Ohio’s Concealed Carry Laws

You don’t need a permit to carry concealed in Ohio as of June 2022, but you must be at least 21 years old and legally allowed to possess firearms. While constitutional carry is now law, getting an optional concealed handgun license still offers benefits like reciprocity with other states. You’ll need to follow specific rules about where you can carry – places like schools, government buildings, and posted private properties are off-limits. When transporting firearms in vehicles, you must either have a permit or keep them unloaded in closed containers. These basics only scratch the surface of Ohio’s extensive carry laws.

Main Points

• Ohio allows permitless concealed carry for residents 21 and older, though obtaining a license provides additional benefits like state reciprocity.
• Carriers must complete an 8-hour firearms safety course with live-fire training, even under permitless carry laws.
• Concealed carry is prohibited in schools, government buildings, mental health facilities, and establishments serving alcohol while consuming.
• During traffic stops, carriers must immediately notify law enforcement about firearms, and loaded weapons must be inaccessible without a permit.
• Private property owners can restrict concealed carry, but public parks and fairgrounds generally allow firearms unless privately owned.

Understanding Ohio’s New Carry Law

Three key changes define Ohio’s new permitless carry law, which took effect on June 13, 2022. First, you’re no longer required to obtain a concealed handgun license (CHL) to carry a concealed firearm in Ohio.

Second, you don’t need to complete any additional background checks beyond what federal law requires for purchases from licensed dealers.

Third, you’re only required to inform law enforcement about your concealed weapon if they ask you directly.

While the permitless carry law has made it easier to carry concealed firearms, you still need to understand important restrictions. You can’t carry in schools, courthouses, government buildings, or any location with posted “No Guns” signs. Ohio law protects your right to use reasonable force in self-defense situations under the Castle Doctrine.

Property owners maintain the right to prohibit firearms on their premises, and employers can ban guns in company buildings. Recent regulations require owners to report lost or stolen firearms to authorities immediately.

For firearm safety in vehicles, you must properly secure and encase your weapon during transport. Additionally, if you plan to have a concealed gun in your car within a school zone, federal law still requires you to have a CHL.

Violations of these restrictions can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the circumstances.

Who Can Carry in Ohio

Four fundamental requirements determine who can legally carry a concealed firearm in Ohio. You’ll need to be at least 21 years old, maintain Ohio residency for 45 days, and live in or adjacent to the county where you’re applying for at least 30 days. You can’t have any felony convictions or pending charges, and you mustn’t be a fugitive from justice.

Before you can carry, you must complete an 8-hour firearms safety course that includes live-fire training. Your instructor needs certification from a national organization or the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy. You’ll also need to study the state’s firearms safety pamphlet. When applying, you must provide two passport photos taken within 30 days.

The law strictly prohibits certain individuals from carrying. This includes those with felony convictions, recent violent misdemeanor charges, multiple assault convictions, mental health restrictions, or active protection orders. You’ll undergo a federal NICS background check during the application process to verify your eligibility. Under Ohio’s 2022 legislation, residents now have constitutional carry rights, allowing eligible individuals to carry concealed handguns without a permit.

Vehicle Transportation Guidelines

Your vehicle must be treated as a unique space when it comes to firearm storage and handling.

When you’re a concealed carry permit holder, you can keep a loaded handgun in your vehicle, but those without permits must transport firearms unloaded and in a closed container or secured rack.

You’ll need to guarantee any loaded firearm isn’t readily accessible to vehicle occupants without leaving the vehicle, regardless of your permit status. It’s important to note that plain sight transport is only permitted for firearms at least 24 inches in overall length with actions open. Remember that being under the influence while carrying a firearm in your vehicle is strictly prohibited by law.

Vehicle Storage Requirements

While Ohio allows the transportation of firearms in vehicles, specific guidelines must be followed to verify compliance with state law. You’ll need to ascertain proper firearm safety by keeping loaded firearms inaccessible to vehicle occupants unless you’re a concealed carry permit holder. Storage best practices require unloaded firearms to be transported in closed containers or secured in designated racks. A violation of proper firearm transport methods can result in a 4th Degree Felony charge. During any law enforcement stop, immediate notification of your concealed handgun license and loaded firearm possession is legally required.

If you’re a concealed carry permit holder, you can transport loaded handguns in your vehicle, but you must maintain them within enclosed compartments like the trunk or glove box. You can’t transport firearms while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and additional restrictions apply in school zones. Your employer can’t prevent you from storing firearms in your private vehicle, though you’re responsible for securing them properly. Remember that snowmobiles, off-highway vehicles, and watercraft have specific restrictions regarding loaded firearms transport.

Loading and Unloading Procedures

Following proper vehicle storage practices leads directly to understanding the correct procedures for loading and unloading firearms in your vehicle.

