to the sheriff’s office of the county in which you reside. You will need the following:
Step 5:
You will be notified by mail if your application has been approved.
carry/possess at a hotel?
A business entity may prohibit any person from carrying a concealed or unconcealed firearm on the property. If the building or property is open to the public, the property owner, tenant, employer, place of worship or business entity shall post signs on or about the property stating such prohibition. However, no property owner or business entity may prohibit any person (except a convicted felon) from transporting and storing a firearm in a locked vehicle on any property set aside for a vehicle. The individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about it's concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information.
carry at roadside rest areas?
Yes. Concealed carry is allowed at roadside rest areas in Oklahoma.
store in a vehicle in an employee parking lot?
No person, property owner, tenant, employer or business entity is allowed to maintain, establish or enforce any policy or rule that has the effect of prohibiting any person (except a convicted felon) from transporting and storing firearms in a locked motor vehicle, or from transporting and storing a firearm locked in or locked to a motor vehicle on any property set aside for any motor vehicle.
[Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 21, § 1290.22(B)][Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 21, §§ 1289.7a,]
carry in vehicle?
Yes, without a license.
carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol?
You can concealed carry in the restaurant area of an eatery that serves alcohol without a license, unless posted and provided you are not under the influence. However, concealed carry is not allowed in bars or the bar areas of restaurants.
carry in state/national parks, state/national forests and wildlife management areas (wmas)?
Yes, but not in any buildings.
tribal lands
The Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma - NO
Cherokee - The carrying of a firearm, concealed or unconcealed, loaded or unloaded, by a person who is twenty-one (21) years of age or older or by a person who is eighteen (18) years of age but not yet twenty-one (21) years of age and the person is a member or veteran of the United States Armed Forces, Reserves or National Guard or was discharged under honorable conditions from the United States Armed Forces, Reserves or National Guard, and the person is otherwise not disqualified from the possession or purchase of a firearm under state or federal law and is not carrying the firearm in furtherance of a crime.
Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma - Only with explicit permission
Chickasaw Nation - NO
Choctaw - Yes, with a valid permit from any state.
Citizen Potawatomi Nation - NO
Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma - NO
Kaw Nation - NO
Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma - Only with explicit permission
Miami Tribe of Oklahoma - NO
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tribe - With a valid permit
Osage Nation - NO
Pawnee Tribe of Oklahoma - Only with explicit permission
Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma - Only if authorized to do so by the Quapaw Nation Business Committee or is authorized by state and/or federal open and concealed carry laws.
Sac and Fox Nation - NO
Seminole Nation - Only with a valid permit signed by a Magistrate of the Court of Indian Offenses.
Self-Defense
Oklahoma is a Castle Doctrine state and has a “stand your ground” statute. There is no duty to retreat, and the law applies any place where a person has a right to be. A person has no duty to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground and meet force with force, including deadly force, if he or she reasonably believes it is necessary to do so to prevent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another, or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony.
A person within a place of worship or at a business is presumed to have held a reasonable fear of imminent peril of death or great bodily harm when using defensive force that is intended or likely to cause death or great bodily harm to another if:
“Dwelling” means a building or conveyance of any kind, including any attached porch, whether the building or conveyance is temporary or permanent, mobile or immobile, which has a roof over it, including a tent, and is designed to be occupied by people.
“Residence” means a dwelling in which a person resides either temporarily or permanently or is visiting as an invited guest.
Oklahoma House Bill 2818, signed into law in May 2025, introduced significant changes to the state's self-defense laws, particularly concerning the use and display of firearms. Those changes include:
Presumption of Reasonable Fear in Self-Defense Situations
Individuals are presumed to have a reasonable fear of imminent peril when using force, including deadly force, against someone unlawfully entering their dwelling, vehicle, or place of business. This presumption simplifies legal defenses in self-defense cases.
Defense of Property
The law clarifies that individuals may use defensive force to protect their property, including homes and businesses, without facing penalties for actions like pointing a firearm during an attempted forcible felony.
No Licensing Required for Defensive Display
The legislation removes the requirement for a license under the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act when displaying a firearm or other deadly weapon in self-defense scenarios, thereby broadening the scope of lawful defensive actions.
Clarification of Justified Defensive Display
The bill outlines specific circumstances under which the defensive display of a firearm or other deadly weapon is justified, providing clearer guidelines for lawful self-defense actions.
Elimination of Penalties for Unlawful Pointing of a Firearm
The legislation removes penalties for "unlawful pointing of a firearm" for individuals acting in self-defense or protecting their homes or businesses.
Modification of Firearm Laws and Penalties
The bill modifies firearm laws and penalties, including the deletion of mandatory minimum sentencing for certain firearm-related offenses and the elimination of the requirement for handgun license revocation.
Immunity from Civil & Criminal Liability
A person who uses justified defensive force is immune from criminal prosecution and civil action for the use of such defensive force.
[Okla. Stat. tit. 21, § 1289.25]
Oklahoma Gun Law Updates
DateDetails
2025-04-08
Added non-lethal weapons to Carry Basics section.
2024-12-27
Added tribal land information to the carry location section.
2021-05-19
Added info on driver's license link to permit in At A Glance table
2020-11-23
Added information on training exemptions in the Training Section
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