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Question regarding Oklahoma reciprocity with constitutional carry states

mdak06

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 18, 2013
Messages
59
Location
Manchester, New Hampshire
Hi folks,

I am curious about Oklahoma's law about concealed carry reciprocity with states that have established constitutional carry.

As I understand it, the relevant text is in Title 21, Chapter 53, under the "Oklahoma Self-Defense Act" in Section 1290.26:

The State of Oklahoma hereby recognizes any valid concealed or unconcealed carry weapons permit or license issued by another state, or if the state is a nonpermitting carry state, this state shall reciprocate under the permitting law of that state.

A. Any person entering this state in possession of a firearm authorized for concealed or unconcealed carry upon the authority and license of another state is authorized to continue to carry a concealed or unconcealed firearm and license in this state; provided the license from the other state remains valid. The firearm must either be carried unconcealed or concealed from detection and view, and upon coming in contact with any peace officer of this state, the person must disclose the fact that he or she is in possession of a concealed or unconcealed firearm pursuant to a valid concealed or unconcealed carry weapons permit or license issued in another state.

B. Any person entering this state in possession of a firearm authorized for concealed carry upon the authority of a state that is a nonpermitted carry state and the person is in compliance with the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act, the person is authorized to carry a concealed firearm in this state. The firearm must be carried fully concealed from detection and view, and upon coming in contact with any peace officer of this state, the person must disclose the fact that he or she is in possession of a concealed firearm pursuant to the nonpermitting laws of the state in which he or she is a legal resident. The person shall present proper identification by a valid photo ID as proof that he or she is a legal resident in such a non-permitting state. The Department of Public Safety shall keep a current list of non-permitting states for law enforcement officers to confirm that a state is nonpermitting.

C. Any person who is twenty-one (21) years of age or older having a valid firearm license from another state may apply for a handgun license in this state immediately upon establishing a residence in this state.

Now my question is - how has Oklahoma interpreted the phrases "nonpermitting carry state" and "nonpermitted carry state?"

Strictly speaking, Vermont is the only true "nonpermitting" state, since Vermont is the only state that issues no carry permits at all. Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona and Wyoming all still issue permits for those who want them for reciprocity with other states, even though persons (just residents in Wyoming) don't need a permit to carry in those states.

What I'm wondering is whether or not persons from any state that (1) has constitutional carry, but (2) continues to issue permits, still need to get a permit if they visit Oklahoma and want to carry concealed.
 

Mixael

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 26, 2012
Messages
44
Location
OKC, OK
Strictly speaking, Vermont is the only true "nonpermitting" state, since Vermont is the only state that issues no carry permits at all. Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona and Wyoming all still issue permits for those who want them for reciprocity with other states, even though persons (just residents in Wyoming) don't need a permit to carry in those states.

What I'm wondering is whether or not persons from any state that (1) has constitutional carry, but (2) continues to issue permits, still need to get a permit if they visit Oklahoma and want to carry concealed.

For the most accurate and up to date information concerning this topic, I would suggest calling or emailing the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI).


contact OSBI SDA Unit at (800) 207-6724 TOLL-FREE or sda@osbi.ok.gov.
Or, by snail mail to
OKLAHOMA STATE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
ATTN: SDA UNIT,
6600 NORTH HARVEY PLACE
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73116

Having said that, I believe the "nonpermitting state" refers to constitutional carry states. I could be wrong, and can't make emphasize enough that contacting the OSBI is the best option. They are who actually issues the Oklahoma License, and are the ones that have all the info. Yeah, DPS maintains the reciprocity list, but the OSBI has the rules and such. PLEASE give them a call/email, and don't take my word for it.

Michael
 
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