Frequently Asked Questions - SDA

You may get fingerprinted at another Oklahoma sheriff’s office that is willing to do them, provided they are taken using an electronic fingerprint capture device (livescan) and submitted electronically.  You are still required to submit your initial SDA application through the sheriff’s office in your county.

You can now check the status of your SDA application online!  Click here - Check SDA Application or go to osbi.ok.gov > Services > Handgun Licensing Information and look for the Check SDA Application status link at the top right. 

All fees previously incurred to obtain or renew an SDA license in Oklahoma are non-refundable.

Yes, you can still go through the process to obtain a license after Nov. 1, 2019.  Oklahoma has reciprocal agreements with other states that recognize Oklahoma’s permit in their state. If you choose to not get a permit in Oklahoma and you travel to a state that requires a permit to carry open or concealed, then you are subject to the laws of that state.

Yes, you can continue to obtain or renew your SDA license in Oklahoma after November 1, 2019.

Please make your cashier check or money order payable to the OSBI.  Personal checks are not accepted.  Fingerprint fees are payable to and paid separately to the sheriff's office at the time of fingerprinting.

If your fingerprint cards are rejected due to failure to meet quality standards, you must submit new fingerprint cards. You can return to the sheriff’s office in your county of residence, or visit another sheriff’s office or police department. You may find more success from a department that can take your fingerprints digitally. Please check with your local police or sheriff departments.  You may also submit your prints electronically through an authorized vendor.  To view locations, fees and instructions, visit www.identogo.com or call toll-free 877-219-0197.

If you have 2 or more fingerprint rejections, OSBI offers fingerprinting services at our headquarters in Oklahoma City. OSBI fingerprinting services are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 4:30, except holidays.

Please note that legible fingerprints are a required component of the application process and the OSBI is unable to issue a license until acceptable fingerprints are submitted and processed.

No, information regarding SDA applications is confidential, except to law enforcement officers or law enforcement agencies in the performance of their duties.

No, information regarding SDA applications is confidential, except to law enforcement officers or law enforcement agencies in the performance of their duties.  Only the applicant or a member of law enforcement, for a law enforcement purpose, can check on the status of an application.

Yes, for purposes of the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act, the term "residency" applies if you or your spouse have permanent military orders within this state and you possess a valid driver license from another state where you claim residency.

If your license is lost or stolen, submit an original, notarized statement requesting replacement of the lost or stolen license or use the CHANGE OF INFORMATION / REPLACEMENT LICENSE REQUEST FORM. The license replacement fee is $15.

You will be denied a license if you have a pending charge, deferred sentence or deferred prosecution up until 3 years after final determination of the matter for 

-     a second or subsequent misdemeanor assault and battery;

-     misdemeanor assault and battery which caused serious physical injury to the victim;

-     misdemeanor aggravated assault and battery;

-     misdemeanor domestic assault and battery including assault and battery against a current or former spouse, 

       a present spouse of a former spouse, parents, a foster parent, a child, a person otherwise related by blood or marriage, 

       a person you are dating, an individual with whom you have a child, a person who formerly lived in the same household with you, 

       or a person living in the same household as you;  and/or

-     felony assault and battery.

Conviction for any of the assault and battery offenses listed above is a permanent preclusion.

See Title 22 O.S. § 60.1 (OSCN 2019), Protection from Domestic Abuse Act

State law prevents anyone previously adjudicated as a delinquent child or a youthful offender for felony offenses, from possessing a firearm, being in a car with a firearm or living in a residence with a firearm (unless with a certified peace officer) for 10 years after the adjudication.  Furthermore, the Self-Defense Act specifically prohibits anyone adjudicated as a delinquent from eligibility.  The 10-year waiting period begins on the day of the adjudication and subsequent dismissal of the action does not restore eligibility until the 10 years has run.  The OSBI is required to check for juvenile records through the Juvenile Online Tracking System (JOLTS) maintained by the Office of Juvenile Affairs for anyone under the age of 29.

Convictions, pending actions and deferred sentences for felony charges and prohibited misdemeanors, including multiple convictions relating to intoxication and driving under the influence in state, federal or municipal courts could also be preclusive regardless of age at the time of arrest.

Court ordered mental health commitments and adjudications, suicide attempts or other conditions indicating mental instability and previous mental health treatment as defined by the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act, even if it occurred while an applicant was under the age of 18, may prevent the OSBI from issuing a gun license.

