Ohio CCW Permit Guide & Firearm Laws

Ohio’s firearm laws can be complex, but understanding them is crucial for responsible gun ownership. This page serves as your go-to resource for navigating Ohio’s concealed carry requirements, state-specific regulations, and legal guidelines for owning, transporting, and using firearms. Whether you’re applying for a CCW permit or seeking clarity on Ohio’s gun laws, this guide provides the essential information you need to stay compliant and informed.

Ohio Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) Information

What is a CCW permit?

How to apply for a CCW permit in Ohio

Meet the eligibility requirements:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be an Ohio resident for at least 45 days
- Be a legal resident of the United States
- Not be prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm
Complete a firearms safety training course (minimum 8 hours)
Obtain a passport-style photograph
Fill out the application form
Submit your application to your local county sheriff's office
Pay the required fee (varies by county, typically $67 for new applicants)
Pass a background check
Provide fingerprints

CCW permit requirements in Ohio

Must be 21 years or older
Must be an Ohio resident for at least 45 days
Must be legally allowed to possess a firearm under state and federal law
Must not be under indictment, have any felony convictions, or certain misdemeanor convictions
Must not have any history of drug dependency or chronic alcoholism
Must not have been dishonorably discharged from the armed forces
Must not be subject to a protection order

CCW classes and training in Ohio

Minimum 8 hours of training required
Must include at least 2 hours of in-person training that consists of range time and live-fire training
Course must cover:
- 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

Renewing your Ohio CCW permit

Ohio CCW Laws and Restrictions

Individuals are no longer required to inform police officers of their concealed carry status unless specifically asked.
Cannot carry in certain locations, including:
- Police stations
- Sheriff's offices
- State highway patrol stations
- Premises controlled by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, unless specifically permitted
- School safety zones
- Courthouses
- Places of worship (unless given permission)
- Government facilities
- Establishments serving alcohol for consumption on premises (unless not consuming alcohol)

Recent Changes (as of 2024)

State-Specific Gun Laws (Ohio)

Purchasing Firearms

Assault Weapon Regulations

Magazine Capacity Restrictions

Open Carry Laws

Concealed Carry Laws

Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground Laws

Age Restrictions

Restricted Locations

Transportation Laws

Red Flag Laws

Miscellaneous

Firearm Ownership Laws

Who Can Own a Firearm

Prohibited Persons

Federal law prohibits firearm possession by individuals who:

Have been convicted of a felony
Have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence
Are subject to a domestic violence restraining order
Are unlawful users of or addicted to controlled substances
Have been adjudicated as mentally defective or committed to a mental institution
Are illegal aliens or have renounced U.S. citizenship
Have been dishonorably discharged from the armed forces
Are fugitives from justice

Background Check Requirements

National Firearms Act (NFA) Regulated Items

Interstate Transfer

Firearm Storage Laws

Firearm Modifications

Online and Mail Order Purchases

Firearm Transport Laws

Interstate Transport Regulations

The Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA)

FOPA protects individuals transporting firearms for lawful purposes from local restrictions that would otherwise prohibit passage
Firearms must be unloaded and locked out of reach, such as in the trunk
Ammunition must be stored separately from firearms
You must be traveling from one place where you may legally possess the firearm to another

State-to-State Considerations

Always check the specific laws of states you're traveling through
Some states may require firearms to be stored in a specific manner during transport
Be aware of magazine capacity restrictions in certain states

Airline Regulations

TSA Guidelines

Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container
You must declare firearms and ammunition to the airline during check-in
Firearms must be transported in checked baggage only, never in carry-on luggage
Ammunition must be securely packaged in fiber, wood, or metal boxes designed to carry ammunition
Firearm parts, including magazines, clips, bolts and firing pins, must also be placed in checked baggage

Airline-Specific Policies

Each airline may have additional requirements or restrictions
Some airlines limit the amount of ammunition you can transport
Check with your specific airline before traveling

Vehicle Transport Laws

Personal Vehicles
- In general, firearms should be unloaded and stored in a locked container out of reach of the driver and passengers
- Some states allow loaded firearms in vehicles for valid concealed carry permit holders
- Be aware of differences between various states' laws when crossing state lines
Commercial Vehicles
- Special regulations apply to the transportation of firearms in commercial vehicles
- Drivers should consult their company policies and relevant state laws

Crossing State Lines with Firearms

General Guidelines

Ensure the firearm is legal in both the origin and destination states
Be aware of restrictions on specific types of firearms or magazines in different states
If staying overnight, ensure you're complying with the laws of the state where you're staying regarding storage

Concealed Carry Considerations

A concealed carry permit from one state may not be valid in another
Some states have reciprocity agreements, while others do not recognize out-of-state permits
Always check reciprocity laws before carrying across state lines

Reciprocity

What is CCW Reciprocity?

