Do You Need a Gun License in Ohio?
Ohio is one of the many states in the United States that requires its citizens to obtain a license in order to purchase, carry, or own a gun. In this article, we will explore the answers to the question, do you need a gun license in Ohio, and the requirements and process of obtaining one.
Do I Need a Gun License in Ohio?
Yes, you need a gun license in Ohio if you are a resident of the state and want to purchase or own a firearm. There are two types of licenses available in Ohio: the Concealed Carry Handgun License (CCW) and the Firearm Ownership Identification Card (FOID).
Concealed Carry Handgun License (CCW)
A Concealed Carry Handgun License (CCW) allows you to carry a handgun concealed on your person, in your vehicle, or in your home. The CCW license is administered by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and is valid for a period of five years. To obtain a CCW license, you must meet the following requirements:
• Be at least 21 years old
• Be a resident of Ohio for at least 30 days
• Not be the subject of a protection order or have a felony conviction
• Not have any outstanding warrants or court convictions
• Complete a mandatory firearms safety course
You can apply for a CCW license online or through a licensed firearms dealer in Ohio. The application fee is $67, which includes a $35 handling fee and a $32 license fee.
Firearm Ownership Identification Card (FOID)
A Firearm Ownership Identification Card (FOID) is required for anyone who wishes to purchase a firearm, including handguns, rifles, and shotguns. The FOID is administered by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and is valid for a period of five years. To obtain a FOID, you must meet the following requirements:
• Be at least 18 years old
• Not be the subject of a protection order or have a felony conviction
• Not have any outstanding warrants or court convictions
• Complete a mandatory firearms safety course (optional)
You can apply for a FOID online or through a licensed firearms dealer in Ohio. The application fee is $24, which includes a $10 handling fee and a $14 license fee.
Who is Exempt from Obtaining a Gun License in Ohio?
The following individuals are exempt from obtaining a gun license in Ohio:
• Law enforcement officers
• Armed Forces personnel
• Active reserve personnel
• Former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents
• Former Ohio State Highway Patrol officers
• Ohio Sheriff’s deputies
• Security guards who are licensed in Ohio
Filing a Background Check
As part of the application process for both the CCW and FOID, you will be required to file a background check. This check is conducted through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), which is a federal database that checks for any disqualifying criminal convictions, pending charges, or mental health issues.
Concealed Carry Laws in Ohio
Ohio has relatively lax concealed carry laws compared to other states. In addition to the CCW license, you can also carry a firearm openly, with or without a license. However, there are certain places where carrying a firearm is prohibited, including:
• Schools and school areas
• Public transportation (buses, trains, etc.)
• Police and sheriff’s stations
• Courthouses
• Prisons and correctional facilities
• Nuclear facilities
• Government buildings (except for licensed carry holders)
Penalties for Violating Ohio’s Concealed Carry Laws
Penalties for violating Ohio’s concealed carry laws can range from a misdemeanor offense (up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine) to a felony offense (up to 3 years in prison and a $10,000 fine). In addition, you may also lose your CCW license for a period of 2-5 years.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ohio requires its citizens to obtain a gun license in order to purchase, carry, or own a firearm. There are two types of licenses available: the CCW and the FOID. The CCW license allows you to carry a handgun concealed, while the FOID is required to purchase a firearm. Failure to obtain a gun license can result in severe penalties, including fines and even imprisonment. It is essential to understand Ohio’s laws and regulations regarding concealed carry and firearms ownership.
Table: Ohio Gun Licensing Requirements
| License Type | Age Requirement | Resident Requirement | Background Check Requirement | Application Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCW | 21 | 30-day residency | Yes | $67 |
| FOID | 18 | – | Yes | $24 |
Table: Places Where Carrying a Firearm is Prohibited in Ohio
| Location | Authorized Carry |
|---|---|
| Schools and school areas | No |
| Public transportation (buses, trains, etc.) | No |
| Police and sheriff’s stations | No |
| Courthouses | No |
| Prisons and correctional facilities | No |
| Nuclear facilities | No |
| Government buildings (except for licensed carry holders) | Yes |
Footnotes
- Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2923.121 (West 2022)
- Ohio Attorney General’s Office, "Application for Concealed Carry Handgun License"
- Ohio Attorney General’s Office, "Application for Firearm Ownership Identification Card"
- Ohio State Highway Patrol, "Concealed Carry Handgun License Information"
- National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action, "Ohio Gun Laws"
