Ohio has a strong commitment to Second Amendment rights, with laws that offer significant freedoms for gun owners. However, these freedoms come with responsibilities, and understanding Ohio’s specific gun laws is essential for compliance. Whether you’re an Ohio resident or visiting the state, this guide covers everything from open carry regulations to concealed carry permits, purchasing firearms, and restricted areas where carrying firearms is prohibited.

Ohio Gun Laws Overview

Open Carry in Ohio

Ohio is an open carry state, meaning individuals may carry firearms openly without a permit. As long as you are legally allowed to possess a firearm, you can carry it in public view. There are no specific restrictions on the type of holster you must use, but the firearm must be in plain sight.

Constitutional Carry in Ohio

As of June 13, 2022, Ohio adopted constitutional carry, allowing individuals to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. This means you no longer need a concealed handgun license (CHL) to carry concealed, as long as you are at least 21 years old and are not prohibited from possessing a firearm by law. Both residents and non-residents are eligible for constitutional carry under this law.

Who Can Legally Own a Firearm in Ohio?

To legally own a firearm in Ohio, you must:

Be at least 18 years old to possess or purchase a long gun (rifle or shotgun).
Be at least 21 years old to purchase a handgun.
Not be a convicted felon or have a criminal record involving violence or domestic abuse.
Not have been adjudicated as mentally defective or committed to a mental institution.
Not be addicted to drugs or alcohol or subject to a restraining order.

Purchasing a Firearm in Ohio

Ohio does not require a permit to purchase a firearm, and there is no waiting period. However, federal law requires background checks for purchases from licensed dealers. There are no background check requirements for private sales between individuals.

Handgun and Long Gun Purchases

Licensed Dealer Sales: All firearm purchases from licensed dealers must go through a background check using the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
Private Sales: Private sales of firearms do not require a background check, but it is illegal to knowingly sell a firearm to someone who is prohibited from owning one under federal or state law.

Concealed Carry Permits in Ohio

Even though Ohio now allows permitless concealed carry, some individuals may still want to obtain a Concealed Handgun License (CHL), especially if they plan to travel to other states that honor Ohio’s concealed carry permit.

How to Obtain an Ohio Concealed Handgun License:

Be at least 21 years old.
Complete a firearm training course approved by the Ohio Attorney General’s office.
Submit an application to your county sheriff’s office.
Pass a background check, including a review of criminal history and mental health.
Pay the application fee (typically between $67-$91, depending on your residency and other factors).
The sheriff’s office will issue or deny the license within 45 days.

A concealed handgun license in Ohio is valid for five years and provides reciprocity with many other states that require permits for concealed carry.

Where Can You Carry a Gun in Ohio?

While Ohio allows constitutional carry, certain locations still restrict where firearms can be carried, whether openly or concealed. Knowing these restrictions is essential to avoid legal issues.

Schools: Firearms are prohibited on school property, including K-12 schools and school buses, except for law enforcement officers.
Government Buildings: Courthouses, police stations, and government buildings often prohibit firearms. Signs must be posted to enforce this.
Colleges and Universities: Ohio law generally prohibits firearms on college campuses, though some universities may allow limited carry by individuals with a CHL.
Private Property: Property owners can ban firearms on their premises by posting signs. Failure to comply with “No Firearms” signs can result in trespassing charges.
Bars and Restaurants: Carrying a firearm in a business that serves alcohol is legal only if you are not consuming alcohol and the business has not posted a sign prohibiting firearms.

Ohio’s Stand Your Ground and Castle Doctrine Laws

Ohio has both Stand Your Ground and Castle Doctrine laws, which offer protections for individuals who use force in self-defense situations.

Stand Your Ground

Ohio’s Stand Your Ground law, enacted in 2021, allows individuals to use deadly force in self-defense without the duty to retreat, as long as they are legally present and not the aggressor. This law applies in public spaces, meaning if you are attacked, you do not have to retreat before defending yourself.

Castle Doctrine

Ohio’s Castle Doctrine applies to situations in which individuals use force to defend themselves in their home, vehicle, or business. Under this doctrine, if an intruder unlawfully enters one of these spaces, the law presumes you have a reasonable fear of imminent harm, allowing you to use deadly force.

Restrictions on Firearms in Ohio

Ohio’s gun laws, while permissive, still impose restrictions on certain individuals and types of firearms:

Convicted Felons: Individuals convicted of felonies involving violence, drugs, or domestic abuse are prohibited from owning firearms unless their rights are restored.
Domestic Violence Offenders: Those convicted of domestic violence or subject to a restraining order cannot possess firearms.
Mentally Ill Individuals: Individuals adjudicated as mentally defective or who have been involuntarily committed to a mental institution are prohibited from owning firearms.
NFA Firearms: Fully automatic weapons, short-barreled rifles, and suppressors are allowed in Ohio but must comply with federal regulations, including registration with the ATF and obtaining the appropriate tax stamps.

Reciprocity with Other States

Ohio has reciprocity agreements with many other states, meaning that Ohio’s concealed handgun licenses are recognized in those states. Similarly, Ohio recognizes concealed carry permits issued by other states. If you plan to travel, it’s important to verify the specific laws of the state you are visiting, as they may have additional restrictions on where and how you can carry a firearm.

Penalties for Violating Gun Laws in Ohio

Violating Ohio’s gun laws can result in serious penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and loss of firearm rights. Some common violations include:

Carrying a Firearm Without a License (Prior to 2022): This is no longer applicable due to constitutional carry, but restrictions on certain locations still apply.
Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person: Individuals who are prohibited from owning firearms, such as convicted felons and domestic violence offenders, can face felony charges for firearm possession.
Carrying a Firearm in a Prohibited Area: Violating restrictions on where firearms can be carried, such as in schools or government buildings, can lead to criminal charges and fines.

Conclusion: Understanding Ohio Gun Laws

Ohio’s gun laws provide considerable freedom for gun owners, especially with the adoption of constitutional carry. However, it’s essential to remain aware of restrictions regarding where firearms can be carried and who is allowed to possess them.

While concealed handgun licenses are no longer required for carrying concealed handguns, obtaining one can still offer benefits for those who travel outside the state. Staying informed about both state and federal firearm laws will help ensure that you exercise your Second Amendment rights safely and legally.

FAQs About Gun Laws in Ohio

1. Is open carry legal in Ohio?
Yes, open carry is legal in Ohio for anyone who is legally allowed to possess a firearm, and no permit is required.

2. Do I need a permit to carry a concealed handgun in Ohio?
No, as of June 13, 2022, Ohio no longer requires a permit for concealed carry, though individuals may still apply for a concealed handgun license for reciprocity with other states.

3. Can I carry a firearm in my vehicle in Ohio?
Yes, you can carry a firearm in your vehicle without a permit under Ohio’s constitutional carry laws. However, if you are pulled over, you must inform the officer that you have a firearm in the vehicle.

4. Are background checks required for private firearm sales in Ohio?
No, Ohio does not require background checks for private firearm sales between individuals. However, it is illegal to sell a firearm to someone you know or suspect is prohibited from owning one.

5. What happens if I carry a firearm in a prohibited area?
Carrying a firearm in restricted areas, such as schools or government buildings, can result in criminal charges, fines, and possibly losing your right to carry a firearm.