Concealed Carry

PLEASE READ ENTIRE PAGE BEFORE APPLYING!!!

Senate Bill 215 Information: Constitutional Carry Law in Ohio

Please read the following noteworthy points on the new Constitutional Carry Law in Ohio:

  • Is Ohio’s concealed handgun license (CHL) optional after June 13th, 2022?
    1. Although Senate Bill 215 legalizes constitutional carry in Ohio, residents are still encouraged to obtain a CHL permit with their local Sheriff’s Office. The new law allows a person to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. However, the same rights and responsibilities apply as a person who has a permit.
  • What is the benefit of obtaining a CHL in Ohio if I do not need one anymore?
    1. During a CHL certification course individuals receive in-depth training on firearm safety, safe storage and handling, how a firearm mechanically functions, a deeper understanding of the law, and a skills test. This information is critical when ensuring the safety of the firearm operator and those around them.
  • If a person was previously denied a CHL in Ohio, are they permitted to carry without a license?
    1. The law did not change regarding who can legally carry a handgun. You must still be a legally qualified adult, be at least 21 years of age and not prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law.
  • In Ohio, are citizens required to carry the CHL permit on their person?
    1. A CHL holder was required to have the permit on their person. However, with the new law, people are no longer required to carry the physical permit.
  • Will Ohio continue to issue CHL licenses?
    1. The new law does not affect the licensing process. People who travel outside of Ohio still need to have a valid license to carry a concealed handgun in other states that still require a permit. Individuals are encouraged to obtain a CHL permit with their local Sheriff’s Office.
  • Are persons compelled to inform a law enforcement officer that they are carrying a concealed handgun?
    1. When the new law goes into effect, the duty to inform the officer is only when or if the officer asks if you are carrying a handgun. We recommend that all officers routinely ask if the person has a concealed handgun.
  • Does this change how people carry concealed handguns in a motor vehicle?
    1. No. While in a motor vehicle an individual can possess a concealed handgun. The new legislation refers strictly to concealed handguns only.
    2. The current law as it relates to the transportation of rifles/ shotguns remains the same as well. They must be transported in a separate container or closed compartment and separated from the ammunition in your trunk or in an area not accessible without leaving your vehicle.
  • Can a person carry into a prohibited area?
    1. No. Areas that are currently no-carry zones such as schools; local, state, or federal government facilities; detention facilities; airports, or otherwise posted locations will remain no-carry zones. Property owners are still able to post “no-firearms” signs. Additionally, an individual can carry a handgun into any business that is issued a Class D liquor permit such as night clubs, carry outs, restaurants, shopping malls, marinas, etc. However, if the individual will be consuming alcohol, they are not permitted to carry a concealed handgun.
  • Can non-residents carry concealed handguns in Ohio without a license?
    1. Yes. There is no residency requirement for those legally permitted to carrying a CHL or practice their constitutional carry rights in Ohio. Additionally, Ohio law gives the Attorney General the right to negotiate concealed handgun reciprocity agreements with other states. For more information visit the Ohio Attorney General’s website.

For a printable version of the above information, please click here.

To Qualify For a CCW in Ohio, You Must:

                  • Be at least 21 years of age.
                  • Complete the required 8-hour course to obtain your Certificate of Competency or military equivalent.
                  • Not be under any disability to possess a firearm. This includes federal disqualifications that the Sheriff may consider.

List of Disqualifying Provisions:

Do NOT bring a firearm with you when applying for or picking up your license!

 

To apply for a NEW Concealed Carry Weapon’s (CCW) permit from the Guernsey County Sheriff’s Office, applicants must:

                  • Be a resident of Guernsey County or adjacent county to Guernsey County.
                  • Make an online appointment with this office.
                  • Fill out an Ohio CCW Application completely including signature. The application MUST be Rev. 3/17 and is available here.
                  • Have a color photo, passport size 2″x2″, taken within 30 days (many photo shops, drug stores, groceries, and similar businesses that handle photo development may be able to help you obtain this size photograph).
                  • Have a valid identification, driver’s license, state I.D., or passport.
                  • Pass a criminal background check and mental competency check.
                  • Have an original Certificate of Competency or Prior Equivalent Documentation. Certificates are only valid 3 years from date of issuance.
                  • Pay the non-refundable fee (cash, exact change only, cashier’s check, or money order made out to Guernsey County Sheriff’s Office):
                    • $67.00 New
                    • $37.00 Emergency
                    • Additional $10.00 for a FBI Background Check (If not an Ohio resident for last 5 years.)
                  • Submit to having your fingerprints electronically scanned or inked and rolled onto a card.

