Ohio Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws
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I can legally carry a concealed firearm in Ohio, but can I wear a COVID 19 protective mask while carrying concealed?
Based on our most recent research, the USCCA has identified just two states with statutes against carrying a concealed firearm while wearing a mask: California and Illinois (although sheriffs and county prosecutors in Illinois have made statements indicating that wearing a mask to protect others from COVID-19 while carrying a gun isn’t illegal as long as the wearer isn’t wearing the mask while committing a crime). Due to the large number of inquiries, some states have publicly addressed their laws regarding wearing masks. Some state laws actually refer to individuals concealing their identity with the intention to commit illegal acts or to specifically hide their identity, and do not address wearing a mask while legally carrying a concealed firearm. That includes Geauga County Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand who has indicated that it is NOT ILLEGAL for a valid CCW holder to carry your weapon while wearing a mask.The following statute was identified in Ohio, although it makes no mention of concealed carry.
- Health Safety Morals § 3761.12. No person shall unite with two or more others to commit a misdemeanor while wearing white caps, masks, or other disguise.
If you have further questions, we recommend that you reach out to your local law enforcement office, or district attorney.
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Summary of Ohio Gun Laws
Ohio is a shall-issue state with concealed weapons permits issued at the county level by the county sheriff in the applicant’s county of residence.
There is no permit, background check or firearms registration required when buying a handgun from a private individual.
Open carry is legal in Ohio without a permit except in vehicles or in businesses that sell alcohol. Since open carry is not addressed in state statutes, the Federal minimum age for possession of a handgun of 18 years old applies.
Concealed carry is legal for residents with an Ohio Concealed Handgun License (CHL) and non-residents with a valid state license/permit. Residents 21 years of age and older can 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. Executive Order 2020-01D was declared in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Section 11(E) addresses Ohio Concealed Handgun Licenses. License holders whose CHL expired on or after March 9, 2020, will be considered to have a valid license, to the sooner of either ninety days or December 1, 2020, with the ninety-day extension period commencing on that date of scheduled expiration.
Self-Defense
Ohio adheres to the Castle Doctrine, meaning that you don’t have a duty to retreat before using force in your residence or vehicle.
A person has no duty to retreat before using force in self-defense, defense of another or defense of the residence. There is also no duty to retreat in a person’s vehicle or immediate family member’s vehicle.
“Residence” means a dwelling in which a person resides, temporarily, permanently or visiting as a guest.
“Vehicle” is defined as a conveyance designed to transport people or property, whether motorized or not.
Immunity from Civil Liability
As of March 28, 2019, HB 228 is in effect, and Ohio’s ‘Castle Laws’ presume that the homeowner/vehicle owner has acted in defense of another or self-defense when applying deadly force to someone who has intruded into their home or vehicle. Therefore, if the homeowner is charged, 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 Laws at a Glance
Open Carry/ Concealed Carry Basics
Constitutional Carry?Does Ohio allow constitutional carry? |
No. Ohio is not a constitutional carry state. |
Open Carry Permitted?Is open carry permitted in Ohio? |
Yes, without a permit. Any person who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to carry a firearm can open carry. |
Gun Permit Licensure?If Ohio requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued? |
Ohio is a shall-issue state. |
Minimum Age for Concealed Carry?What is the minimum age in Ohio to get a concealed carry permit? |
The minimum age to carry concealed handguns in Ohio is 21. |
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed?Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Ohio with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)? |
No. Ohio law does not allow the concealed carry of weapons other than handguns. |
Tasers or Stun Guns?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 permit. |
Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray?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. |
Non-Resident Permitting?Does Ohio issue concealed carry permits to non-residents? |
Yes, only for persons employed in Ohio. |
Public Access to Concealed Carry Registry?Does Ohio allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law? |
No. The public has no access to Ohio's concealed carry registry. |
Carry Locations
Carry in Vehicle?Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Ohio? |
Yes, with a valid concealed carry permit. Without a permit, a handgun is required to be unloaded and carried in a compartment that can be reached only by leaving the vehicle or in plain sight and secured in a rack or holder made for the purpose. |
Carry at Roadside Rest Areas?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 permit. |
Carry in State/National Parks, State/National Forests and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)?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 permit, 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?Can you carry a firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Ohio? |
