Ohio Concealed Handgun License (CHL)
Everything you need to know to apply for your Ohio CHL, including requirements, fees, and an interactive reciprocity map.
Overview
Requirements
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be a resident of Ohio
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Not be a fugitive from justice
- Not be under indictment or convicted of a felony
- Not be under indictment or convicted of a drug offense
- Not be an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance
- Not have been adjudicated mentally incompetent or committed to a mental institution
- Not be subject to a civil protection order or temporary protection order
- Complete an approved handgun training course of at least 8 hours (including at least 2 hours of in-person range and live-fire training)
What Does Ohio CCW Training Cover?
Ohio Revised Code §2923.125(G) requires a course with at least 8 hours of training, including at least 2 hours of in-person range time and live-fire training. Here is what the curriculum must include:
Safe Handling of a Handgun
Safe storage practices, trigger discipline, and muzzle awareness.
Handgun Storage & Security
Lock boxes, gun safes, child safety, and legal storage obligations.
Ammunition Knowledge
Calibers, types, and ballistics basics every carrier should know.
Marksmanship Fundamentals
Grip, stance, sight alignment, and trigger control.
Ohio Concealed Carry Laws
ORC 2923, carry zones, traffic stops, and duty to inform.
Live Fire Demonstration
2-hour minimum at an approved range with a certified instructor.
Many courses also include malfunction clearing, holster selection, situational awareness, and conflict de-escalation.
Veterans: In some cases a document showing military service or experience can substitute for the training course (ORC §2923.125(B)(3)(d)). Your county sheriff decides; contact your sheriff for eligibility details.
Our Basic Pistol Fundamentals course covers safe handling, ammunition, marksmanship and range procedures, and is taught by NRA Certified Instructor Kelly P. Fitzgerald. The in-person range session is required; once it is completed, your CCW training certificate documents the training Ohio requires (ORC 2923.125). ExpertCCW courses are original courses and are not NRA courses. Confirm current requirements with your county sheriff.
Enroll Now — $89Step-by-Step Application Process
Complete Required Training
Complete a handgun training course of at least 8 hours that includes classroom instruction on Ohio concealed carry laws and at least 2 hours of in-person range and live-fire training. Qualifying instructors include those certified by a national gun advocacy organization, by the executive director of the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission, or by a governmental official or entity of Ohio, another state, or the United States (ORC 2923.125(B)(3)); check with your county sheriff.
Gather Required Documents
You will need:
- Completed CCW training certificate (training within 3 years before a new application; not needed for renewal, ORC 2923.125)
- Valid Ohio driver license or state ID
- Proof of Ohio residency (utility bill, bank statement, or lease)
- Passport-style photograph
Download the Application
Download and complete the CHL application from the Ohio Attorney General website: Ohio CHL Application Form
Visit Your County Sheriff Office
Bring your completed application, supporting documents, and payment to your county sheriff office. You will be fingerprinted during your visit. The fee is $67 for new applications or $50 for renewals.
Background Check & Processing
The sheriff will conduct a background check through local, state, and federal databases. By law, the sheriff has 45 days to issue or deny your license.
Receive Your License
If approved, you will be notified to pick up your Ohio CHL. Your license is valid for 5 years from the date of issue.
Our course covers safe handling, ammunition, marksmanship and range procedures, taught by NRA Certified Instructor Kelly P. Fitzgerald. The in-person range session is required; once it is completed, your CCW training certificate documents the training Ohio requires.
Ready to Get Your Ohio Permit?
Enroll in Basic Pistol Fundamentals — online coursework with professional instruction.
Enroll Now — $89Ohio CHL Reciprocity Map
See which states honor your Ohio Concealed Handgun License. Hover over (or tap on mobile) any state for details.
Your Ohio CHL is honored in 39 states
Per Ohio Attorney General, Concealed Carry Reciprocity Agreements, checked November 8, 2026. The Attorney General lists Minnesota and Vermont here although neither has a reciprocity agreement with Ohio; each allows Ohioans to carry under its own law. Texas and Wisconsin honor licenses issued or renewed after March 23, 2015. Reciprocity changes; check before you travel.
States That Honor Ohio CHL
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
States That Do Not Honor Ohio CHL
California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island
Official Resources
Disclaimer: Reciprocity laws change frequently. Always verify current reciprocity agreements with the destination state before traveling. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.