Requirements to qualify for a license

You must be 21 years old and allowed to possess a firearm under state and federal law to apply for your Wisconsin CCW permit* (See note below). You cannot have as a condition of bail or release a prohibition on possessing a weapon relating to a criminal case. You must be a Wisconsin resident and you must also take a training class.

Wisconsin does not set a certain curriculum for qualified training classes.  Instead it gives a list of approved types of classes.  You may obtain a Wisconsin CCW license with any of the following classes:

• Any hunter education class from the Department of Natural Resources or a similar agency in another state
• A firearms safety course from a national or state organization that certifies firearms instructors
• A course offered to the public by a law enforcement agency
• A firearms safety course taught by an instructor certified by a national or state organization that certifies firearms instructors. (This includes courses given by colleges, technical colleges, universities, or private firearms training schools)
• Courses offered to law enforcement officers
• Military firearms training

If you have a CCW license from another state, a copy of your license will suffice for proof of training.  Online CCW training is not acceptable.

You can get a copy of the application online from the Wisconsin Dept of Justice. Once you have completed the application, submit it along with your proof of training, and a check or money order for $40 made out to the Department of Justice.  Mail your completed package to:

Wisconsin Department of Justice
ATTN: Firearms Unit
PO Box 7130
Madison, WI 53707-7130

*Note about ability to possess a firearm: You must be legally able to possess a firearm under both state and federal law.  This means you cannot be:

• Convicted of a felony
• Have a mental illness or be committed to a mental institution
• Have an injunction against you for domestic abuse or harrassment
• A fugitive from justice
• An unlawful user or addicted to a controlled substance
• Dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces
• Convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence

Wisconsin Concealed Carry Classes

Search our database by zip code to find Wisconsin concealed carry classes near you.  Enter your zip code here.

What will you learn in class?

There is not a required curriculum set up for Wisconsin concealed carry classes.  Even a hunter education class will suffice.  Because of this you may not learn some very important facts about carrying a concealed weapon.

You will learn the basics of handling and caring for a gun.  You will learn how to clean a gun and how to properly secure a gun from children.  You will also learn about different types of ammunition.  BUT, LISTEN UP!  If your class did not cover "use of force" laws in Wisconsin you need to find some extra training.

You need to understand Wisconsin's self defense law.  At a very minimum you need to read about the law on page 4 of the application. You could potentially spend time in jail for your ignorance of the law.  See the list of featured instructors at the bottom of the article to find someone who teaches the law.

How long does it take to get a license?

The Wisconsin Department of Justice has 21 days to issue or deny your license once a completed application is received.  If your license is denied you may appeal to the circuit court in your county of residence.  If your license is approved it is good for a period of 5 years.

How much does the license cost?

A Wisconsin concealed carry license costs $40.  This includes $30 to cover the license fee and $10 for the background check.

Reciprocity with other states

Wisconsin currently honors permits from 27 other states.  If you become a resident of Wisconsin you must obtain a Wisconsin CCW license.  Here is a reciprocity map for Wisconsin.

Where can you not carry a concealed weapon?

Wisconsin is a little different  from other states in that it often leaves the decision up to property owners or managers to allow concealed carry.  Notice can be given verbally, in writing, or with a sign. Always check with the property owner or manager before entering a facility you are unsure of.  Here is a list of places you are not allowed to carry in Wisconsin:

• Federal buildings
• While under the influence of an intoxicant (You are allowed to carry in a tavern but not when you are drinking)
• Private property where the owner has made it clear that they do not allow weapons on the property
• Government property where the manager has made it clear that weapons are prohibited
• Schools
• Law enforcement buildings
• The office of a Division of Criminal Investigation special agent of DOJ
• Correctional facilities
• Mental Health Institutions (This includes The Sand Ridge Secure Treatment Center, the Wisconsin Resource Center, and the Mendota Mental Health Institute)
• Courthouses
• Courtrooms when in session
• Any place beyond a security checkpoint in an airport

Featured Instructors

• Gander Mountain Academy
• Equip 2 Conceal
• CCW Smart

Requirements to qualify for a license

You must be a resident of Arizona or a U.S. citizen to qualify for a concealed weapons permit.  You generally must be at least 21 years old to apply.  If you are 19 or older and are currently serving in the armed forces or have been honorably discharged you are also qualified to apply.

