Ohio CCW Facts

Revised June 13, 2022

This is a fast facts reference for carrying a concealed handgun in Ohio with or without a license. Note that only "qualifying" individuals may carry a concealed handgun in Ohio. See the Attorney General's Handbook for details.

Basic Gun Safety Rules

• Always keep your gun pointed in a safe direction.
• Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
• Know your target and what is beyond.
• Store gun so it is not accessible to unauthorized persons.
• Use a quality holster that fully covers the trigger guard.
• Keep gun handling and holster adjustment to a minimum.

Permitless Handgun Carry

• You may carry with or without a license in Ohio.
• Other states may still require a license to carry.
• Permitless carry applies only to those who would otherwise qualify to obtain a license.
• A license is required to carry in school zones.

Where Your Ohio Concealed Handgun License Is NOT Valid

Ohio's license has reciprocity or is honored in 39 states (see map). These are the 11 states (and 1 district) that do NOT accept Ohio's license:

• California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island

Firearm Transportation

• Loaded handguns and magazines may be on your person or stored anywhere in your vehicle.
• Other firearms must be unloaded, in a closed container, with ammo stored separately, in your trunk or area not accessible to the driver.

Encounters With Law Enforcement (pedestrian or vehicle)

• If asked, inform the officer if you have a handgun.
• Keep hands in plain sight and comply with officer commands.
• Do not touch your handgun unless instructed to do so.
• Do not get out of your vehicle unless instructed to do so.

Forbidden Carry Zones

• Any law enforcement station or detention facility
• Courthouse or building housing a courtroom
• Government building (controlling agency may authorize)
• Place of worship (unless specifically allowed)
• Secure areas of airports
• Institution for the care of mentally ill persons
• Any premises owned or leased by a public or private college or university (okay if left in locked car, not applicable if college or university has authorized concealed carry)
• School zone (okay if licensee stays in vehicle with handgun or the licensee leaves the handgun in locked car)
• Liquor facility (okay if not already under the influence, no alcohol is consumed, and facility not posted "no guns")
• Wherever federal law prohibits the carrying of handguns
• Any building or property posted as a "no gun zone"

NOTE: This provides only general guidelines for carrying a handgun in Ohio and is not intended to be legal advice.

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