Ohio Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW): Gun Laws, Application, Requirements & Online Training
Introduction
Concealed carry in Ohio is possible with a state-issued Concealed Handgun License (CHL). This article will guide you through the process of obtaining a CCW permit, understanding Ohio’s gun laws, and the locations where you can and cannot conceal carry. Whether you are a resident or a non-resident, it’s essential to know the regulations and requirements to lawfully carry a concealed firearm in the state.
Concealed Handgun License for Residents
To carry a concealed handgun in Ohio, residents must obtain a Concealed Handgun License (CHL). To be eligible for the CHL, applicants must be at least twenty-one years old and meet all other requirements outlined by Ohio’s gun laws. Members of the United States Armed Forces stationed in Ohio do not need a CCW permit if they possess a military ID and meet Ohio’s concealed carry requirements.
Reciprocity for Non-Residents
Non-residents of Ohio can also carry concealed firearms within the state with a CCW permit issued by any state that Ohio reciprocates with. It is essential to check the list of states that Ohio honors their CCW permits to ensure compliance with the law.
CCW Permit Requirements
To apply for an Ohio CCW permit, applicants must meet several requirements, including:
- Being at least twenty-one years old.
- Being a resident of Ohio for a minimum of forty-five days and a resident of the local county for a minimum of thirty days.
- For non-resident permits, applicants must be working in Ohio.
- Being a legal citizen of the United States.
- Completing an Ohio concealed carry permit course for firearm training unless exempted due to military service or law enforcement background.
- Not being under suspension from using a CCW permit in another state.
- Having no felony convictions or any outstanding arrest warrants.
- Not being convicted or pleading guilty to domestic violence or assault charges.
- Meeting all other federal laws related to concealed carry permit applications.
Ohio CCW Location Restrictions
While carrying a concealed handgun in Ohio is permitted, certain areas are off-limits and considered restricted locations where possession of firearms can lead to legal consequences. The exceptions to location restrictions apply to law enforcement officers, peace officers, and, in some cases, members of the military.
Places Where You Can not Conceal Carry
- Schools: Concealed carry is prohibited within school premises, including events organized by schools and school vehicles. An exception is made for having a firearm in your car while picking up or dropping off your child, but you must have your Ohio CCW permit with you.
- Daycare Facilities: Concealed carry is not allowed in buildings used for child care or daycare homes.
- Educational Institutions: Concealed carry is prohibited in buildings used by public or private colleges, universities, or educational institutions. However, universities may allow firearms storage in personal vehicles.
- Law Enforcement Offices and Criminal Investigation Premises: Concealed carry is not allowed in law enforcement offices or premises under the control of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification in Ohio.
- Courthouses and Capitol Buildings: Concealed carry is not allowed in courthouses, during court proceedings, or in the capitol buildings of the state.
- Prisons and Correctional Institutions: Concealed carry is prohibited in prisons, jails, or any other correctional institution in the state.
- Safety Zones of Airport Terminals: Concealed carry is not allowed in the safety zones of airport terminals.
- Mental Health Institutions: Concealed carry is not allowed in institutions used for the treatment of mentally ill individuals or those with other mental disabilities.
- Places with Alcohol Licenses: Concealed carry is prohibited in any place with a license to sell alcoholic beverages. Additionally, possession of firearms is prohibited if you are under the influence of alcohol and there are signs prohibiting firearms on the premises.
- Places of Worship: Concealed carry is not allowed in places of worship unless you have explicit permission from those in charge.
- Private Buildings, Properties, and Vehicles: Concealed carry is not allowed in any private building, property, or vehicle that has a post prohibiting firearms.
- State Government Buildings: Concealed carry is not allowed in state government buildings without permission.
- Locations Prohibited by Gun Laws: Concealed carry is not allowed in places explicitly prohibited by Ohio’s gun laws.
Places Where You Can Conceal Carry
There are several places and situations where you can lawfully carry a concealed handgun in Ohio:
- Restaurants and Bars: You can conceal carry unless you are under the influence of alcohol or there is a post prohibiting firearms.
- Private Vehicles: You can conceal carry in your private vehicle, but you must have your Ohio CCW permit with you.
- Roadsides and Rest Areas: You can conceal carry along roadsides and in rest areas.
- State/National Parks and Forests: You can conceal carry in state and national parks, forests, and Wildlife Management Areas, except in buildings where it may be prohibited.