Yes, with a valid concealed carry permit, unless posted and provided no alcohol is consumed. |
Carry/Possess at a hotel?Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Ohio? |
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?Does Ohio have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot? |
A business entity, property owner, or public or private employer may not establish, maintain, or enforce a policy or rule 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: (1) Each firearm and all of the ammunition remains inside the person's privately owned motor vehicle while the person is physically present inside the motor vehicle, or each firearm and all of the ammunition is locked within the trunk, glove box, or other enclosed compartment or container within or on the person's privately owned motor vehicle; (2) The vehicle is in a location where it is otherwise permitted to be. |
Additional Related State Laws
Must Notify Officer You're Carrying?Are you required to notify a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Ohio? |
Yes. The licensee shall remain in the vehicle and keep his hands in plain sight at all times and have no contact with the firearm. |
Magazine Limits for Handguns?Does Ohio have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns? |
No. There is no maximum handgun magazine capacity restriction in Ohio. |
Ammunition Restrictions?Does Ohio have ammunition restrictions? |
No. Ohio has no restrictions on handgun ammo. |
"No Weapons Allowed" Signs Enforced?Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in Ohio? If yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense. |
Yes. The owner or person in control of private land or premises, and a private person leasing land or premises owned by the state, the United States, or a political subdivision of the state, may post a sign in a conspicuous location on that land or on those premises prohibiting persons from carrying firearms on or onto that land or those premises. A person who knowingly violates a posted prohibition of that nature is guilty of criminal trespass and is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If a person knowingly violates a posted prohibition in a parking lot or other parking facility, the person is subject only to a civil cause of action for trespass based on the violation. If a person knowingly violates a posted prohibition at a child day care center or a family day care home, (unless the person is a licensee who resides in the family day care home), the person is guilty of aggravated trespass. [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."
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Preemption?Does Ohio have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e. Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)? |
Yes. The authority to regulate firearms is reserved to the state, except municipalities may restrict the discharge of firearms. HB 228 went into effect on December 28, 2019 allowing anyone adversely affected by a local ordinance in conflict with state firearms laws to bring a civil suit against the locality. |
Brandishing?Does Ohio state law define brandishing? |
No. 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. |
Red Flag Law?Does Ohio have a red flag law? |
No. Ohio has no Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) legislation. |
Carry While Using Alcohol or Drugs?Does Ohio have laws regarding carrying a firearm 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. |
Handgun Purchase & Possession
Purchase Permits?Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Ohio? |
No. A permit is not required when purchasing a handgun in Ohio. |
Background Checks for Private Gun Sales?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. |
Ohio Permit Exempts from Background Check?Does my current Ohio concealed carry permit exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm? |
Yes. Concealed weapons permits issued on or after March 23, 2015, qualify. |
Waiting Period?Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Ohio? |
No. Ohio has no waiting period for handgun purchases. |
Handgun Registration?Do handguns need to be registered in Ohio? |
No. Ohio does not require handguns to be registered. |
Minimum Age to Possess and Transport?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 member of the armed services of the United States or the Ohio national guard that are at least 18 years old. |
Possess a handgun on my private property without a permit?Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a permit? |
Yes. A concealed carry permit 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. |
Related Blog Posts
Ohio Gun Laws: What You Should Know
USCCA — April 1, 2019
Which States Require a Background Check for Handgun Purchases?
USCCA — February 16, 2020
Carry While Hunting
Carry While Gun Hunting?Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Ohio? |
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?Can you concealed carry while bowhunting in Ohio? |
Yes, with a valid concealed handgun license. |
Hunter Harassment Law?Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in Ohio? |
Yes. No person shall purposely prevent or attempt to prevent any person from hunting, trapping, or fishing for a wild animal as authorized by this chapter by any of the following means:
This section applies only to acts committed on lands or waters upon which hunting, trapping, or fishing activity may lawfully occur. This section does not apply to acts of a peace officer, the owner of the lands or waters, or a tenant or other person acting under authority of the owner on the lands or waters. |
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State Constitutional Provision
Ohio Concealed Carry Reciprocity With Other States
Which states' permits does Ohio honor?
