Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Ohio is a shall-issue state, with concealed handgun licenses 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. Individuals 21 years old 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 as of June 12, 2022. Since open carry is not addressed in state statutes, the federal minimum age for possession of a handgun of 18 years old applies. Note: Carrying in vehicles is not specifically addressed in the Constitutional Carry bill. However, according to the Ohio Attorney General, it is legal to possess a loaded firearm in a vehicle.
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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 completing a concealed carry class. Additionally, active duty military personnel 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. In terms of reciprocity, 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 they lawfully have a right to be. Therefore, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused did not use force in self-defense, defense of another, or defense of their residence.
Ohio Rev. Code §§ 2901.09, 2901.05
Ohio adheres to the Castle Doctrine and, based on 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 one’s residence, provided the person is in a place they lawfully have a right to be. You must have a genuine belief that you 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.
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Is open carry permitted in Ohio?
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.
If Ohio requires a license to carry a concealed firearm, how are those licenses issued?
Ohio is a shall-issue state.
What is the minimum age in Ohio to get a concealed carry license?
The minimum age to carry concealed handguns in Ohio is 21.
Does Ohio allow constitutional carry?
Yes.
Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Ohio with a concealed carry license (or under permitless carry if applicable)?
No. Ohio law does not allow the concealed carry of weapons other than handguns.
Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Ohio?
Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a license.
Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Ohio?
Yes. Pepper spray is not considered a “deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance” in Ohio. It must be used for justified self-defense only.
Does Ohio have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?
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.
Does Ohio have ammunition restrictions?
No. Ohio has no restrictions on handgun ammo.
👆 Click to get your CCW permit online in just minutes!
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, although the buildings are off-limits. However, 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, and provided you are not consuming beer, intoxicating liquor, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Ohio?
The policy on carrying firearms at hotels varies. Owners of private property, including hotels, can post signs prohibiting firearms. It’s recommended to contact the hotel directly 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 concealed handgun license, except in school zones. The same rules 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 cannot prohibit a person with a valid concealed handgun license from transporting or storing a firearm in their vehicle if:
- The firearm and ammunition remain inside the person’s privately owned vehicle while they are present inside the vehicle, or are locked within the trunk, glove box, or another enclosed compartment or container.
- 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: 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. 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?
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: 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. Additionally, no person, while under the influence of sudden passion or in a sudden fit of rage, 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. It is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgement, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities.
Question: Does Ohio issue concealed carry licenses to non-residents?
Answer: Yes, 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.
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.
No. A permit is not required when purchasing a handgun 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 Ohio concealed carry license exempt me from needing a background check when purchasing a firearm?
Yes. Concealed weapons licenses issued on or after March 23, 2015, qualify.
No. Ohio has no waiting period for handgun purchases.
No. Ohio does not require handguns to be registered.
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 that 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)
Ohio will honor valid permits issued by any state or jurisdiction, regardless of the age of the permittee. 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.
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)
Louisiana
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
Note: Firearms must be carried in accordance with the laws of the state you are visiting. Be sure to check the laws of the other state before traveling there with your firearms.
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)
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)
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)
*PC-18 = permitless carry if at least 18 years old
*PC-21 = permitless carry if at least 21 years old
Permitless carry includes constitutional carry states as well as states where an individual must meet certain qualifications, e.g., no DUIs in the last 10 years, in order to legally carry (Tennessee). Each state determines the requirements and any limitations on the carry of firearms. Check each state’s page for more information and any restrictions that may apply.
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 their 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.
- 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.
- 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 over 5 year Ohio residents: $67
- Renewals: $50
- Initial License for under 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
Link to application
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 purpose. 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.
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.
- Certify that the applicant has not renounced U.S. 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, drug-related offenses, a misdemeanor offense of violence, or certain other violations.
- Not have been convicted of or pleaded guilty to certain offenses, including felonies and drug-related crimes.
- Not have been adjudicated a delinquent child for committing acts equivalent to the aforementioned offenses if committed by an adult.
- Not have been convicted of or pleaded guilty to two or more offenses involving violence within 5 years of the application.
- Not have been adjudicated as a mental defective, committed to any mental institution, under adjudication of mental incompetence, or found by a court to be a mentally ill person subject to court order.
- 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.
- Not have been discharged from the armed forces of the United States under dishonorable conditions.
- Not have been convicted of or pleaded guilty to domestic violence.
- Meet federal law requirements.
Active duty military with a valid military identification card and documentation of successful firearms training 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 residents over 5 years: $67
- Renewals: $50
- Initial License for residents under 5 years and non-residents: $77 (includes FBI NICS fee)
- Renewals for residents under 5 years and non-residents: $60 (includes FBI NICS fee)
- Fees are waived for current and honorably discharged veterans.
The license is valid for 5 years.
