Ohio Guide

Last Updated: 12/31/2025

Note: This guide summarizes statewide requirements. Some specific locations (federal property, schools, airports, or tribal lands) may have additional restrictions. Always verify the latest laws with state agencies or legal counsel before purchasing or carrying. This information is for general guidance and is not legal advice.

Quick Cheat Sheet

Buying a Gun:

Minimum age: 21 Handgun, 18 Long gun
Dealer sales background check: Required
Waiting period: None
Private sales: No background check required

Concealed Carry:

Permit required? No, Ohio has permitless carry for those 21 and older who can legally possess a firearm. A Concealed Handgun License (CHL) is available and provides certain benefits.
Training required? Not required for permitless carry. However, training is required for obtaining a Concealed Handgun License (CHL).
Out-of-state permit recognition: Yes — Ohio recognizes a valid concealed-handgun license issued by any other state for non-residents.

Special Notes:

Ohio has statewide preemption of firearm laws
No red flag laws.
No assault weapon or magazine capacity restrictions.
No firearm registration requirements.

How to Buy a Gun in Ohio

Prerequisites

Age: 21 Handgun, 18 Long gun
Residency: Federal law requires all handgun purchases to occur in your state of residency. Buyers must be U.S. citizens or legal residents. State residency is not required for long gun purchases from FFL dealers in Ohio.
ID requirements: Valid and current government-issued ID. Further proof of residency may be required.
Prohibited-person highlights: Felons, domestic violence misdemeanors or restraining orders, unlawful drug users, fugitives, those adjudicated mentally defective or committed, and other federally prohibited categories.

Dealer Purchase Steps

Visit a Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer.
Present valid ID, proof of residency, and complete the ATF Form 4473.
Dealer conducts a background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
If approved, complete the purchase.

Private Sales / Gun Shows

No background check is required for private, in-state sales between non-licensed individuals.
At gun shows, only sales by non-licensed attendees are treated as private sales; licensed dealers must run a background check.
Federal prohibited-person rules still apply at gun shows and for private sales.

Special Categories / Exceptions

Long guns vs handguns vs NFA items: No special restrictions for long guns or handguns. NFA items (e.g., suppressors) are legal with the appropriate federal paperwork.
Non-resident purchases allowed only for long gun purchases and the purchaser must comply with federal law and the laws of their home state.

Waiting Period & Timing

Waiting period (days): Ohio has no waiting period for firearm purchases.
Notes / exceptions: Immediate purchase upon background check approval.

Common Pitfalls / Practical Tips

Confirm dealer requirements for proof of residency.
Ensure all information on the ATF Form 4473 is accurate to avoid delays.
If NICS is delayed, dealers may be required to hold the firearm per federal rules.
Private transactions: if you want a clean record for resale liability, consider using an FFL as an intermediary even though Ohio does not require it.
Federal law creates various exceptions for law enforcement and military personnel which are not covered by these guides. Consult your official sources.
Marijuana users of any kind are prohibited under federal law frompossessing firearms. The ATF and many courts treat a medical marijuana card as presumptive evidence of unlawful use. Marijuana use while possessing a firearm is a felony, thoughrecent court rulings are challenging this, and the Supreme Court has taken up a relevant case with a ruling likely in June or July of 2026.

How to Carry Concealed in Ohio

System Type

Permitless carry. Legal for individuals 21 and older who can legally possess a firearm.
A Concealed Handgun License (CHL) is an available option and provides certain benefits like state reciprocity.

Prerequisites

Age: 21 years or older.
Residency: Must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident. Must be an Ohio resident (any duration) or, if a nonresident, must be employed in Ohio. Applicants with fewer than five years’ residency (or nonresidents employed in Ohio) pay an additional background check cost under the statutory fee structure.
Training: CHL applicants must submit a certificate of competency.
Disqualifying factors: Felony convictions, certain misdemeanor convictions, adjudicated mental incompetence, and any condition that makes the applicant prohibited under federal law (e.g., involuntary commitment or unlawful controlled substance use). This list is not exhaustive, consult an official resource.

Application Steps

Applications are processed at your local sheriff’s office.
Complete the Ohio CHL application (available here).
Provide fingerprints and passport-style photo (fingerprint processing fee applies).
Submit proof of completion of an approved firearms training class (or qualifying exemption such as military service).
Wait for background check / sheriff processing. If approved, the sheriff issues a photo CHL card.