In addition to the above you cannot be:

• Under indictment or convicted of a felony
• Unlawfully present in the U.S.
• Admitted to a mental institution or have a history of mental illness
• Prohibited from possessing a firearm by state or federal law

You must demonstrate competence with a firearm by completing a class.  The Arizona Dept. of Public Safety is no longer allowed to approve concealed weapons training programs, therefore any of the following classes will qualify:

• Any firearms safety training course available to the public by a law enforcement agency, college, private or public institution, academy, organization, or firearms training school that is approved by the Dept of Public Safety or that uses instructors approved by the National Rifle Association
• Any hunter education course approved by the AZ game and fish department or a similar agency of another state
• Any NRA firearms safety course
• Any law enforcement firearms safety course approved by the Dept of Public Safety
• Evidence of current military service or honorable discharge
• Current or expired concealed carry permit from another state that has a training requirement for initial issuance
• Governmental police agency firearms training course
• Any other firearms safety course taught by an instructor certified by the NRA or the Dept of Public Safety

To get an application packet you must contact the Concealed Weapons Permit Unit by email.  Make sure you include your mailing address so they can mail you a packet.  Once you receive your packet, complete the application and then mail back all the following documents:

• Completed application
• Certificate of training
• 2 sets of fingerprints
• A cashier’s check or money order for the appropriate fee

Arizona Concealed Carry Permit Classes

Enter your zip code here to find an instructor near you.

What will you learn in class?

A general firearms safety course will teach you how to properly handle a gun.  You will learn how to clean a gun and maintain it.  You will also learn about different types of ammunition and how to load a firearm.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Your training class may not include information about the laws of Arizona.  Try to find a class that explains "use of force" laws in Arizona.  Your life and freedom depend on understanding these laws before using your weapon.

How long does it take to get a license?

The Arizona Department of Public Safety has 60 business days to complete all qualification checks then another 15 days after that to issue or deny your permit.  If your permit is denied you have 20 days to submit additional documentation for reconsideration.  The department then has an additional 20 days to reconsider your application.  If your reconsideration fails you can request a hearing.

How much does the license cost?

An initial Arizona Concealed Weapons Permit costs $60.  The fee to renew your permit after 5 years is $43.

Reciprocity with other states

Arizona recognizes a concealed carry permit from any other state as long as your permit is currently valid and you are physically present in Arizona.  In addition you must not be legally prohibited from possessing a firearm in Arizona.  An Arizona concealed carry permit is currently recognized in 34 other states.

Note: When traveling to other states make sure you contact each state's attorney general to determine if you are allowed to use your Arizona permit.  Make sure you abide by the other state's use of force laws when traveling.

Where can you not carry a concealed weapon?

• Businesses or private property that do not allow guns whether or not a sign is posted (A sign is not required by law and you can be asked to leave the property if you are carrying a weapon against the policy of the owner)
• Polling places on election days
• Schools (An exception is made for a parent picking up a student. Your weapon must be unloaded before entering school premises. You must also remain in the car. If you have to get out of the car you must lock your unloaded weapon in the vehicle.  Another exception can be made for school approved training courses related to firearms.  Individual school districts can place more restrictive guidelines on firearms on school property.  Check with your school before assuming it is legal to carry on school property.)
• Commercial nuclear and hydroelectric power plants
• Indian reservations
• Military bases
• Game preserves
• Correctional Facilities
• Federal buildings
• Airports

Featured Instructors

• Armed Personal Defense
• Southern Arizona Small Arms Training Team
• Arizona Safe Carry
• CCW-Permit.com

Requirements to qualify for a license

In Iowa there are professional permits which are valid for 1 year and nonprofessional permits which are valid for 5 years.  You must be 21 to apply for a nonprofessional permit.  If you are at least 18 and your job requires you to carry a weapon you may apply for the professional permit.

