Oklahoma Gun Laws

Oklahoma Gun Laws Summary

The state gun law permits open carry without a handgun license for anyone that can legally possess a firearm and 21 years old and above (or at least 18 years old for members of the US military that are on active duty or have been honorably discharged) for purposes such as lawful self-defense or self protection, hunting, fishing, educational, or recreational purposes.

Though, there are certain areas in Oklahoma that are completely off-limits to firearms, including public government buildings.

In terms of concealed carry, Oklahoma has a permitless carry statute that allows anyone at least 21 years old (or 18 years old for members of the military) that can legally possess a firearm to openly or conceal carry without a concealed handgun license.

Open Carry is defined as a loaded or unloaded handgun that’s carried upon the person in a holster where the firearm is visible to others, or carried upon the person using a scabbard, sling, or case designed for firearms.

The Self-Defense Act Licenses (SDAL) are issued by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to residents and military personnel and their spouses stationed in Oklahoma only. Self-Defense Act licenses are issued to residents that are 21 years old or older, have completed a firearms training course, and meet other criteria.

However, the SDA license has restrictions on the caliber of the firearm the handgun license holder can carry with a .45 being the largest caliber permitted. Unfortunately, licenses are not available for non-residents of the state.

Self-Defense

Oklahoma is a Castle Doctrine state with a “stand your ground” statute. Residents do not have a duty to retreat at a place where they are lawfully permitted to be.

Under the Oklahoma state gun laws, a person has the right to stand his or her ground and meet force with force, including deadly force, if he or she reasonably believes that it is necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm to him/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 death or great bodily harm when defensive force is used if:

• The other person was in the process of unlawful and forceful entry into a dwelling, residence, occupied vehicle, place of business, or place of worship, or if the person had removed or was attempting to remove another person against their will.
• The person who used defensive force reasonably believes that an unlawful entry or act was occurring or had occurred.
• The who used defensive force reasonably believes that the other person entered or attempted to enter a dwelling, residence, occupied vehicle, place of business, or place of worship for the purpose of committing a forcible felony.

Immunity from Civil & Criminal Liability

According to Oklahoma gun laws, a person who uses justified defensive force is immune from criminal prosecution and civil action in such cases.

Basics of Oklahoma Gun Law

Can I legally keep and bear arms in Oklahoma without an unconcealed carry weapons permit?

Yes, Oklahoma is a permitless state where anyone who is at least 21 years old (or 18 years old for members of the military) can legally possess a concealed or unconcealed firearm without a license.

Is open carry permitted in Oklahoma?

Yes, open carry is permitted for anyone with at least 18 years old who has a valid license. Residents that are 21 years old and above can legally own and possess a firearm without a handgun license in lawful self-defense or self-protection, as well as other legitimate purposes like hunting, fishing, educational or recreational applications.

Are weapons other than handguns allowed in Oklahoma?

No, Oklahoma only permits open carry and conceal carry of handguns. However, handguns larger than .45 caliber or longer than 16” in length are prohibited.

Does Oklahoma have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?

No. There is no magazine capacity restriction for handguns in Oklahoma.

Does Oklahoma have restrictions on ammunition?

Yes, Oklahoma law prohibits the possession or use of any restricted bullet.

The restricted bullet is a round or elongated missile with a score of less than 60% lead and has a fluorocarbon coating. Such bullets are designed to travel at high velocity and are capable of penetrating body armor. Handguns loaded with ammunition larger than .45 caliber are also prohibited.

Key State Laws

Do gun owners have a duty to inform a police officer that they’re carrying a concealed firearm in Oklahoma?

No, gun owners do not have a duty to inform a law enforcement officer that they’re carrying a concealed firearm unless asked.

Is the Oklahoma carry license linked to the driver’s license?

No, the self-defense act license is not linked to your Oklahoma’s driver’s license. Therefore, federal law enforcement agencies will not be notified immediately when they run your driver’s license.

Purchase of Handgun

Is a permit or license required to purchase a handgun in Oklahoma?

No. Oklahoma does not require a permit to purchase a handgun.

Are background checks required for private gun sales?

No. Private firearm gun sales are not subjected to a background check requirement, however, federal and state purchaser prohibitions, including age restrictions, still apply.

Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun?