The processing time is 45 days.
Complete a firearm training course if required.
Download the application.
Make an appointment with your county sheriff’s office or the office of an adjoining county (or the county you work in if you are an out-of-state resident) and take the following documents:
- Completed, but unsigned application form (you will sign it there in the presence of the Sheriff’s Office Notary).
- Copies of the firearms training certificate signed and dated by your instructor (within the 3 years immediately preceding the application).
- Non-resident employees must supply proof of employment.
- Passport-style color photo, taken within the last 30 days.
Certify that you have read the Ohio Concealed Carry Laws and License Application manual. Your fingerprints will be taken, and you will need to pay the fee.
You will be notified within 45 days if your application has been approved.
Ohio law requires you to notify the county sheriff’s office where you obtained your concealed carry license within 45 days after a change of address. This process modifies the record held by the agency in the event you need to be contacted regarding suspension, revocation, or for 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. A $15 fee is required.
You must notify your county sheriff within 45 days that your license has been lost or stolen. You will also need to provide a police report stating that you have reported your license stolen or missing. The replacement fee is $15.
Moving to Ohio:
Ohio issues licenses to residents and 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:
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.
Non-residents can apply if they are employed in Ohio. The process is the same as for residents.
The total required training time is 8 hours, including a minimum of 2 hours of in-person training that consists of range time and live-fire training.
The law requires certified training in the following areas:
- The ability to name, explain, and demonstrate the rules for safe handling of a handgun and proper storage practices for handguns and ammunition.
- The ability to demonstrate and explain how to handle ammunition safely.
- The ability to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to shoot a handgun safely.
- Gun-handling training.
Additionally, you must complete an examination that tests your competency. This certification must have been completed within the 3 years immediately preceding the application.
The test must include:
- A written section on the ability to name and explain the rules for safe handling of a handgun and proper storage practices for handguns and ammunition.
- An in-person physical demonstration of competency in handgun usage and rules for safe handling and storage.
- A physical demonstration of the attitude necessary to shoot a handgun safely.
Yes, the training and written exam may be completed online or as a combination of in-person and online training. The online portion must include a component that regularly engages the participant.
Yes, there are exemptions for:
- Active or reserve members of the armed forces.
- Those who have retired or were honorably discharged from the armed forces.
- Retired highway patrol troopers.
- Retired peace officers.
- Federal law enforcement officers who acquired experience with handguns or other firearms equivalent to the minimum educational requirements through their position.
Step 1: Renewals are the responsibility of the licensee. You can submit renewal applications at any time before or after the expiration of your current CCW license. Non-residents must still be employed in Ohio to renew their license. If you are no longer employed in Ohio, your CCW license remains valid until its expiry date. If your license has expired, you cannot carry a concealed weapon until you receive your renewal license from the Sheriff.
Step 2: Download the renewal application.
Step 3: Make an appointment with a county sheriff’s office and bring the following documents:
- Completed, but unsigned, application form (you will sign it in the presence of the Sheriff’s Office Notary).
- Ohio CHL.
- A valid picture identification card (driver’s license, state ID, retired law enforcement or corrections ID, or military ID only).
Certify that you have read the Ohio Concealed Carry Laws and License Application manual. Pay the fee.
Step 4: You will receive notification within 45 days if your renewal 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.
Places off-limits even with a permit/license:
- A school safety zone which 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.
- A child day care center and Type A or B family day-care home, if posted.
- Any premises owned or leased by any public or private college, university or other institution of higher education (based on a settlement agreement, Ohio State University now allows the storage of firearms in locked vehicles on campus).
- A police station, sheriff’s office or state highway patrol station or premises controlled by the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation.
- A courthouse or another building or structure in which a courtroom is located.
- The state capitol buildings (Ohio Admin. Code § 128–4–02(G)(9)).
- A state correctional institution, jail, workhouse or other detention facility.
- Any secure areas of an airport passenger terminal.
- Any 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.
- Any premises that sells liquor or open-air arena for which a Class D liquor permit has been issued, if you are consuming beer or intoxicating liquor, if you are under the influence of alcohol or a drug of abuse, or if posted.
- Any church, synagogue, mosque or other place of worship, unless the place of worship posts or permits otherwise.
- Any property (including vehicles) owned by private employers that prohibit firearms.
- Any state government buildings, unless the governing body permits otherwise.
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law or state law or regulation (Ohio Rev. Code § 2923.126(B)).
Question: I can legally carry a concealed firearm in Ohio, but can I wear a COVID-19 protective mask while carrying concealed?
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. In addition, Geauga County Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand has indicated that it is NOT ILLEGAL for a valid CCW holder to carry your 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.
Question: What are the knife laws in Ohio?
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. So, Ohio law now allows for the ownership and 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.