For more information, check out 21 O.S. §1283 - Convicted Felons and Delinquents (paragraph D), 21 O.S. §1290.10 - Mandatory Preclusions   21 O.S. §1290.11 - Other Preclusions.

There is nothing in statute that addresses this question, therefore the OSBI cannot offer any advice or guidance.  We encourage you to check with the sheriff's office and other law enforcement agencies in your county of residence.

OSBI's Legal Unit will notify you if your license has been suspended or revoked.  If you wish to appeal this decision, make a written request within 60 days to the OSBI Legal Division.

Furthermore, any handgun license which is suspended or revoked shall be returned to the OSBI.

If the basis for suspension or revocation requires a hearing before such action is taken, the OSBI will initiate proceedings and notify you of the date and time of the hearing.

Please review the following statutory provisions:

TITLE 21 § 1290.22  -   BUSINESS OWNER’S RIGHTS

TITLE 21 § 1277  - UNLAWFUL CARRY IN CERTAIN PLACES

You must attend a minimum 16 hours firearms instructor school through the National Rifle Association (NRA), Oklahoma Rifle Association (ORA), Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET), federal law enforcement agency or other professionally recognized organization. Afterwards, you will submit your school certificate, CLEET application and $100 to CLEET.  (Call 405-239-5110 or 580-310-0871 to receive a packet from CLEET.)   Once certified as an instructor, CLEET will send you a CLEET SDA instructor certificate.  

You can apply online.  Photos can be uploaded and credit card payments can be made online as well.  You will then take your summary sheet and a copy of your CLEET issued SDA instructor certificate to the sheriff's office in your county of residence.  The sheriff will take your fingerprints and submit the required items to the OSBI. You can download the OSBI application and submit two passport photos and $100 fee along with a copy of your CLEET certificate through your sheriff's office.

For more information, please visit the Instructor page.

Renewing instructors should apply online and send the summary sheet and a copy of the current CLEET instructor certificate to:

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

No, no additional training is required.

SDA licenses can be renewed 90 days prior to expiration. You can re-apply as a renewal if your license expired no more than 3 years ago. If it has been over 3 years, you will be an “expired renewal.”  As an expired renewal, you must process through the sheriff’s office in your county of residence, resubmit fingerprint cards and pay the fee as would a new applicant.

If your license will expire in the next 90 days or has expired no more than 3 years ago, you may apply online or you may take or mail your completed application, required fee and 2 passport style photos to:

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

Please visit the renewal page for complete instructions.

No, Oklahoma does not require handgun registration.

Send in a written request or this form (click here) for reinstatement including a certified copy of any court documents showing the basis for suspension is no longer in effect. If a fine was assessed, make sure to submit payment if you have not already done so.

If denial of the application was due to failure to complete the process or failure to provide proof of training, you may supply the missing documents within 60 days and the OSBI will re-open your application.

If you are denied for those statutory provisions that have a time element, you must wait until the appropriate amount of time has elapsed before reapplying. For instance, if you are serving a deferred sentence for a felony offense, you must wait 3 years until final determination of the matter.

If denial was based on a condition that has since changed, you may reapply. For instance, if you were previously living with a felon or adjudicated delinquent and that is no longer the case, you may reapply.

Failure to “comply in good faith” and “significant character defects… as evidenced by a criminal record indicating habitual criminal activity” are considered permanent preclusions unless a hearing officer overturns the basis for denial at an appeal hearing. 

You must notify the OSBI in writing (by letter, email, or fax) within 60 days of OSBI's mailing the denial notification if you intend to appeal the denial of your SDA application.

No.  In order to be eligible for an Oklahoma SDA license, you must establish residency in the State of Oklahoma. For purposes of the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act, the term "residency" shall apply to any person who either possesses a valid Oklahoma driver license or state photo identification card, and physically maintains a residence in this state or a person who has or is the spouse of someone who has permanent military orders within this state and possesses a valid driver license from another state where such person claims residency

No.  In order to be eligible for an SDA license you must be a resident of Oklahoma. For purposes of the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act, the term resident is anyone who either possesses a valid Oklahoma driver license or state photo identification card, and physically maintains a residence in this state, or has permanent military orders within this state and possesses a valid driver license from another state where residency is claimed.

No.  Oklahoma does not allow for the transfer of a license; however, Oklahoma will honor a license issued by another state if it is still valid under the laws of that state.