No, there is no waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Oklahoma.

Location Restrictions in Oklahoma

Here are the areas where gun owners are allowed to bear firearms:

• Restaurant area of an eatery that serves alcohol without a license, unless posted or if you’re under influence. Concealed carry is not allowed in bars or bar areas of restaurants.
• Private vehicle.
• Public buses.
• Roadside rest areas.
• State/national parks and state/national forests, but not n any buildings.
• Places of worship, unless they post signs prohibit carrying firearms.
• Municipal zoo or park of any size that is owned, leased, operated, or managed by a public trust or non-profit entity.

Off-limit areas:

• Any structure, building or office space owned or leased by a city, town, county, state, or federal government authority for the purpose of conducting business with the public.
• Any meeting of city, town, county, state, or federal officials, school board members, legislative members, or any other elected or appointed officials.
• Any courthouse or courtroom.
• Any publicly owned or operated sports arena or venue during a professional sporting event, unless allowed by the event host.
• Any place where gambling is lawfully authorized, unless allowed by property owner.
• Any elementary school, secondary school, or school bus.
• Any college, university, or technology center school property unless allowed by school policy.
• Any prison, jail, or detention facility.
• Any place where the sale of low-point beer or alcoholic beverages constitutes the primary purpose of the business.
• Anywhere under influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Private businesses, organizations or residences that prohibit open carry.
• Any place where carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law, state law, or regulation.

Oklahoma Concealed Carry License Information

The applicant for the SDA must:

• Be at least 21 years old (or 18 years old for members of the military that are in active duty or have been honorably discharged).
• Be a citizen of the United States or lawful permanent resident in the United States with an established residency in Oklahoma.
• Have a valid Oklahoma driver license or state-issued photo identification card.
• Be knowledgeable of the Oklahoma Self Defense Act.
• Have successfully completed an approved firearms training class or have obtained an exemption.
• Not have been convicted of a felony or be a subject to an outstanding felony warrant.
• Not have been adjudicated mentally or physically incompetent to safely handle firearms.
• Not have attempted suicide or any other condition indicating mental instability or unsound within the last 10 years from application.
• Not be currently undergoing treatment for mental illness, condition or disorder.
• Not have been convicted of assault and battery, stalking, domestic abuse act, illegal drug use or possession of drugs and controlled substances.
• Not have 2 or more convictions for public intoxication in the last 3 years from application.
• Not have 2 or more convictions for driving under influence in the last 3 years from application.
• Not have significant character defects such as a misdemeanor criminal record.
• Meet federal laws requirements.

Fees: 5 years: $100 (New), $85 (Renewal) / 10 years: $200 (New). $170 (Renewal)

Validity: 5 years or 10 years

Processing Time: 14 days for Sheriff’s office, 60 or 90 days for Oklahoma state Bureau of Investigation

Application: https://osbi.ok.gov/handgun-licensing/application-instructions

Oklahoma Self-Defence Act License Application Process

Step 1: Read and familiarize yourself with the Oklahoma Self Defense Act.

Step 2: Complete an approved firearm safety class.

Step 3: Download the application and complete it or apply online.

Step 4: Bring the completed application or online summary sheet to the sheriff’s office along with the following documents:

• Two color passport-style photos,
• Valid Oklahoma driver license or state ID card; and
• Training certificate.

Step 5: Wait for the notification on your application’s status.

Oklahoma Self-Defence Act License Renewal Process

Step 1: Renewals can be made 90 days before the handgun license’s expiry date or licenses that have expired less than 3 years ago.

Step 2: Download the application and complete it or apply online.

Step 3: Bring the completed application or online summary sheet to the sheriff’s office along with the following documents:

• Two color passport-style photos,
• Driver’s license or state ID card; and
• Training certificate.

Step 4: Applicants who did not apply online are required to take or mail the online summary sheet or completed application, along with photographs and the required fee to:

Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation
Self-Defense Act Licensing Unit
6600 North Harvey Place
Oklahoma City, OK 73116

Step 5: Wait for the notification on your application’s status.

Firearms Training Requirements 

Oklahoma Self-Defense Act states that applicants must successfully complete a 16-hour firearms safety and training course certified by an Oklahoma Self-Defense Act License (SDAL) firearms instructor and be able to demonstrate competency and qualification with a pistol authorized for carrying by the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act.

