Can You Open Carry in Oregon? Yes—But Major Cities Like Portland Ban Loaded Open Carry 2026
Yes, you can open carry in Oregon without a permit. Oregon law permits anyone 18 or older who legally possesses firearms to carry openly in public spaces. However, cities including Portland, Beaverton, and Tigard prohibit loaded open carry in public unless you hold a concealed handgun license.
Many gun owners face confusion because Oregon’s open carry laws conflict with local restrictions, neighboring states have different requirements, and recent legislative changes like Ballot Measure 114 created uncertainty about firearm regulations.
How Oregon’s Open Carry Laws Work and Where Local Restrictions Apply
Oregon permits open carry of firearms without requiring permits or licenses. Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) § 166.250 criminalizes carrying concealed firearms but does not prohibit open carry for individuals 18 and older who aren’t prohibited from possessing firearms.
Open carry means your firearm remains visible through ordinary observation. You’re not attempting to conceal the weapon under clothing or in bags. Oregon law draws sharp distinctions between open carry (permitted without permits) and concealed carry (which requires an Oregon Concealed Handgun License).
Oregon Cities Can Restrict Loaded Open Carry
While state law permits open carry, ORS § 166.173 grants cities and counties authority to regulate loaded firearm possession in public places. Portland, Beaverton, and Tigard have exercised this authority by prohibiting loaded open carry in public.
In Portland, you cannot open carry a loaded firearm in public spaces including streets, parks, and inside vehicles. The firearm must be completely unloaded with no rounds in the chamber or magazine. If you hold a valid Oregon Concealed Handgun License, you’re exempt from this restriction and may carry loaded firearms either openly or concealed.
Concealed Carry Requires an Oregon Concealed Handgun License
ORS § 166.250 makes carrying concealed firearms a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail. Concealed carry means the firearm is hidden from view under clothing or in a bag where it’s not visible through ordinary observation.
To carry concealed in Oregon, you must obtain a Concealed Handgun License from your county sheriff. Requirements include being at least 21 years old, completing firearms training demonstrating handgun competence, passing a background check, and paying application fees. Unlike Alabama open carry laws where constitutional carry permits both open and concealed carry without permits, Oregon maintains strict concealed carry licensing requirements.
Where Oregon Law Prohibits Firearm Carry Regardless of How You Carry
Certain locations prohibit firearms whether carried openly or concealed, even with valid concealed handgun licenses.
Public Buildings and Government Facilities
ORS § 166.370 prohibits carrying loaded or unloaded firearms in public buildings including courthouses, government offices, the Oregon State Capitol, and passenger terminals of commercial airports with over one million annual boardings. This applies to both open carry and concealed carry even with valid licenses.
Exceptions exist for law enforcement officers and honorably retired officers. Private citizens, including concealed handgun license holders, cannot carry firearms in these locations.
Schools and Educational Institutions
Oregon law prohibits firearms on public school grounds (K-12). However, governing boards of public universities, community colleges, and school districts may adopt policies prohibiting concealed carry by license holders. Schools must post visible signage indicating firearms are prohibited and publish notices on their websites.
Many Oregon schools have adopted policies banning firearms entirely, making it illegal to carry openly or concealed on school grounds regardless of license status.
Federal Property and Tribal Lands
Federal law prohibits firearms in federal buildings, post offices, and secure areas of federal facilities. These restrictions apply regardless of Oregon’s open carry laws.
Oregon’s nine federally recognized tribes maintain sovereignty over tribal property. Oregon Concealed Handgun Licenses are not honored on tribal property including reservations and casinos. You must obtain written permission from the tribal court to carry firearms on tribal lands.
Why Oregon Gun Owners Are Confused About Open Carry Status
Several factors create confusion about whether you can open carry in Oregon and where restrictions apply.
Local Ordinances Vary Significantly Across Oregon
State law permits open carry, but cities enact local restrictions that override state provisions for loaded firearms. Portland’s ban on loaded open carry contrasts sharply with rural Oregon counties where loaded open carry remains legal.
Gun owners traveling between jurisdictions may not realize Portland prohibits what’s legal an hour away in rural counties. This patchwork of regulations makes compliance challenging. Similar complexity exists in Delaware open carry laws where state and local regulations create distinct requirements.
Ballot Measure 114 Created Uncertainty About Future Regulations
Oregon voters approved Ballot Measure 114 in November 2022, creating new permit requirements to purchase firearms and banning magazines holding more than ten rounds. Legal challenges blocked implementation, and the measure awaited final Oregon Supreme Court ruling as of January 2026.
Uncertainty about whether Measure 114 will take effect leaves gun owners confused about future regulations. Many sources reference the measure as if it’s already law when courts have not yet allowed implementation.
Common Misconceptions About Oregon Open Carry and Concealed Carry Laws
You Can Open Carry Loaded Firearms Anywhere in Oregon
False. While state law permits open carry, Portland, Beaverton, and Tigard prohibit loaded open carry in public. Other cities may have similar restrictions. You must research local ordinances before openly carrying loaded firearms in Oregon cities.