Note: If you are not yet 21 but have a valid Iowa professional permit to carry a concealed weapon, your permit will likely not be honored by other states who have reciprocity with Iowa.  This is because most other states require a person to be 21 years old to obtain a concealed carry license.

In addition to the above you cannot be:

• addicted to alcohol
• under indictment or convicted of a felony or other crime that carries jail time of at least one year
• subject to a protective order
• convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

You must complete a handgun safety training course.  The list below shows all approved forms of training.

• A National Rifle Association handgun safety training course
• A handgun safety training course offered by a law enforcement agency, a college, a private or public organization, or a firearms training school (Note: The instructor must be certified by the NRA or certain other firearms training certification programs)
• Handgun safety training course for security guards, investigators, or law enforcement (Course must be approved by the Iowa Department of Public Safety)
• Small arms training with the armed forces
• Law enforcement agency firearms training which qualifies an officer to carry a firearm in the normal course of duty

Note of Caution: If your training only focuses on handgun safety you should consult someone knowledgeable about  Iowa law to supplement your learning.  You need to understand Iowa’s use of force laws.  If your training is lacking these fundamentals you could spend time in jail for your ignorance.

You must also meet all federal requirements to purchase, possess, and transport a firearm.

Additional Requirement to Purchase a Handgun

Iowa requires an annual permit to purchase a handgun.  You must apply at your county sheriff’s office for this.  The permit allows you to purchase more than one handgun.  The sheriff will conduct a state records check and an NICS background check on you.

Iowa Concealed Carry Classes

Enter your zip code here to find an Iowa concealed carry instructor near you.

What will you learn in class?

Iowa does not lay out specific guidelines for their training program.  The training basically has to cover general safety with handguns.  If your training does not also include a section on Iowa gun laws you need to seek further instruction.  It is very important that you understand use of force laws before carrying a concealed weapon in Iowa or any other state.

How long does it take to get a license?

Your county sheriff or commissioner of public safety has 30 days to issue or deny your permit.  A printable application for an Iowa concealed carry license can be found here.  You must go in person to your county sheriff's office to apply.

How much does the license cost?

The fee for an initial license is $50.  The nonprofessional license is good for 5 years and the renewal fee is $25.  If you obtain the professional license it is only good for 1 year.  If you fail to renew your license before it expires your renewal fee will go up to $50.

Reciprocity with other states

Iowa recognizes CCW licenses from any other state.  If you move to Iowa you are allowed to continue using the CCW license from your prior home state until your Iowa license is approved or denied.  Follow this link for an Iowa reciprocity map.

Where can you not carry a concealed weapon?

In Iowa you are allowed to carry a loaded weapon in your vehicle.  In an odd twist the law specifically states that carrying a weapon on a snowmobile or ATV is illegal.  Here is a list of places you are not allowed to carry a concealed weapon:

• Some Iowa cities have passed laws banning firearms in city owned or controlled buildings
• Weapons Free Zones (This includes schools and parks.  Individual schools can give exceptions to this rule for purposes of conducting an instructional program or for other purposes)
• School buses
• On snowmobiles or ATV's
• Casinos
• Cannot carry while under the influence

Featured Instructors

• Hawkeye Firearms Instruction
• West Des Moines Scheels
• Cedar Valley Outfitters
• QCI Firearms Training

Requirements to qualify for a license

To apply for a CWP in Colorado you must be at least 21 years old and you must be a resident of Colorado.  You must be eligible to possess a firearm under federal law.  This became more interesting with the passage of marijuana laws in Colorado.  If you have a medical marijuana card or you own a dispensary your permit will be denied.  This is because federal law prohibits unlawful users of controlled substances from possessing a firearm.  There are questions on the application that will help your county sheriff determine if you are a user or are addicted to alcohol or controlled substances.

You cannot be subject to a restraining order and you cannot have committed a crime that would keep you from possessing a firearm.