Ohio will honor valid permits issued by any state or jurisdiction. The minimum age is 21 years old. Ohio residents must have an Ohio Concealed Handgun License (CHL) in order to carry in the state.
Per the Attorney General's concealed carry weapon manual effective November 5, 2018, Ohio has agreements with other states to recognize one another’s concealed handgun licenses. 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. 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.
Other States' Reciprocity With Ohio
Which states honor permits from Ohio?
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.
States That Have Restricted Reciprocity with Ohio
Ohio offers resident and non-resident (persons employed in Ohio) permits. If indicated with “Resident only” below, that state only honors Ohio resident permits (and not those issued to non-residents).
Permitless Carry States
Anyone who can legally possess a firearm may carry it concealed in permitless carry states without a permit/license. Check each state’s page for more information and any restrictions that may apply.
Ohio Concealed Carry Permit Information
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 permit holder. In this book, the terms “concealed handgun license holder” or “licensee” includes those active duty |
Fees: |
Initial permit for >5 year Ohio residents: $67 Renewals $50 Initial permit for <5 year Ohio residents: $91 Renewals $74 Fees are waived for current and honorably discharged veterans. |
Valid For: |
5 years |
Processing Time: |
45 days |
Application: |
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Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permits: |
Granted only for non-residents who are employed in Ohio. The process is the same as for residents. |
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 Permits: |
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. |
Residency Changes: |
Moving to Ohio and interested in applying for a resident license? How soon can you apply? 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? |
Ohio Concealed Carry Permit Application Process
How to Apply for a Ohio Concealed Carry Permit
Step 1: |
Complete a firearm training course if required. |
Step 2: |
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Step 3: |
Take the following documents to your local sheriff’s office:
Your fingerprints will be taken. |
Step 4: |
You will be notified by mail within 45 days if your application has been approved. |
Firearms Training Requirements in Ohio
The total time required for training is 8 hours with 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 matters:
• 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 in a safe manner;
• The ability to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to shoot a handgun in a safe manner;
• Gun-handling training.
Additionally, you must have two hours of in-person training, including range time and live-fire experience. The applicant also must complete an examination that tests his competency. The test must include a written section on the ability to name and explain the rules for the safe handling of a handgun and proper storage practices for handguns and ammunition. The exam must include an in-person physical demonstration of competency on handgun usage and rules for safe handling and storage of a handgun. It also must require a physical demonstration of the attitude necessary to shoot a handgun in a safe manner.The training and written exam may be completed online or as a combination of in-person and online training. The online portion of the training must include a component that regularly engages the person.
There are training exemptions for active or reserve members of the armed forces, those that have retired from, or were honorably discharged, or retired highway patrol troopers, retired peace officers or federal law enforcement officers and who, through the position, acquired experience with handguns or other firearms that was equivalent to the minimum educational requirements.
Ohio Concealed Carry Permit Renewal Process
How to Renew a Ohio Concealed Carry Permit
Step 1: |
Renewal applications can be submitted no sooner than 90 days prior to the expiration of your current CCW license or anytime after the expiration of your current CCW license. Non-residents must still be employed in Ohio to renew a license. If no longer employed in Ohio then 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: |
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Step 3: |
Take the following documents to your local sheriff’s office:
Pay the fee. |
Step 4: |
You will be notified by mail within 45 days if your application has been approved. |
Law Enforcement Officers (LEO)/Retired LEOs
Law enforcement officers (LEOs) and Retired LEOs (RLEOs) may choose to carry under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), often referred to as HR 218. Under 18 U.S. Code §§ 926B & 926C, qualified LEOs and qualified retired LEOs, or those separated from service in good standing, can carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States, regardless of state or local laws, with some exceptions. For details check out our Federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) page.
