Ohio Gun Permit: Laws, Cost, Restrictions, & FAQs
In Ohio, the possession of firearms is regulated by specific laws and requirements. Whether you are interested in concealed carry or open carry, obtaining a gun permit involves meeting certain criteria set forth by the state. This article will guide you through the process of obtaining a gun permit in Ohio, the various types of permits available, the application and renewal process, reciprocity with other states, and relevant gun permit laws.
Ohio Gun Permit Summary
Ohio is a “shall-issue” state for the possession of firearms, meaning that once applicants meet the required criteria, the local county sheriff is obligated to process the permit application. However, Ohio does not issue a purchase permit to buy firearms. Nevertheless, pistol license holders do not have to undergo a criminal record check before purchasing guns.
How to Get a Gun Permit in Ohio?
To apply for a gun permit in Ohio, you must be at least twenty-one years old. The state issues gun permits only for concealed carry of firearms. Open carry of firearms is permitted, but you must be at least eighteen years old and maintain intact legal rights to possess firearms. However, there are certain off-limit places where open carry is prohibited.
Ohio Gun Permit Laws
Ohio does not restrict gun license holders from possessing firearms, but there are certain restrictions in place. The use of assault weapons like machine guns and large-capacity firearms is prohibited in the state, except law enforcement officers, military members stationed in Ohio, and federally licensed individuals.
Ohio Pistol License Requirements
Obtaining a pistol license in Ohio involves meeting several requirements, which include:
- 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 at least thirty days. Non-resident permits are available for those who work in Ohio.
- Being a legal citizen of the United States of America.
- Completing an Ohio firearm training course, unless you are a member of the military, retired, or honorably discharged with proof of gun training experience.
- Not being under suspension from using a permit in another state.
- Not having an arrest warrant or being a fugitive.
- Not being convicted of any felony domestic violence or assault-related crimes.
- Not being charged with drug trafficking or related crimes, misdemeanor violence crimes, or assaulting a law officer.
- Not having been convicted of the above crimes for three years before applying for an Ohio gun permit.
- Not being under arrest for falsifying a pistol permit.
- Not having any protection order from an Ohio court or any other state in the USA.
- Not being guilty of multiple delinquent assault charges in the past five years.
- Not being guilty of resisting arrest related to a criminal charge for ten years before applying for an Ohio concealed carry permit.
- Meeting all other federal laws for gun permit applications.
Different Types of Gun Permits in Ohio
Ohio issues various types of firearms permits, including:
- State permit to purchase long guns: Ohio does not issue a state permit to buy long guns.
- State permits to purchase handguns: Ohio does not issue a state permit to purchase handguns.
- State permit to open carry: Ohio is a permissive state, meaning no license is required to open carry.
- State permits to conceal carry long guns: Ohio does not issue a state permit to conceal long guns.
- State permits to conceal carry handguns: Ohio issues a pistol permit for concealed carry of handguns in the state.
Gun Permits Application and Renewal Law in Ohio
The process to apply for a gun permit in Ohio involves the following steps:
- Complete a firearm training course conducted by an Ohio-licensed and certified instructor.
- Download and complete the application form from an online portal.
- Submit the necessary documents to your local sheriff’s office, including the completed application form, proof of firearm training certificates, and a recent passport photograph.
- Provide your fingerprints and pay the required fee.
- After the processing period, you will receive an approval or denial mail.
For permit renewals, you can begin the application at least ninety days before the expiration date or after the date has passed. Non-residents applying for renewal must still have an employment status in Ohio. It’s essential to renew your permit before it expires to maintain your ability to carry firearms in the state.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Gun License in Ohio?
The price for the initial permit application and renewal application in Ohio is ninety-one dollars and seventy-four dollars, respectively.
Gun Permit Reciprocity with Ohio
Ohio accepts gun licenses issued by other jurisdictions in the United States. Some states recognize Ohio gun licenses, allowing individuals to open carry firearms in those states according to their gun laws. Examples of such states include Alabama, Georgia, Texas, and Virginia, among others.
Other states have restricted reciprocity with Ohio, meaning they accept Ohio-issued gun licenses, but additional individual requirements must be met before open carrying. Examples of such states include Colorado, Florida, and Michigan.
Some states do not require a gun permit to possess firearms, but they may have age requirements or other provisions for the possession of weapons. Examples of such states include Alaska, Arizona, Kentucky, and Oklahoma.
Relevant Gun Permit Laws and Legislature in Ohio
Various gun permit laws regulate the possession of firearms in Ohio. For example:
- Possession of Firearms in Private Vehicles: Permit holders can possess firearms in private cars, while those without permits must ensure the unloaded firearm is in a compartment unreachable from inside the vehicle.
- Possession of Firearms in Roadside Areas: Permit holders can possess firearms in roadside areas.
- Possession of Firearms in State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management Areas: Permit holders can possess firearms in these areas, but carrying firearms in buildings within these places is prohibited.
- Possession of Firearms in Restaurant and Bar Areas: You can possess firearms in these areas as long as there is no post prohibiting it, and you are not under the influence of alcohol.
- Possession of Firearms in Hotels: Hotels can implement gun policies regulating firearms on their premises, regardless of whether the visitor is a permit holder or not.
- Possession of Firearms in Employees Parking Lots: Employers and landowners cannot prohibit possession of firearms by Ohio gun licensees under certain conditions, such as the firearm and ammunition being in the licensee’s car.
Conclusion
Obtaining a gun permit in Ohio requires meeting specific criteria set by the state. There are various types of permits available, and the application and renewal processes are well-defined.
Additionally, Ohio recognizes gun permits from many other states, but individual requirements must be considered when carrying firearms in those states. It’s essential to adhere to the relevant gun permit laws to ensure the lawful possession and carrying of firearms in Ohio.
FAQs;
Q1. Can I apply for an Ohio gun permit if I’m not a resident but work in Ohio?
Yes, non-residents can apply for an Ohio gun permit if they work in Ohio.
Q2. What is the age requirement for an Ohio gun permit?
The age requirement for an Ohio gun permit is twenty-one years old.
Q3. Do I need a permit to open carry firearms in Ohio?
No, Ohio is a permissive state, and no license is required to open carry firearms.
Q4. Are there places where open carry is prohibited in Ohio?
Yes, there are certain off-limit places where open carry is prohibited in Ohio.
Q5. How much does it cost to renew a gun permit in Ohio?
The renewal application fee for an Ohio gun permit is seventy-four dollars.