Colorado is a “shall issue” state but the Sheriff still has the final say.  If the sheriff has reason to believe that your prior behavior would make you a danger to the community, he may deny your permit even if you meet all the qualifications.

Colorado also allows temporary emergency permits.  You only have to be 18 years old to obtain this permit.  An emergency permit is only valid for 90 days.  You still have to pass the criminal background check but you do not have to show competency with a handgun.  The sheriff must have reason to believe that you are in imminent danger to issue this type of permit.

Finally you must pass a firearm safety training class.  This class can be something given by local law enforcement or by colleges or other firearms training schools.  Your instructor must be certified to teach this type of class.  If you have prior law enforcement or military training you may not have to take the class.  Check with your county sheriff to determine if your training meets the guidelines.

Colorado Concealed Carry Class

Enter your zip code here to find a Colorado concealed carry class near you.

What will you learn in class?

Don't worry if you are completely new to handguns.  Your instructor will start with the basics.  You will learn how to properly handle a gun as well as how to clean and maintain it.  Once you learn the basic rules of gun safety your instructor will move into more advanced topics.

You will learn how to choose the right ammunition to carry.  Most instructors will tell you to carry hollow point ammo.  The hollow tip of a bullet causes it to break apart on impact which decreases penetration.  This is good for you because you don't want your bullets hitting unintended targets.  You can be sued by innocent bystanders who are hurt when you fire a weapon.  In some states you can even be sued by the person you shot in a self defense situation.

Pay special attention to the section about Colorado laws.  Colorado is a "Castle Doctrine" state and has a "Stand your ground" law.  You need to understand what this means to you.  If you don't follow the law it could mean jail time.

Your instructor will present you with a certificate of completion at the end of class.  This certificate is good for 10 years.  You may apply for your concealed weapons permit anytime within that 10 year period.

How long does it take to get a license?

Your county sheriff has up to 90 days to approve or deny your permit.  Make sure you include everything requested with your application because the 90 day period does not start until the sheriff receives all needed documents.

How much does the license cost?

Your local sheriff will determine the fees but the maximum application fee is $100.  You will also be charged fees for fingerprinting and background checks.  In Boulder county the additional fees total $52.50.

Reciprocity with other states

Colorado recognizes the permits of any other state that also recognizes the Colorado permit.  A Colorado permit holder can currently carry in 33 other states.  Check out this reciprocity map to see which states you can carry in.

Note:  When traveling to other states make sure you contact the attorney general of those states to make sure you are allowed to carry your weapon.  Laws are always changing and you need to go straight to the source.

Where can you not carry a concealed weapon?

• Places prohibited by federal law
• Public schools (except for in a locked vehicle or while you are in the vehicle)
• Public buildings where permanent metal detectors are in place
• You cannot carry while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance

Featured Instructors

Colorado does not allow online CCW training.  Make sure you find an in-person class.  Find a Colorado concealed carry class with one of these great instructors:

• Equip 2 Conceal
• Colorado Handgun Safety
• SureSight Firearms Training
• Tall Guns LLC
• Colorado Concealed Carry

Requirements to qualify for a license

In North Carolina you must be 21 to apply for a concealed handgun permit.  You must be a citizen of the U.S. and a resident of North Carolina for at least 30 days.  If you are not physically able to handle a handgun your permit will be denied.  This will be determined by your county sheriff who will obtain medical records for you at the time of application.

Any felony conviction or a misdemeanor conviction for a crime of violence will disqualify you.  Also, if you are under indictment for a felony or a misdemeanor crime of violence your permit will be denied.  You cannot have a DUI conviction within three years prior to applying for a CHP.  In addition you cannot have a dishonorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces.

This may seem obvious but if you are a fugitive from justice don’t bother applying for a concealed handgun permit.

The law says that you cannot be addicted to alcohol or controlled substances but it’s not clear how that is determined.  Most likely if the sheriff finds substance related charges on your record you may have problems getting a CHP.  Those with a documented history of mental illness will also have a hard time getting a permit

Finally, you must complete a firearms safety and training course which is discussed in more detail below.