Training Requirements

Hours: No statutory hourly minimum stated as a universal floor for all providers in the application instructions. Commonly 8 hours — 6 classroom + 2 live fire — certificate valid for three years for application.
Proficiencies required: Classroom instruction plus live-fire competency.
Instructor certification: Courses must be taught by approved/qualified instructors per state guidance.

Processing Time

Processing times limited by statute to 45 days. Actual times vary by county. Statute provides appeal and procedural rules; many counties aim to process within weeks, but check your county sheriff’s guidance for local timelines.

License validity period

CHLs and CHL renewals are valid for 5 years.

Restrictions / Prohibited Places

Schools (K–12), on school grounds, and school‑sanctioned events.
Polling places on Election Day.
Courts, jails, and correctional facilities.
Posted private property (“no guns” signs carry legal force).
Secured areas of airports, nuclear facilities, and certain government buildings where firearms are restricted by federal law.
Do not carry while intoxicated; carrying while intoxicated is illegal and punishable by law.
This list is not exhaustive, consult an official resource.

Reciprocity

Out-of-state permits recognized: Yes — Ohio recognizes valid concealed carry permits from all other U.S. states.

Denial & Appeal Process

Applicants denied a CHL receive instructions on appeal or reapplication per probate-court/state administrative rules. Denials rest on statutory disqualifiers; consult an attorney or probate court for specifics.

Common Pitfalls / Practical Tips / Additional Notes

Make sure to thoroughly read the appropriate state approved educational material (available here).
The law allows for the issuance of an emergency license without proof of competency certification under extraordinary circumstances.
Posted “no guns” signs on private property override carry rights, even with a CHL.
Carrying in areas restricted by law (schools, courthouses, etc.) can result in serious penalties.
Carrying while intoxicated can result in serious penalties.
Keep your CHL valid and renewed to ensure uninterrupted legal benefits and reciprocity.
Federal law creates various exceptions for law enforcement and military personnel which are not covered by these guides. Consult your official sources.

Associated Fees

Concealed Carry Permit (initial): Vary by county but are typically in the $50-80 range for residents of 5 years or more, and around $10 more for newer and non-residents.
Concealed Carry Permit Renewal: Vary by county but are typically around $50.
Other Fees / Notes: Fingerprinting and NICS background checks costs may apply for newer and non-residents; temporary/emergency CHL fees are statutorily set and vary. Replacement cards typically carry a small fee. Fee details vary by issuing county.

Trans-Specific Considerations

Name or Gender Marker Changes in Progress

Firearm Purchases: Your ID must be current and valid at the time of purchase. If your name and / or gender marker change is finalized but your ID has not yet been updated, you may face delays or denial. If possible, complete your ID update before attempting to purchase.
CHL Applications: Ohio’s statutory limit of 45 days for CHL processing limits the likelihood of name changes being processed within that timeframe. However, if you submit an application and your legal name changes during processing, notify your issuing authority immediately. Failure to update your information could result in application denial or a permit issued under an incorrect name, which may create legal complications when carrying.
Form 4473 Accuracy: The ATF Form 4473 must reflect your current legal name as it appears on your government-issued ID. The form also asks for sex information; at present, using the gender marker on your current government-issued ID is the standard practice. Using identifying information that does not match your ID could constitute providing false information and may result in denial or legal consequences.
Practical Implications: It is important if at all possible to complete all legal name and gender marker changes and obtain updated government ID before beginning the firearms purchase or permit application process. This avoids potential complications with background checks and application processing. Short processing windows in the state limit this concern, but avoiding any possible conflict in this manner should make the process easier and more reliable.

