Is Ohio an Open Carry State? Yes—And Constitutional Carry Means No Permit Needed for Concealed Carry Either 2026
Yes, Ohio is an open carry state. Residents aged 21 or older who can legally possess firearms may carry openly without permits in most public spaces. Since June 13, 2022, Ohio also became a constitutional carry state, eliminating permit requirements for concealed carry as well.
Confusion exists because Ohio recently changed from requiring concealed carry permits to permitless carry, neighboring states have different requirements, and prohibited locations remain even though permits aren’t required for most carry.
How Ohio’s Open Carry and Constitutional Carry Laws Work Together
Ohio permits open carry of firearms without requiring permits or licenses. Open carry means your firearm remains visible through ordinary observation—you’re not hiding it under clothing or in bags. Anyone aged 18 or older who can legally possess firearms may open carry in Ohio.
Ohio Revised Code § 2923.111 established constitutional carry, also called permitless carry, on June 13, 2022. This law eliminated the requirement to obtain a concealed handgun license (CHL) before carrying concealed firearms. Now, anyone 21 or older who meets legal possession requirements may carry concealed without permits.
Understanding the Distinction Between Open Carry and Concealed Carry in Ohio
While both forms of carry are legal without permits, important differences exist. Open carry has been legal in Ohio for decades without permits. The constitutional carry law changed concealed carry requirements, which previously mandated licenses.
Concealed carry means hiding your firearm from ordinary observation under clothing, in bags, or in vehicles. Before June 2022, carrying concealed without a license was a misdemeanor offense. The constitutional carry law eliminated this requirement for qualifying individuals.
Active military personnel with firearms training can carry at age 18 under constitutional carry provisions. Anyone with a valid concealed carry permit from any state can also carry at 18 in Ohio under reciprocity provisions.
Why Some Ohio Residents Still Obtain Concealed Handgun Licenses
Even though licenses aren’t required, many Ohioans still obtain CHLs for specific benefits. Ohio honors concealed carry permits from all states, and other states may require Ohio permits for reciprocity when traveling. Similar to how Delaware requires permits for concealed carry while permitting open carry, understanding state variations helps when traveling across state lines.
CHLs also exempt holders from certain restrictions. For example, CHL holders may carry in establishments serving alcohol (provided they don’t consume alcohol), while permitless carriers cannot. License holders may also carry in police stations and sheriff’s offices where permitless carriers are prohibited.
Where Ohio Law Prohibits Firearms Regardless of Permits or Constitutional Carry
Constitutional carry doesn’t mean unrestricted carry everywhere. Ohio maintains numerous prohibited locations where firearms cannot be carried openly or concealed.
Schools, Government Buildings, and Courthouses
Ohio Revised Code § 2923.122 prohibits carrying firearms in school safety zones, which include all public and private K-12 schools, school grounds, school buildings, school activities, and school buses. This prohibition applies to both open and concealed carry.
Courthouses and buildings containing courtrooms prohibit firearms under Ohio law. Government buildings including police stations and sheriff’s offices also ban firearms for those carrying under permitless carry provisions, though CHL holders may carry in police stations.
Establishments Serving Alcohol and Private Property
Ohio Revised Code § 2923.121 prohibits carrying firearms into establishments serving alcohol unless you hold a valid CHL and do not consume alcohol. Those carrying under permitless carry cannot carry in bars, restaurants serving alcohol, or other alcohol-serving establishments.
Private property owners can prohibit firearms by posting signage or providing verbal notice. Businesses may ban firearms even though Ohio permits open carry statewide. Refusing to leave when asked can result in trespassing charges.
Federal Property and Additional Restricted Locations
Federal law prohibits firearms in federal buildings, post offices, and secure areas of federal facilities regardless of state constitutional carry laws. These restrictions apply in Ohio just as nationwide.
Churches, synagogues, mosques, and other places of worship may prohibit firearms. State preemption under Ohio Revised Code § 9.68 prevents local governments from creating firearm ordinances more restrictive than state law, but property owners retain rights to ban firearms from their premises.
Why Ohio Gun Owners Face Confusion About Constitutional Carry Changes
Ohio’s transition from permit-required concealed carry to constitutional carry created uncertainty about current requirements and restrictions.
Recent Legal Changes Eliminated Permit Requirements
Before June 13, 2022, Ohio required concealed handgun licenses for concealed carry. The law mandated eight hours of firearms training including range time and live-fire exercises. Violating concealed carry laws without a license resulted in misdemeanor charges.
The constitutional carry law eliminated these requirements for qualifying individuals aged 21 or older. Many online sources haven’t updated their information to reflect this change, leading readers to believe permits remain required when they don’t.
Neighboring States Have Different Firearm Carry Requirements
Ohio borders Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, and Michigan. Each state has distinct firearm regulations creating confusion for travelers and new residents. Understanding these variations parallels challenges gun owners face in states like Oregon where city ordinances restrict loaded open carry despite state law permitting it.
Pennsylvania requires permits for concealed carry but allows open carry without permits. Michigan is a constitutional carry state similar to Ohio. Kentucky also has constitutional carry. These varying requirements confuse gun owners traveling between states or relocating to Ohio.
