Ohio allows concealed carry without a permit under Senate Bill 215 (effective June 13, 2022), known as "constitutional carry" (ORC 2923.111). Anyone 21 or older who can legally possess a firearm may carry concealed in most public places. A Concealed Handgun License (CHL) is optional for reciprocity or carrying in restricted areas (ORC 2923.125). CHL applicants need an 8-hour training course, background check, and fingerprints. Carry is banned in schools, courthouses, and bars unless licensed (ORC 2923.121). Private property owners can prohibit firearms. Violations can lead to a misdemeanor (up to 6 months) or felony (up to 5 years) in restricted areas.
Costs: CHL costs $67 for residents, plus $50-$75 for fingerprints and $75-$150 for training. Total: $192-$292.
Processing Time: CHL takes up to 45 days.
Renewal: CHL lasts 5 years, costs $50, no retraining required.
Reciprocity: OH honors permits from all states; a CHL is recognized by 36 states, like PA and KY.
Ohio permits open carry of handguns and long guns without a permit for anyone 18 or older who can legally possess a firearm (ORC 2923.16). Open carry is banned in schools, courthouses, and private property with signs (ORC 2923.121). Violations can lead to a misdemeanor (up to 6 months).
Ohio has minimal firearm restrictions. Assault weapons and large-capacity magazines are legal (ORC 2923.11). Silencers, short-barreled rifles/shotguns, and machine guns are allowed if ATF-registered (26 U.S.C. § 5861). Ghost guns are legal with no serialization. Felons can’t possess firearms (ORC 2923.13). Federal violations can lead to felony charges (up to 10 years).
Costs: Federal tax stamps cost $200 each.
Ohio follows FOPA (18 U.S.C. § 926A). Firearms must be unloaded and locked if passing through restrictive states. Open or concealed carry (permitless) is allowed in vehicles (ORC 2923.16). Carry is banned in federal facilities and schools (ORC 2923.121). Violations can lead to a misdemeanor (up to 6 months).
Ohio has no state permits or waiting periods for buying firearms (ORC 2923.11). Buyers must be 21 for handguns or 18 for long guns and pass a federal background check for dealer sales (18 U.S.C. § 922). Private sales require no checks unless the buyer is prohibited (ORC 2923.13). Violations can lead to a misdemeanor (up to 6 months).
Costs: Background checks are free; dealers may add $10-$25.
Ohio does not require firearm registration (ORC 2923.11). Ghost guns need no serialization, and lost/stolen reporting isn’t mandatory. Federal NFA items must be registered (26 U.S.C. § 5861). Violations can lead to felony charges (up to 10 years).
Costs: Federal tax stamps cost $200.
Ohio has no state-mandated storage laws. No child access prevention law exists, but reckless endangerment applies if a minor causes harm (ORC 2919.22). No lost/stolen reporting is required. Penalties can be a misdemeanor (up to 6 months) or felony (up to 5 years).
Sources: [1]
Ohio has a strong Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground law (ORC 2901.05, ORC 2901.09). Deadly force is allowed in your home, vehicle, or anywhere you’re legally present if you believe it’s necessary to prevent harm, with no duty to retreat. Excessive force can lead to manslaughter (up to 11 years).