How To Get Your Ohio Concealed Carry Permit
Whether you're new to owning a firearm or have had a gun for home defense for years, getting a concealed handgun permit may seem daunting. It doesn't have to be. There are many reasons and ways to carry a concealed weapon, but the first step is knowing Ohio's concealed carry laws. Applying for a CHL varies by state.
Read about the process for getting a Ohio Concealed Handgun License below.
Steps To Get A Ohio Concealed Carry Permit
COMPLETE a firearms training course
DOWNLOAD the application
GATHER your documents. You will need:
- Completed but unsigned application form (you will sign in the presence of the sheriff’s office notary)
- Copies of firearms training certificate signed and dated by your instructor (within the three years immediately preceding the application)
- Non-resident employees must supply proof of employment
- Passport-style color photo taken within the last 30 days
MAKE an appointment with your county sheriff's office or the office of an adjoining county and bring your documents.
Certify that you have read the Ohio Concealed Carry Laws and License Application manual.
Your fingerprints will be taken.
Pay the fee.
CHECK YOUR MAILBOX
You will be notified within 45 days if your application has been approved.
Find a CCW Training Class
What Are the Firearms Training Requirements in Ohio?
Ohio CHL applicants are required to take a minimum of two hours in-person training consisting of range time and live-fire training, and total training time of eight hours on the following:
- 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
The applicant also must complete an examination that tests his or her competency. The competency certification must have occurred within the three years immediately preceding the application. 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 law enforcement and members of the military.
What Are the Ohio License to Carry a Handgun Requirements?
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 the applicant's 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:
- 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; or
- 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 or for committing an act that if committed by an adult would be a misdemeanor violation of ORC Section 2923.1211.
- 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 (as used in this division, "mentally ill person subject to court order" and "patient" have the same meanings as in ORC Section 5122.01);
- 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; and
- 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.
What are the Fees and Terms?
45 Day Processing
$67-77 Initial Permit Fee Pending Residency Duration
$50-60 Permit Renewals Pending Residence Duration
Valid for Five Years from Date of Issue
Where Can I Find Application Forms?
What Concealed Carry Permit Options Exist Based on Residency?
Non-Resident Concealed Carry Licenses:
Granted only for non-residents who are employed in Ohio. The process is the same as for residents.
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.
How Do I Renew My Concealed Carry Permit in Ohio?
Renewals are the responsibility of the licensee. Renewal applications can be submitted at any time prior to or anytime after the expiration of your current CCW license. Non-residents must still be employed in Ohio to renew a license and must go to the county in which they applied for their initial permits. 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.
DOWNLOAD the application
GATHER YOUR DOCUMENTS
You will need:
- Completed, but unsigned, application form (you will sign it in the presence of the Sheriff’s Office Notary);
- Ohio CHL; and
- A valid picture identification card (driver’s license, state identification card, retired law enforcement or corrections identification card or military identification card only).
MAKE an appointment at your county sheriff's office. Bring your documentation.
Certify that you have read the Ohio Concealed Carry Laws and License Application manual.
Pay the fee.
CHECK YOUR MAILBOX
You will be notified within 45 days if your application has been approved.
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