Concealed Carry Quick Facts:
- Permit Type: Shall Issue
- Constitutional Carry (Permitless): Yes
- Issuing Authority: County Sheriff’s Office
- Minimum Age Requirement: 21 years old for permitless carry; 18 years old with a provisional permit
- Permit Validity: 5 years
- Application Fee: $75 application fee; additional $25 upon approval
- Processing Time: Varies by county
Latest Defensive Gun Uses and Firearm News in Ohio
Ohio Constitutional Carry (Permitless Carry)
As of June 13, 2022, Ohio became a permitless carry state, allowing any qualifying adult aged 21 or older to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. Individuals must still meet the legal requirements to own and possess firearms under both state and federal law.
Ohio Concealed Handgun License (CHL)
While permitless carry is legal in Ohio, residents may still apply for a Concealed Handgun License (CHL) if they want the benefits of reciprocity agreements with other states or prefer to carry a physical permit.
Eligibility Requirements:
To qualify for an Ohio concealed carry permit, applicants must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Complete an approved 8-hour firearms training course
- Pass a background check
- Not be prohibited from owning firearms under state or federal law
Application Process:
- Step 1: Apply in person at the sheriff’s office in your county of residence or an adjacent county.
- Step 2: Submit your completed Ohio concealed carry permit application, training certificate, and application fee.
- Step 3: Provide fingerprints for a background check.
- Step 4: Processing may take up to 45 days.
Ohio Concealed Handgun License Example
Ohio Open Carry Laws
- General Rule: Open carry is legal in Ohio for individuals who are 18 years or older and who can legally possess a firearm. No permit is required.
- Exceptions: Open carry may be restricted in some locations, such as government buildings or private properties that prohibit firearms.
Ohio Concealed Carry in a Vehicle
- With a Permit: A valid Ohio concealed handgun license allows you to carry a loaded handgun in a vehicle.
- Without a Permit: Under permitless carry, you may also carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle as long as you are legally allowed to possess the firearm.
Ohio Concealed Carry Reciprocity
Ohio honors concealed carry permits from states that have reciprocity agreements with Ohio. If you have a valid permit from a reciprocal state, you may carry concealed in Ohio.
Residents traveling to other states should check that state’s reciprocity rules to ensure Ohio permits are recognized. You can check the most up-to-date reciprocity map through our Concealed Carry Maps.
Prohibited Locations for Concealed Carry in Ohio
Even with constitutional carry or a valid Ohio CHL, firearms are prohibited in certain locations, including:
- Schools and school safety zones
- Courthouses and government buildings
- Private property where firearms are prohibited (proper signage required)
- Places of worship (unless permission is granted)
- Detention facilities and jails
- Airports beyond security checkpoints
Recent Changes in Ohio Gun Laws (2025 Updates)
- Permitless Carry Expansion: Ohio’s constitutional carry law, passed in 2022, continues to be upheld after court challenges. It allows 21+ adults to carry concealed without a permit.
- Expanded Preemption: In January 2025, Ohio lawmakers reaffirmed that local governments cannot pass stricter gun laws than those set at the state level, further reinforcing statewide preemption.
- School Staff Carrying: Legislation passed in 2024 allows school boards to authorize staff members to carry concealed firearms on school grounds with reduced training requirements.
Additional Resources
Go To Another State’s Concealed Carry Page
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.
Shall Issue to Residents Only:
California, Colorado, Georgia, Guam, Michigan, New Mexico
Shall Issue to Residents and Non-Residents:
District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin
May Issue to Residents Only:
Delaware, Virgin Islands
May Issue to Residents and Non-Residents:
Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York
Constitutional Carry and Shall Issue to Residents Only:
Alabama, Alaska, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, Wyoming
Constitutional Carry and Shall Issue to Residents and Non-Residents:
Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia
Constitutional Carry and Does Not Issue Permits:
Vermont
Right Denied:
American Samoa, N. Mariana Islands
Disclaimer
We try to keep the information on this page as up-to-date as possible, but it is your responsibility to verify all information due to changing laws. The information on this page is for informational purposes only and not to provide 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 links within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between USA Carry 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 views of USA Carry LLC.