Ohio issues concealed carry handgun permits to residents who meet several requirements. You must be at least 21 years old with no felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions involving violence. You must pass a criminal background check, attend a gun safety class and pay a licensing fee. Each county's sheriff's office handles concealed carry permit applications and runs all necessary background checks. These rules only apply to handguns; hunting rifles and shotguns are covered under hunting permits and have a separate set of rules.
Attend an approved gun safety course. The course must have National Rifle Association (NRA) certified instructors, provide 10 hours of classroom instruction about guns, safety, storage and handling and provide two hours of range or live-fire training. You must pass a written and practical test at the end of the class to receive a Certificate of Competence, which you will need to submit for a concealed carry permit.
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Obtain an application for a concealed carry permit by downloading it from the Ohio attorney general's website or picking one up from your county sheriff's office. Fill out the application completely.
Read the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission's pamphlet on firearms, safety and the use of deadly force. You can pick up a copy of the pamphlet at the sheriff's office or download a copy online from the Ohio attorney general's website. You will have to sign a form attesting that you read and understood the pamphlet.
Take your completed application, certificate of competence, recent picture, identification and any proof of military or law enforcement service to your county sheriff's office. The sheriff will accept your application materials, take fingerprints and assess the proper fee amount.
Wait 45 days for your permit to be issued. If you pass the criminal background checks and all of your paperwork is in order, you will receive your permit by mail.