Ohio Concealed Carry CCW Laws and Information

Right-To-Carry Law Type: Shall Issue. Temporary emergency permits can be granted for extreme circumstances. Applicants must be an Ohio resident for 45 days before application and at least 21 years old. Take note of the forbidden carry zones in the booklet as day-care centers are also on the list.

State Legal Statute Source:

HB12- 2923.11 thru 2923.25

State Department Locations:

Ohio Highway Patrol
P O Box 182074
Columbus, Ohio 43232
http://www.state.oh.us/ohiostatepatrol

Attorney General
30 E. Broad Street 17th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215-3428
Phone: (614) 466-4320
Fax: (614) 466-5057

Permit Costs & Info:

$55 new and renewal 5 years
Issuing Authority: County Sheriff

Click Here for CCW Permit Form

Open Carry Information:

Ohio is a traditional open carry state. Recently, the Ohio legislature passed HB-12 over Governor Taft's veto, thus preempting all local open carry bans even in Ohio's "home rule" localities. Unfortunately, despite passage of HB-12, a permit to conceal is still required to openly carry a handgun in a vehicle. Please see http://opencarry.org/

Ohio CCW Reciprocity Map

States that Honor Ohio's CCW Permit:

Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming

State CCW Permits that Ohio Honors:

Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming,

Frequently Asked CCW Questions:

Where can I cee FAQs for Ohio?
http://www.ag.state.oh.us/faq.asp?cat=ccw

Do I have to tell a police officer I have a concealed weapon?
Yes, if you are stopped by an officer and transporting a loaded weapon inside the vehicle, you must promptly announce that you have a license, and that a weapon is in the vehicle or on your person. Officials recommend that anyone, with a weapon or not, put their hands on the steering wheel of their vehicle. Do not reach for anything. Doing so may suggest to an officer that you are reaching for a gun. Do not get out of the vehicle and comply with all instructions

Who keeps all this information and is it public?
The county sheriff keeps license information. Supporting documentation, which is not a public record, must be destroyed within 20 days. Journalists may obtain the license holders name, date of birth, county of issuance and the type of license granted. The Attorney Generals office must keep statistical information about the licenses, to be compiled in an annual report to be issued no later than July 8, 2005.

Do I have to carry the license with me?
Yes, as long as you have the gun with you, either on your person or in your vehicle.

What about transporting a handgun in a motor vehicle?
The link to this is in the main section. (E) No person who has been issued a license or temporary emergency license to carry a concealed handgun under section 2923.125 or 2923.1213 of the Revised Code shall do any of the following: (1) Knowingly transport or have a loaded handgun in a motor vehicle unless one of the following applies: (a) The loaded handgun is in a holster on the person’s person . (b) The loaded handgun is in a closed case, bag, box, or other container that is in plain sight and that has a lid, a cover, or a closing mechanism with a zipper, snap, or buckle, which lid, cover, or closing mechanism must be opened for a person to gain access to the handgun. (c) The loaded handgun is securely encased by being stored in a closed, locked glove compartment or in a case that is locked.