Ohio is a shall-issue state where concealed handgun licenses are issued at the county level by a county sheriff. No permit, background check, or firearms registration is required when buying a handgun from a private individual.
Open carry and concealed carry are legal without a permit. As of June 12, 2022, individuals 21 years or older who are not prohibited from carrying or possessing a handgun are no longer required to obtain a license to carry a concealed handgun. Since open carry is not addressed in state statutes, the Federal minimum age of 18 for possession of a handgun applies. According to the Ohio Attorney General, it is legal to possess a loaded firearm in a vehicle, though this is not specifically addressed in the Constitutional Carry bill.
Residents can still obtain a CHL. They must complete eight hours of firearms training and meet other criteria to qualify. Current and former servicemen and women can obtain an Ohio CHL without paying the fee or attending a concealed carry class. Active duty military with a valid military identification card and documentation of successful firearms training that meets or exceeds Ohio's requirements do not need to obtain an Ohio license. Non-residents can obtain a CHL if they work in Ohio. Ohio will honor permits issued by any state or jurisdiction.
Ohio’s self-defense laws presume that a person has acted in defense of another or self-defense when applying deadly force if that person is in a place where they lawfully have a right to be. Therefore, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused person did not use the force in self-defense, defense of another, or defense of that person’s residence.
Ohio adheres to the Castle Doctrine and, following the Governor’s signing of SB 175 on January 4, 2021, is now a “stand your ground” state. There is no duty to retreat before using force in self-defense, defense of another, or defense of that person’s residence, provided the person is in a place they have the lawful right to be. A person must have a real belief that they were in immediate danger of death or great bodily harm and that the use of deadly force was the only way to escape the danger. Deadly force may only be used to protect against serious bodily harm or death.
Question: Is open carry permitted in Ohio?
Answer: Yes, since open carry is not addressed in state statutes, any person who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to possess a firearm can open carry.
Question: If Ohio requires a license to carry a concealed firearm, how are those licenses issued?
Answer: Ohio is a shall-issue state.
Question: What is the minimum age in Ohio to get a concealed carry license?
Answer: The minimum age to carry concealed handguns in Ohio is 21.
Question: Does Ohio allow constitutional carry?
Answer: Yes.
Question: Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Ohio with a concealed carry license (or under permitless carry if applicable)?
Answer: No. Ohio law does not allow the concealed carry of weapons other than handguns.
Question: Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Ohio?
Answer: Yes. Stun guns and tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a license.
Question: Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Ohio?
Answer: Yes. Pepper spray is not considered a "deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance" in Ohio. It must be used for justified self-defense only.
Question: Does Ohio have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?
Answer: No. There is no maximum handgun magazine capacity restriction in Ohio. However, as of January 21, 2023, the city of Columbus passed legislation making it illegal to possess any magazine capable of holding more than 30 rounds.
Question: Does Ohio have ammunition restrictions?
Answer: No. Ohio has no restrictions on handgun ammo.
Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio allows concealed carry at roadside rest areas with a valid concealed carry license.
Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests, and Wildlife Management Areas in Ohio?
Yes, with a valid concealed carry license. However, buildings are off-limits, and it is illegal to discharge a concealed firearm in state parks.
Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Ohio?
Yes, with a valid concealed carry license, unless posted otherwise. You must not be consuming alcohol or be under the influence of alcohol or a drug of abuse.
Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Ohio?
Any owner of private property may post a sign prohibiting firearms on their premises. Contact the individual hotel to inquire about its concealed carry policy.
Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Ohio?
Yes, you may transport a loaded concealed handgun in a motor vehicle without a CHL, except in school zones. The same requirements apply to motorcycles.
Does Ohio have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot?
Yes, a business entity, property owner, or employer may not prohibit a person with a valid concealed handgun license from transporting or storing a firearm or ammunition in their privately owned motor vehicle when:
- Each firearm and all ammunition remain inside the vehicle while the person is present inside the vehicle, or are locked within the trunk, glove box, or other enclosed compartment.
- The vehicle is in a location where it is permitted to be.
Question: Do you have a duty to inform a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Ohio?
Answer: No, there is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Ohio.
Question: Is my Ohio driver’s license linked to my Ohio carry license?
Answer: Yes. Your Ohio driver’s license is linked to your Ohio concealed handgun license. Therefore, a law enforcement officer will be notified immediately that you are a concealed carry license holder if they run your driver’s license.