The firearm safety certificate will expire 3 years after the course.

The training course needs to include:

• A safety inspection of the firearm.
• Handling, safety, and storage instruction.
• Methods or positions for firing a handgun.
• Information about the criminal provisions of Oklahoma law relating to firearms.
• Oklahoma Self-Defense Act requirements.
• Self-defense and use of appropriate force.
• Practice shooting session.
• Familiarization course.

Several applicants can apply for training exemptions, such as:

• Firearms instructors.
• Active duty or reserve duty law enforcement officers and retired law enforcement officers.
• Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) certified armed security officers, armed guards, and correctional officers.
• Active duty members of the military, National Guard or military reserve who are legal residents of Oklahoma, or that have been honorably discharged within 20 years from application.
• Retired peace officers in good standing from a law enforcement agency located in another state, who are also legal residents of Oklahoma, and have received training equivalent to CLEET certification.
• Any person is otherwise deemed qualified for a training exemption by CLEET.

Ohio Law for LEOs or Retired LEOs

LEOs and RLEOs may choose to be protected by the LEO Safety Act, that’s often referred to as HR 218. Under the code, qualified LEOs and retired LEOs, or those separated from service in good standing, are allowed to legally carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States, regardless of state or local laws.

Oklahoma currently has not designated any state agency to be responsible for LEOSA. But the The Council on Law Enforcement Education & Training (CLEET) has set standards for Law Enforcement Education and Training.

Only those who have been employed or commissioned as a full-time or reserve peace officer prior to retirement, LEOs, RLEOs from an Oklahoma state, county, or municipal law enforcement, or federal laws qualify for this.

Oklahoma Concealed Carry Reciprocity With Other States

• Alabama (permitless carry)
• Alaska (permitless carry)
• Arizona (permitless carry)
• Arkansas (permitless carry)
• California (permitless carry)
• Colorado (permitless carry)
• Connecticut (permitless carry)
• Delaware (permitless carry)
• District of Columbia (permitless carry)
• Florida (permitless carry)
• Georgia (permitless carry)
• Hawaii (permitless carry)
• Idaho (permitless carry)
• Illinois (permitless carry)
• Indiana (permitless carry)
• Iowa (permitless carry)
• Kansas (permitless carry)
• Kentucky (permitless carry)
• Louisiana (permitless carry
• Maine (permitless carry)
• Maryland (permitless carry)
• Massachusetts (permitless carry)
• Michigan (permitless carry)
• Minnesota (permitless carry)
• Mississippi (permitless carry)
• Missouri (permitless carry)
• Montana (permitless carry)
• Nebraska (permitless carry)
• Nevada (permitless carry)
• New Hampshire (permitless carry)
• New Jersey (permitless carry)
• New Mexico (permitless carry)
• New York (permitless carry)
• New York City (permitless carry)
• North Carolina (permitless carry)
• North Dakota (permitless carry)
• Ohio (permitless carry)
• Oregon (permitless carry)
• Pennsylvania (permitless carry)
• Rhode Island (permitless carry)
• South Carolina (permitless carry)
• South Dakota (permitless carry)
• Tennessee (permitless carry)
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont (permitless carry)
• Virginia (permitless carry)
• Washington (permitless carry)
• West Virginia (permitless carry)
• Wisconsin (permitless carry)
• Wyoming (permitless carry)
• Puerto Rico (permitless carry)

Other States’ Reciprocity With Oklahoma

• Alabama
• Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
• Delaware
• Georgia
• Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
• Indiana
• Louisiana
• Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
• Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
• Nevada
• New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
• North Carolina
• South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
• Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)

States That Have Restricted Reciprocity with Oklahoma

• Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Colorado (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
• Florida (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
• Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Maine (resident permits recognized; see Maine Reciprocity section for details)
• Michigan (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
• Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
• Nebraska (at least 21 years old)
• New Mexico (at least 21 years old)
• North Dakota (resident permits only)
• Ohio (at least 21 years old)
• Pennsylvania (at least 21 years old)
• South Carolina (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
• Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Virginia (at least 21 years old)
• West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
• Wisconsin (only permits issued/renewed on or after 10/1/2018 and at least 21 years old)
• Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)