Concealed Carry Class NC

Enter your zip code to find a NC concealed carry class near you.

 What will you learn in class?

The NC concealed carry class has at least 8 hours of in class instruction and a written test.  In addition, there is a live fire portion where you will have to demonstrate proficiency with a handgun.  During the classroom portion your instructor will teach you basic gun safety rules.  You will learn how to handle and clean a gun safely.

There are two main types of handguns, revolvers and semi-automatics.  Your instructor will teach you the differences and can help you determine the best type to carry.  Range safety and rules will be taught before the live fire portion.

The most important part of the NC concealed carry class is the discussion of firearm laws and use of force laws.  You need to understand when you are justified to shoot and when you must try to de-escalate the situation.  Pay special attention to this section because your life depends on it.  In some states a person who has committed a justified shooting can also be sued for civil penalties by the perpetrator.  Or you could be sued by an innocent bystander that was hurt in the shooting.

Most instructors will require you to bring at least 50 rounds of ammo for the live fire portion.  You will be required to shoot from distances of 3, 5, and 7 yards.  This is not difficult to do and any good instructor will work with you until you get it right.

How long does it take to get a license?

You will apply at the sheriff's office in your county of residence.  By law the sheriff has 45 days from the date of application or from the date he receives your medical documents.  The medical documents are required to determine your mental capacity to handle a gun.

How much does the license cost?

The application fee is $80 for most people.  Retired law enforcement officers of North Carolina get a discounted rate of $45.  You will also pay up to $10 for fingerprinting services.

Reciprocity with other states

It is interesting that North Carolina recognizes a CCW permit from any other state.  This does not mean that all other states recognize a North Carolina Permit.  Check out this map to see which states will honor your NC CHP.

Always remember to check with the attorney general of each state you will be traveling through to make sure your permit is honored.  Laws are always changing and you should go straight to the source for the most up to date information.

Where can you carry a concealed weapon?

Most states do not allow you to carry a concealed weapon into a school or on school property.  North Carolina does allow a CHP holder to secure a handgun in a locked vehicle on school property.  This is a sensible and convenient rule for teachers and parents who visit the school.

You are allowed to carry on the grounds of a state park or state owned rest area along the highways.  You are also allowed to carry in bars unless you are consuming alcohol.  You may not carry a concealed handgun in the following areas:

• Courthouses
• Legislative buildings
• Areas prohibited under federal law
• Law enforcement agency property or correctional facilities
• Offices of state or federal government
• Businesses and personal property where notice has been posted that weapons are prohibited
• Schools

Featured Instructors

Here is a short list of great instructors for a concealed carry class in NC.

• North Carolina Concealed Carry - Wadesboro NC
• North Raleigh Guns Training Academy - Concealed Carry Class Raleigh NC
• North Carolina Concealed Carry Handgun Class - Concealed Carry Class Charlotte NC
• Carolina Firearms Training -Siler City NC

The Utah concealed weapon permit is a popular choice because it is not limited to residents and offers reciprocity with many other states.  You can even obtain a Utah non resident concealed carry permit without visiting Utah.  Although I would recommend a visit for some spectacular views.

 Requirements to qualify for a license

You must be 21 years old to apply for a Utah concealed firearm permit.  You must also be a US citizen or a legal resident with the intent to live in the US.  A firearms familiarity course is required and it must be taught by an instructor certified by the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification.

You must show proof of good character.  This is basically done with a criminal background check.  If you have criminal offenses in your past you can call the Utah BCI at (801) 957-8512 to determine if you are still eligible for a permit.

You must also complete a weapons familiarity course.  Your instructor has to fill out a section on the application showing that you have completed this course.  If you have not sent in your application after one year you will have to retake the class before applying.  But hey, why would anyone wait that long anyway!

Non-residents must first obtain a CWP or CCW from their home state if that state recognizes the Utah CFP.

Utah Concealed Carry Class

Enter your zip code here to find a Utah Concealed Carry Class near you.

What will you learn in class?

