Ohio is a shall-issue state with concealed handgun licenses issued at the county level by a county sheriff.
There is no permit, background check or firearms registration 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 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. Disclaimer: Carrying in vehicles is not addressed in the Constitutional Carry bill. However, according to the Ohio Attorney General, it is legal to possess a loaded firearm in a vehicle.
Residents can still obtain a CHL. They must have completed eight hours of firearms training and meet other criteria to qualify. Current and former servicemen and women are able to obtain an Ohio CHL without paying the fee or going through a concealed carry class. In addition, 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. 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.
Where can I carry with my Ohio permit?
Yes
Yes, Constitutional Carry
Yes, Other Restrictions
No
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Important Firearm Laws
non-resident permitting?
Yes, only for persons employed in Ohio.
driver's license linked to carry license?
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.
duty to inform officer you're carrying?
No, there is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Ohio unless asked by law enforcement.
public access to concealed carry registry?
No. The public has no access to Ohio's concealed carry registry.
"no weapons allowed" signs enforced?
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. [Ohio Rev. Code § 2923.126(C)(3)(a)]
For locations designated as off-limits even with a valid permit/license, per Sec. 2923.1212, 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."
preemption?
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.
brandishing?
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.
carry while using alcohol or drugs?
Not while consuming beer or intoxicating liquor or under the influence of alcohol or a drug of abuse.
[Ohio Rev. Code § 2923.121(d)]
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 judgement, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.
red flag law?
Ohio does not have a red flag law.
Carry Basics
constitutional carry?
Yes.
gun permit licensure?
Ohio is a shall-issue state.
weapons other than handguns allowed?
No. Ohio law does not allow the concealed carry of weapons other than handguns.
minimum age for concealed carry?
The minimum age to carry concealed handguns in Ohio is 21.
ammunition restrictions?
No. Ohio has no restrictions on handgun ammo.
open carry permitted?
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.
magazine limits for handguns?
No. There is no maximum handgun magazine capacity restriction in Ohio.
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.
non-lethal weapons?
STUN GUNS and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a license.
PEPPER SPRAY - Legal for self-defense purposes. Ohio imposes no restrictions on size or concentration. Prohibited in schools, government buildings, and other restricted areas.
TEAR GAS - Legal for self-defense but subject to general misuse laws.
BEAR SPRAY - Legal for self-defense against wildlife. No specific state restrictions but misuse against humans could lead to legal consequences.
BLUDGEONS AND BATONS - Expandable batons are legal to own and carry in Ohio. Batons are not classified as "dangerous weapons," so they can be carried openly or concealed without a permit.
Items such as billy clubs, slapjacks, and nightsticks are also legal unless used with criminal intent.
BRASS KNUCKLES - Legal under Ohio law. There are no explicit bans on possession, sale, or use.
byrna's?
Yes. these are legal for purchase and possession. Byrna guns are not classifed as firearms under Ohio law.
Handgun Purchase & Possession
background checks for private gun sales?
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.
possess a handgun on my private property without a permit?
Yes. A concealed carry license is not required for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm to carry a handgun in the person's own home for any lawful purpose.
handgun registration?
No. Ohio does not require handguns to be registered.
waiting period?
No. Ohio has no waiting period for handgun purchases.
ohio license exempts from background check?
Yes. Concealed weapons licenses issued on or after March 23, 2015, qualify.
minimum age to possess and transport?
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 member of the armed services of the United States or the Ohio national guard that are at least 18 years old.
purchase permits?
No. A permit is not required when purchasing a handgun in Ohio.
Top Gun Laws & Concealed Carry Permit Information For Ohio Residents
Concealed Carry Basics Faq
wear a covid mask & carry?
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.
what are the knife laws in ohio?
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.
[Ohio Rev. Code §§ 2923.11(A), 2923.12, 2923.122, 2923.123 & 2923.20]
carry while gun hunting?
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.
carry while bow hunting?
Yes, with a valid Ohio Concealed Handgun License, a concealed handgun license from a state that Ohio honors or LEOSA.
hunter harassment law?
Yes. No person shall purposely prevent or attempt to prevent any person from lawfully hunting, trapping, or fishing for a wild animal.
Processing Time:
45 days
Residency Changes:
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.
Non-Resident Concealed Carry Licenses:
Granted only for non-residents who are employed in Ohio. The process is the same as for residents.
Requirements:
An applicant must:
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.
Application:
Name/Address Changes:
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.
Lost/Stolen Licenses:
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.
Valid For:
5 years
Fees:
Initial License for >5 year Ohio residents: $67 Renewals $50Initial 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.
Step 1:
Complete a firearm training course if required.
Step 2:
Step 3:
Make an appointment with your county sheriff's office or the office of an adjoining county (or the county worked in for out-of-state residents) and take the following documents:
Certify that you have read the Ohio Concealed Carry Laws and License Application manual.
Your fingerprints will be taken.Pay the fee.
Step 4:
You will be notified within 45 days if your application has been approved.
carry in state/national parks, state/national forests and wildlife management areas (wmas)?
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. See the National Parks webpage for links to each Park in Ohio.
carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol?
Yes, with a valid concealed carry license, unless posted and provided you are not consuming beer or intoxicating liquor or are under the influence of alcohol or a drug of abuse.
carry in vehicle?
Yes, You may transport a loaded concealed handgun in a motor vehicle without a CHL except for in school zones. Motorcycles fall under the definition of motor vehicles. Thus, the same requirements apply to those who carry a handgun while on a motorcycle.
carry at roadside rest areas?
Yes. Ohio allows concealed carry at roadside rest areas with a valid concealed carry license.
carry/possess at a hotel?
Any owner of private property may post a sign in a conspicuous location on that land or on those premises prohibiting persons from carrying firearms or concealed firearms on or onto that land or those premises. The individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about it's concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information.
store in a vehicle in an employee parking lot?
A business entity, property owner, or public or private employer may not have a policy that prohibits a person who has been issued a valid concealed handgun license from transporting or storing a firearm or ammunition when both of the following conditions are met:
Self-Defense
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 that person’s residence provided the person is in a place that the person has the lawful right to be. You must have a real 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.
Immunity from Civil Liability
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 in which the person lawfully has a right to be. Therefore, the prosecution would have to 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, as the case may be.
Ohio Gun Law Updates
DateDetails
2025-04-08
Added non-lethal weapons to Carry Basics section.
2022-03-15
Added SB 215 (constitutional carry bill). It will go into effect on June 12, 2022.
2021-05-20
Added info on driver's license link to permit in At A Glance table
2021-02-10
Added info about passage of the SB-130 knife law in FAQs
2021-01-05
Added info about passage of stand your ground law in the Summary
2021-01-04
Updated information on obtaining a permit from any county sheriff's office
2020-12-29
Updated information on permit renewal extensions during COVID
2020-10-19
Added information on new law regarding permit renewals during COVID in the Summary
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