 

To apply for a RENEWAL of a Concealed Carry Weapon’s (CCW) permit from the Guernsey County Sheriff’s Office, applicants must:

                  • Already have a CCW License issued by any Ohio county or another state with a reciprocity agreement.
                  • Be a resident of Guernsey County or adjacent county to Guernsey County.
                  • Make an online appointment with this office. The application MUST be Rev. 3/17 and is available here.
                  • Fill out an Ohio CCW Application completely including signature.
                  • Have a valid identification, driver’s license, state I.D., or passport.
                  • Pass a criminal background check and mental competency check.
                  • Pay the non-refundable fee (cash, exact change only, cashier’s check, or money order):
                    • $50.00 Renewal
                    • Additional $10.00 for a FBI Background Check (If not an Ohio resident for last 5 years.)
                  • Submit to having your fingerprints electronically scanned or inked and rolled onto a card

Important – If you have been issued a CCW License and it is expired, you do not need to take the 8 hour class again. An expired CCW License can be renewed at any time. This is different from the certificate issued by a licensed instructor for completion of the class. Those certificates expire 3 years from time of issuance.

 

FEE SCHEDULE

(All fees are Non-Refundable):

New Issue – Resident for more than 5 continuous years: $67.00
New Issue – Resident for less than 5 continuous years: $77.00
New Issue – Non-Resident (Employed/Stationed in Ohio): $77.00
Renewal – Resident for more than 5 continuous years: $50.00
Renewal – Non-Resident (Employed/Stationed in Ohio): $60.00
Temporary Emergency – Resident for more than 5 continuous years: $37.00
Temporary Emergency – Resident for less than 5 continuous years: $61.00
Temporary Emergency – Non-resident Temporarily in Ohio: $61.00
Replacement: $15.00

We Will only accept the following methods of payment
Payment must be made payable to: Guernsey County Sheriff’s Office

  • CASH
  • MONEY ORDER
  • CASHIER’S CHECK
  • CERTIFIED BANK CHECK

We will not accept Credit/Debit Cards, Personal or Business Checks

 

If you are currently serving or have served in the military and was honorably discharged, you do not need to take the 8 hour course before obtaining your CCW license. Proof of military service (ID Card) or DD214 will need to be presented at time of application.

If you are Active Duty Military with a current ID Card, a Veteran, or Retired Military, your fee will be waived.  Bring in a DD214 stating you were honorably discharged.

If you are changing your address or name you must report it to us within 45 Days. You must report the change by filling out the Change of Address Form and mailing it to the address listed on the form.

If you have ever been prohibited from having a weapon under ORC Section 2923.125, you must provide court documentation granting relief for disability.

For questions concerning concealed carry information not addressed on this site, please call 740-439-6384 or email your question to ccw@guernseysheriff.com

Reciprocity States: The following link to the Ohio Attorney General’s web site lists all states currently holding a Concealed Carry Reciprocity Agreement with Ohio:

Ohio Concealed Carry Reciprocity Agreements

Criminal History Information

NOTE: Persons considering carrying concealed handguns in these states should contact that specific state for additional information on their laws pertaining to the transportation and carrying of concealed handguns.

APPLICATION PROCESS

CCW registration will be available at the times below:

Monday: 4:30 A.M. to 6:45 A.M.
Tuesday: 4:30 A.M. to 6:45 A.M. & 5:15 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.
Wednesday: 5:15 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.
Thursday: 4:30 A.M. to 6:45 A.M. & 5:15 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.
Friday: 5:15 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.
Saturday: 7:15 A.M. to 9:30 A.M.

Applications and CCW booklets may be obtained through the Ohio Attorney General’s website, www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

ALLOW 45 DAYS FOR PROCESSING OF ALL APPLICATIONS – DO NOT CALL FOR UPDATES UNLESS IT IS PAST THE 45 DAY PERIOD.