A Utah concealed carry class is recommended by the state to be at least 4 hours long.  There is no live fire requirement but instructors are encouraged to add any additional training that they feel will help the class carry safely.  The class must also be taught in person.  It cannot be taught over the internet or by other electronic means.  This does not mean you have to travel to Utah.  The class can be taught in a different state but the instructor must be Utah certified.

Your instructor should cover the safe handling of firearms which includes:

It is very important to choose the proper ammunition to carry.  Most instructors will tell you to carry hollow points.  Hollow point ammo has a hole in the tip of the bullet which allows it to expand upon hitting a target.  This causes the bullet to slow down, which can keep it from penetrating the target.  You are always liable for any damage that your bullets cause to innocent bystanders or to someone's property.  In contrast, full metal jacket bullets do not expand on impact and are more likely to penetrate bodies and walls.

Your instructor will show you the proper way to carry concealed.  He should go over the pros and cons of different holsters and carry positions.  For example, many instructors will steer you away from using an ankle holster as your primary carry position.  An ankle holster makes it difficult to retrieve your firearm in a tactical situation.  He will likely advise you to carry in the waistband if at all possible.  This is usually the quickest and safest way to access your gun.  For those of us who are required to tuck in our shirts at work an IWB holster can be uncomfortable.  My preferred carry method is a Ruger LCP in a front pocket using a BlackHawk! holster.

The meat of the class will likely be spent on Utah self defense laws.  This may be boring but is very important so listen up.  You will learn when firing  your weapon is considered self defense.  You will learn what is wrong with brandishing a firearm and how this could get you in trouble.  A good instructor will teach you where you can legally carry and where not to carry.  Pay special attention to the laws of the state you are carrying in because it could save you from serving jail time.

How long does it take to get a license?

The Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification issues concealed firearms permits and you can expect it to take 45 to 60 days to process your permit.

 How much does the permit cost?

The fee for Utah residents is $41 or $51 for non-residents. Taking a class from a Utah approved instructor will increase the cost but compared to other states it is relatively cheap to obtain a Utah concealed firearm permit.

Reciprocity with other states

A Utah CFP is currently recognized by 35 states.  Although some states only recognize a Utah resident CFP.  If you are a non-resident be sure you understand which states will honor your permit.

View a Utah concealed carry reciprocity map.

Where can you not carry a concealed weapon?

Utah is different from most states in that you are allowed to carry a concealed weapon into a school.  I find this fascinating and believe it is in the best interest of the students of Utah.  Utah CFP holders have never been involved in an act of gun violence in a Utah school.

You are also allowed to carry a firearm into a bar but you are not allowed to carry while intoxicated.  The determination of intoxication is the same as used when driving a car (.08 BAC).

Here is a list of places you are not allowed to carry a gun:

• A secure area where a notice of prohibition is posted
• The secure areas of airports
• Courts
• Correctional and mental health facilities
• Law enforcement secured areas
• Houses of worship or private residences where a notice is posted

Featured Instructors

• Utah CCW & Firearm Training
• Utah CCW Training
• ICarryUtah

Requirements to qualify for a license

In Florida you must be at least 21 years of age to apply for a Concealed Weapons License.  You must live in the United States and be a US resident or a lawful permanent resident alien.  If you are serving overseas in the US armed forces you can also obtain a Florida concealed weapons license.

You have to demonstrate competency with a firearm.  This is accomplished by completing a class.  Florida does not set a minimum hour requirement for their classes nor do they require a certain curriculum.  A certificate of completion from the following list is acceptable.

Active duty military personnel and honorably discharged members of the armed services may submit documents showing sufficient military weapons training.

Finally, there are certain things that will disqualify you from obtaining a license.

Multi-State Florida licenses are very popular

Florida does not require concealed carry licensees to be a resident of Florida.  Florida also has a large reciprocity list with other states.  These factors make a FL CCW license very popular and valuable.  If you combine a Florida license with a Utah and Arizona license you can legally carry in 39 states.

How long does it take to get a license?

