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.

Return to Ohio CCW Information Center