WE DO NOT MAIL CCW CARDS.  YOU WILL BE CONTACTED WHEN THE CCW CARD IS READY FOR PICKUP. THE CARDS MAY BE PICKED UP 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK AT THE DISPATCH WINDOW LOCATED IN THE LOBBY OF THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE.

Downloads

Information Resources

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Sheriff determines to deny application because not satisfied criteria (2023.125)(D)(1) the Sheriff must:

1. Specify reason for denial
2. Written notice to applicant

May appeal the Sheriff’s denial decision to Guernsey County Common Pleas Court pursuant to ORC 119.12

If denied due to result of criminal background check and applicant believes denial based on incorrect information reported by source, applicant may challenge results from source as follows:

1. If from BCI records the applicant must use their existing challenge policy
2. If from Sheriff’s Office records applicant must present certified copies of source of information, i.e. court record, Prosecutor’s Office records, if the case was dropped, found not guilty, etc.

If denied, may reapply in one year, if not permanently disqualified by conviction.

NOTE: Expunged/Sealed Records may NO LONGER be used to deny an applicant.

Applicant will be disqualified if any of the following applies:

1. If applicant has been CHARGED or under UNDER INDICTMENT for:

A. Any felony
B. Any drug offense (except minor misdemeanor offenses)
C. Misdemeanor offense of violence
D. Negligent assault
E. Falsification to obtain cc license
F. Possess a revoked or suspended cc license
G. Domestic Violence

2. If applicant has been CONVICTED or has been adjudicated a delinquent child under the following offenses:

A. Any felony
B. Drug offense (except minor misdemeanor offenses)
C. Assault on peace officer
D. Domestic Violence

3. If applicant has been CONVICTED or has been adjudicated a delinquent child under the following offense within 3 years:

A. Misdemeanor offense of violence (except resisting arrest, assault on peace officer, domestic violence)
B. Falsification to obtain CCW license
C. Possess revoked or suspended CCW license

4. If applicant has been convicted or has been adjudicated a delinquent child under the following offenses within 5 years:

A. 2 or more assaults
B. 2 or more negligent assaults

5. If applicant has been CONVICTED or has been adjudicated a delinquent child under the following offense within 10 years :

A. Resisting arrest

6. If applicant is or has been:

A. Committed to any mental institution
B. Adjudicated as mentally incompetent
C. Been found by a court to be a mentally ill person, subject to  hospitalization by court order
D. Involuntary patient other than for purposes of observation

7. Is CURRENTLY SUBJECT to a Civil Protection Order, or a Temporary Protection Order in this or any other state.

8. Is CURRENTLY SUBJECT to a suspension of a CCW license

9. Was DISCHARGED from the Armed Forces under DISHONORABLE conditions.

** NOTE: Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 2923.125(D)(4)…
Sealed records, also known as Expunged records are NO LONGER able to be examined and used for the purposes of the background investigation for concealed carry license applicants.

Effective October 17, 2009
** see payment method below**

This is the fee schedule for a standard concealed carry license.

For an applicant who has resided in Ohio for five(5) years or more: $67.00 **

For an applicant who has resided in Ohio for less than five(5) years: $67.00 + $10.00 (FBI) background charge Total $77.00 **

A renewal of the standard license: $50.00 **

A renewal of license living in Ohio less than five (5) years: $60.00

A replacement license: $15.00 **

The fee for a temporary emergency concealed carry license with applicant living in Ohio more than five (5) years: $37.00 **

Temporary Emergency concealed carry license with applicant living in Ohio less than five (5) years: $47.00

** ONLY CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK OR MONEY ORDERS FOR THE EXACT AMOUNT WILL BE ACCEPTED.

NO PERSONAL CHECKS or CREDIT CARDS

The concealed carry licensee is prohibited from carrying a concealed weapon in any of the following places:

1. Police station
2. Sheriff’s Office
3. State Highway Patrol Post
4. Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation
5. State Correctional Facility
6. Jail
7. Workhouse
8. Detention Facility
9. Airport passenger terminal
10. Mental Health Facility
11. Mental Retardation and developmental disabilities facility
12. School Safety Zone (2923.122)

A.School Building
B.School Premises
C.School Activity
D.School Bus B3

(School Safety Zone language changed. Can now carry in a School Safety Zone if only dropping off or picking up someone, either the driver or a passenger has a valid license, and no attempt is made to enter the building or an activity.)

