Frequently Asked Questions about Ohio’s Concealed Handgun Law
License Renewal
When may I renew my CCW license?
May I carry my handgun during the 30-day “grace period”
after expiration?
How much is a license?
When is an FBI check required?
When will I need to renew again?
My initial required competency training is over six (6) years
old. What are the training requirements for renewal?
What are the requirements of the Renewal Competency
Course?
Do I have to turn in my old license when I renew?
Renewal Competency Training Requirements
Is a written examination required?
Do I have to show a physical demonstration of competency
with my handgun?
As part of my renewal, do I need to read the CCW handbook?
Who can provide the training for the renewal competency
course?
You may renew your license 90 days prior to expiration and 30
days after expiration.
Yes. You have a grace period of thirty days after the license
expires during which your license remains valid.
New and Renewal: The license fee is $55.00. An additional
$24.00 is required if an FBI record check is necessary.
If you have not lived in Ohio for the previous 5 years.
As of April 1, 2008, the license is good for 5 years from date
of issue.
If you wish to renew your CCW license, you must take a
competency course and pass the competency test.
The renewal competency certification must follow the guidelines
set forth in ORC 2923.125(G)(2)(a) and (b). See Renewal
Competency Training Requirements, below.
To insure that it is not lost, that your privacy is maintained,
and so the County issuing the renewal license may destroy it,
you may wish to turn your license in.
Yes, the course must include a written examination.
Yes, the renewal course must include a physical demonstration
of competency as prescribed in ORC 2923.125 (G)(2)(b).
For renewal, you must verify you have re-read the most current
CCW handbook, which has been revised to reflect changes in
the CCW law.
Certified NRA instructors and current Ohio Peace Officer Training
Commission certified firearms (handgun) instructors.
 The Application Process
How do I go about renewing my CCW license?
When may I go to the Sheriff’s Office to submit my application
to renew my CCW license?
I would like to renew my license in a county that is not the
county of issue. Can I do that?
I have moved to a new county and want to renew my license Yes. If your new residence is not in a county adjoining your
in the county of my new/ current residence. Can I do that? previous residence, your renewal will be treated as an application
for a new license.
How do I renew in my new county of residence?
How does the renewal process work?
What will be my new expiration date?
If I apply in a county other than the original county of issue,
when will my new license expire?
Lost CCW License
I lost my CCW license. What can I do?
Lost Training Certificate
I lost my certificate of training. What can I do?
The person from whom I received my certificate cannot
provide me with a copy.
As before, you must apply at a Sheriff ’s Office in your county
of residence or an adjoining county.
The Sheriff must accept applications at least 15 hours per week and
must post a notice showing when applications will be accepted.
You may only renew your license in your county of residence
or an adjoining county. When possible, it is recommended you
renew your license in the county that originally issued it.
You must apply as a new applicant.
You must complete the CCW application. A set of fingerprints
will either be rolled or scanned. Your photograph will be taken.
The renewal fee will be collected or a waiver will be noted. The
certificate of competency (less than six years old) or the renewal
competency certificate must be presented to the Sheriff.
Your license will expire five years from the date it is issued.
Your renewal license is valid for 5 years after it is issued.
You must return to the Sheriff ’s Office of the issuing county and
pay a $15.00 fee to obtain a replacement license.
If a training certificate has been lost, the issuing county may
have a kept a copy, which may be used if you are going to the
same county to renew your license. If you go to a different county
to renew your license, you will need to contact the person who
provided your training to obtain a copy of the certificate.
If the certificate is not available, the original instructor may
sign an affidavit attesting the training you received meets the
requirements of the law. Otherwise, you must repeat the required
training before renewing your license.
 CCW Handbook

Where can I obtain a copy of the CCW handbook? To order, go to www.ag.state.oh.us under “Concealed Carry” or
go to your local Sheriff ’s Office.

Firearms Equivalency Training

I received my original CCW license based on the firearm
training I had as a Private Security Officer, Open Enrollment
Student for Peace Officer Basic, Bailiff Firearms, Probation/
Parole Officer and/or Corrections Officer training.
Is this training still sufficient to renew my license?
Yes, provided the training was received within 6 years of the ex-
piration date of your current license. If the training was received
more than 6 years from the expiration date on your license, you
will need to provide the Sheriff with a competency or renewed
competency certificate.

I received my original CCW license based on firearm training I Yes, provided you have not been retired as a police or military
had before I retired as a police or military officer. officer for over 6 years. If you have been retired over 6 years, you
Is this training still sufficient to renew my license? will need to provide evidence of completion of a competency
certification course.

HR 218: The Law Enforcement Officers’ Safety Act

What is HR 218? U.S. House Resolution 218 (HR 218) is a Federal law for current
and qualified retired law enforcement officers, allowing them to carry
a concealed weapon in any state. Current/retired law enforcement
officers who carry a weapon under HR 218 must comply with the
provisions of that law and follow each state’s CCW laws.
HR 218 only applies to current or retired law enforcement
Who is eligible to carry under HR 218?
officers. It does not apply to civilians. Refer to HR 218 for
more information.

Disclaimer
This information is intended to assist the public in understanding the laws of the State of Ohio, but is not a formal or informal opinion
of Attorney General ),,3, and is not a substitute for the advice of a lawyer or for common sense. If you are in need of legal advice
on the subjects addressed herein, you should consult a private attorney of your choosing for specific information. The Ohio Attorney
General cannot provide legal advice to anyone other than state agencies and officers.
If you have informational questions, please contact our office by calling 1-8ff-hnh7fkgk5), visiting 1118"#)
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Revised April 2008