Ohio Gun Laws
The statute for concealed weapons changed in Ohio and became effective as of April 2004. The new law states that individuals of twenty-one years of age or more are allowed to obtain a concealed weapons license after at least twelve hours of safety training and demonstrations of handgun competency.

This training must include two hours of practice in a shooting range and ten hours of instruction in a classroom setting, all to be provided through a certified safety instructor. Exams must also be adequately passed--both in shooting form and written form--along with a background check for criminal history. This information will then be submitted and reviewed by the county sheriff's department. All applicants for concealed weapons permits must be Ohio residents.

Those who have been convicted for drug abuse, have been convicted of a violent misdemeanor offense, or have been convicted of a violence felony offense within three years are not allowed to apply for concealed weapons permits.

Ohio Legal Issues
In recent years Ohio has had difficulties with general laws and the merits there of towards concealed weapons. Because of this debate between local law and state law, the new 2004 law was set into place to clear up any discrepancies.

All new firearms laws must lie under certain general law guidelines so local law does not conflict with state law. Twenty-six other states have reciprocated Ohio's statutes and include Wyoming, Washington, Virginia, Vermont, Utah, Tennessee, South Dakota, South Carolina, Oklahoma, North Carolina, New Mexico, Montana, Missouri, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, Idaho, Florida, Delaware, Arizona, and Alaska.

The licenses and permits for these states are the same as or very similar to Ohio jurisdiction. Many of these reciprocations became effective as of 2004 and 2005, but some went into effect in the following years. Indiana is the newest addition as of January 2010. Some of these permits are for residents only, while others include the licensing of non-residents.

License to Carry
When a concealed weapons permit has been licensed, it does not mean that the individual has rights to carry the firearm wherever he or she pleases. Certain restrictions still remain regardless of the license.

Ohio law allows private property owners to post signs on their property to prohibit firearms. This banning can stand with the law as long as the sign is in clear viewing for those who enter the property. Firearms are also prohibited from entering government buildings, religious buildings, and hospitals. The entrances of these buildings must clearly state that firearms are not prohibited for this law to be effective.

Concealed weapons are allowed in moving vehicles under certain circumstances: Firearms must be placed in an enclosed box, case, bag, or container with a locking mechanism and be within sight; be in a center console, glove compartment or locked case; or be in a proper holster on the body. Moving vehicles also include motorcycles. Bills have been passed in recent years to allow firearms in moving vehicles without being encased and locked in a container or otherwise placed in plain sight, some of which are beginning to take effect.