Everything You Need To Know About Owning A Firearm In The State Of Ohio

 

We feel safe when our safety is in our own hands. Sometimes trusting the state to keep you secure just isn’t enough. Luckily, the constitution offers you the right to hold a firearm to protect yourself, but each state is governed by its own individual firearm laws. If you are a resident of Ohio who wants to own a firearm, here is all you need to know.

 

Can You Legally Own An Open Firearm In Ohio?

Unlike a concealed firearm, an open firearm is carried openly and visibly in public. According to Ohio state laws, you can own an open firearm in Ohio and do not require a dedicated license to purchase such a firearm. Some states demand that you get a firearm license before you purchase one, but that is not the case for Ohio residents.

 

The only condition to purchasing an open firearm is that you must be 21 years of age. Anyone below 21 years of age cannot purchase a firearm or firearm ammunition. Besides this, a fugitive from justice, someone who has been convicted of a felony, someone who is drug dependent, or someone who is mentally ill is not allowed to own firearms. If you purchase a gun from a licensed firearms dealer, they will perform a background check to ensure you don’t fall under this category.

 

Can You Legally Own A Concealed Carry Firearm In Ohio?

A concealed carry firearm is kept hidden or concealed as you walk or drive around in public. The laws are slightly different for carrying a concealed firearm. You still won’t require an Ohio Concealed Carry license to purchase the firearm. However, there are some limitations to where you can carry the firearm.

 

• You cannot carry a concealed firearm while driving in a vehicle.
• Permitless owners cannot carry their firearms into school safety zones. Possessing a gun in school safety zones is a felony of the fifth degree and can lead to 12 years in prison and up to $2500 in fines.
• Similarly, you are prohibited from carrying a concealed carry weapon into police stations, highway patrol posts, detention facilities, courthouses, airports, places of worship, mental health facilities, and government facilities.

 

Where Are You Allowed To Carry A Firearm?

Besides the locations listed above, you are allowed to carry your firearm anywhere, including state and national parks, roadside rest areas, bars, and restaurants. However, individual businesses have the right to prohibit firearms on the premises. Property owners have the right to put up “no weapons allowed” signs which are legally enforced once put up.

 

Can You Get A Firearm In Ohio If You Aren’t A Resident?

Previously, Ohio did not allow out-of-state residents to purchase a gun in Ohio. But changes to Ohio’s gun laws on June 13, 2022, now state that anyone in Ohio can purchase a concealed carry without a license – even if they are not a local resident.

 

Can I Carry My Firearm To Other States If I Am From Ohio?

No, Ohio firearms laws are only applicable in Ohio. Since the firearm laws differ from state to state, you will have to verify if out-of-state firearms are allowed there before you make your move. Once you enter a new state, you are subject to that state’s firearm laws.