Ohio's Permitless Carry Law Goes into Effect Today, June 13, 2022

Beginning today, June 13, 2022, it is legal for a "qualifying" adult to carry a concealed handgun without a license in Ohio.

Generally referred to as “permitless carry” or “constitutional carry,” Senate Bill 215, which is now in effect, makes several key changes to Ohio’s concealed carry laws:

• Ohio’s concealed handgun license (CHL) will become optional. If you are currently qualified by law to obtain a CHL, you may carry concealed with or without a license. Other than school zones where federal law still requires a CHL, nothing changes regarding who can carry, what you can carry (a handgun), or where you can carry. The same rights and responsibilities apply whether you have a CHL or not.

• You will no longer be required to “promptly” inform. If you are stopped by a law enforcement officer, you will need to inform the officer about whether you have a handgun only when or if the officer asks. And you are obligated to only inform the first officer who asks.

• In Ohio, you will no longer be required to carry the CHL. If you choose to obtain a concealed handgun license, you will no longer be required to carry the physical license on your person while carrying a handgun. However, other states may still require you to have your license with you.

Here are some other points to keep in mind:

• Permitless carry applies to "qualifying" adults. The media has widely reported that anyone who can own a gun can carry permitless. This is NOT accurate. Just as with licensed carry, you must be at least 21 years of age, not prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law, not a fugitive from justice, etc. Refer to the concealed carry manual available at the Ohio Attorney General’s website for details.

• Ohio will maintain the licensing system. It's now optional for concealed carry in Ohio, but having a license may be necessary to carry legally in other states. The license may also be used as a stand-in for a NICS background check at some gun stores.

• Open carry has always been, and will continue to be, permitless. You've always been able to carry with your handgun visible and the new law doesn't change that in any way.

• You can carry a concealed handgun in your vehicle without a permit. A rumor has been circulating that the new law prohibits you from carrying concealed in a vehicle. This is NOT accurate. If you're a qualifying adult, you can have loaded handguns and magazines on your person or stored anywhere in your vehicle just as with licensed carry.

For additional details, read Answers to Common Questions about Ohio’s New Permitless Carry Law.

Also, while education and training is no longer required to carry concealed, we HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT ANYWAY. Please read the manual on concealed carry here and consider signing up for a CHL class. Learning the current gun laws in Ohio and best practices for carrying and using a firearm for self-defense is worth every penny.