Ohio Concealed Carry Permit Information

Ohio Concealed Carry Quick Stats

Shall Issue
Permits issued to Residents and Non-Residents w/ Exceptions
21 years of age required
Valid for 5 Years
$67 Initial* / $50 Renewal*
Processing Time is within 45 Days
Ohio Reciprocity Maps
Ohio Concealed Handgun License Website
Ohio Concealed Handgun License Manual
Ohio Concealed Handgun License and Renewal Application
Ohio Concealed Handgun License Laws
Ohio Firearms Forums

Ohio Concealed Handgun License Example

Ohio Concealed Carry FAQ’s

Does Ohio issue concealed carry permits?

Ohio is a Shall Issue State and issues Concealed Handgun Licenses to residents of Ohio and non-residents with exceptions.

As long as you meet the law’s requirements, the sheriff must issue a concealed handgun license within 45 days of receiving your properly completed application. The license lasts for five years. [source]

You must apply to your county sheriff or to the sheriff of a county that abuts the county you reside in. You should call the sheriff you are applying to ahead of time to find out the hours they accept applications and try to schedule an appointment if they offer them.

When applying, you must bring your completed application form, a copy of your firearms training certificate, a passport photo and payment (money order, cashier’s check or certified bank check).

Ohio only issues to non-residents that are military personnel, their spouses, or non-residents employed in the state. They also honor any issues permits if you have moved out of state until it expires. [source]

(b) A person on active duty in the armed forces of the United States or in service with the peace corps, volunteers in service to America, or the foreign service of the United States is exempt from the license requirements of this section for the period of the person’s active duty or service and for six months thereafter, provided the person was a licensee under this section at the time the person commenced the person’s active duty or service or had obtained a license while on active duty or service. The spouse or a dependent of any such person on active duty or in service also is exempt from the license requirements of this section for the period of the person’s active duty or service and for six months thereafter, provided the spouse or dependent was a licensee under this section at the time the person commenced the active duty or service or had obtained a license while the person was on active duty or service, and provided further that the person’s active duty or service resulted in the spouse or dependent relocating outside of this state during the period of the active duty or service. This division does not prevent such a person or the person’s spouse or dependent from making an application for the renewal of a concealed handgun license during the period of the person’s active duty or service.

(b) For an applicant who has been a resident of this state for less than five years or who is not a resident of this state but who is employed in this state, a fee of fifty dollars plus the actual cost of having a background check performed by the federal bureau of investigation.

Ohio’ concealed handgun licenses law went into effect in 2004 which made them a Shall Issue state. [source]

Who issues Ohio Concealed Handgun Licenses?

Ohio Concealed Handgun Licenses are issued by the sheriff of the county you applied to. [source]

Are background checks required for an Ohio Concealed Handgun License?

Yes. There are questions about your background that you must answer on the application and the sheriff will also conduct a federal NICS (National Instant Criminal Background Check System) check which you must pass for the application to be approved. [source]

Does having an Ohio Concealed Handgun License exempt you from the background check when purchasing a firearm Ohio?

Yes. Having an Ohio Handgun License issued on or after March 23, 2015 does exempt you from a National Instant Criminal System (NICS) check when purchasing a firearm according to the ATF Permanent Brady Permit Chart.

How long is an Ohio Concealed Handgun License valid for?

Ohio Concealed Handgun Licenses expire five years after the issue date. [source]

What is the processing time for an Ohio Concealed Handgun License?

The processing time for Ohio Concealed Handgun Licenses is within 45 days from the date they receive your application.

As long as you meet the law’s requirements, the sheriff must issue a concealed handgun license within 45 days of receiving your properly completed application. The license lasts for five years. [source]

How much does an Ohio Concealed Handgun License cost?