In order to be eligible for an SDA license, you must establish a residency in the State of Oklahoma. For purposes of the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act, the term "residency" shall apply to any person who either possesses a valid Oklahoma driver license or state photo identification card and physically maintains a residence in this state or has permanent military orders within this state and possesses a valid driver license from another state where such person claims residency. There is no specific time requirement before you are eligible.

In order to retain eligibility for an SDA permit, you must maintain a residence in Oklahoma. For purposes of the Oklahoma Self‑Defense Act, the term residency shall apply to any person who either possesses a valid Oklahoma driver license or state photo identification card, and physically maintains a residence in this state or a person who has or is the spouse of someone who has permanent military orders within this state and possesses a valid driver license from another state where such person claims residency.

If there are no exceptions, the OSBI will issue your license or deny the application within 60 days of receipt of the completed application and the required information from the sheriff.  If exceptions are present, the OSBI will issue or deny within 90 days of receipt.  Please note that the completed application includes answers to all questions on the application, a legible set of fingerprint cards, all required documents, and any information requested in order to make an eligibility determination.

Submit a notarized statement with the update name and/or address or use the Change of Information / Replacement License Request Form. If you wish to have a replacement license with the updated name or address, the fee is $15.

Oklahoma recognizes any valid concealed or unconcealed carry weapons permit or license issued by another state.

If you are from a state that allows you to carry a handgun but does not issue permits or licenses, Oklahoma reciprocates under the permitting law of your state.

Inpatient treatment for substance abuse is preclusive for three (3) years from the last date of treatment unless you present of a certified statement from a licensed physician stating that you have been free from substance use for twelve (12) months or more preceding the filing of an application for a handgun license.

A misdemeanor conviction relating to illegal drug use or possession is a 10-year preclusion. A pending charge or deferred sentence or deferred prosecution will result in denial of your license application for 3 years from the final determination of the matter.  For more information see SDA and Medical Marijuana.

You are not eligible for an SDA license if you are currently undergoing or in the last 3 years undergone treatment for a mental illness, condition, or disorder. For purposes of this paragraph, "currently undergoing treatment for a mental illness, condition, or disorder" means the person has been diagnosed by a licensed physician as being afflicted with a substantial disorder of thought, mood, perception, psychological orientation, or memory that significantly impairs judgment, behavior, capacity to recognize reality, or ability to meet the ordinary demands of life.  The preclusive period is 3 years from the last date of treatment or until you can present a certified statement from a licensed physician stating that you are either no longer disabled by any mental or psychiatric illness, condition, or disorder or that you have been stabilized on medication for ten (10) years or more.

You will also be denied for attempted suicide or other condition relating to or indicating mental instability or an unsound mind which occurred within the preceding ten-year period.

Involuntary commitment for a mental illness, condition, or disorder and adjudication as an incompetent person are permanent preclusions as well.

The Self-Defense Act prohibits individuals with arrests/pending charges for felony offenses and the following misdemeanor offenses from eligibility:

a.  assault and battery, which caused serious physical injury to the victim, or any second or subsequent assault and battery conviction;

b.  aggravated assault and battery;

c.  stalking;

d.  violation relating to the Protection from Domestic Abuse Act,or any violation of a victim protection order of another state;

e.  any conviction relating to illegal drug use or possession; or

f.  an act of domestic abuse or domestic assault and battery.

OSBI will initiate suspension proceedings upon being made aware of arrests for any of the offenses listed above.OSBI will also take similar action if a 2nd or subsequent conviction for public intoxication is brought to our attention.  A second or subsequent DUI and/ or intoxication conviction will require a doctor’s statement that the individual is not in need of substance abuse treatment. If no certifying statement is provided, the license will be suspended until 3 years from the date of the completion of the last sentence.

If convicted of a felony or any of the misdemeanors listed in a thru f above, OSBI will pursue revocation of the SDA license.

SDA licenses holders can also have their license suspended if convicted of any of the following:

Unlawful Carry

Carrying Firearms Where Liquor is Consumed

Allowing Minors to Possess Firearms

Carrying Weapons Under Influence of Alcohol

Furnishing Firearms to Incompetent Persons

Giving Firearms to Convicted Persons

Discharging Firearm

SDA license holders can have their license revoked if convicted of the following:

Misdemeanor Pointing Firearm

Reckless Conduct, pursuant to Title 21 § 1289.11

If you have a warrant out for your arrest you may be a “fugitive from justice” pursuant to federal law and would be ineligible to possess a firearm.  If you are federally ineligible to possess a firearm, you will be denied a handgun license pursuant to the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act. You are considered a federal "fugitive from justice" if the following conditions exist:

1. You have fled the state
2. for the purpose of avoiding prosecution or to avoid giving testimony, and 
3. are subject to imminent criminal prosecution or testimonial obligation.

