Gun Laws in Ohio
Gun Friendliness Score
How We Calculate Gun Friendliness Scores
The Gun Friendliness Score ranges from 0 to 100 and represents how favorable a state's laws are toward gun ownership and use. We evaluate each state across 50 key gun policies, assigning points based on how these policies affect gun owners:
- Policies that support gun rights, reduce restrictions, or expand legal protections for gun owners receive positive points
- Policies that restrict firearm ownership, limit purchase options, or add regulatory burdens receive negative points
Ohio's score of 71 reflects the state's constitutional carry laws, reasonable firearm regulations, and generally supportive stance toward Second Amendment rights, though some restrictions remain in place.
Ohio Gun Laws Summary
Ohio has evolved into a gun-friendly state with recent legislative changes that have significantly expanded firearm rights. The state has moved away from many restrictive policies and now provides strong protections for lawful gun owners while maintaining reasonable safety measures.
Ohio is a shall-issue state for concealed handgun licenses, though permits are now optional for most residents. The Ohio Attorney General's office handles license issuance, and qualifying applicants will receive their licenses without discretionary denial. While not required, obtaining a license provides advantages including reciprocity with other states and streamlined firearm purchases.
On June 13, 2022, Ohio became a constitutional carry state when Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 215 into law. Any law-abiding citizen who is at least 21 years old and legally permitted to possess a firearm can carry a concealed weapon without a permit. This landmark legislation positioned Ohio among the growing number of states that recognize constitutional carry rights.
Permitting, Sales and Transfers
No permits are required to purchase firearms or ammunition in Ohio. Background checks are conducted for sales through federally licensed dealers (FFLs) as required by federal law, using the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) or Ohio's own background check system.
Private sales between individuals require no background check, permit, or registration. Ohio law does not require registration of firearms, and the state has provisions limiting the creation of firearm registries by government entities.
Firearms in Public and in the Home
Ohio is a constitutional carry state where no permit is required for concealed carry by residents aged 21 and older who can legally possess firearms. Non-residents must have a valid concealed carry permit from their home state or another state that Ohio recognizes.
Open carry is legal without a permit for anyone 18 years or older who can legally possess a firearm. Certain locations prohibit carry, including federal buildings, courthouses, schools, and private property where prohibited by the owner. For those who choose to obtain a concealed handgun license, Ohio requires completion of firearms training from a qualified instructor. Military members and veterans may qualify for reduced training requirements.
Firearm, Feature and Accessory Bans
Ohio has no bans on semi-automatic firearms or detachable magazines. There are no magazine capacity restrictions. Most NFA items (suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns) are legal to own provided federal requirements are met. Machine guns manufactured after 1986 are prohibited as per federal law. Ohio has preemption laws that prevent local governments from enacting firearms regulations more restrictive than state law.
Local Laws
Ohio has statewide preemption of most firearms laws. State law prohibits political subdivisions from enacting or enforcing any ordinance, rule, or regulation relating to the ownership, possession, purchase, acquisition, transport, storage, carrying, sale, transfer, manufacture, taxation, or any other relating to firearms, ammunition, or firearm accessories. This ensures relatively uniform gun laws throughout the state, though some exceptions exist for certain local regulations.
2025 Gun Law Checklist
Ohio Gun Policy Profile: 50 Key Legislative Points
Purchasing and Sales Regulations
Background Check for Any Firearm Sale
State requires any firearm sale to go through a licensed dealer (FFL) and be subject to a background check. (Federal law requires those "engaged in the business" of buying/selling firearms to perform a background check during a sale). A private sale or transfer of any firearm between individuals (non-family members) must be also conducted through an FFL.
Background Check for Any Handgun Sale (Including Private Sales)
All handgun sales and most transfers are subject to a background check. Private sales of handguns between individuals (non-family members) must be conducted through an FFL.
Background Check Extensions
State will halt the transfer of a firearm if a background check is delayed. Some states will halt the process indefinitely, some for a set amount of time.
Failed Background Check Reported to Law Enforcement
The firearm dealer (or state agency conducting the background check) has a responsibility to notify local law enforcement of a failed background check.
Must be 21 or Older to Purchase
Most firearms–including rifles, shotguns, and handguns–cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 21. (Federal laws permit long guns to be sold to those over the age of 18.)