The fee for an initial Ohio Concealed Handgun License is $67 if you have been an Ohio resident for more than five years and $91 if you have been an Ohio resident for less than five years. [source]

The fee for a renewal Ohio Concealed Handgun License is $50 if you have been an Ohio resident for more than five years and $74 if you have been an Ohio resident for less than five years. [source]

The fee for an Ohio Concealed Handgun Temporary Emergency License is $37 if you have been an Ohio resident for more than five years and $61 if you have been an Ohio resident for less than five years. [source]

The cost for replacement licenses is $15.[source]

What are the requirements for an Ohio Concealed Handgun License?

You must meet the minimum educational requirements set by Ohio concealed carry law. The law requires a total training time of 8 hours with a minimum of 2 hours of in-personal training that consists of range time and live-fire training. The training and written exam may be completed online but the 2 hours of in-personal training must still be met. [source] Make sure your instructor has a certificate of training from the state or any national gun advocacy organization. You should also receive a receipt of firearm’s training once completing the course.

Other requirements include:

Passing the NICS check
You must not have had a concealed carry license issued by another state suspended.
If you live in another state, you must be employed in Ohio.
You cannot be an unlawful user of, or addicted to any controlled substance as defined in 21 U.S.C. 802.
If you are a nonimmigrant who is legally in the United States, you must have been lawfully admitted to the United States without a nonimmigrant visa or you were lawfully admitted under a nonimmigrant visa as defined in the federal Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(26) and fall within one of the exceptions listed in 18 U.S.C. 922(y)(2).
You must not have been discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States under dishonorable conditions.
You must not have renounced your United States citizenship.
You must not have been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or adjudicated a delinquent child for committing a violation of section 2919.25 of the Revised Code (Domestic violence) or a similar violation in another state.
The law states that you must not be under indictment, be charged with, or convicted of any felony. You also must not be under indictment, charged with, or convicted of an offense that involves trafficking in drugs, a misdemeanor offense of violence, or negligent assault. You may not obtain a license if you have been charged with falsification of a concealed handgun license.
In addition, you must not have been convicted, pleaded guilty, or been adjudicated as delinquent in connection with a crime
that involves the illegal use, sale, possession, administration, distribution, or trafficking of a drug of abuse. You cannot have been convicted, pleaded guilty, or been adjudicated as delinquent for assaulting a peace officer. You must not, within three years
of your application, have been convicted, pleaded guilty, or been adjudicated as delinquent in connection with a misdemeanor offense of violence.
You must not have been convicted, pleaded guilty, or been adjudicated as delinquent in connection with two or more assaults or negligent assaults within five years of your application. You must not have been convicted, pleaded guilty, or adjudicated as delinquent in connection with resisting arrest within 10 years of your application. If you are charged with an offense during the application process, the sheriff can suspend your application until your case is resolved.
The sheriff shall not consider the conviction, guilty plea, or adjudication of an applicant’s sealed records even if those sealed offenses would otherwise disqualify an applicant. If you have questions about sealed criminal records, consult an attorney.
The law states that you must not have been adjudicated as a mental defective, committed to any mental institution, under a current adjudication of incompetence, found by a court to be mentally ill subject to hospitalization by court order, or an involuntary patient other than one who is a patient only for purposes of observation.
You must not be subject to a civil protection order or a temporary protection order of an Ohio court or a similar protection order issued by another state. For additional information on civil and temporary protection orders, consult an attorney.

How do I renew my Ohio Concealed Handgun License and what is the cost?

To renew your Ohio Concealed Handgun License you must file a renewal application with the sheriff’s office as early as 90 days before your license expires. It is recommended to do it as early as possible since it can take up to 45 days to process. [source]

You must provide proof of certification with can be a previously issued Ohio concealed carry license (expired or valid) or a competency certificate from your instructor.[source]

The fee for a renewal Ohio Concealed Handgun License is $50 if you have been an Ohio resident for more than five years and $74 if you have been an Ohio resident for less than five years. [source]

How do you change a name or address on an Ohio Concealed Handgun License?