Question: Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in Ohio?
Answer: Yes. The person in control of private premises, and a private person leasing premises owned by the state, the United States, or a political subdivision of the state, may post a sign prohibiting firearms on or onto that land or those premises. For locations designated as off-limits even with a valid permit/license, posted signs must contain a statement in substantially the following form: "Unless otherwise authorized by law, pursuant to the Ohio Revised Code, no person shall knowingly possess, have under the person's control, convey, or attempt to convey a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance onto these premises."
Question: Does Ohio have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e., Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)?
Answer: Yes, the state has preemption. The authority to regulate firearms is reserved to the state, except municipalities may restrict the discharge of firearms. Anyone adversely affected by a local ordinance in conflict with state firearms laws may bring a civil suit against the locality.
Question: Does Ohio have a red flag law?
Answer: No, Ohio does not have a red flag law.
Question: Does Ohio state law define brandishing?
Answer: No definition of brandishing was found in Ohio law. However, no person shall knowingly cause another to believe that the offender will cause serious physical harm to the person or property of the other person, the other person's unborn, or a member of the other person's immediate family. In addition to any other basis, the other person's belief may be based on words or conduct of the offender that are directed at or identify a corporation, association, or other organization that employs the other person or to which the other person belongs. No person, while under the influence of sudden passion or in a sudden fit of rage, either of which is brought about by serious provocation by the victim that is reasonably sufficient to incite the person into using deadly force, shall knowingly cause or attempt to cause physical harm to another or to another’s unborn by means of a deadly weapon.
Question: Does Ohio have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or drugs?
Answer: Not while consuming beer or intoxicating liquor or under the influence of alcohol or a drug of abuse. As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgment, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.
Question: Does Ohio issue concealed carry licenses to non-residents?
Answer: Yes, but only for persons employed in Ohio.
Question: Does Ohio allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?
Answer: No, the public has no access to Ohio's concealed carry registry.
Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a license?
Yes. A concealed carry license is not required for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm to carry a handgun in their own home for any lawful purpose.
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Ohio?
No. A permit is not required when purchasing a handgun in Ohio.
Are background checks required for private gun sales in Ohio?
No. Private firearms transfers are not subject to a background check requirement, although federal and state purchaser prohibitions, including age restrictions, still apply. It is recommended that you retain any sales receipts to prove ownership of the gun.
Does my current Ohio concealed carry license exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm?
Yes. Concealed weapons licenses issued on or after March 23, 2015, qualify.
Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Ohio?
No. Ohio has no waiting period for handgun purchases.
Do handguns need to be registered in Ohio?
No. Ohio does not require handguns to be registered.
What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Ohio?
As there is no state law regarding the minimum age for possession of a handgun, the Federal minimum of 18 years of age applies. The minimum age to purchase a handgun is generally 21 years old, although there are exceptions for law enforcement officers and active or reserve members of the armed services of the United States or the Ohio National Guard who are at least 18 years old.
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
California (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Colorado (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Connecticut (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Delaware (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
District of Columbia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Hawaii (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Illinois (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maryland (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Massachusetts (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Michigan (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Minnesota (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Nebraska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Nevada (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Jersey (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Mexico (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New York (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New York City (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
North Carolina (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oregon (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Pennsylvania (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Puerto Rico (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Rhode Island (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Washington (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wisconsin (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Delaware
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Minnesota
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nevada
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New Mexico
North Carolina
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Colorado (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Michigan (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Pennsylvania (resident permits only)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old 18 for military)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
An applicant must:
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Be an Ohio resident for at least 45 days and a resident of the county in which you are applying, or the adjacent county, for at least 30 days.
- Be employed in Ohio if you live in another state.
- Be legally living in the United States.
- If not a U.S. citizen, must not have been admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant visa, as defined in the "Immigration and Nationality Act," 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(26).
- Certify that the applicant has not renounced the applicant's United States citizenship, if applicable.
- Have completed an approved firearms training class (training is waived for active duty military and retired and honorably discharged veterans with proof of military firearms experience).
- Certify that you have read the firearms safety pamphlet prepared by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission.
- Not be a fugitive from justice.
- Not have had a suspended concealed carry license from Ohio or another state.
- Not be under indictment for or otherwise charged with:
- A felony.
