In 2019, Ohio had an average gun death rate among all states. Ohio issues concealed weapons permits at the county level by the county sheriff in the applicant’s county of residence. There is no gun permit, background check, or firearms registration required for consumers buying a handgun.
Open carry is legal in Ohio without a permit, with the exception of vehicles or in businesses that sell alcohol. The minimum age for handgun possession is 21 years old. Ohio residents 21 years of age and older may obtain an Ohio Concealed Handgun License (CHL). With registration, gun owners must complete eight hours of firearms training.
Current and former servicemen and women can obtain an Ohio CHL without paying the fee or going through the concealed carry class. Non-residents of Ohio can obtain a CHL if they work in Ohio, and Ohio honors gun permits issued by any state.
Ohio adheres to the Castle Doctrine in your residence or vehicle. This means that, under Ohio law, a person is justified in using force with a weapon if he or she “reasonably believed that the force was necessary to prevent injury, loss, or risk to life or safety.”
Ohio law does not:
Require a background check prior to the transfer of a firearm between private parties
Require firearms dealers to obtain a state license
Limit the number of firearms that may be purchased at one time, or
Impose a waiting period on gun purchases