Loading procedures differ depending on whether you’re a CHL holder or permitless carrier, but both must follow strict safety guidelines.

If you’re loading a firearm in your vehicle, you’ll need to guarantee you’re not in a prohibited area like school zones or government buildings. You’re also prohibited from loading if you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

For unloading procedures, you must have a secure container ready, such as a closed package, box, bag, or case. If you’re transporting a long gun, you can unload it and place it in plain sight with the action open.

When you’re handling firearms in your vehicle, you must consider accessibility. If you don’t have a CHL, your loaded firearm can’t be accessible without leaving the vehicle – doing so could result in felony charges. As of June 12, 2022, constitutional carry permits are no longer required for those 21 and older.

Remember that a firearm is considered loaded if there’s ammunition in either the magazine or chamber, so follow these procedures carefully to stay compliant with Ohio law.

Restricted Locations and Zones

Knowing where you can and can’t carry a concealed weapon in Ohio is essential for legal compliance. Location awareness is significant as the state restricts concealed carry in numerous places, creating potential enforcement challenges for both carriers and law enforcement.

You can’t carry in government facilities like police stations, jails, courthouses, or airport terminals beyond security checkpoints.

Educational institutions, including colleges and K-12 schools, generally prohibit concealed carry unless you’ve locked your weapon in your vehicle.

Places of worship and child day-care centers may also restrict firearms if properly posted.

Mental health facilities operated by the state require extra attention, as firearms are prohibited in these locations at all times.

Business restrictions apply to establishments with liquor permits when you’re consuming alcohol or under the influence.

The Bureau of Criminal Investigation premises and private properties posting “no firearms” signs are off-limits.

You’ll need to be particularly careful around school safety zones, as they’re restricted for both licensed and permitless carriers.

Remember that federal facilities maintain their own firearm restrictions.

If you’re a licensed carrier, you can’t remove your handgun from your vehicle within 1,000 feet of school premises.

Always check specific location policies, as some places may permit carry through explicit authorization.

Carrying in Public Spaces

Beyond location-specific restrictions, Ohio’s general approach to concealed carry in public spaces remains straightforward. You’ll find that if you’re 21 or older and not prohibited by law, you can carry concealed without a permit in most public areas, including parks and recreational spaces.

Understanding park regulations is essential, as cities can’t legally ban firearms in public parks. You’ll notice some municipalities have been required to remove illegal no-gun signs to comply with state law. When it comes to fairgrounds policies, you’ll need to determine the property’s ownership status, as private organizations hosting events can restrict firearms if they own or lease the space.

If law enforcement approaches you, you’re not required to disclose your concealed carry status unless asked directly. However, if an officer does ask, you must answer truthfully to avoid legal consequences.

Licensing Options and Benefits

Understanding Ohio’s licensing options provides concealed carriers with significant advantages, even though permits are no longer required. While you can legally carry without a permit at age 21, obtaining a license offers valuable benefits like reciprocity with other states and exemption from NICS background checks for future firearm purchases.

The training requirements include 8 hours of instruction, with 2 hours of in-person range time and live-fire training. You’ll need to complete this within 3 years before submitting your application.

The application process involves scheduling an appointment with your county sheriff’s office, paying a fee between $67-$77, and providing necessary documentation. You must be an Ohio resident for at least 45 days and meet specific eligibility criteria, including a clean criminal record and mental health background.

If you’re active duty military with proper documentation of firearms training, you’re exempt from Ohio’s licensing requirements. The sheriff’s office must process your application within 45 days, and your license will allow you to carry in more locations than non-licensed carriers, demonstrating your commitment to responsible gun ownership.

Out of State Travel Rules

Ohio’s expansive reciprocity agreements make traveling with your concealed firearm possible in many states, but you’ll need to plan carefully before crossing state lines. While Ohio honors permits from all states, not every state extends the same courtesy to Ohio permit holders.

Before traveling, you must research your destination state’s specific regulations. Some states, like New Jersey, maintain strict requirements and won’t recognize your Ohio permit, while others, like Illinois, require their own state-specific permits.

Even in states with reciprocity agreements, you’ll need to follow their local laws regarding firearm types and carry methods.

When traveling by vehicle, you can legally transport a loaded, concealed handgun in Ohio with your permit. However, if you don’t have a permit, you must keep firearms unloaded and secured in a closed container or inaccessible compartment.

Remember that driving under the influence while carrying is strictly prohibited.

Your travel preparedness should include understanding both Ohio’s laws and those of your destination state. Never assume that other states’ regulations mirror Ohio’s, as violations can result in serious legal consequences.

Always verify current reciprocity agreements and specific state requirements before your trip.