Ohio gun laws have changed significantly in recent years. Whether you are a first-time gun owner or a longtime concealed carry permit holder, staying informed can help you exercise your rights and avoid legal trouble. Below are the most important things every Ohio gun owner should know under current Ohio firearms law.
If you are facing a gun-related charge in Cincinnati or believe your rights were violated, call (513) 338-1890 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
What You Need to Know About Ohio Gun Laws
Here are some of the most important things to know regarding concealed carry laws in Ohio:
1. Ohio Allows Permitless Concealed Carry
Since June 13, 2022, Ohio has been a constitutional-carry state. Under Senate Bill 215, codified at ORC 2923.111, any “qualifying adult” 21 or older who is legally allowed to possess a firearm can carry a concealed handgun without a permit. Federal law still sets the floor at 21 for concealed handgun carry.
However, Concealed Handgun Licenses (CHLs) are still available for those seeking formal training or reciprocity in other states. CHL applicants must meet eligibility requirements related to age, residency, and training (waived for active-duty or honorably discharged military personnel). To qualify for a CHL in Ohio, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have lived in Ohio for at least 45 days
- Have lived in your current county for at least 30 days
- Provide proof of firearms competency training or equivalent military service
Applications are processed through your local sheriff’s office and include a background check and mental competency review. Although permitless carry is now legal, many Ohioans still pursue CHLs to maintain reciprocity with other states and to benefit from the background check exemption when purchasing firearms.
2. Ohio Is an Open-Carry State
Open carry is legal in Ohio without a license. Any law-abiding resident may carry a visible firearm in public. However, restrictions still apply in certain areas, such as government buildings, private property with “no guns” signage, and school zones.
Being informed about location-specific restrictions is critical, even for lawfully carried weapons.
3. You Cannot Carry Firearms Everywhere
Even with constitutional carry or a CHL, Ohio law prohibits carrying firearms in the following places:
- School safety zones (unless secured and locked in your vehicle)
- Government buildings and courthouses
- Police stations and jails
- Airport terminals beyond TSA checkpoints
- Facilities for mental health and developmental disabilities
- Businesses with posted “no firearms” signage
- Bars or restaurants serving alcohol, unless you have a CHL and are not drinking
4. Stand Your Ground Law Applies in Ohio
Since April 6, 2021, Ohio law has not required you to retreat before using deadly force in self-defense, defense of another, or defense of your home. Senate Bill 175 amended ORC 2901.05 to remove the duty to retreat, and the rule applies as long as you are in a place you have a lawful right to be.
This law strengthens your right to defend yourself, but it also comes with legal scrutiny. If you have used force in self-defense, speak with an attorney immediately.
5. Certain Individuals Are Prohibited from Owning Firearms
Ohio and federal law both prohibit the following individuals from possessing firearms:
- Convicted felons
- Individuals under indictment for a felony
- Those with substance abuse problems
- People found mentally incompetent or involuntarily committed
- Individuals with a conviction for domestic violence
Even a misdemeanor matters. Under the federal Lautenberg Amendment (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9)), anyone convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence is permanently barred from possessing firearms or ammunition. This federal bar applies even when the offense was charged as a first-degree misdemeanor under ORC 2919.25 rather than a felony, and Ohio Senate Bill 288 made M1 and M4 domestic violence convictions permanently ineligible for sealing in Ohio. If you are facing a Cincinnati domestic violence charge or already have a conviction on your record, the firearms consequences are not optional and they do not expire. A separate Having Weapons While Under Disability charge can follow if you possess a firearm after that disability attaches.
Other Ohio Gun Law Updates
- Employers and Guns: Your employer may prohibit firearms in the workplace, but they cannot stop you from keeping a secured firearm in your personal vehicle.
- No Red Flag Law: Ohio does not have a Red Flag Law (ERPO), meaning no legal mechanism currently exists to temporarily remove firearms from a person deemed dangerous without a crime being charged.
- Vehicle Transport Rules: You may transport a loaded handgun in your vehicle if you are eligible for permitless carry. Without a license or CHL, firearms must be unloaded and properly stored.
- State Preemption Law: Local governments may not enact firearm regulations stricter than state law, per ORC § 9.68.
Background Check Exemptions for CHL Holders
Under Ohio law, individuals with a valid Concealed Handgun License (CHL) issued on or after March 23, 2015 are exempt from additional background checks when purchasing a firearm from a dealer. This provision streamlines the purchase process for responsible gun owners and reduces the administrative burden on the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
It is important to note that this exemption applies only to CHLs in good standing and does not eliminate background checks for first-time buyers. Dealers still have the discretion to conduct a background check if they have concerns.
If you are unsure of your eligibility or have had your rights revoked, you may be able to apply for restoration of rights through the court.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio Gun Laws
Do I need a license to buy a gun in Ohio?
No. Ohio does not require a license or permit to buy or possess a firearm, whether it is a handgun, rifle, or shotgun.
Can I carry a gun in a restaurant that serves alcohol?
Yes, but only if you have a CHL and are not consuming alcohol. Without a CHL, carry is not permitted in these establishments.
Can military members carry without a CHL?
Yes. Active-duty military and some veterans are exempt from training requirements and may carry without a civilian CHL, provided they meet other legal qualifications.
What if I have been charged with a gun crime in Ohio?
Contact an experienced Ohio weapons crimes attorney right away. There are even times when a mistake on a gun application can result in charges, and any gun conviction can result in serious consequences, including prison time and loss of your right to own firearms.
How an Ohio Weapons Crimes Attorney Can Help You
In Ohio, you have the right to carry a concealed firearm if you are legally eligible to do so. If you have been charged with a gun crime or believe your rights were violated, Cincinnati weapons crimes attorney Brad Groene at Luftman, Heck & Associates can help. We will investigate the stop or arrest, examine the evidence, and build a defense aimed at the best possible outcome under Ohio law. Contact us today at (513) 338-1890 for a free initial consultation.