If you are subject to a felony warrant in this state, another state, or the United States, your handgun license application will be denied pursuant to Title 21 Oklahoma Statute § 1290.10 (11).

You are ineligible if you have two or more convictions for public intoxication until 3 years from the date of the completion of the last sentence.

You are also ineligible for 3 years from the date of the completion of the last sentence if you have 2 or more convictions for Driving under the Influence and/or Intoxication unless you provide a certified statement from a licensed physician stating that you are not in need of substance abuse treatment.

A single conviction is not preclusive. If the sentence of your most recent conviction is over 3 years old, you are not precluded. Please note that this is for misdemeanors only. A felony conviction is a permanent preclusion.

The Self-Defense Act prohibits individuals with pending charges and/or convictions for certain offenses from having a license. In addition to felony offenses, the following misdemeanor offenses are specifically listed in statute:

         a.  assault and battery, which caused serious physical injury to the victim, or any second or subsequent assault and battery conviction;
         b.  aggravated assault and battery;
         c.  stalking;
         d.  a violation relating to the Protection from Domestic Abuse Act, or any violation of a victim protection order of another state;
         e.  any conviction relating to illegal drug use or possession; or
         f.   an act of domestic abuse or domestic assault and battery.

In addition, you are ineligible if you have two or more convictions for public intoxication until 3 years from the date of the completion of the last sentence.

You are also ineligible for 3 years from the date of the completion of the last sentence if you have 2 or more convictions for Driving Under the Influence and/or Intoxication unless you provide a certified statement from a licensed physician stating that you are not in need of substance abuse treatment.

You can also be denied if you have significant character defects evidenced by a misdemeanor criminal record indicating habitual criminal activity.

You must have a valid Oklahoma driver license or state photo identification card, or have or be the spouse of someone who has permanent military orders within this state and possesses a valid driver license from another state where you claim residency.

5 or 10 years

The processing fee is nonrefundable in the event of a denial of a handgun license or any suspension or revocation subsequent to the issuance of a license.

First time applicants and expired renewals (over 3 years since license expiration) are $100 for a 5-year license and $200 for a 10-year license.

Renewals are $85 for a 5-year license and $170 for a 10-year license.

The following individuals may be exempt from all or part of the required training and qualification course:

1.   A firearms instructor registered with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation for purposes of the Oklahoma Self‑Defense Act;
2.   An active-duty law enforcement officer of this state or any of its political subdivisions or of the federal government;
3.   A retired law enforcement officer authorized by this state pursuant to Section 1289.8 of this title to carry a firearm;
4.   A CLEET-certified armed security officer, armed guard, correctional officer, or any other person having a CLEET certification to carry a firearm in the course of their employment;
5.   A person on active military duty, National Guard duty or regular military reserve duty who is a legal resident of this state and who is trained and qualified in the use of handguns;
6.   A person honorably discharged from active military duty, National Guard duty or military reserves within twenty (20) years preceding the date of the application for a handgun license pursuant to the provisions of the Oklahoma Self‑Defense Act, who is a legal resident of this state, and who has     been trained and qualified in the use of handguns;
7.   A person retired as a peace officer in good standing from a law enforcement agency located in another state, who is a legal resident of this state, and who has received training equivalent to the training required for CLEET certification in this state; and
8.   Any person who is otherwise deemed qualified for a training exemption by CLEET.

You must successfully complete a firearms safety and training course from a certified SDA firearms instructor and demonstrate competency and qualification with a pistol authorized for carry by the Oklahoma Self‑Defense Act. You will submit the original certificate of training with your application for a handgun license. No duplicate, copy, facsimile or other reproduction of the certificate of training or exemption from training shall be acceptable as proof of training.  Certificate expires after three years.

If you are exempt from the training requirements, you must show the required proof to an SDA firearms instructor to receive an exemption certificate. The original exemption certificate must be submitted with your application.

You can apply online or applications are available at all Oklahoma county sheriffs’ offices, by contacting the OSBI or on this website.