Ohio Concealed Carry Qualifying and Disqualifying Factors

With regard to the State of Ohio Application for License to Carry a Concealed Handgun, it is the intention of the Ohio Legislature that this law (RC 2923.125) is compliant with the National Instant Criminal Background check system. This system of checks contains disqualifiers not specifically enumerated in Section III and/or IV of the license Application. If a disqualifier is found, your application will be denied.

Age: 21 years or older

Residency: Legal Resident of United States & Ohio resident in county of application or adjoining county, or resident of another state employed in in county of application or adjoining county (employment proof required; current paystub or employer letter).

Training: Completion of an 8 hour (or more) certified firearm program (must present certificate with application within 3 years of course completion) UNLESS waived because of previous military service (honorable discharge) within past 10 years or proof of Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy Certification within past 10 years.


DISQUALIFYING Criminal History / Legal Background.

PENDING Indictment or Criminal charges for:

  • Any FELONY offense
  • Any DRUG offense (except for Minor Misdemeanor drug possession or Minor  Misdemeanor   Drug Paraphernalia offenses outside of 1 year from conviction date)
  • Any Misdemeanor of Violence (Assault, Aggravated Menacing, Menacing by Stalking,    Menacing, Inciting Violence, Riot, Inducing Panic, Domestic Violence) Negligent Assault or Falsifying Concealed Carry application/having revoked CCW license Including complicity, or attempt to commit any of the above offenses
  • An active SUSPENSION of an Ohio concealed carry license (or a concealed carry license of another state)

CONVICTIONS/JUVENILE ADJUDICATIONS (no time limit - ANYTIME in the past):

  • Any FELONY offense
  • Any DRUG offense (except for Minor Misdemeanor drug possession or Minor Misdemeanor Drug Paraphernalia outside of 1 year from conviction) Assault on Police Officer
  • A conviction for Domestic Violence or a guilty or no contest plea to a lesser charge in which physical force was presentIncluding complicity, or attempt to commit any of the above offenses

CONVICTIONS/JUVENILE ADJUDICATIONS (within past ONE year): Minor Misdemeanor drug possession or Minor Misdemeanor Drug Paraphernalia

CONVICTIONS/JUVENILE ADJUDICATIONS (within past THREE years):

  • Misdemeanor of VIOLENCE except RESISTING ARREST or ASSAULT ON POLICE OFFICER 

           (See above and below for these offenses)      

  • Falsifying Concealed Carry application/having revoked CCW license

CONVICTIONS/JUVENILE ADJUDICATIONS (within past FIVE years):

  • TWO or more CONVICTIONS/ADJUDICATIONS for Assault or Negligent Assault

CONVICTIONS/JUVENILE ADJUDICATIONS (within past TEN years):

  • Resisting Arrest
  • Including complicity, or attempt to commit any of the above offenses

ACTIVE Civil Protection Orders, Temporary Protection Order (TPO), or Protection Order from ANY State.

UNDER DISABILITY (ORC 2923.13)

  •  Fugitive From Justice, Drug Dependent, Adjudicated Mental Incompetence, Chronic Alcoholic.

“BRADY” Disqualification - Prior conviction for ANY Domestic Violence charge under ORC 2919.25(or a similar offense from any other state).