Ohio CCW Facts
Revised April 30, 2020
This is a fast facts reference for carrying a concealed handgun in Ohio with a license.
Basic Gun Safety Rules
- Always keep your gun pointed in a safe direction.
- Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
- Know your target and what is beyond.
- Store gun so it is not accessible to unauthorized persons.
- Use a quality holster that fully covers the trigger guard.
- Keep gun handling and holster adjustment to a minimum.
Where Your Ohio Concealed Handgun License Is NOT Valid
Ohio's license has reciprocity or is honored in 39 states (see map). These are the 11 states (and 1 district) that do NOT accept Ohio's license:
California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island
Firearm Transportation For Those With A License Only
- Loaded handguns and magazines may be on your person or stored anywhere in your vehicle.
Encounters With Law Enforcement (pedestrian or vehicle)
- Promptly inform officer you have a license and handgun.
- Keep hands in plain sight and comply with officer commands.
- Do not touch your handgun unless instructed to do so.
- Do not get out of your vehicle unless instructed to so.
Forbidden Carry Zones
- Any law enforcement station or detention facility
- Courthouse or building housing a courtroom
- Government building (controlling agency may authorize)
- Place of worship (unless specifically allowed)
- Secure areas of airports
- Institution for the care of mentally ill persons
- Any premises owned or leased by a public or private college or university (okay if left in locked car, not applicable if college or university has authorized concealed carry)
- School zone (okay if licensee stays in vehicle with handgun or the licensee leaves the handgun in locked car)
- Liquor facility (okay if not already under the influence, no alcohol is consumed, and facility not posted "no guns")
- Wherever federal law prohibits the carrying of handguns
- Any building or property posted as a "no gun zone"
NOTE: This provides only general guidelines for carrying a handgun in Ohio and is not intended to be legal advice.
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