How to Register a Gun

Registration of a firearm is not demanded by the state of Oklahoma upon purchase from either a dealer or private party, as there is no central system for registering by the governing authorities. In addition to this, there is no imposed precondition to attaining a permit before purchasing a gun. When purchasing a new or used gun from a federally approved firearms dealer, a buyer must be 21, present a valid form of Oklahoma photo identification, and undergo a standard background check to obtain the weapon. For a private sale of a used gun, a background check is not mandated as a prerequisite to purchasing. Certain firearms are considered illegal to purchase or possess within the state, such as short-barrelled shotguns and rifles. Open carry of long guns is allowed within the state as long as it is on the gun owner’s property (home or business) or if the owner is partaking in hunting, target practice, or at a gun show/shop. It is permitted to openly carry a long gun in a vehicle if it is unloaded and the owner carries it in transit in the above-stated situations.

How to Obtain an Oklahoma Self-Defense Act License

To carry an unconcealed or concealed handgun, you must first make an application and receive approval for an Oklahoma Self-Defense Act License. This license also provides the additional advantage of peaceable travel with a weapon in approved reciprocity states. To apply, you must first become familiar with the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act. You must then take steps to complete a firearm safety course from an accepted firearms instructor.

Once you have finished your firearm safety course, you can gather the following materials and submit your application online or in person at your county sheriff’s office or the nearest Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation facility:

• A Filled-out Oklahoma Application for Self-Defense Act License or printed online application summary sheet.
• A Certificate of completion of an approved firearms safety course or evidence exemption exception.
• Two passport-specific color photographs (which may be available on-site at your county sheriff’s office for a separate fee).
• An active Oklahoma State driver’s license or identification card.
• Two fingerprint identification cards (taken on-site at the sheriff’s office).
• Sufficient funds to cover the cost of all applicable fees.

You will be informed of your application status through the mail, either acceptance or denial, within a 90-day window. If you have any questions about the procedure, feel free to review the application process or contact your local sheriff’s office.

Firearm Bill of Sale (Preview)