This is not legal advice.Concealed-carry reciprocity changes frequently and carries serious legal consequences. Verify current law with the destination state's official source before you carry.
Ohio CHL Requirements
How to get a Ohio Ohio Concealed Handgun License (CHL): fees, training, fingerprints, processing time, and renewal.
How to apply
- Application fee
- $67 — The license fee is $67 for an applicant who has been an Ohio resident for five or more years; applicants who are newer residents or out-of-state (employed in Ohio) pay $67 plus the cost of an FBI criminal-records check (O.R.C. §2923.125(B)).
- Minimum age
- 21
- Training
- Required — 8 hours (incl. 2 hr live fire) — At least 8 hours of training in the safe handling and use of a firearm, including a minimum of 2 hours of in-person range time and live-fire training (O.R.C. §2923.125(G)).
- Fingerprints
- Required
- Processing time
- See official source
- Validity / renewal
- 5 years, then renewal
- Residency
- Ohio residents only
- Non-resident permit
- Available
Applications are processed by Ohio County Sheriffs (concealed-carry reciprocity maintained by the Ohio Attorney General).
Steps to get a Ohio CHL
- Confirm you are eligible. Be at least 21 years old and a Ohio resident, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and not prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law.
- Complete the required firearms training. At least 8 hours of training in the safe handling and use of a firearm, including a minimum of 2 hours of in-person range time and live-fire training (O.R.C. §2923.125(G)).
- Get fingerprinted. Submit fingerprints for the state and FBI background check as part of the application.
- Submit your application to Ohio County Sheriffs (concealed-carry reciprocity maintained by the Ohio Attorney General). File your Ohio Concealed Handgun License (CHL) application with Ohio County Sheriffs (concealed-carry reciprocity maintained by the Ohio Attorney General). See the official page for forms and instructions.
- Pay the application fee. Pay the CHL application fee of $67. The license fee is $67 for an applicant who has been an Ohio resident for five or more years; applicants who are newer residents or out-of-state (employed in Ohio) pay $67 plus the cost of an FBI criminal-records check (O.R.C. §2923.125(B)).
- Receive your permit and note the renewal date. Once approved, your CHL is valid for 5 years, after which it must be renewed.
Note: Ohio allows permitless carry, so this permit is optional in-state — but it is still worth holding for reciprocity when traveling.
Last verified 2026-07-09 against Ohio Attorney General — Concealed Carry Reciprocity Agreements.
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Ohio CHL FAQ
- What are the requirements for a Ohio CHL?
- Applicants must be at least 21 years old, a resident of Ohio, and submit fingerprints. The application is processed by Ohio County Sheriffs (concealed-carry reciprocity maintained by the Ohio Attorney General).
- Is training required for a Ohio CHL?
- Yes. Ohio requires firearms training to obtain the CHL (8 hours, including 2 hour(s) of live fire). At least 8 hours of training in the safe handling and use of a firearm, including a minimum of 2 hours of in-person range time and live-fire training (O.R.C. §2923.125(G)).
- How long does it take to get a Ohio CHL?
- Ohio has not published a specific processing-time estimate for the CHL — check with Ohio County Sheriffs (concealed-carry reciprocity maintained by the Ohio Attorney General) for current wait times.
- Can non-residents get a Ohio CHL?
- Yes. Ohio issues a CHL to qualifying non-residents.
- How much does the Ohio CHL cost, and how long is it valid?
- The application fee is $67. The license fee is $67 for an applicant who has been an Ohio resident for five or more years; applicants who are newer residents or out-of-state (employed in Ohio) pay $67 plus the cost of an FBI criminal-records check (O.R.C. §2923.125(B)). The permit is valid for 5 years before renewal.