- An offense under ORC Chapters 2925, 3719, or 4729 that involves the illegal possession, use, sale, administration, or distribution of or trafficking in a drug of abuse.
- A misdemeanor offense of violence.
- A violation of ORC Sections 2903.14 or 2923.1211.
- Not have been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a felony or an offense under ORC Chapters 2925, 3719, or 4729 that involves the illegal possession, use, sale, administration, or distribution of or trafficking in a drug of abuse.
- Not have been adjudicated a delinquent child for committing an act that if committed by an adult would be a felony or would be an offense under ORC Chapters 2925, 3719, or 4729 that involves the illegal possession, use, sale, administration, or distribution of or trafficking in a drug of abuse.
- Not have been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or adjudicated a delinquent child for:
- Committing a violation of ORC Section 2903.13 when the victim of the violation is a peace officer.
- Committing any other offense that is not previously described that is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year.
- Not have been within 3 years of the date of the application:
- Convicted of, or pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor offense of violence other than a misdemeanor violation of ORC Section 2921.33 or a violation of ORC Section 2903.13 when the victim of the violation is a peace officer.
- Convicted of, or pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor violation of ORC Section 2923.1211.
- Adjudicated a delinquent child for committing an act that if committed by an adult would be a misdemeanor offense of violence other than a misdemeanor violation of ORC Section 2921.33 or a violation of ORC Section 2903.13 when the victim of the violation is a peace officer or for committing an act that if committed by an adult would be a misdemeanor violation of ORC Section 2923.1211.
- Not have been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or adjudicated a delinquent child for committing two or more violations of ORC Sections 2903.13 or 2903.14 within 5 years of the date of the application.
- Not have been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or adjudicated a delinquent child for committing a violation of ORC Section 2921.33 within 10 years of the date of the application.
- Not have been adjudicated as a mental defective, committed to any mental institution, under adjudication of mental incompetence, been found by a court to be a mentally ill person subject to court order, and is not an involuntary patient other than one who is a patient only for purposes of observation (as used in this division, "mentally ill person subject to court order" and "patient" have the same meanings as in ORC Section 5122.01).
- Not currently subject to a civil protection order, a temporary protection order, or a protection order issued by a court of another state.
- Not be an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance as defined in 21 U.S.C. 802.
- Not have been discharged from the armed forces of the United States under dishonorable conditions.
- Not have been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or adjudicated a delinquent child for committing a violation of ORC Section 2919.25 or a similar violation in another state.
- Meet federal law requirements.
Note: Active duty military with a valid military identification card and documentation of successful firearms training that meets or exceeds that required in Ohio do not need to obtain an Ohio license. They may also transport a loaded firearm in a vessel under the same circumstances as a concealed carry License holder.
*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Ohio.
- Initial License for >5 year Ohio residents: $67
- Renewals: $50
- Initial License for <5 year Ohio residents and non-residents: $77 ($67 plus FBI NICS fee)
- Renewals: $60 ($50 plus FBI NICS fee)
Fees are waived for current and honorably discharged veterans.
5 years
45 days
Granted only for non-residents who are employed in Ohio. The process is the same as for residents.
Ohio law requires you to notify the county sheriff’s office at which you obtained your concealed carry license within 45 days after a change of address. This process, required by law, modifies the record held by our agency in the event you need to be contacted regarding suspension, revocation, or administrative purposes. If you wish to obtain a CCW license with your new address and/or name change you may do so by scheduling an appointment. Some counties have a change of address form, but that varies. A $15 fee is required.
Your county sheriff must be notified within 45 days that your license has been lost or stolen. He or she will also require a police report that states you have reported your license stolen or missing. The replacement fee is $15.
Moving to Ohio and interested in applying for a resident license? How soon can you apply?
Ohio issues licenses to residents and only non-residents who are employed in Ohio. You can apply for your license to a county sheriff once you have been an Ohio resident for at least 45 days or, if you live in another state, once employed in Ohio. An Ohio resident may carry a concealed handgun under the license of another state within Ohio as long as there is a valid reciprocity agreement with that state. However, an Ohio resident carrying the license of another state without a reciprocity agreement must obtain an Ohio license within 6 months of becoming an Ohio resident.
Moving from Ohio and have an Ohio resident license? Does that license transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Ohio license remains valid?
If a person with an Ohio concealed handgun license establishes residency in another state, the license expires upon the establishment of residence in the other state. For out-of-state license holders, licenses cannot be renewed once you are no longer employed in the state.
