Oklahoma Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW): Gun Laws, Application, Requirements & Online Training

Oklahoma, a shall-issue state for CCW (Concealed Carry Weapon) permits, has lenient gun laws with a permitless policy for firearm purchases. However, background checks are mandatory for obtaining a CCW permit or purchasing a firearm. In this article, we will explore the Oklahoma gun laws, CCW permit reciprocity, location restrictions, and essential firearm regulations.

Oklahoma Gun Laws

In November 2019, Oklahoma legalized concealed carry with a Self-defense Act License (SDAL), which serves as the state’s CCW permit. Only state residents and military personnel stationed in Oklahoma can apply for the SDAL. The age requirement for residents is 21 years, while military members must be 18 years old. Additionally, Oklahoma restricts the caliber of firearms handled in the state to .45 calibers.

Non-residents cannot apply for a CCW permit in Oklahoma, but they can take advantage of the permitless carry policy. Oklahoma also honors CCW permits from all other states, allowing non-residents with valid permits to carry concealed firearms within the state.

CCW Permit Reciprocity

Oklahoma recognizes CCW permits from all other states, making it convenient for permit holders to carry concealed firearms across state lines. As a non-resident, you can conceal carry in Oklahoma with or without a permit if you are at least 21 years old and comply with all permitless carry restrictions.

States that have restricted reciprocity with Oklahoma only allow concealed carry if you possess a resident permit issued by Oklahoma. Similarly, states with permitless carry policies, like Oklahoma, allow concealed carry without a permit, provided you meet the minimum age requirement of 21 and follow all other permitless carry restrictions.

It is crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific gun laws and concealed carry policies of each state to avoid legal issues while traveling with firearms.

Location Restrictions for CCW Permit in Oklahoma

Even with an Oklahoma CCW permit or under the permitless carry policy, certain location restrictions apply. These restrictions also apply to non-residents carrying concealed firearms within the state. The exceptions to these restrictions are law enforcement officers or peace officers on duty.

Places Where You Cannot Conceal Carry in Oklahoma

1. Government Buildings: You are not allowed to conceal carry in any building or property leased by the federal or state government, municipalities, or counties, for conducting business with the general public.
2. Government Meetings and Events: Concealed carry is prohibited in meetings or events held by government officials, legislative members, school management, and elected officials in the state.
3. Courthouses: Concealed carry is not allowed in courthouses or during regular court proceedings.
4. Sports Arenas and Casinos: You cannot conceal carry in stadiums or sports arenas used for professional sporting activities, as well as casinos and gambling establishments unless you have permission from the authorities in charge.
5. Schools and Educational Institutions: Concealed carry is prohibited in elementary and secondary schools, colleges, universities, and technical institutions, except with permission from school authorities or when the firearm is kept in a vehicle, away from public sight.
6. Prisons and Correctional Facilities: Concealed carry is not allowed in prisons or any other detention or correctional facility.
7. Alcohol Selling Places: Concealed carry is not allowed in places where alcoholic drinks are sold and constitute the primary source of income.
8. Under the Influence: Concealed carry is prohibited while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
9. Private Properties and Businesses: Concealed carry is not allowed in private properties, businesses, and organizations that explicitly prohibit the possession of firearms on their premises.
10. Places Prohibited by Federal Laws: Concealed carry is not allowed in places restricted by federal laws or regulations.

Places Where You Are Allowed to Conceal Carry in Oklahoma

Contrary to some misconceptions, Oklahoma gun laws permit concealed carry in the following places or situations:

1. Bars and Restaurants: You can carry concealed in restaurant areas as long as there are no signs prohibiting it. However, carrying concealed in bars while under the influence of alcohol is not allowed.
2. Personal Vehicle: Concealed carry is allowed in your car, even without a license.
3. Public Transports: Concealed carry is permitted in public buses.
4. Roadsides: You can carry concealed along roadsides and in rest areas.
5. State/National Parks and Forests: Concealed carry is allowed in parks and forests, including Wildlife Management Areas. However, carrying concealed is not allowed inside their buildings.
6. Places of Worship: There are no restrictions on concealed carry in places of worship, but you should respect any signage prohibiting firearms on private properties.
7. Municipal Parks and Zoos: Concealed carry is allowed in local parks and zoos owned or managed by public trusts, such as the Tulsa Zoo and Gathering Place.