You must notify the Sheriff’s Office that issued the license within 45 days after the address change. Check their website as some have a form that you can mail them for the address change. If you want a license with your new address issued the cost for a replacement is $15.[source]

Name changes may have to be made in person. We recommend visiting the Sheriff’s Office that issued the permit within 45 days of your name change to find out their process. The cost for the replacement license will be $15. [source]

What do you do if your Ohio Concealed Handgun License is lost, stolen or damaged?

If your license gets lost or stolen you must notify the Sheriff’s Office that issued the license within 45 days. You will need to provide a police report showing that you have reported your license as lost or stolen. The fee for a replacement license will be $15.

If I get arrested or convicted, do I have to notify the Sheriff’s Office about the arrest or conviction?

Are far as we can tell, you are not required to notify the Sheriff of an arrest or conviction.

If I move my permanent residence to another state, is my Ohio Concealed Handgun License still valid?”]Yes, the license is still valid until the expiration date but you will be unable to renew the license. [source]

Can I transfer another state’s concealed carry permit or license to Ohio?

Ohio does not allow you to transfer another state’s concealed carry permit or license to Ohio. You must apply for a new Ohio Concealed Handgun License.

Does Ohio accept any other state’s concealed carry permits or licenses?

Yes. Ohio accepts all other state’s resident and non-resident permits and licenses. They also have reciprocity agreements with other states. View our concealed carry reciprocity maps for the most up to date list of states you can carry in.

Do I need to inform Law Enforcement that I am carrying a concealed weapon?

Yes. You must inform law enforcement that you have a concealed firearms license and that you are carrying concealed. [source]

If a licensee is the driver or an occupant of a motor vehicle that is stopped as the result of a traffic stop or a stop for another law enforcement purpose and if the licensee is transporting or has a loaded handgun in the motor vehicle at that time, the licensee shall promptly inform any law enforcement officer who approaches the vehicle while stopped that the licensee has been issued a concealed handgun license and that the licensee currently possesses or has a loaded handgun; the licensee shall not knowingly disregard or fail to comply with lawful orders of a law enforcement officer given while the motor vehicle is stopped, knowingly fail to remain in the motor vehicle while stopped, or knowingly fail to keep the licensee’s hands in plain sight after any law enforcement officer begins approaching the licensee while stopped and before the officer leaves, unless directed otherwise by a law enforcement officer; and the licensee shall not knowingly have contact with the loaded handgun by touching it with the licensee’s hands or fingers, in any manner in violation of division (E) of section 2923.16 of the Revised Code, after any law enforcement officer begins approaching the licensee while stopped and before the officer leaves. Additionally, if a licensee is the driver or an occupant of a commercial motor vehicle that is stopped by an employee of the motor carrier enforcement unit for the purposes defined in section 5503.04 of the Revised Code and if the licensee is transporting or has a loaded handgun in the commercial motor vehicle at that time, the licensee shall promptly inform the employee of the unit who approaches the vehicle while stopped that the licensee has been issued a concealed handgun license and that the licensee currently possesses or has a loaded handgun.

If a licensee is stopped for a law enforcement purpose and if the licensee is carrying a concealed handgun at the time the officer approaches, the licensee shall promptly inform any law enforcement officer who approaches the licensee while stopped that the licensee has been issued a concealed handgun license and that the licensee currently is carrying a concealed handgun; the licensee shall not knowingly disregard or fail to comply with lawful orders of a law enforcement officer given while the licensee is stopped or knowingly fail to keep the licensee’s hands in plain sight after any law enforcement officer begins approaching the licensee while stopped and before the officer leaves, unless directed otherwise by a law enforcement officer; and the licensee shall not knowingly remove, attempt to remove, grasp, or hold the loaded handgun or knowingly have contact with the loaded handgun by touching it with the licensee’s hands or fingers, in any manner in violation of division (B) of section 2923.12 of the Revised Code, after any law enforcement officer begins approaching the licensee while stopped and before the officer leaves.

Does Ohio issue Ohio Concealed Handgun License to resident aliens with a green card?

