Applying for an Ohio Concealed Handgun License can be confusing. However, if you follow this Ohio CCW Application Checklist, you can make the process faster and easier.

1. Make sure you meet the basic requirements before applying for an Ohio Concealed Handgun License:

• You must be at least 21 years of age.
• You must be an Ohio resident for at least 45 days.
• You must be a resident of the county of application (or an adjacent county) for at least 30 days.

2. Find a qualified CCW instructor and complete the required 12-hour course to obtain your Certificate of Competency.

• Your Certificate of Competency must be no more than 3 years old to qualify.
• You may also present documentation that proves you are an active or reserve member of the U.S. Military, you have been honorably discharged from the U.S. Military, or you a retired law enforcement officer and have experience handling handguns that is equivalent to the training requirements.

3. Read the Attorney General's pamphlet on Ohio's concealed carry laws. You should get a printed copy during your training course.

4. Locate the sheriff's office in your county (or an adjacent county) and pick up an application for an Ohio Concealed Handgun License. OR locate the sheriff's Web site and download the application (if available).

NOTE: Do NOT bring a firearm with you when picking up your application.

5. Have a passport-sized (2" x 2") color photo taken within 30 days of your application date. You may get a passport-sized photo at many photo shops, drug stores, groceries, Kinko's, and similar businesses that handle photo development.

6. If necessary, contact the sheriff's office to make an appointment to apply for your license.

7. Take your documents to the sheriff's office and apply for your license. As part of your application, you must:

• Present your completed application, Certificate of Competency (or documentation of equivalent experience), and passport sized color photo.
• Present a valid photo I.D., such as your driver's license.
• Pass a criminal background check and mental competency check.
• Submit to having your fingerprints electronically scanned or inked and rolled onto a card.
• Attest that you have read the Attorney General's pamphlet on Ohio's concealed carry laws.
• Pay a non-refundable fee by cash, money order, or certified check made payable to your sheriff's office. The fee is $55.00 if you have been an Ohio resident for more than five years, $79.00 if less than five years.

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