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Frequently Asked Questions
About Ohio's CHL law
OFCC provides introductory answers to some of the most common questions about Ohio's Concealed Handgun License laws. This information is provided as a service to our members and is strictly the informal interpretations of our organization. Nothing here is offered, held out as, or intended to be legal advice and we advise consulting an attorney for further information.
Obtaining a CHL
Carrying a Concealed Handgun
Miscellaneous
Where do I get an application?
You can an application for a Concealed Handgun License at any Sheriff's officer or download it from the Ohio Attorney General website.
Application for a Temporary License
Application for a Standard License
Where can I apply?
You can apply in person at the sheriff's office for the county you live in or any adjacent county. Check with your sheriff before arriving to verify hours of acceptance (they must accept applications at least 15 hours per week) and to verify forms of payment.
What do I need to bring with me when I apply?
You will need to bring a state issued photo ID, a copy of your training certificate or affidavit (DO NOT bring the original documents, they will be destroyed), and the appropriate license fee (usually $55, but can be higher if you have not lived in Ohio for at least 5 years and are subject to the $24 FBI background check). It is strongly recommended that you either download the application or make two trips to the sheriff so that you can fill it out at home and bring it with you rather than try to fill it out at the sheriff's office.
What training do I need?
You need 12 hours of training (at least two hours must be live-fire training on the range) that meet specific requirements as spelled out by Ohio Law.
Who can provide training?
Instructors who are certified by the National Rifle Association, the executive director of the Ohio peace officer training commission pursuant to section 109.75 or 109.78 of the Revised Code, or a governmental official or entity of another state. It is the student's responsibility to ensure the instructor meets these requirements.
How long is my training valid?
Training is valid for three years to apply for a new CHL. Training is valid for six years for renewing a CHL. You can recertify at any time prior to the six year expiration of the training. Recertification requires taking a written test and a physical demonstration of competence with a firearm. You do not need to retake the 12 hour training course unless the three (new application) or six (renewal) year period elapses. Once recertified, the three or six year period restarts from the date of recertification.
How do I renew my current CHL?
Renewal of a CHL is very similar to the original application process. You must fill out a new application, provide fingerprints, pay the required license fee, and provide a copy of your training certificate or affidavit (DO NOT bring the original documents, they will be destroyed). You must renew with the Sheriff of your county of residence or an adjacent county.
I lost my training certificate. How do I get a new one?
You must go back to your original instructor to replace your training certification documents. The Sheriff is required by law to destroy all submitted materials other than the original application, so will not have a copy of your training certificate.
Does hunter's education count as training?
No, it does not.
Does military training meet the requirements?
Yes. Your DD-214 (or equivalent) is valid for certification of meeting the training requirements for six years from date of discharge.
My license is expired and I haven't received my renewal. Can I still ccw?
Yes, your expired CHL remains valid for 30 days after the expiration date.
I lost my CHL. How do I get a new one?
Return to the issuing Sheriff to report your license missing and be issued a new one. There is a $15 fee for re-issuance.
I moved, do I need to notify the sheriff?
Yes. If you still reside in the same county, or in an adjacent county to the original county of residence, you will be issued a new CHL printed with your new address. You may be charged a $15 fee. If you move beyond an adjacent county, you will need to apply for a CHL as a new applicant.
Do I need to carry anything besides my CHL?
Yes. You must carry another piece of valid government identification in addition to the handgun license.
What places are off limits to ccw?
- Police stations.
- Sheriffs’ offices.
- Highway Patrol posts.
- Premises controlled by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation.
- Correctional institutions or other detention facilities.
- Airport terminals or commercial airplanes.
- Institutions for the care of mentally ill persons.
- Courthouses or buildings in which a courtroom is located.
- Universities, unless locked in a motor vehicle or in the process of being locked in a motor vehicle.
- Places of worship, unless the place of worship permits otherwise.
- Child day-care centers.
- Premises that dispense liquor. Concealed firearms are also banned in a room or arena in which liquor is dispensed for which a class D permit has been issued. A class D permit is generally issued to an establishment that sells alcohol for consumption on the premises. Be certain of the type of permit and whether liquor is being dispensed before you enter with a concealed handgun.
- Buildings owned by the state or any political subdivision.
Buildings under the control of the state or any of its political subdivisions, such as counties, cities and the like also prohibit concealed firearms. This prohibition also extends to all portions of any building that is leased by the state government. For example, it would extend to the floor of a private building that is leased by the government. Additionally, libraries, which are often funded through a consortium of governmental bodies, are covered by the statute.
- School safety zones.
- Any private business which posts a sign prohibiting firearms or makes you aware of a policy prohibiting firearms.
What do I do if I'm stopped by a law enforcement officer?
You are required by law to promptly inform any law enforcement officer who stops you (whether on foot or in a vehicle) that you are carrying a firearm and that you have a CHL. Keep your hands in plain site. If in a vehicle, do not exit the vehicle unless instructed to do so by the officer.
Can a law enforcement officer take my firearm during the stop?
Yes. The officer may request or demand you surrender your firearm, but it must be returned to you at the end of the stop, unless you are being arrested or charged with carrying without a license.
Is my Ohio CHL valid in other states?
Ohio has reciprocity agreements with several states. This means that your license is valid in that state, and their license is valid in Ohio. Some states also have laws automatically recognizing the licenses of other states. Check with the state you are visiting to determine if your license is valid and what laws you need to be aware of. In general, you follow the laws of the state you are visiting. Click here for a list of current states Ohio has reciprocity agreements with.
How do I carry in a motor vehicle?
Ohio requires a valid CHL in order to have a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle. If you have a CHL, a loaded firearm must be transported in one of the following ways:
- In a holster secured on the person.
- In a closed case, bag, box, or other container that is in plain sight and that has a lid, a cover, or a closing mechanism with a zipper, snap, or buckle, which lid, cover, or closing mechanism must be opened for a person to gain access to the handgun
- The loaded handgun is securely encased by being stored in a closed, locked glove compartment or in a case that is locked.
Where can get information about Ohio's CHL laws?
Substitute House Bill Number 347
Ohio Revised Code CHAPTER 2923: CONSPIRACY, ATTEMPT, AND COMPLICITY; WEAPONS CONTROL; CORRUPT ACTIVITY
Ohio Attorney General
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