Permit to Purchase
State requires a permit (single-use or renewable) for all firearms or specifically for handguns. States typically charge a fee for the permit and a background check is performed during the application.
Mandatory Waiting Periods
Prior to purchasing a firearm, an individual must wait a specified period (typically between 3-14 days) between initiating the purchase and taking possession of the firearm.
State Licenses All Gun Dealers
State has a licensing system for firearms merchants above and beyond the federal (FFL) system.
Purchase Rejected for Public Safety Reasons
State officials able to block sales of firearms if the purchaser is deemed to be a threat to themselves or to public safety (according to the judgment of the official)
Approved Handgun Roster
State controls what make and model handguns are sold; according to their own criteria. Often, this involves a "roster" of approved handguns with the right "safety" features, such as a loaded chamber indicator, or even the amount of metal in the firearm (Maryland). Often, LE are exempt from these requirements.
Strict Unfinished Frames and Receivers Laws
State sets a lower threshold for unfinished frames and receivers (beyond ATF rule 2021R-05F). Includes ban on 3D-printing of these parts in some states.
Ownership and Registration Requirements
Permit to Possess
Several states require a permit just to possess: a handgun (New York); any firearms or ammunition (Illinois).
State Firearm or Handgun Registry
State keeps a record of every firearm or handgun sold. Includes states with a permit to purchase and states that keep records of purchases.
Mandatory Firearms Training
Prior to purchasing a firearm, an individual must prove they completed the state ordered training. Often, this is part of the application process for a Permit to Purchase.
Secure Storage Requirement
Gun owners must lock up firearms in the home (or anywhere else a minor or prohibited person may have access).
Magazine Capacity Limits
State limits magazine capacity for some or all firearms.
"Assault Weapons" Ban
Magazine fed, semi-automatic, centerfire rifles cannot have other "features" (pistol grip, flash hider, etc.) or they are considered "assault weapons." New guns cannot be registered as "assault weapons." Possession is prohibited with limited exceptions.
Microstamping Law
State has a law banning the sale of a new pistol unless its firing can imprint its serial number somewhere on the cartridge case during firing. This technology is make-believe at present, but these laws will effectively ban the sale of new handguns in the state if/when they become effective
Penalties for Not Reporting a Lost or Stolen Firearm
Gun owners must report the loss or theft of firearms–usually within several days of the incident or first discovering the loss–or potentially face a criminal penalty.
Carry and Location Restrictions
Mandatory Permit for Concealed Carry
State requires a permit to carry a concealed pistol. This includes all states that "may issue" a permit (where officials may deny a permit for subjective reasons).
Officials Can Deny Carry Permit
State allows the carry permit officials to deny an application based on the state's own criteria.
Open Carry Limited or Banned
State restricts open carry to rifles and shotguns or bans open carry completely unless you are LE or special permit holder.
No Carry Mandate for College Campuses
State has not passed a blanket law permitting concealed carry on college campuses.
Gun Ban on Most Public Property
State limits or bans any type of carry in and around government facilities (state, county, municipal) and/or limits carry of firearms in parades and demonstrations
Guns Banned in Bars
State prohibits carry inside bars or consumption of alcohol while carrying.
No Guns in K-12 Schools
Only LE (and in some states, specially licensed school officials) may carry on school property.
Does Not Recognize Other States' Carry Permits
State doesn't consider concealed carry permits from other states valid
Prohibited Persons and Possession Restrictions
Felons are Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting felons from owning guns and ammo, even though federal law already does this.
Fugitives are Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting fugitives from justice from owning guns and ammo, even though federal law already does this.
Involuntarily Committed are Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting those who have been involuntarily committed (to a psychiatric hospital or mental institution), or those found to be a danger to themselves or others from owning guns and ammo. Federal law already prohibits anyone found to be mentally defective or committed to a mental institution at 16 years or older.
Violent Offenders Cannot Possess
State will take away firearms, deny future possession, or at minimum deny future purchase of firearms for certain misdemeanor crimes of violence (besides domestic violence violence).
Domestic Violence Offenders Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting those convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence from owning guns and ammo, even though federal law already does this
Stalkers are Prohibited Persons at the State Level
State has either made stalking a felony (instant prohibitor) or makes an individual convicted of misdemeanor stalking a prohibited person.
Intervention and Seizure Provisions
Red Flag Law
Law enforcement (and others, depending on the state) is allowed to request that firearms be taken away from others with limited due process.