Types of Reciprocity Agreements

Factors Affecting Reciprocity

Reciprocity Maps

Ohio Reciprocity (as of 2024)

Ohio honors concealed carry permits from all states that issue them.
States that honor Ohio's permits (subject to change, always verify):
- Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming
States with limited or conditional reciprocity with Ohio:
- Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, New Hampshire, Nevada, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin
States that do not honor Ohio permits:
- California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Washington

Important Considerations

Firearm Safety

Basic Firearm Safety Rules

Treat every firearm as if it's loaded
- Always assume a gun is loaded, even if you think it isn't
- Never take someone's word that a firearm is unloaded - check for yourself
Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot
- Rest your finger alongside the frame until you're ready to fire
- This helps prevent accidental discharge if you're startled or lose your grip
Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction
- A "safe direction" means that even if the firearm were to go off, it would not cause injury
- Be aware of your target and what's beyond it
Be sure of your target and what's beyond it
- Don't shoot at movement or noise without being certain of what you're shooting at
- Be aware that bullets can travel through or past your intended target
Know how to use your firearm safely
- Read the instruction manual for your specific firearm
- If you're unsure about any aspect of your firearm's operation, seek professional instruction

Safe Storage Practices

Use a gun safe or lock box
- Store firearms in a locked container when not in use
- Choose a safe that's appropriate for your needs and budget
Use gun locks
- Cable locks or trigger locks can provide an extra layer of security
- Many new firearms come with a lock, or you can obtain them from local law enforcement or gun safety organizations
Store ammunition separately
- Keep ammunition in a separate locked container from firearms
- This adds an extra layer of safety, especially in homes with children
Educate household members
- Teach everyone in your household about gun safety, even if they don't use firearms
- Ensure children know to tell an adult if they find a gun, and not to touch it
Consider quick-access safes for home defense weapons
- These allow for secure storage while providing rapid access in emergencies
- Practice accessing your firearm quickly and safely

Handling and Maintenance Safety

Always check if a gun is loaded when picking it up
- Even if you just set it down, check again when you pick it up
Wear eye and ear protection when shooting
- Protect your vision and hearing during practice or recreational shooting
Be aware of your surroundings when handling firearms
- Know where others are around you
- Be cautious of ricochets when shooting
Clean your firearm regularly
- Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning and maintenance
- Always ensure the firearm is unloaded before cleaning
Use the correct ammunition
- Only use ammunition that's specified for your firearm
- Check each round as you load it

Training and Education Resources

Local gun ranges and clubs
- Many offer safety courses and hands-on training
National organizations
- NRA, USCCA, and other organizations offer safety courses
Online resources
- Video tutorials and online courses (though hands-on training is recommended)
Firearm manufacturer resources
- Many manufacturers offer model-specific safety information
Local law enforcement
- Some departments offer firearm safety courses for civilians

Disclaimer

Legal Notice and Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to keep the information up-to-date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose.

Not Legal Advice

The content on this website does not constitute legal advice. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.

Firearms Laws and Regulations

Firearms laws and regulations are complex and can vary significantly between jurisdictions. They are also subject to change. While we make every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee that all information on this site is current or correct.

Personal Responsibility

It is the responsibility of each individual to know and follow all applicable local, state, and federal laws regarding the purchase, ownership, storage, and use of firearms. We strongly recommend consulting with a qualified attorney or your local law enforcement agency for specific legal advice regarding firearms.

Safety

Firearms can be dangerous if not handled properly. The safety information provided on this website is general in nature and is not a substitute for proper training and education. We strongly recommend that all firearms owners and users receive proper training from qualified instructors.

External Links

Through this website you may be able to link to other websites which are not under our control. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.

Updates and Changes

We reserve the right to make changes to this disclaimer at any time without notice. By using this website, you signify your acceptance of this disclaimer. If you do not agree to this disclaimer, please do not use our website.

Ohio CCW Permit Guide & Firearm Laws

Ohio Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) Information

State-Specific Gun Laws (Ohio)

Firearm Ownership Laws

Firearm Transport Laws

The Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA)

State-to-State Considerations

TSA Guidelines

Airline-Specific Policies

Personal Vehicles

Commercial Vehicles

General Guidelines

Concealed Carry Considerations

Reciprocity

Reciprocity Map

Firearm Safety

Disclaimer

Legal Notice and Disclaimer

Not Legal Advice

Firearms Laws and Regulations

Personal Responsibility

Safety

External Links

Updates and Changes

Helpful Links:

Links:

Our Sites:

Ohio CCW Permit Guide & Firearm Laws

Ohio Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) Information

State-Specific Gun Laws (Ohio)

Firearm Ownership Laws

Firearm Transport Laws

Reciprocity

Firearm Safety

Disclaimer

Legal Notice and Disclaimer

Not Legal Advice

Firearms Laws and Regulations

Personal Responsibility

Safety

External Links

Updates and Changes

Helpful Links:

Links:

Our Sites:

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