Ohio Gun Laws
Ohio has very permissive gun laws. The Ohio state constitution clearly protects the right to bear arms, noting “the people have the right to bear arms for their defense and security.” Generally speaking, obtaining a firearm in Ohio is a very straightforward process. There are very few hardware prohibitions, and the state makes it relatively easy to lawfully carry a concealed firearm.
Ohio Gun Laws at a Glance
| Concealed Carry Premit Required | Yes |
| Open Carry Premitted | Yes |
| Waiting period before purchasing | No |
| Lost and Stolen Firearm Reporting | Yes |
| Firearms License Required for Purchasing | No |
| Universal Background Check | No |
| Firearm Registration | No |
| Large Capacity Magazine Ban | No |
Firearm License Requirements
No type of license is required to obtain a firearm in Ohio.
Background Checks
Ohio does not require background checks on firearms transfers through unlicensed sellers. Per federal regulations, any transferee buying from a licensed seller will be subject to a background check.
Gun Shows
Ohio does not regulate gun shows.
Hardware and Ammunition Restrictions
| Hardware | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Assault Weapons | Not restricted |
| 50 Caliber Rifles | Not restricted |
| Machine Guns | Prohibited without a permit. |
| Large Capacity Magazines | Not restricted |
| Ammunition | Not restricted. |
Prohibited Persons
The following people are prohibited from possessing or purchasing a firearm in Ohio:
- Fugitives
- Persons under indictment for or convicted of any violent felony offense, or who have been adjudicated a delinquent child for the commission of an offense that would have been a violent felony offense if committed by an adult
- Persons under indictment for, or convicted of, a felony drug offense (or adjudicated a delinquent child for the commission of an offense that, if committed by an adult, would have been a felony drug offense)
- Persons who are dependent on drugs or alcohol
- Persons under adjudication for mental incompetence, adjudicated as a mental defective, committed to a mental institution, or otherwise found to be mentally ill subject to hospitalization by court order
Prohibited Places
| Location | Restrictions | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Schools | Ohio prohibits guns in designated school safety zones. Loaded firearms may not be in vehicles if they are accessible to the vehicle’s operator. | This does not apply to concealed permit holders who do not enter a school building when in possession of a concealed firearm. Firearms may be transported in vehicles if the firearm is: In a closed case In a compartment that can be reached only by leaving the vehicle In plain sight and secured to a rack or holder made for guns At least 24 inches in overall length and the barrel is at least 18 inches in length, either in plain sight with the action open or the weapon stripped or, if the firearm is of a type on which the action will not stay open or which cannot easily be stripped, in plain sight
|
| Vehicles | Concealed carry license holders may carry loaded guns in vehicles. Non-license holders can lawfully carry unloaded guns in vehicles. | None. |
Concealed Carry Laws
| Notify Officer | Yes |
| “No Gun” Signs | Not Enforced |
| In-Vehicle Carry | No |
| Restaurant Carry | Yes |
| State Park Carry | Yes |
| While Hunting | Yes |
Obtaining a Concealed Carry License
Ohio allows the concealed carrying of a handgun if the person has a license.
Ohio is a ‘shall issue’ state. This means that any applicant who meets certain qualifications must be awarded a license.
| Requirements for a Concealed Carry License |
|---|
|
Concealed Carry Firearms Training
Some firearms training is required to obtain a concealed carry license in Ohio. The total time required of this training is 12 hours, and it must include a minimum of 2 hours of in-person training that includes range time and live-fire exercises.
Ohio law dictates that the training must include coverage of the following:
- The ability to name, explain, and demonstrate the rules for safe handling of a handgun and ammunition
- Proper storage of handguns and ammunition
- The ability to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to shoot a handgun in a safe manner
- Gun-handling training
The applicant will be required to complete an examination that tests competency. The test must include a written section and an in-person physical demonstration. The training and the exam may be completed in-person or as a combination of both in-person and online sessions.
Former military and law enforcement may be exempt from this training and examination process.
Concealed Carry Location Restrictions
Even with a concealed carry permit, you may not carry a concealed firearm in the following locations:
- Any school safety zone, including (but not limited to) schools, school buildings, school premises, and school buses
- A child day-care center and Type A or B family day-care home
- Any premises owned or leased by any public or private college, university or other institution of higher education
- Any law enforcement station
- A courthouse or another building or structure in which a courtroom is located
- The state capitol buildings
- Any type of state correctional institution
- Any secure areas of an airport passenger terminal
- Any state institutions for the care and treatment of mentally ill persons or state institutions for the care, treatment, and training of persons with intellectual disabilities;
- Any premises that sells liquor or open-air arena for which a Class D liquor permit has been issued (if posted)
- Anywhere if you are under the influence of alcohol
- Any place of worship, unless the place of worship posts or permits otherwise
- Any property (including vehicles) owned by private employers that prohibit firearms
- Any state government buildings, unless the governing body permits otherwise
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law or state law or regulation
Disclaimer: The information provided here is not to be construed as legal advice or acted upon as if it is legal advice: it is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date content, we cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the information. Gun laws can change frequently, especially at the state and local levels. Application of gun laws can be unique to an individual’s situation. We recommend that each individual consult with a competent and qualified legal professional before purchasing, transporting, or using any firearm or firearm-related product.