13. Courthouse or structure where court is located (2923.123)
14. Any room/open air arena where D liquor permit issued (2923.121)(liquor consumed on premises)

(For clarification purposes this EXCLUDES a hotel room if you are the occupant. LANGUAGE CHANGED: You may carry if you are the principal holder of the D permit, you have a valid CCW license and you are not consuming or under the influence. You also may carry into a retail store with a D6 (sample tasting) or D8 (Sunday sales 1:00 p.m. to midnight) permit if you are not consuming or under the influence, unless the retail store is posted as NO CCW Permitted.)

15. Any owned/leased premise of a private or public College (exception – licensee must keep firearm locked in their motor vehicle)
16. Any church, synagogue, place of worship (exception – unless with prior approval from person authorized to give approval)
17. Any day care center with children present (exception – licensee’s own children in licensee’s own home, when no other children are present)
18. Any aircraft, foreign, interstate, intrastate transportation of mail
19. Any building or part owned or leased by State or political subdivision

(Revised to state that you CAN carry in a shelter, rest area, parking facility or lot owned by the government or a political subdivision as long as shelter, rest area, parking facility or lot is NOT being used as a courthouse.)

20. Any place prohibited by Federal Law.
21. Any premises, property or motor vehicle of a private employer, where rules/policies have been established and signs posted.

(It is no longer a “criminal offense” for a CCW licensee to carry into a posted private parking lot, however CAN BE sued civilly.)

RENEWAL PROCESS

  • Read the latest book printed by the Ohio Attorney General
  • Complete a new application
  • Present current CCW license (or expired CCW license)
  • Valid State issued identification
  • Submit to WebCheck fingerprints
  • Non-refundable fee (Cash, cashier’s check or money order)
    $50.00 Ohio resident 5 yrs or more
    $74.00 Ohio resident less than 5 yrs

No photograph is required.
There is a 30 day grace period after expiration during which you may continue to carry.

Sheriff shall revoke license:

1. Failed to meet or fraudulently obtain to meet criteria in 2923.125(D)
2. Convicted or pled guilty to disqualifying Offense
3. Subject to Civil Protection Order or Temporary Protection Order
4. Knowingly carries handgun into prohibited place
5. Adjudicated mentally incompetent

Notify licensee by letter sent certified mail the reason for revocation
Licensee may come to the Sheriff’s office to contest within 14 days of notice mailing.

If upheld Sheriff shall revoke and licensee must surrender immediately.

Public

Pursuant to ORC 2923.1212 signs shall be posted in conspicuous places, prohibiting persons from carrying a firearm into prohibited places.

Private

Pursuant to ORC 2923.126(C)(1) private employers may post signs prohibiting carrying a firearm into their business, except that:

In order for a law enforcement officer to enforce an employer’s rule, policy, practice, a sign must be posted in a conspicuous place.

Below is a sample of the sign which may be posted warning persons NOT to enter the premises where the sign appears while carrying a firearm. THIS sign cannot be used by schools or at courthouses. THIS sign must be posted in a conspicuous place per ORC 2923.126(C)(1).

License shall be suspended for:

1. Arrest or charge for disqualifying offense 2923.125(D)(1)(d)
2. Violation of 2923.15, using weapon while intoxicated
3. Subject to Temporary Protection Order or Civil Protection Order

Suspension to begin on date licensee arrested or Temporary Protection Order or Civil Protection Order issued.

Suspension ends if charges dismissed, or Temporary Protection Order or Civil Protection Order canceled.

Licensee shall be notified by letter sent certified mail.

Licensee must surrender license to Sheriff within 10 days of notice.

License will be returns when suspension ends.

(May NO LONGER suspend a license for failing to announce or failing to keep hands in plain view.)

