CCW Classes in Ohio

Find CCW classes in Ohio that meet the state's 8-hour Concealed Handgun License training requirement, including the required 2 hours of in-person range time.

PermitConcealed Handgun License (CHL)
Permitless CarryYes
Minimum Age21 (license and permitless)
Training8 hours, incl. 2 hours live fire

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How to Get a Concealed Handgun License (CHL) in Ohio

Since June 13, 2022, qualifying Ohio adults 21 and older can carry concealed without a license, and county sheriffs still issue the Concealed Handgun License (CHL) for those who want one.

Who Can Apply

You must be at least 21 years old.
Ohio residents apply to the sheriff of their county of residence or an adjacent county.
Nonresidents can apply only if they work in Ohio, through the sheriff of the county where they work or an adjacent county.
You must not be legally barred from having a firearm under state or federal law.

Training Requirements

A qualifying course must include at least 8 hours of training in the safe handling and use of a firearm, with at least 2 hours of in-person range time and live-fire training. If the course and instructor qualify, the classroom portion can be taught online with an interactive component. Handling demonstrations and the physical competency test must be in person.

How to Apply

Complete a qualifying 8-hour course and get your dated certificate of completion.
Read the state concealed carry laws pamphlet and certify that you read it.
Get a color photo taken within 30 days of applying.
Submit the application, certificate, photo, and fee to the sheriff's office.
Have your fingerprints taken for the background check.
The sheriff must issue or deny the license within 45 days of receiving a complete application.

Cost

The new license fee is $67 for applicants who have lived in Ohio for 5 or more years. Renewal is $50. Applicants who have lived in Ohio for less than 5 years, and nonresidents who work in Ohio, pay the same fee plus the actual cost of an FBI background check. Licenses are valid for 5 years.

Why Get a CHL If Ohio Has Permitless Carry

Some other states honor an Ohio CHL but may not recognize permitless carriers from Ohio.
CHL holders can keep a gun in their vehicle in a school safety zone if it stays in the vehicle and the vehicle is locked when they leave it. Permitless carriers cannot.
The required training builds safe handling and live-fire skills.

Carry Rules to Know

You do not have to tell an officer you are carrying, but you must answer truthfully if asked.
During a stop, keep your hands in plain sight and do not touch your gun unless the officer directs you to.
Carry is banned in police stations, jails, secure airport areas, courthouses, school safety zones, and most government buildings.
Colleges and places of worship are off limits unless they allow carry.
Private property owners can ban guns with a conspicuous sign.
Open carry is legal in Ohio.

Official source: County Sheriff's Office

Ohio CCW FAQs

How Much Does a CHL Cost in Ohio?

A new Ohio Concealed Handgun License costs $67 if you have lived in Ohio for 5 or more years, and a renewal costs $50. If you have lived in Ohio for less than 5 years, or you are a nonresident who works in Ohio, you pay the same fee plus the actual cost of an FBI background check. Training course fees are separate and set by each instructor.

How Long Is the CCW Class in Ohio?

The class must include at least 8 hours of training in the safe handling and use of a firearm, including at least 2 hours of in-person range time and live-fire training. If the course and instructor qualify, the classroom portion can be online, but handling demonstrations and the physical competency test must be in person.

Does Ohio Have Permitless Carry?

Yes. Since June 13, 2022, adults 21 and older who are not legally barred from having a firearm can carry a concealed handgun in Ohio without a license. Permitless carriers follow the same rules as license holders, except they cannot carry a gun in their vehicle in a school safety zone.

How Long Does It Take to Get a CHL in Ohio?

By law, the county sheriff must issue the license within 45 days of receiving your completed application, supporting documents, and fee, unless you are disqualified. Once issued, the license is valid for 5 years.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Carry Concealed in Ohio?

You must be at least 21 years old to get an Ohio Concealed Handgun License, and 21 is also the minimum age to carry concealed without a license under Ohio's permitless carry law.

Do You Have to Tell Police You Are Carrying in Ohio?

No. Since June 13, 2022, you do not have to volunteer that you are carrying. If an officer asks whether you are carrying a concealed handgun, you must answer truthfully, and failing to disclose is a second-degree misdemeanor. During a stop you must keep your hands in plain sight, avoid touching your gun unless directed, and follow the officer's lawful orders.

Do You Need a Holster to Carry in Ohio?

Ohio law does not require a holster for concealed carry. The Ohio Attorney General advises that a handgun should always be carried safely and securely, and during a police stop you may not touch your gun unless an officer tells you to, so it needs to stay put on its own. A good holster keeps the gun secure, protects the trigger, and lets you keep your hands off it. If you carry, choose one that covers the trigger guard completely and holds the gun securely, like a KYDEX holster molded to your exact gun.

Listings come from public business information and instructor submissions. Laws change, so confirm current requirements with the official state agency before you apply. This page is not legal advice. Last reviewed October 15, 2026.

CCW Classes in Ohio

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Towers Armory LLC

Action Defense LLC

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Armed2Defend

Midwest Shooting Center

AimHi

Workman Firearms LLC

Engage Virtual Range

The Miami Armory

A4F TACTICAL LTD.

Ohio Citizens Firearms Training Academy

22three Firearms Store and Range

D & A Armory

Expert Outfitters Gun Shop

Burtzland Outfitters

Bee-Safe

Strategic Training Group LLC

Safe and Sound Outfitters

Del Rio Protective Services LLC

Range 42 Brunswick

The Sportsmen's Stop

The Lead Shed

Miami County CCW

Impact Shooting Center

Elite Preparedness LLC

Scheffler's Straight Shooters

One-77-Six Firearms & Supply Co

Hesseling & Sons Firearms and Gunsmithing

On Mission Firearms

Ohio Concealed Carry And Guns

Powers Defensive Tactics

The Technician Dojo

Tactical Defense Institute

Armed & Legal LLC

Precision Defensive Solutions

Tactical Firearms

Geauga Firearms Academy

CCW Ohio - Concealed Carry Training Online

Team Anvil LLC

Defensive Training Solutions

Woodhill training

The Brentley Institute

Advanced Training Group

BAT Firearms Training

Timberlake Firearms & Virtual Range

FirstShot | Concealed Carry Training

Butler Tech Liberty Township Campus

Shepherd Training Solutions

Virtual Range SITE

Gun Monkey Supply LLC

Rods Guns & Tactical LLC

Resolution Tactics

Safety Solutions Academy

Pinkgun LLC

AVL Tactical

Markotan Defense Solutions

Tactical Skills Development

Dark Horse Defense Firearm Training Group llc

Delta Juliet Tactical

Heller's CCW

12Bravo Firearms Training LLC

Concealed Coalition

Michael J. Massey Gun Doc

Empowered Personal Protection LLC

FireRidge Defense LLP

First Capital Precision Gunsmithing

CPGlenway

Douglas Firearms Training

Area 301

Whit The Hale Firearms LLC

Insight Firearms Training

Redemption Arms LLC

Tiburon Tactical

JP Firearms

JR Firearms( Ohio Concealed Carry Class )

Insight Firearms Training

Southern Ohio Tactical Training

Ithax Learning