Step 1: Renewals are the responsibility of the licensee. Renewal applications can be submitted at any time prior to or after the expiration of your current CCW license. Non-residents must still be employed in Ohio to renew a license and must go to the county where they applied for their initial permits. If no longer employed in Ohio, your CCW license is valid until the expiry date. If your license has expired, you are prohibited from carrying a concealed weapon until you receive your renewal license from the Sheriff.
Step 2: Download the application.
Step 3: Make an appointment and take the following documents to a county sheriff’s office:
- Completed, but unsigned, application form (you will sign it there in the presence of the Sheriff’s Office Notary);
- Ohio CHL; and
- A valid picture identification card (driver’s license, state identification card, retired law enforcement or corrections identification card, or military identification card only).
Certify that you have read the Ohio Concealed Carry Laws and License Application manual.
Pay the fee.
Step 4: You will be notified within 45 days if your application has been approved.
- Carry in Bars/Restaurants That Serve Alcohol? Yes.
- Carry in My Vehicle Without a Permit/License? Yes.
- Carry in Roadside Rest Areas? Yes.
- Carry in State/National Parks, State/National Forests, and WMAs? Yes, although the buildings are off-limits.
- Carry in Day Care Centers and Home Day Cares? Yes, unless the facilities post a sign prohibiting guns.
- School Safety Zones: This includes a school, school building, school premises, school activity (except for a concealed handgun license holder in a motor vehicle while immediately in the process of picking up or dropping off a child), and school buses.
- Child Day Care Centers and Type A or B Family Day-Care Homes: If posted.
- Premises Owned or Leased by Public or Private Colleges/Universities: Based on a settlement agreement, Ohio State University now allows the storage of firearms in locked vehicles on campus.
- Police Stations, Sheriff’s Offices, or State Highway Patrol Stations: Or premises controlled by the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation.
- Courthouses: Or any building or structure in which a courtroom is located.
- State Capitol Buildings.
- State Correctional Institutions, Jails, Workhouses, or Other Detention Facilities.
- Secure Areas of Airport Passenger Terminals.
- State Institutions for the Care and Treatment of Mentally Ill Persons or State Institutions for the Care, Treatment, and Training of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities.
- Premises That Sell Liquor or Open-Air Arenas with a Class D Liquor Permit: If you are consuming beer or intoxicating liquor, under the influence of alcohol or a drug of abuse, or if posted.
- Places of Worship: Unless the place of worship posts or permits otherwise.
- Property Owned by Private Employers that Prohibit Firearms.
- State Government Buildings: Unless the governing body permits otherwise.
- Places Where Carrying Firearms is Prohibited by Federal Law or State Law or Regulation.
Question: Can I wear a COVID-19 protective mask while carrying a concealed firearm in Ohio?
Answer: There is no known statute in Ohio making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed. One state law makes it illegal to commit a misdemeanor while wearing a mask, however, it does not address wearing a mask while legally carrying a concealed firearm. Geauga County Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand has indicated that it is not illegal for a valid CCW holder to carry a weapon while wearing a mask.
Question: Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Ohio?
Answer: Yes. A person possessing a valid concealed handgun license may carry a concealed handgun while hunting, but it may not be used to shoot, shoot at, or kill any wild animal.
Question: Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in Ohio?
Answer: Yes, with a valid Ohio Concealed Handgun License, a concealed handgun license from a state that Ohio honors, or LEOSA.
Question: Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in Ohio?
Answer: Yes. No person shall purposely prevent or attempt to prevent any person from lawfully hunting, trapping, or fishing for a wild animal.
Answer: Based on SB 140, which took effect on April 12, 2021, any knife or cutting instrument is defined as a weapon only if it is used as a weapon. The legislation no longer categorizes a concealed knife, razor, or cutting instrument as a "deadly weapon" or "weapon" as long as it's not used as a weapon. Ohio law now allows for the ownership, open carry, and concealed carry of any type of knife other than ballistic knives, which are forbidden. Knives are restricted in "School Safety Zones," which include schools, school buildings, school premises, school activities, and school buses, and courthouses or other structures in which a courtroom is located. Ohio municipalities may have additional restrictions. For example, both Akron and Cleveland prohibit the possession in public places of any knife with a blade 2 ½ inches or longer.