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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.
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.
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]
Permitless Carry?Does Oklahoma allow 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. |
Open Carry Permitted?Is open carry permitted in Oklahoma? |
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?If Oklahoma requires a license to carry a concealed firearm, how are those licenses issued? |
Oklahoma is a shall-issue state. |
Minimum Age for Concealed Carry?What is the minimum age in Oklahoma to get a concealed carry license? |
The minimum age to concealed carry in Oklahoma is 21 years old. |
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed?Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Oklahoma with a concealed carry license (or under permitless carry if applicable)? |
No. However, handguns larger than .45 caliber or >16" in length are prohibited. [Okla. Stat. tit. 21, § 1290.6] |
Tasers or Stun Guns?Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Oklahoma? |
Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a license. |
Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray?Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Oklahoma? |
Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Oklahoma. It is unlawful to use pepper spray against another person knowing the other person to be a peace officer, corrections officer, probation or parole officer, firefighter or an emergency medical technician or paramedic who is acting in the course of official duty. |
MAGAZINE LIMITS FOR HANDGUNS?Does Oklahoma have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns? |
No. Oklahoma does not have magazine capacity restrictions. |
AMMUNITION RESTRICTIONS?Does Oklahoma have 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. |
Carry in Vehicle?Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Oklahoma? |
Yes, without a license. |
Carry at Roadside Rest Areas?Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Oklahoma? |
Yes. Concealed carry is allowed at roadside rest areas in Oklahoma. |
Carry in State/National Parks, State/National Forests and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)?Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in Oklahoma? |
Yes, but not in any buildings. |
Carry in Bars/Restaurants That Serve Alcohol?Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Oklahoma? |
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/Possess at a hotel?Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Oklahoma? |
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. |
Store in a Vehicle in an Employee Parking Lot?Does Oklahoma have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles 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)] |
Duty to Inform Officer You're Carrying?Do you have a duty to inform a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Oklahoma? |
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?Is my Oklahoma driver’s license linked to my Oklahoma 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. |
"No Weapons Allowed" Signs Enforced?Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in Oklahoma? If yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense. |
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. |
Preemption?Does Oklahoma have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e. Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)? |
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. |
Red Flag Law?Does Oklahoma have a red flag law? |
No. Oklahoma does not have a red flag law. |
Brandishing?Does Oklahoma state law define brandishing? |
No definition of brandishing was found in Oklahoma law. [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 While Using Alcohol or Drugs?Does Oklahoma have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm 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?Does Oklahoma issue concealed carry licenses to non-residents? |
Yes. Only members of the military stationed in Oklahoma and their spouses. |
PUBLIC ACCESS TO CONCEALED CARRY REGISTRY?Does Oklahoma allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law? |
No, however, the information is available for law enforcement. |
Purchase Permits?Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Oklahoma? |
No. A permit is not required to purchase a handgun in Oklahoma. |
Background Checks for Private Gun Sales?Are background checks required for private gun sales in Oklahoma? |
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. |
Oklahoma license Exempts from Background Check?Does my current Oklahoma concealed carry license exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm? |
No. |
Waiting Period?Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Oklahoma? |
No. There is not a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Oklahoma. |
Handgun Registration?Do handguns need to be registered in Oklahoma? |
No. Handguns do not need to be registered in Oklahoma. |
Minimum Age to Possess and Transport?What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Oklahoma? |
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. |
Possess a handgun on my private property without a license?Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a license? |
Yes. Permitless carry is allowed in Oklahoma for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm. |
Oklahoma Gun Laws: What You Need to Know
USCCA — September 9, 2019
Basic Concealed Carry Laws: Oklahoma
USCCA — December 27, 2020
Which states' permits does Oklahoma honor?
Since Oklahoma has permitless carry, any person 21 years of age and older who can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed firearm on his or her person without a license or permit.
Which states honor permits from Oklahoma?
Note: Firearms must be carried in accordance with the laws of the state you are visiting. Be sure to check the laws of the other state before traveling there with your firearms.
Oklahoma offers resident and non-resident (members of the military stationed in Oklahoma and their spouses) licenses. If indicated with “Resident only” below, that state only honors Oklahoma resident licenses (and not those issued to non-residents).
*PC-18 = permitless carry if at least 18 years old
*PC-21 = permitless carry if at least 21 years old
Permitless carry includes constitutional carry states as well as states where an individual must meet certain qualifications, e.g., no DUIs in the last 10 years, in order to legally carry (Tennessee). Each state determines the requirements and any limitations on the carry of firearms. Check each state’s page for more information and any restrictions that may apply.
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. |
Fees: |
Initial 5 year License $100 Initial 10 year License $200 |
Valid For: |
5 years/10 years |
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. |
Application: |
|
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. |
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. |
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? 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? |
How to Apply for an Oklahoma Self-Defense Act License
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. |
You must successfully complete an 8-hour firearms safety and training course from a certified SDAL firearms instructor and demonstrate competency and qualification with a pistol authorized for carry by the Oklahoma Self‑Defense Act [Okla. Stat. tit. 21-53-290.14]. Training certificates expire after 3 years.