Applicant Must:

    • Be at least 21 years of age
    • Legally live in the United States
    • Apply in county in which they reside or if an out-of-state resident temporarily residing in the county of application
    • Submit to WebCheck fingerprints and pass the background check
    • Complete Temporary Emergency Application (this is the sworn affidavit referred to in 2923.1213(b)(1)(b) and it must be notarized.)
    • Provide 2×2 color passport style photo taken within past 30 days
    • Pay non-refundable fee of $37.00 if Ohio resident 5 yrs. of more $61.00 if Ohio resident less than 5 yrs. (cash, cashier’s check or money order)
    • Present “Evidence of Imminent Danger” by providing one of following:
      • Written documentation prepared by law enforcement, prosecutor or court, government entity or public official (eg. Reports, TPO, CPO)
      • Statement sworn by the applicant stating the reasonable cause the applicant has to fear criminal attack upon the applicant or a member of the applicant’s family (provided by applicant under threat of perjury)

NOTE: Temporary Emergency License is valid for 90 days from date of issue and may not be renewed. A Temporary Emergency License can only be issued one time within a 4 year period.

Although the law states that the Sheriff shall “immediately” issue a temporary concealed license, the law also states that the applicant must pass the background check, including the WebCheck fingerprints. This does not mean the license will be issued the same day it is applied for, however the Sheriff shall “immediately” begin the background check process, and “immediately” upon receipt of the results of the records check the Sheriff shall review the information and determine whether the criteria is met. If the criteria is met the applicant will be contacted to process the license. If the criteria is not met the Sheriff shall specify the grounds for the denial in a written notice to the applicant.

Previous Out-of-State Licensees

With the new CCW law effective March 23, 2015, we will now accept out-of-state licensees who have moved to Ohio from states with whom we have reciprocity as a NEW applicant using the following procedure:

  • Their out-of-state license will be accepted as prior proof of competency certification
  • $91.00 fee for BCI/FBI WebChecks
  • Completed Application
  • Read Attorney General CCW booklet
  • 2×2 color passport style photo taken within 30 days of application

In order for an Ohio resident to obtain a concealed carry license they must meet the following requirements, in accordance with Ohio Revised Code Section 2923.125(A):

1. at least 21 years of age
2. New applicants must have received a Certificate of Competency as specified in ORC Section 2923.125(B)(3)(a), (b),(c),(e), or (f), within 3 years prior to the date of application, covering the training requirements as specified in ORC Section 2923.125(G)(1) and (G)(2).

-OR-

Documentation that proves the applicant:

A. Is an active or reserve member of the US military
B. Retired law enforcement officer
C. Has been honorably discharged from US military or retired from a law enforcement agency

3. Applicant is not disqualified pursuant to criminal background check or mental incompetency check, as specified in ORC 2923.125(D)(1)(d), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i), or (j), or retired as a result of a mental disability.
4. Must have a 2′ X 2′ color Passport style photo taken within 30 days of the application.
5. Attest that applicant has read pamphlet provided by the Attorney General’s Office as specified, and also attest the handgun shall be carried for a lawful purpose.
6. Non-refundable fee

Must produce an original or photocopy of a certificate of completion of a firearms training program, dated within 3 years prior to application, signed by the instructor, certifies that the training complies with the requirements set forth in division 2925.125(G), and the course was open to members of the general public and utilized qualified instructors who were certified by a national gun advocacy organization, the executive director of the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission or a government official or entity of another state.

PRIOR EQUIVALENT TRAINING

Military / Active

Documentation evidencing both of the following:

  • The the applicant is an active or reserve member of the armed forces of the United States (i.e. current Military ID)

 

Military / Retired

Documentation evidencing both of the following:

  • That the applicant is retired from, or was honorably discharged from, military service of the United States (i.e. DD214)

 

Law Enforcement / Active

Documentation evidencing both of the following:

  • That the applicant has successfully completed the Ohio Peace Officer Training Program OR peace officer training program of another state (i.e. Training certificate or appointment as a law enforcement officer)AND
  • A document that evidences that applicant is an active member of a law enforcement agency

 

Law Enforcement / Retired

Documentation evidencing both of the following:

  • That the applicant is a retired Trooper of the State Highway Patrol, a retired peace officer or retired Federal law enforcement officer who retired in Good Standing. (i.e. retired ID or letter on letterhead from the Chief/Sheriff/Commander of the department from which retired)AND
  • A document that evidences that the applicant has successfully completed the Ohio Peace Officer Training program OR peace officer training program of another state. (i.e. Training certificate or appointment as a law enforcement officer)