In Portland, carrying a loaded firearm openly violates city code and can result in criminal charges unless you hold a valid Oregon Concealed Handgun License.
Oregon Recognizes Out-of-State Concealed Carry Permits
False. Oregon does not recognize concealed carry permits from any other state. Non-residents visiting Oregon cannot carry concealed even if they hold valid permits from their home states.
However, non-residents may open carry in Oregon just as residents can, provided they comply with local restrictions on loaded firearms. Residents of bordering states (Washington, Idaho, Nevada, California) may apply for Oregon Concealed Handgun Licenses if they demonstrate compelling business interests.
Private Property Restrictions Don’t Apply in Oregon
False. Private property owners in Oregon can prohibit firearms on their property regardless of state open carry laws. Businesses may post signage banning firearms, and property owners may verbally prohibit firearms.
Violating private property restrictions can result in trespassing charges if you refuse to leave after being told firearms are prohibited.
What Oregon Gun Owners Should Do to Comply With Open Carry Laws
Understand Whether Your City Prohibits Loaded Open Carry
Before carrying firearms openly, research whether your city or county has enacted ordinances restricting loaded open carry. Portland, Beaverton, and Tigard have confirmed restrictions. Contact your local police department or city attorney’s office to verify current regulations.
If you live in or travel to cities with loaded open carry restrictions, either unload your firearm completely or obtain an Oregon Concealed Handgun License to carry loaded firearms legally.
Familiarize Yourself With Prohibited Locations
Learn which locations prohibit firearms under ORS § 166.370 regardless of how you carry. Courthouses, the State Capitol, public schools, government buildings, and federal property all ban firearms even for concealed handgun license holders.
Carrying firearms in prohibited locations can result in felony charges. ORS § 166.370 classifies unauthorized firearm possession in public buildings as a Class C felony punishable by up to five years in prison.
Consider Obtaining a Concealed Handgun License
Many Oregon gun owners obtain concealed handgun licenses even though they primarily open carry. The license exempts you from local loaded open carry restrictions in cities like Portland and provides more flexibility in how you carry.
The application process requires completing firearms training, passing background checks, and paying fees around $65. Licenses remain valid for four years and can be renewed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oregon Open Carry Laws
Can You Open Carry in Oregon?
Yes. Oregon permits open carry of firearms without a permit for anyone 18 or older who can legally possess firearms. However, cities including Portland, Beaverton, and Tigard prohibit loaded open carry in public unless you hold a concealed handgun license.
Do You Need a Permit to Open Carry in Oregon?
No. Oregon does not require permits for open carry. However, concealed carry requires an Oregon Concealed Handgun License. Additionally, some cities prohibit loaded open carry unless you have a concealed handgun license.
Where Can You Not Open Carry in Oregon?
You cannot carry firearms (openly or concealed) in courthouses, the State Capitol, public schools (where policies prohibit firearms), government buildings, federal property, tribal lands, or Portland/Beaverton/Tigard (if loaded without a concealed handgun license). Private property owners can also prohibit firearms.
What Is the Difference Between Open Carry and Concealed Carry in Oregon?
Open carry means your firearm is visible through ordinary observation and requires no permit. Concealed carry means the firearm is hidden from view and requires an Oregon Concealed Handgun License. Portland bans loaded open carry but permits concealed carry with a license.
What Are the Penalties for Carrying a Firearm in Prohibited Locations in Oregon?
Carrying firearms in public buildings prohibited under ORS § 166.370 is a Class C felony punishable by up to five years in prison and fines up to $125,000. Violating local loaded open carry restrictions typically results in misdemeanor charges.
Can You Open Carry in Oregon If You’re Visiting From Another State?
Yes. Non-residents may open carry in Oregon under the same rules as residents, provided they are at least 18 years old and can legally possess firearms. However, they must comply with local restrictions on loaded open carry in cities like Portland and cannot carry concealed without an Oregon license.
Last Updated: January 26, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Oregon’s open carry and concealed carry laws and is not legal advice. Individuals facing firearm-related legal issues should consult qualified attorneys for case-specific guidance.
If you have questions about your firearm carry rights in Oregon or face legal issues related to firearm possession, contact local law enforcement for clarification or consult an attorney experienced in Oregon firearm law.
Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com
Sources Cited:
- Oregon Revised Statutes § 166.250 (Unlawful Possession of Firearms)
- Oregon Revised Statutes § 166.291 (Issuance of Concealed Handgun License)
- Oregon Revised Statutes § 166.370 (Possession of Firearm in Public Building or Court Facility)
- Oregon Revised Statutes § 166.173 (Authority of City or County to Regulate Possession of Loaded Firearms)
- Portland City Code § 14C.20.010 (Possession of Loaded Firearms in Public Places)
- 18 U.S.C. § 922 (Federal Firearm Regulations)
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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