Updating an Existing CHL Permit After Name or Gender Marker Change

Where to update: Contact your original issuing agency (typically your county sheriff or police chief) for local guidance on updating your documentation. Any name and / or gender marker changes should be finalized before beginning this process and applied for at the same time if applicable.
Required documentation: Documentation required may vary by county, but be prepared to provide proof of your name and / or gender change (court order, updated birth certificate, or other official documentation), your updated Ohio driver’s license or state ID showing new name/gender marker, and your current CHL. Contact your issuing authority ahead of time for exact guidance so that you arrive with all required documents.
Update process: Varies greatly by county. Many counties interpret relevant statute as providing a 45 day time window during which your name / gender change must be updated on your CHL. Some counties require notification within 30 days (see important note below).
Processing fee: Varies by county but is typically in the ~$15 range. A separate / different fee may be required in the case of a reissue or renewal.
Processing time: Statute is unclear, but likely subject to the same 45 day statutory limit which applies to initial processing.
Important notes on carrying:
- In the process of contacting Franklin County Sheriff’s Concealed Carry Permit Office for further clarifications, AtD researchers, on 11/25/25, observed a county-specific name change reporting window which was shorter than that described by state statute, shortening 45 days to 30. This discrepancy may be reflected in other counties, reinforcing the importance of contacting your local issuing authority to ensure compliance with all requirements.
- Your CHL permit should reflect your current legal name and / or gender marker before you carry concealed. A mismatch between your ID and permit could create complications during a law enforcement encounter.

Notes:

There are ongoing regulatory developments regarding sex designation requirements on Form 4473. We are monitoring this situation and will update this guide as more information becomes available.

Ohio-Specific Considerations

Local ordinance preemption: Yes, with caveats — cases in Ohio brought by localities have successfully challenged state preemption through the state constitution’s home rule amendment; expect disputes to continue and seek up to date information from official sources.
Assault weapons / magazine limits: No statewide assault-weapon ban or magazine cap beyond any established federal restrictions.
ERPO / Red flag laws: Not currently in effect in Ohio. Attempts have recently been made to legislate in this area but have, so far, failed.
Registration requirements: None.
Safe storage laws: Not currently required by state law. Attempts have recently been made to legislate in this area but have, so far, failed.
Transportation rules: Ohio law allows CHL holders to transport a loaded, concealed handgun inside motor vehicles. Non-CHL holders may transport unloaded firearms if carried in a closed package, box, or case, in a compartment only reachable by leaving the vehicle, or in plain sight in a rack/holder designed for that purpose; long guns with certain dimensions may also be transported openly. Firearms must not be accessible to passengers or the driver if non-CHL, and carrying while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited. Specific restrictions apply in school zones. Statute is nuanced; consult official resources like the Official Ohio CHL Guide.
Other unique issues: Ohio is considering various proposals affecting firearms, including potential safe-storage mandates, assault weapon definitions, and red-flag laws. Status of these bills should be verified through up to date official state resources.

Official Links & Documents

State Statutes / Codes

Official Ohio Legislature Statute Database – firearms control section.

Permit Applications / Forms

Official Ohio CHL Application Form

Attorney General Opinions / Court Decisions

Other Official Resources

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can non-residents buy a gun in this state?
Non-residents may purchase long guns in the state if they comply with federal law and their home state laws. Handgun purchases are generally restricted to state residents, with limited exceptions for law enforcement or military personnel.

Are private sales required to do background checks?
No — Ohio does not currently require private sellers to run universal background checks for private, intra-state transfers. Licensed dealers must continue to perform federal background checks on dealer sales.

How long is the waiting period?
There is no statewide waiting period for firearm purchases at present. Legislative proposals for waiting periods have been introduced but were not enacted as of this update.

What is the minimum age to buy a handgun?
21 years old.

Do I need a permit to carry concealed?
No. Ohio allows permitless carry for adults 21+. Permits are optional.

Where am I prohibited from carrying even with a permit?
Schools (K–12), school grounds, and school‑sanctioned events; polling places on Election Day; courts, jails, and correctional facilities; posted private property (“no guns” signs carry legal force); secured areas of airports, nuclear facilities, and certain government buildings where firearms are restricted by federal law. Do not carry while intoxicated; doing so is illegal and subject to criminal penalties. This list is not exhaustive. Consult official resources.

Are ghost guns or unserialized guns legal?
Ohio currently has no state ghost-gun ban, but federal ATF regulations (the frame-and-receiver rule) require serialization/background checks for many commercially sold kits; consult ATF guidance and state law for updates.

Are out-of-state permits recognized here?
Yes. Ohio recognizes a valid concealed-handgun license issued by any other U.S. state for purposes of carrying in Ohio (see Ohio Attorney General guidance).

How long does the permit process typically take?
Processing time varies by county; most report as little as a few weeks.

What happens if my concealed carry permit is denied?
The sheriff must provide written reasons and you may; statutory review and record-challenge procedures exist for criminal-record disputes.