Common Misconceptions About Ohio’s Open Carry and Constitutional Carry Laws
You Still Need a Permit to Carry Concealed in Ohio
False. Since June 13, 2022, Ohio permits concealed carry without licenses for anyone 21 or older (or 18 for active military with firearms training) who can legally possess firearms. Permits are no longer required though many obtain them for reciprocity benefits.
This represents a major change from Ohio’s previous concealed carry requirements. Outdated information continues circulating online causing confusion about current law.
Open Carry and Concealed Carry Have Identical Restrictions
False. While both are legal without permits, different restrictions apply. Those carrying under permitless carry cannot carry in establishments serving alcohol, while CHL holders can (if not consuming alcohol). CHL holders may also carry in police stations where permitless carriers cannot.
Open carry has been legal longer in Ohio and has fewer additional restrictions than concealed carry under permitless carry provisions.
You Can Carry Firearms Anywhere in Ohio Without Restrictions
False. Schools, courthouses, government buildings, establishments serving alcohol (for permitless carriers), and private property where owners prohibit firearms all ban carry. Constitutional carry eliminated permit requirements—it didn’t eliminate location-based prohibitions.
Violating prohibited location restrictions can result in misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the location and circumstances.
What Ohio Gun Owners Should Do to Comply With Current Firearm Carry Laws
Verify You’re Not Prohibited From Possessing Firearms
Before carrying firearms openly or concealed, confirm you’re not prohibited under Ohio Revised Code § 2923.13 or federal law. Prohibitions include felony convictions, domestic violence misdemeanors, drug offenses, pending violent crime charges, fugitive status, protection orders, mental incompetence adjudications, and chronic alcoholism.
Federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 922 adds prohibitions for unlawful drug users, dishonorable military discharges, and renounced citizenship. Carrying while prohibited is a felony regardless of permit status.
Familiarize Yourself With Prohibited Locations
Learn which locations prohibit firearms under Ohio law. Schools, courthouses, government buildings, and establishments serving alcohol (for permitless carriers) all ban firearms. Federal buildings also prohibit firearms nationwide.
Pay attention to private property signage. Businesses can prohibit firearms even though Ohio permits open and concealed carry. Violating these restrictions can result in trespassing charges.
Understand When to Notify Law Enforcement
Ohio law requires notification to law enforcement officers during traffic stops or other lawful detentions if you’re carrying firearms. You must promptly inform officers you’re carrying and keep your hands visible. Officers may disarm you during the stop for safety.
Failure to notify officers when required can result in misdemeanor charges and suspension of carry rights. This requirement applies whether carrying openly or concealed and whether you have a CHL or are carrying under permitless carry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio Open Carry and Constitutional Carry Laws
Is Ohio an Open Carry State?
Yes. Ohio permits open carry of firearms without requiring permits for anyone 18 or older who can legally possess firearms. Open carry has been legal in Ohio for decades without permits.
Do You Need a Permit to Open Carry in Ohio?
No. You do not need a permit to open carry in Ohio if you are at least 18 years old and not prohibited from possessing firearms. Since June 13, 2022, you also don’t need a permit for concealed carry if you’re 21 or older.
Where Can You Not Open Carry in Ohio?
You cannot carry firearms (openly or concealed) in schools, courthouses, government buildings, establishments serving alcohol (for permitless carriers), churches that prohibit firearms, federal buildings, or private property where owners ban firearms. These restrictions apply regardless of permit status.
What Is the Difference Between Open Carry and Concealed Carry in Ohio?
Open carry means your firearm is visible through ordinary observation. Concealed carry means the firearm is hidden from view. Both are legal without permits in Ohio, but concealed carry has age 21 minimum (or 18 for military with training) while open carry requires only age 18.
What Are the Penalties for Carrying a Firearm in Prohibited Locations in Ohio?
Carrying firearms in schools is a felony under Ohio Revised Code § 2923.122 punishable by up to five years in prison. Carrying in other prohibited locations can result in misdemeanor charges, fines, and potential jail time depending on the specific violation.
Can You Open Carry in Ohio If You’re Visiting From Another State?
Yes. Non-residents may open carry in Ohio under the same rules as residents, provided they are at least 18 years old and can legally possess firearms. Non-residents may also carry concealed if they’re 21 or older or hold a valid concealed carry permit from any state.
Last Updated: January 26, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Ohio’s open carry and constitutional carry laws and is not legal advice. Individuals facing firearm-related legal issues should consult qualified attorneys for case-specific guidance.
If you have questions about your firearm carry rights in Ohio or face legal issues related to firearm possession, contact local law enforcement for clarification or consult an attorney experienced in Ohio firearm law.
Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com
Sources Cited:
- Ohio Revised Code § 2923.111 (Eligibility for Licenses; Application; Issuance; Duties)
- Ohio Revised Code § 2923.13 (Having Weapons While Under Disability)
- Ohio Revised Code § 2923.121 (Possession of Firearm in Liquor Permit Premises)
- Ohio Revised Code § 2923.122 (Illegal Conveyance or Possession of Deadly Weapon or Dangerous Ordnance in School Safety Zone)
- Ohio Revised Code § 9.68 (Preemption of Local Gun Control)
- 18 U.S.C. § 922 (Federal Firearm Regulations)
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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