How do I get a concealed carry permit in Ohio?

Q: How do I get a concealed carry permit in Ohio?

Ohio's concealed carry framework changed dramatically with HB 215 (2022) , which made Ohio a permitless carry state. The optional Concealed Handgun License (CHL) is governed by Ohio Rev. Code § 2923.125 . 1. Permitless Carry (R.C. § 2923.111) - Effective June 13, 2022 . - Any "qualifying adult" (age 21+, not legally prohibited from possessing a firearm) may carry a concealed handgun without a license. - Must still disclose to law enforcement if asked during a stop. 2. Why Get the Optional CHL? - Required for reciprocity with 39+ states. - Required to bypass the NICS check when purchasing a firearm. - Provides legal clarity when traveling or in certain employment contexts. 3. CHL Eligibility (R.C. § 2923.125(D)) - At least 21 years old . - Ohio resident for at least 45 days, or out-of-state with employment in Ohio. - No felony or specified misdemeanor (drug, violent, weapons) convictions. - Not subject to a protection order. 4. Training Requirement - 8 hours of instruction: 6 hours classroom + 2 hours range time. - Includes Ohio firearms law, safe handling, and live-fire qualification. 5. Application - Apply at your county sheriff's office (or any adjoining county). - Submit form, training certificate, color photo, fingerprints (BCI WebCheck). 6. Fees - ~$67 (4-year resident); ~$24 for renewal. 7. Processing - 45 days statutory maximum. 8. Restricted Locations (R.C. § 2923.126) - Schools, courthouses, government buildings, day-care facilities, airports, bars (Class D liquor permit holders), and posted private property. 9. Renewal - Valid 5 years ; renewal requires updated background check (no re-training). This is legal information, not legal advice.

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Ohio's concealed carry framework changed dramatically with HB 215 (2022), which made Ohio a permitless carry state. The optional Concealed Handgun License (CHL) is governed by Ohio Rev. Code § 2923.125.

1. Permitless Carry (R.C. § 2923.111)

Effective June 13, 2022.

Any "qualifying adult" (age 21+, not legally prohibited from possessing a firearm) may carry a concealed handgun without a license.

Must still disclose to law enforcement if asked during a stop.

2. Why Get the Optional CHL?

Required for reciprocity with 39+ states.

Required to bypass the NICS check when purchasing a firearm.

Provides legal clarity when traveling or in certain employment contexts.

3. CHL Eligibility (R.C. § 2923.125(D))

At least 21 years old.

Ohio resident for at least 45 days, or out-of-state with employment in Ohio.

No felony or specified misdemeanor (drug, violent, weapons) convictions.

Not subject to a protection order.

4. Training Requirement

8 hours of instruction: 6 hours classroom + 2 hours range time.

Includes Ohio firearms law, safe handling, and live-fire qualification.

5. Application

Apply at your county sheriff's office (or any adjoining county).

Submit form, training certificate, color photo, fingerprints (BCI WebCheck).

6. Fees

~$67 (4-year resident); ~$24 for renewal.

7. Processing

45 days statutory maximum.

8. Restricted Locations (R.C. § 2923.126)

Schools, courthouses, government buildings, day-care facilities, airports, bars (Class D liquor permit holders), and posted private property.

9. Renewal

Valid 5 years; renewal requires updated background check (no re-training).

This is legal information, not legal advice.