Emergency Gun Seizure Before Restraining Orders
Similar to a red flag law, state will take away guns before an actual conviction. This is often during domestic disputes, before a restraining order takes effect, and in similar situations.
Guns Seized for Hate Crimes
State will take away all firearms from an individual in response to a misdemeanor hate crime conviction.
Guns Seized After Becoming Prohibited
State will quickly respond when an individual's status changes to prohibited and take away all firearms belonging to that person.
Guns Seized After Domestic Violence Conviction
State will quickly respond to take away firearms from an individual if they are convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence.
Guns Seized Amid Restraining Orders
State will take away all firearms from anyone who is subject to a restraining order, even though federal law already does this.
No Stand Your Ground Law
State imposes a "duty to retreat" before using force or requires "proportional force" when responding to an attack or dangerous situation with force.
Monitoring and Threat Assessment
Mental Health Database
State maintains records of anyone that has been committed or involuntarily committed to psychiatric hospitals. They send this information to the FBI for use by the NICS (or when conducting a state background check, if applicable).
School Officials Conduct Threat Assessments
Teams of mostly school officials are empowered by law to refer children for mental health assessments or take more drastic action if they believe the child poses a threat to themselves or others.
Mandatory Tracing of "Crime Guns"
Law enforcement must use either a state system or the federal firearm tracing system to research any firearm recovered from a crime scene or used in a crime.
Law Enforcement Oversight and Accountability
No LE Officers Bill of Rights
Some states never passed (or passed and later repealed) a set of basic protections for public safety officers. These protections vary by state. They often include the right to engage in political activity and run for public office, and the right to refuse a lie detector test, among other things.
Heavy Restrictions on LE Use of Deadly Force
State laws severely limit the discharge of firearms to apprehend criminals, including against individuals suspected of murder or fleeing a felony in many cases.
Reports for LE Deadly Force Incidents
Law enforcement agencies are required to report any officer-involved shootings that result in serious injury or death. Monthly or annual reports are compiled using this data and made available to the public.
No Qualified Immunity Defense Laws
In civil court, LE officials may not use a defense of qualified immunity if they are accused of certain civil rights violations. This includes situations in which a firearm was used.
Prevention and Support Programs
Dedicated Office of Gun Violence Prevention
Some states have passed legislation creating gun violence prevention offices that target "community gun violence." Taxpayer funds are used to support these programs, which may have little to no effect on violent crime.
Funding for Services of Victims of Gun Violence
Some states maximize the use of federal money intended for victims of violent crime by increasing pool of eligible claimants. Money is paid out to families of convicted felons in many cases.
Local Control
Counties / Cities / Towns Can Pass Stricter Gun Laws
Local governments are free to pass their own gun control laws in addition to any existing laws at the federal and state levels. Some states prohibit local governments from passing laws about specific things-including guns. This is known as preemption.
Conclusion
This piece covers the laws that regulate firearms and ammunition in the state of Ohio. To do so, the piece begins with Ohio’s ammunition laws, covering the requirements to have ammunition shipped to a residential address in the state. From there, the piece turns to firearms laws, discussing the processes for both purchasing and carrying firearms in the state. To conclude, the piece leaves with some information and resources that we think would be useful for folks who want to buy, own, and carry firearms and ammunition within Ohio.
We do not intend this piece as legal advice. Instead, we hope that you can use the information here as a basis for your own research and informed decision-making.
Like many states, Ohio has state-level preemption for laws concerning firearms and ammunition. This means that the state government has ruled that localities such as counties, cities, and towns cannot make or enforce firearms laws that are stricter than those at the state level. Preemption makes things a little simpler for gun owners in the state, as it means that once you understand state laws and how to comply with them, that understanding applies everywhere within the state.
Ohio has some of the more permissive firearms laws in the country and is in especially stark contrast to nearby Illinois. Ohio does not have any major bans and makes both purchasing and carrying firearms and ammo in the state a relatively simple process.
Ammo Laws/Buying Ammo in Ohio
First, we will cover the ammo laws of the state.
Ohio has no major ammunition bans. Additionally, the state does not impose any of its own major regulations on the sale or possession of ammunition. Thus, buying ammo in the state of Ohio is governed by the federal regulations enforced by the ATF.