The state of Ohio does not issue LEOSA identification cards. Ohio is home‐rule state and local police departments and sheriffs’ offices decide individually upon the issuance of LEOSA identification cards. Retired LEOs can qualify and re-qualify with their concealed firearms in the law enforcement agency they retired from but they will have no identification to prove it out of state. Out-of-state LEOs can request to qualify under Ohio standards for LEOSA to an Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission-approved instructor. The Lucas County website provides the procedure for retired LEOs.
Ohio Location Restrictions
Where Can I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Ohio? |
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Where Can't I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Ohio?Places off-limits even with a permit/license |
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FAQ: Ohio Concealed Carry Questions
What Are the Knife Laws in Ohio? |
Ohio law allows for the ownership and open carry of any type of knife other than ballistic knives, which are forbidden. It is illegal to concealed carry any deadly weapon and any knife that may be considered a "deadly weapon." The courts have called everything from a pocket knife to a steak knife a “deadly weapon.” The test however, is whether the instrument is deadly AND is made or modified to be a weapon or is being carried as one. 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] |
Related Information & Links for Ohio Gun Laws
Ohio Gun Laws Updates:
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
| 2020-09-03 | Added information on Self Defense in the Summary |
| 2020-07-01 | Added information on wearing a COVID 19 mask while carrying concealed above the Summary |
| 2020-06-26 | Added link to National Parks to At A Glance table |
| 2020-05-06 | Added info on handguns at hotels in At A Glance table |
| 2020-04-20 | Added info on handguns on private property in At A Glance table |
| 2020-04-06 | Added info on private gun sales in At A Glance table |
| 2020-02-25 | Added info on carry in bars to the At A Glance table |
| 2020-02-19 | Added related blog posts with links |
| 2020-02-17 | Added info regarding residency changes and resulting impacts on carry permits |
| 2020-01-30 | Updated the knife laws and added statutory references |
| 2020-01-13 | Updated info on carry while using alcohol or controlled substances in At A Glance table |
| 2019-12-04 | Added info on whether a valid state ccw permit exempts a person from needing a background check when purchasing a firearm to the At A Glance table |
| 2019-11-21 | Added statutory references and links for can’t carry locations |
| 2019-11-04 | Added brandishing info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-10-15 | Added Hunter Harassment info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-10-01 | Added Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray to the At A Glance table |
| 2019-09-09 | Added Carry While Hunting info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-08-13 | Added anchor links to various sections below the Summary |
| 2019-07-26 | Added minimum age to possess and transport a handgun to At A Glance table |
| 2019-05-24 | Added stun gun/Taser info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-05-02 | Added permit renewal and name/address change info |
| 2019-04-19 | Links checked |
| 2019-04-01 | Added info on state implementation of Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA) |
| 2019-03-25 | Added info about OSU settlement regarding firearms in locked vehicles in Where I Can't Carry section |
| 2019-03-12 | Added HB 228 info to General section and to Preemption in At A Glance table |
| 2019-02-20 | Added info to vehicle carry in At A Glance table |
| 2019-02-15 | Added pages for Federal Gun Laws, Traveling with Firearms & Terminology |
| 2019-02-09 | Added ammunition restrictions to At A Glance table |
| 2019-02-06 | Added red flag law info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-01-24 | Added info about alcohol or prescription medication in At A Glance table |
| 2019-01-22 | Added church carry info to location restrictions section |
| 2019-01-10 | Mag limit added to At A Glance table |
Did We Miss Something?
Here at the USCCA, it is our mission to provide responsible gun owners with the tools they need to be educated, trained and legally protected at all times. Our team is constantly working to provide you with the most up-to-date and comprehensive list of self-defense laws available for every state.
If you have any questions that you don’t see answered here — let us know! Just email support@uscca.com and we will be sure to get your question resolved. Your feedback matters to us, and we appreciate you helping to make this page the best possible resource for responsible gun owners!
Permit numbers were obtained from the Crime Prevention Resource Center’s publication entitled, “Concealed Carry Permit Holders Across the United States.” Numbers include resident and non-resident permits for those states that issue both.
The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. members and the concealed carry community, and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case. Laws are constantly changing, and as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.
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