It seems that yes, Resident Aliens can apply for an Ohio Concealed Handgun License. [source]

If you are a nonimmigrant who is legally in the United States, you must have been lawfully admitted to the United States without a nonimmigrant visa or you were lawfully admitted under a nonimmigrant visa as defined in the federal Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(26) and fall within one of the exceptions listed in 18 U.S.C. 922(y)(2).

What are the laws for carrying a firearm in an automobile in Ohio?

Unless you have a concealed carry permit or license, it is against the law to have a loaded firearm in a vehicle. [source]

2923.16 Improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle.
(A) No person shall knowingly discharge a firearm while in or on a motor vehicle.

(B) No person shall knowingly transport or have a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle in such a manner that the firearm is accessible to the operator or any passenger without leaving the vehicle.

(C) No person shall knowingly transport or have a firearm in a motor vehicle, unless the person may lawfully possess that firearm under applicable law of this state or the United States, the firearm is unloaded, and the firearm is carried in one of the following ways:

(1) In a closed package, box, or case;

(2) In a compartment that can be reached only by leaving the vehicle;

(3) In plain sight and secured in a rack or holder made for the purpose;

(4) If the firearm is at least twenty-four inches in overall length as measured from the muzzle to the part of the stock furthest from the muzzle and if the barrel is at least eighteen inches in length, either in plain sight with the action open or the weapon stripped, or, if the firearm is of a type on which the action will not stay open or which cannot easily be stripped, in plain sight.

As of March 21, 2017, business entities, property owners or public or private employers cannot ban anyone who has been issued a valid concealed handgun license from transporting or storing a firearm or ammunition when the items are locked in a person’s privately-owned motor vehicle on company property. [source]

What places are off-limits when carrying a concealed weapon in Ohio?

The following places are off-limits when carrying a concealed weapon in Ohio.

Police stations
Sheriff’s offices
Highway Patrol posts
Premises controlled by BCI
Correctional institutions or other detention facilities
Airport terminals or airplanes – As of March 21, 2017, concealed handgun license holders can carry in the non-secure area of airports. [source]
Facilities for the care of mentally ill persons
Courthouses or buildings in which a courtroom is located
Colleges and Government Bodies – As of March 21, 2017, colleges and government bodies can decide for themselves if concealed carry will be allowed. [source]
Places of worship, unless the place of worship permits otherwise
Child day-care centers – As of March 21, 2017, concealed handgun license holders can carry in day-care centers unless the day-care center has posted a “no-guns” sign. [source]
Licensed Class D liquor permit premises, if you are consuming beer or intoxicating liquor or are under the influence. If you are not consuming, and not under the influence, you may carry unless there is a conspicuous sign prohibiting carry. Possession of a concealed firearm is allowed in a retail store with a D-6 or D-8 permit as long as the concealed carry license holder is not consuming liquor. Class D permits are generally issued to an establishment that sells alcohol for consumption on the premises. In any event, do not consume beer or intoxicating liquor before carrying a concealed handgun into a licensed premises or while on the premises.
Schools – As of March 21, 2017 – Anyone with a concealed handgun license can keep their handgun locked in a motor vehicle on school premises. [source]
As of March 21, 2017 – Anyone with a concealed handgun license can carry on private aircraft. [source]

Does Ohio have a Stand Your Ground Law AKA Castle Doctrine Law?

Ohio is a state with castle law. [source]

What are the laws involving alcohol and carrying a concealed weapon in Ohio?

You must not consume beer or intoxicating liquor or be under the influence of alcohol or a drug of abuse when carrying concealed in Ohio. [source]

If you have a concealed handgun license, you may carry concealed in bar and restaurants as long as you are not consuming alcohol. [source]

USA Carry always recommends never to carry a firearm while drinking alcohol or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Does Ohio have laws for No Gun signs?