The ATF has two sets of requirements that buyers must meet in order to legally purchase ammunition. The first is an age requirement: buyers have to be eighteen years of age or older to purchase ammunition for long guns such as rifles and shotguns, and at least twenty-one years old to buy handgun ammo. Second, buyers cannot be prohibited persons. The ATF defines prohibited persons as people who have been convicted of felonies or domestic violence, those found mentally deficient in a court of law, and people who have been involuntarily committed to an inpatient mental health facility for treatment.
If the buyer meets both of those requirements, they can not only purchase ammo within Ohio but can have ammunition shipped to their homes in the state. It is worth noting that some carriers impose additional rules such as asking for an adult with a valid form of identification to be present to sign for packages containing ammunition.
Because Ohio does not impose any major regulations on the sale and possession of ammunition and thus buyers within the state are regulated by the laws set by the Federal government, Ohio’s state laws are some of the most permissive in the nation. Conceptually, federal regulations are the baseline for such permissiveness, since nowhere in the US is exempt from Federal law, even if those federal laws are not always enforced equally (for example, marijuana is still federally illegal, it just so happens that the DEA hasn’t prosecuted many people for it in states that allow it).
Gun Laws/Buying Guns in Ohio
Now we’ll do the same for Ohio’s gun laws.
Ohio’s firearms laws are similarly permissive when compared to their ammunition laws. The state does not have a ban on magazines of any capacity, nor does it have an assault weapons ban that would either ban any category of weapons by name or by some list of features. The state is also fine with its citizens purchasing and possessing NFA items such as suppressors, machine guns, and short-barreled rifles and shotguns.
To purchase a firearm from a gun store in Ohio, the buyer only needs to bring a valid form of identification and a form of payment to the gun store. Once there, the FFL will have the buyer fill out ATF’s Form 4473 to complete a background check and make the legally mandated record of the transfer of the firearm to the buyer. Once the background check is complete and the payment is processed, the buyer is free to leave the same day with their new firearm.
Ohio does not mandate that private sellers do a background check on potential buyers. It is always advisable, though, to make sure that those buyers are not prohibited persons and do meet the federally set age requirements to purchase firearms.
Ohio’s stance on the carriage of firearms is similarly permissive to the purchasing laws in the state. Open carry is allowed and does not require a permit. But, the state does have laws that add additional criminal charges to those who openly carry a firearm while under the influence of alcohol, especially if they’re also driving a car at the time.
Concealed carry is also permitless in the state. Like many states that do not require a concealed carry permit, Ohio still offers its concealed carry permit on a shall-issue basis. The primary benefit to such a permit is that it allows Ohio residents to legally carry a firearm in states that recognize Ohio’s permit.
It is common among states to have a list of places where firearms are forbidden, and Ohio is no exception to this rule. In Ohio, the list of prohibited places includes:
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Inside Airport Terminals
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Police Stations
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Correctional Facilities
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Places of Worship without Permission
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Buildings used by the Ohio Government
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Mental Health Facilities
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Federal Property
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Bars
This list is not an unusual one, even among the most permissive states. One thing to note is that it is always illegal to carry a firearm in Federal facilities, which includes your local post office even if the sign stating such is tucked away inside of the building.
Overall, Ohio is extremely gun-friendly. Buying and possessing both firearms and ammunition follows federal guidelines to the letter. The carriage of firearms, both openly and concealed, is also extremely permissive and does not require a permit as of the time of this writing. Thus, Ohio is one of the best states in which to be a firearms owner in the US.
Sales Tax on Guns/Ammo in Ohio
Ohio has a general sales tax rate of 5.75%. Localities can and do impose additional taxes, making the effective tax rate in the state somewhere between 6.5% and 8%. It might be worth looking for an FFL that is one of the lower-taxed parts of the state.
Ohio does not impose additional, special taxes on the sale of firearms and ammunition.
More Resources:
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The ATF maintains a list of all of the FFLs in the country, including in Ohio. This list can be used to find local gun stores, which are usually Type One or Type Two FFLs.
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Wheretoshoot.org is an excellent tool for finding ranges that are convenient for you. Use the mileage, city, and zip code filters to find ranges that work for you. Users can add new ranges, and the site frequently checks submitted information for accuracy.
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There are a number of well-reviewed gun stores in the state.
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The Ohio Sportsman forum is not specific to the firearms community but does have an active community that often shares good local information that is relevant to those interested in hunting and shooting in the state.