Course content shall include:
Per Okla. Stat. tit. 21-53-290.15 there are training exemptions for:
Find a USCCA Certified Instructor or Firearms Training Class Near You
How to Renew an Oklahoma Self-Defense Act License
Step 1: |
Renewals can be made within the period beginning 90 days before the licenses expiry date. Renewals for licenses that expired less than 3 years ago are also accepted, however there is a late fee. If a license has expired more than 3 years ago it cannot be renewed and a new application process must be started. |
Step 2: |
Download the application, apply online or complete an application. |
Step 3: |
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 4: |
Applicants who have applied online, uploaded photo and submitted payment online have completed the process. Other applicants must take or mail the online summary sheet or completed application, along with photographs and required fee to: Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation |
Step 5: |
You will be notified by mail if your application has been approved. |
Law enforcement officers (LEOs) and Retired LEOs (RLEOs) may choose to carry under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), often referred to as HR 218. Under 18 U.S. Code §§ 926B & 926C, qualified LEOs and qualified retired LEOs, or those separated from service in good standing, can carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States, regardless of state or local laws, with some exceptions. For details check out our Federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) page.
Currently, Oklahoma has not designated any state agency to be responsible for LEOSA. The Council on Law Enforcement Education & Training (CLEET) sets standards for Law Enforcement Education and Training. You must have been employed or commissioned as a full-time or reserve peace officer prior to retirement. LEOs or RLEOs from an Oklahoma state, county or municipal law enforcement agency, or a federal law enforcement agency qualify.
Where Can I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Oklahoma? |
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Where Can't I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Oklahoma?Places off-limits even with a permit/license |
[Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 21 § 1277(A)]
|
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?I can legally carry a concealed firearm in Oklahoma, but can I wear a COVID 19 protective mask while carrying concealed? |
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 GUN HUNTING?Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Oklahoma? |
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. |
CARRY WHILE BOW HUNTING?Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in Oklahoma? |
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. |
HUNTER HARASSMENT LAW?Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in Oklahoma? |
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. |
Date | Details |
---|---|
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 |
2020-09-03 | Added information on Self Defense in the Summary |
2020-07-01 | Added information on wearing a COVID 19 mask while carrying concealed above the Summary |
2020-06-04 | Added info and statutory links for ammunition restrictions in At A Glance table |
2020-05-20 | Updated info on State preemption on red flag laws in At A Glance table |
2020-05-06 | Added info on handguns at hotels in At A Glance table |
2020-04-20 | Added info on handguns on private property in At A Glance table |
2020-04-06 | Added info on private gun sales in At A Glance table |
2020-02-25 | Added info on carry in bars to the At A Glance table |
2020-02-19 | Added related blog posts with links |
2020-02-17 | Added info regarding residency changes and resulting impacts on carry permits |
2020-01-30 | Updated the knife laws and added statutory references |
2020-01-13 | Updated info on carry while using alcohol or controlled substances in At A Glance table |
2019-12-04 | Added info on whether a valid state ccw permit exempts a person from needing a background check when purchasing a firearm to the At A Glance table |
2019-11-21 | Added statutory references and links for can’t carry locations |
2019-11-04 | Added brandishing info to At A Glance table |
2019-11-01 | Updated Permitless Carry info to the Summary and At A Glance table |
2019-10-15 | Added Hunter Harassment info to At A Glance table |
2019-10-01 | Added Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray to the At A Glance table |
2019-09-09 | Added Carry While Hunting info to At A Glance table |
2019-08-13 | Added anchor links to various sections below the Summary |
2019-07-26 | Added minimum age to possess and transport a handgun to At A Glance table |
2019-05-24 | Added stun gun/Taser info to At A Glance table |
2019-05-02 | Added permit renewal and name/address change info |
2019-04-19 | Links checked |
2019-04-01 | Added info on state implementation of Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA) |
2019-02-28 | Added new permitless carry law info to General Info & At A Glance table. |
2019-02-22 | Added limitations on open carry in At A Glance table |
2019-02-21 | Added ammunition restrictions in At A Glance table |
2019-02-20 | Added info to vehicle carry in At A Glance table |
2019-02-15 | Added pages for Federal Gun Laws, Traveling with Firearms & Terminology |
2019-02-06 | Added red flag law info to At A Glance table |
2019-01-25 | Added church carry info to location restrictions section |
2019-01-24 | Added info about alcohol or prescription medication in At A Glance table |
2019-01-10 | Mag limit added to At A Glance table |
Here at the USCCA, it is our mission to provide responsible gun owners with the tools they need to be educated and trained. Our team is constantly working to provide you with the most up-to-date and comprehensive list of self-defense laws available for every state.
If you have any questions that you don’t see answered here — let us know! Just email [email protected] and we will be sure to get your question resolved. Your feedback matters to us, and we appreciate you helping to make this page the best possible resource for responsible gun owners!
Permit numbers were obtained from the Crime Prevention Resource Center’s publication entitled, “Concealed Carry Permit Holders Across the United States.” Numbers include resident and non-resident permits for those states that issue both.
The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. members and the concealed carry community, and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case. Laws are constantly changing, and as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.
If you have any questions regarding USCCA Membership, Delta Defense, handguns laws or the lawful process of carrying concealed, please contact the award-winning Delta Defense Customer Engagement Team.