Yes, No Gun signs have the force of law. [source]

Except as provided in division (C)(3)(b) of this section, the owner or person in control of private land or premises, and a private person or entity leasing land or premises owned by the state, the United States, or a political subdivision of the state or the United States, 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. Except as otherwise provided in this division, a person who knowingly violates a posted prohibition of that nature is guilty of criminal trespass in violation of division (A)(4) of section 2911.21 of the Revised Code and is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If a person knowingly violates a posted prohibition of that nature and the posted land or premises primarily was a parking lot or other parking facility, the person is not guilty of criminal trespass under section 2911.21 of the Revised Code or under any other criminal law of this state or criminal law, ordinance, or resolution of a political subdivision of this state, and instead is subject only to a civil cause of action for trespass based on the violation.

Does my military training exempt me from the eight hour training course for an Ohio Concealed Handgun License?

As of March 21, 2017, active military members who have the same or greater training than that required to obtain a concealed handgun license to carry a concealed firearm as a license-holder to carry without a license. [source]

Yes, you can be exempt from the training requirements for an Ohio Concealed Handgun License if you are active military or honorably discharged. Some people have reported that their DD214 has worked but it had to list some type of weapons training and some have reported getting their license without it listing weapons training. We recommend contacting your local Sheriff to see what they require. [source]

(d) A document that evidences both of the following:

(i) That the applicant is an active or reserve member of the armed forces of the United States, has retired from or was honorably discharged from military service in the active or reserve armed forces of the United States, is a retired trooper of the state highway patrol, or is a retired peace officer or federal law enforcement officer described in division (B)(1) of this section or a retired person described in division (B)(1)(b) of section 109.77 of the Revised Code and division (B)(1) of this section;

(ii) That, through participation in the military service or through the former employment described in division (B)(3)(d)(i) of this section, the applicant acquired experience with handling handguns or other firearms, and the experience so acquired was equivalent to training that the applicant could have acquired in a course, class, or program described in division (B)(3)(a), (b), or (c) of this section.

Are you allowed to carry concealed in Ohio State Parks, State & National Forests, Wildlife Management Areas, and/or Road Side Rest Areas?

State Parks: Yes – Buildings are off limits unless used as a comfort station. Restrooms outside of regular buildings, Picnic Shelters and other outdoor type covered areas used for comfort.
State Forests: Yes – Buildings are off limits unless used as a comfort station. Restrooms outside of regular buildings, Picnic Shelters and other outdoor type covered areas used for comfort.
National Forests: Yes – Buildings are off limits unless used as a comfort station. Restrooms outside of regular buildings, Picnic Shelters and other outdoor type covered areas used for comfort.
WMA’s: Yes – Buildings are off limits unless used as a comfort station. Restrooms outside of regular buildings, Picnic Shelters and other outdoor type covered areas used for comfort.
Road Side Rest Areas: Yes

Relevant Links

What are the Ohio Open Carry laws?

Please visit our Ohio Open Carry page for more information.

Changelog
3/20/2017 – Updated information due to the changes made by Senate Bill 199 that take effect on March 21, 2017.

To view a state’s concealed carry permit information click on the state. The state’s color represents whether a state is Shall Issue, May Issue, Constitutional Carry or Right Denied (We explain each state’s status here).

Shall Issue to Residents Only:
Alabama, California, Colorado, Georgia, Guam, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Wyoming

Shall Issue to Residents and Non-Residents:
Arkansas, District of Columbia, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin

May Issue to Residents Only:
Delaware, Virgin Islands

May Issue to Residents and Non-Residents:
Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York

Constitutional Carry and Shall Issue to Residents Only:
Alaska, West Virginia

Constitutional Carry and Shall Issue to Residents and Non-Residents:
Arizona, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire

Constitutional Carry and Does Not Issue Permits:
Vermont

Right Denied:
American Samoa, N. Mariana Islands

We keep the information on this page as up to date as possible, but due to changing laws it is your responsibility to verify all information. The information on this page is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice concerning any particular issue or problem. Use of and access to this Website, emails or any of the links contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between i156 LLC and the user or browser. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of i156 LLC.

Ohio Concealed Carry Permit Information

Ohio Concealed Carry Quick Stats

Ohio Concealed Handgun License Example

Ohio Concealed Carry FAQ’s

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