Here’s where you can carry guns in Ohio. It may be more places than you think

Ohio has some of the most permissive Second Amendment laws in the country. Recently, the state passed new protections against registries and liability insurances and in 2022, it became legal to carry without a permit.

In fact, Ohio gun laws provide some of the broadest rights for gun owners and in 2025, the state ranked 30th out of 50 in the strength of its gun laws, according to Everytown for Gun Safety

As long as you meet certain requirements, you can own and carry a firearm — openly or concealed — in Ohio if you’re at least 21, and Weapons Carry Licenses are not necessary in most circumstances.

The state’s ‘carry’ laws give most adults broad rights to bear arms in public, but that doesn’t mean Ohio open carry laws are a free-for-all.

Criteria for carrying a gun in Ohio

Under Ohio law, Section 2923.12, any person who is not prohibited by law may carry a handgun or a long gun without a license or permit.

They must meet these criteria:

• At least 21 years or older
• Have not been  convicted felon
• Are not a fugitive under indictment for certain crimes
• Have not been adjudicated as mentally incompetent
• Not dependent on illegal drugs or alcohol 

Open carry rules and conditions

Open carry means visibly carrying a gun where it can be plainly seen, rather than concealed under clothing or in a bag and in Ohio most adults are allowed to do so.

Who is allowed to open carry

• Adults 21 and older (or 18+ for military personnel) who are not prohibited by law
• Both residents and nonresidents who would be eligible for an Ohio license

Where it is allowed

• Parks
• Sidewalks and outdoor events
• State parks
• Wildlife management areas
• Roadside rest areas
• State/National forests (but buildings within may be off-limits)

Where it is prohibited

• Schools and safety zones (unless the gun is locked in a vehicle and you have a conceal permit)
• Government buildings
• Private property or businesses posted with “No Guns” signs
• Airports
• Mental health facilities
• College and university campuses
• Places of worship
• While consuming alcohol or being under the influence of illegal drugs

While gun owners have specific rights under the constitution, non-carriers have the right to expect safe environments, as well.

It’s important to know that property owners and businesses have the authority to ban firearms on their premises, but non-gun owners’ rights are limited by a gun owner’s Second Amendment right to bear arms.