Castle Doctrine in Oklahoma

Oklahoma recognizes the Castle Doctrine law for self-defense. The Castle Doctrine allows you to use your firearm for self-defense without a duty to retreat in the face of a criminal attack, but it only applies within your home of residence, place of work, and place of worship. Outside of these places, you are required to retreat, and the use of deadly force is not lawful.

With the Castle Doctrine law in effect, you are granted immunity against criminal and civil liability for using your firearm in self-defense within the allowed locations.

CCW Permit Requirements in Oklahoma

Before applying for a CCW permit in Oklahoma, you must meet specific Firearm ordinances set forth by the state. If you fail to meet any of these requirements, your application will be rejected by the sheriff’s office. The essential CCW permit requirements are as follows: Please write in English language.

1. Age: Applicants must be at least 21 years old, while military members must be 18 years old and honorably discharged from duty.
2. Citizenship: You must be a citizen of the United States.
3. Residency: Applicants must be residents of Oklahoma.
4. Identification: You must possess a valid state driver’s license or ID card issued by Oklahoma.
5. Firearms Training: Applicants must complete an Oklahoma concealed carry permit course conducted by a certified instructor or provide a letter of exemption.
6. Criminal History: You must not be a convicted felon or have any ongoing felony charges.
7. Mental Health: You must not have any history of mental illness or be a patient in any mental health institution.
8. Domestic Violence: You must not be convicted of any domestic violence or assault-related crimes.
9. Substance Abuse: Applicants must not have a history of drug or alcohol-related offenses.
10. Character Reference: You must not have any character evidence indicating criminal activity.
11. Federal Laws: Applicants must comply with all federal laws related to CCW permits.

How to Apply for a CCW Permit in Oklahoma

After meeting all the necessary requirements, you can proceed with the application process for an Oklahoma CCW permit. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Understand the Self-defense Act: Familiarize yourself with the Oklahoma Self-defense Act and its requirements.
2. Complete Firearm Training: Take an eight-hour course conducted by a licensed instructor in the state to demonstrate firearm competency.
3. Obtain the Application Form: Download the application form online or visit your local sheriff’s office to obtain it.
4. Submit the Required Documents: Along with the completed application form, submit two passport photographs, a state driver’s license or ID card, and your firearm training certificate.
5. Notification Mail: You will receive a notification by mail informing you of the approval or denial of your CCW permit.

Firearm Training Requirements in Oklahoma

The firearm ordinances training course must be an eight-hour program conducted by a licensed instructor in Oklahoma. The training should cover topics such as firearm inspection, safe handling and storage, ammunition basics, shooting techniques, the Oklahoma self-defense act, a live-fire session, and firearm familiarization.

Conclusion

Oklahoma’s gun laws provide opportunities for residents and non-residents to carry concealed firearms under certain regulations. Understanding the CCW permit requirements, location restrictions, and firearm regulations is essential to avoid any legal issues. By following the guidelines and completing the necessary training, law-abiding citizens can exercise their right to bear arms responsibly.

FAQs

Q1. How Long Does an Oklahoma CCW Permit Last?

Oklahoma CCW permits are available in two durations: five years and ten years. After the permit’s expiration, you will need to renew it.

Q2. How Much Does the CCW Permit Application Cost in Oklahoma?

The application fee for a five-year permit is $100, with a $70 renewal fee. For a ten-year permit, the application fee is $200, with an $85 renewal fee.

Q3. What Is the Processing Time for a CCW Permit in Oklahoma?

The processing time for an Oklahoma CCW permit is approximately 90 days from the date of application.

Q4. Can I Carry Concealed in Bars and Restaurants?

While concealed carry is not allowed in bars or if you are under the influence of alcohol, you can carry concealed in restaurant areas unless there are signs prohibiting it.

Q5. Do I Need a Permit to Purchase Firearms in Oklahoma?

Unlike some states, you do not need a permit to purchase firearms in Oklahoma. There is also no firearm registration or gun roster list in the state.