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Purchasing a firearm in Ohio

Steps to Register a Firearm in Ohio

Requirements to hold a firearm license

More information on Federal Firearm Licensees (FFL), as well as what each license type can do, can be found on our FFL home page.
We also have a very helpful FFL search tool if you want to search by postal code, state, business name, or even license number.

Does Ohio Require a Background Check to purchase a Firearm?

No, Ohio does not have a state law that requires a background check prior to the sale of a firearm, but federal law requires all federally licensed firearm dealers to perform a background check before any sale of a firearm.

Only the federal NICS background check conducted by the FBI is required for transactions with federally licensed firearms dealers.

Owning a firearm in Ohio

Does Ohio have a Gun Free Zone law?

Yes, Ohio has a defined list of gun free zones:

• courthouses or other building or structure in which a courtroom is located
• school safety zone (however active duty military or individual with an active concealed carry license may keep the handgun in their locked car)
• room or outdoor area in which any person is consuming beer or intoxicated liquors for which a D permit has been issued
• police station, sheriff's office, or highway patrol station (concealed carry permit)
• state correctional institution or jail (concealed carry permit)
• any area of an airport passenger terminal or screening checkpoint (concealed carry permit)
• any premises owned or leased by a public or private college, university or institution of higher learning unless handgun is locked in the motor vehicle (concealed carry permit)
• any church, synagogue, mosque, or other place of worship unless place of worship permits otherwise (concealed carry permit)
• any government facility of the state or political subdivision (concealed carry permit)
• any place where federal law prohibits carrying of handguns (concealed carry permit)

Does Ohio Require a Safety Course to own a Firearm?

You are only required to take a firearm safety course under certain circumstances in Ohio.

Only for concealed carry licenses.

Common Firearm Offenses in Ohio

• Ohio Rev. Code § 1546.19 Prohibition against use of firearms or fireworks in state parks
• Ohio Rev. Code § 1547.69 Firearm prohibitions
• Ohio Rev. Code § 2909.08 Endangering aircraft or airport operations
• Ohio Rev. Code § 2913.51 Receiving stolen property
• Ohio Rev. Code § 2941.145 Firearm displayed, brandished, indicated that offender possessed the firearm, or used it to facilitate offense specification
• Ohio Rev. Code § 2913.51 Receiving stolen property
• Ohio Rev. Code § 2921.13 Falsification * in theft offense * to purchase firearm
• Ohio Rev. Code § 2921.36 Illegal conveyance of weapons, drugs, or other prohibited items onto grounds of detention facility or institution
• Ohio Rev. Code § 2923.121 Possession of firearm in beer liquor permit premises * prohibition, exceptions
• Ohio Rev. Code § 2923.122 Illegal conveyance or possession of deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance or of object indistinguishable from firearm in school safety zone
• Ohio Rev. Code § 2923.123 Illegal conveyance of deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance into courthouse * illegal possession or control in courthouse
• Ohio Rev. Code § 2923.132Use of firearm or dangerous ordnance by violent career criminal
• Ohio Rev. Code § 2923.15 Using weapons while intoxicated
• Ohio Rev. Code § 2923.16 Improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle
• Ohio Rev. Code § 2923.161 Improperly discharging firearm at or into a habitation, in a school safety zone or with intent to cause harm or panic to persons in a school building or at a school function
• Ohio Rev. Code § 2923.162 Discharge of firearm on or near prohibited premises
• Ohio Rev. Code § 2923.20 Unlawful transaction in weapons
• Ohio Rev. Code § 2923.201 Possessing a defaced firearm
• Ohio Rev. Code § 2923.21 Improperly furnishing firearms to minor
• Ohio Rev. Code § 2923.211 Underage purchase of firearm or handgun
• Ohio Rev. Code § 5924.120 Rape; sexual assault; sexual contact; indecent acts; affirmative defenses

More on Ohio Firearm Laws

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