Concealed Carry for Law Enforcement Officers in Ohio
Under the Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA), active-duty and retired law enforcement officers can conceal carry without location restrictions or other limitations imposed by state and local laws. The Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission applies LEOSA standards with the help of an approved instructor in the state.
For retired officers to qualify for LEOSA in Ohio, they must meet the requirements set by the agency from which they retired. Retired officers will be issued a LEOSA identification card, which allows them to conceal carry only within Ohio’s boundaries. If officers want to conceal carry outside of Ohio, they must qualify for LEOSA as per Ohio’s Peace Officer Training Commission.
Buying and Selling Firearms in Ohio
Purchase Permits and Handgun Registration
Ohio does not issue purchase permits for buying firearms in the state. However, individuals with a Concealed Handgun License can use it to purchase a gun. Additionally, there are no gun registrations in Ohio.
Criminal Record Background Check
Before buying firearms in Ohio, especially from a state or federally-licensed seller, individuals must undergo a criminal record background check. Most private firearm sellers do not require a background check. However, individuals with an Ohio CCW permit issued after May 2015 are exempt from undergoing a background check.
Waiting Period for Buying Firearms
Unlike some states, there are no waiting periods for completing firearm sales in Ohio. Once you pass the background check, you can complete the purchase immediately.
Age Requirements for Possession of Firearms in Ohio
Ohio does not have any state age requirements for the possession of firearms. Therefore, the federal minimum age requirement of eighteen years old applies. However, to purchase Firearm ordinances and apply for a CCW permit in the state, the minimum age is twenty-one years old. The only exceptions to this age requirement are law enforcement officers and members of the U.S. military.
Castle Doctrine in Ohio
Ohio adheres to the castle doctrine policy, which means individuals have the right to use reasonable or necessary force, including deadly force, to prevent or stop injury or imminent death in their home or vehicle. Under this law, individuals do not have a duty to retreat when faced with a threat in their residence or vehicle. The castle doctrine presumption took effect in March 2019, providing homeowners with the presumption of acting in self-defense while using deadly force against intruders.
How to Apply for a CCW Permit in Ohio
To obtain an Ohio CCW permit, applicants must go through the following process:
Complete a Firearm Training Course:
Enroll in an Ohio concealed carry permit course conducted by a certified instructor, either in person or online.
Download and Complete Application:
Download the CCW permit application form from an online portal and complete it with accurate information.
Submit the Necessary Documents:
Submit the completed application form, proof of firearm training certificates, and a recent passport photograph to your local sheriff’s office.
Fingerprinting and Fee Payment:
Provide your fingerprints and pay the required application fee.
Receive Notification Mail:
You will receive a notification mail indicating the approval or denial of your application after the processing period.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Concealed Handgun License in Ohio allows residents and eligible non-residents to carry concealed firearms within the state. It is crucial to abide by Ohio’s gun laws and comply with location restrictions to avoid legal repercussions. Remember that concealed carry in other states with an Ohio CCW permit requires adherence to the gun laws of those states. Stay informed and stay safe.
FAQs;
Q1. For How Long Is My Ohio CCW Permit Valid?
The Ohio CCW permit is valid for five years.
Q2. How Much Is Ohio CCW Application?
The costs for the Ohio CCW application vary based on residency status:
- The initial permit for residents of Ohio who have lived in the state for more than five years is $67, with $50 for renewal.
- The initial permit for residents of Ohio who have lived in the state for less than five years is $91, with $74 for renewal.
Q3. How Long Will It Take Me to Get an Ohio CCW Permit?
The processing period for a CCW permit in Ohio is 45 days.
Q4. Do military members need a CCW in Ohio?
Active military members stationed in Ohio may be exempt from needing concealed handgun licenses under certain qualifying conditions carrying official credentials. Retired and separated military members living in Ohio still need to obtain applicable state concealed carry.
Q5. How long does it take to get a CCW in Ohio?
After completing an approved concealed carry training course, the application process typically takes 45 days maximum in Ohio from submission to approval. Many counties issue Ohio concealed carry permits within 30 days as long as background checks come back clear.
Q6. Do you need a CCW permit to conceal carry in Ohio?
Yes, Ohio requires all concealed firearms to be carried with a current Ohio concealed handgun license (CHL) or concealed carry weapons (CCW) permit. Certain exceptions apply to active duty military members and law enforcement officers under specific circumstances. Licenses are shall-issue to applicants passing background checks and training requirements.