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is responsible for issuing concealed weapons licenses.  By law the department has 90 days to issue or deny your license.  If additional information is needed or your application is not filled out correctly the 90 day period does not apply and it may take longer to receive your license.  The Florida license is currently very popular and you should expect the process to take the full 90 days.

Florida has a "Fast Track Processing" program available.  To participate you must apply in person at one of eight regional offices.  Learn more about this program here.

How much does the license cost?

The total fee for a Florida concealed weapons permit is $112.  This includes $70 for the application and $42 for fingerprint processing.

Reciprocity with other states

With a Florida license you can carry concealed in 34 other states.  You can always check Florida's Department of Agriculture website for up to date reciprocity agreements.  When traveling in other states you must know and adhere to their laws.  Some states do not have a "Castle Doctine" or "Stand Your Ground" law.  Call the attorney general of the other states you will be traveling through to be sure you understand their laws.

Where can you not carry a concealed weapon?

Featured Instructors

Ohio CCW Classes

Ohio requires all applicants to complete an 8 hour class.  Enter your zip code here to find classes near you.

What will you learn in class?

Ohio CCW classes are required to spend time on these four main topics:

1. Safe handling and proper storage practices for handguns
2. Safe handling of ammunition
3. Knowledge and skills necessary to shoot a handgun in a safe manner
4. Gun handling training

There is also a requirement to have 2 hours of practical training which includes range time and live fire experience.

Requirements to qualify for a license

In Ohio you must meet several minimum requirements before applying for your CCW license.

• You must be at least 21 years of age and not a fugitive from justice
• You must be an Ohio resident for at least 45 days
• You must be a resident of the county (or adjoining county) where you apply for at least 30 days.

If you are a member of the armed forces and are stationed out of state or out of the country you are still considered an Ohio resident for purposes of obtaining an Ohio CCW license.

There are many criminal offenses that will disqualify you from obtaining your license.  Any felony will disqualify you as well as misdemeanors related to violence, assault, or drug trafficking.  This is not just for convicts but also for anyone who is currently under indictment or charged with one of these crimes.

Finally you must not be classified as a mental defective, be committed to a mental institution, or be subject to a civil protection order from Ohio or any other state.

Ohio is a "shall issue" state which means that once you meet all the requirements the county sheriff must issue a CCW license to you.

How long does it take to get a license?

The sheriff of each county in Ohio is responsible for issuing CCW licenses and has up to 45 days to issue or deny your license from the date you applied.  If your license is denied the sheriff is required to give you a written explanation of the denial.  There is an appeal process available if you are denied.

How much does the license cost?

The minimum cost of a CCW license in Ohio is $67.  This is for a 5 year resident.  Anyone who has resided in Ohio for less than 5 years is subject to an NICS background check which will cost an additional $24.  An Ohio CCW license is valid for 5 years.

Reciprocity with other states

When you obtain your Ohio CCW license you will also be allowed to carry in many other states.  This is because Ohio has reciprocity agreements with other states that have similar laws regarding concealed carry.  Check out this site for an Ohio reciprocity map.

Note: Before carrying in other states you need to call the attorney general of those states to make sure the reciprocity agreements are still valid.  You will also want to research the laws of those states regarding the use of deadly force.

 Where can you not carry a concealed weapon?

You are allowed to carry in many places in Ohio but here is a list of places you are not allowed to carry.

• Police stations
• Sheriffs' offices
• Highway patrol posts
• Premises controlled by BCI
• Correctional institutions or other detention facilities
• Airport terminals or airplanes
• Mental institutions
• Courthouses
• Universities, unless locked in a motor vehicle
• Places of worship, unless you have received permission to carry there
• Child day care centers
• Some government facilities
• School safety zones (If you are licensed to carry a concealed handgun you can carry into a school safety zone if you are in the process of pick up or dropping off a child and you stay in your vehicle.)
• Licensed class D liquor permit premises if you are consuming alcohol or are under the influence.

Featured Instructors

Here is a short list of some great instructors in Ohio

• Armed 2 Defend
• Concealed Carry Courses LLC
• Ohio Concealed Carry Institute
• Black Wing Shooting Center
• Columbus Concealed Carry