Before you can start carrying a gun, you need to know where, exactly, you’re legally allowed to do so. In every state, different laws and regulations come into play for anyone who wants to carry a handgun in public. Depending on your age, criminal record, and personal circumstances — as well as the state you live in — there are specific rules governing when and where it’s legal to carry a handgun. This article covers everything you need to know about carrying a handgun at 18 in Ohio. If you aren’t yet 18 or don’t live in Ohio but want to learn about your own state’s laws regarding handguns, read further for details on all of these topics and more. Keep reading to learn more.
Can You Carry A Handgun At 18 In Ohio?
You can carry a handgun at 18 in Ohio with a license. A license to carry a handgun is a permit that authorizes the holder to carry a loaded handgun on or about their person, in a vehicle, or in any place where they are allowed to possess firearms. In order to obtain a license to carry, you must be at least 21 years old and meet certain other eligibility requirements.
What Is The Legal Age To Carry A Handgun In Ohio?
1. Federal Law
The federal Gun Control Act of 1968, as well as the Firearm Owners’ Protection Act of 1986, prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from possessing a handgun. The only exception is when the minor is under adult supervision.
2. Ohio Law
As per Ohio Revised Code 2923.11, minors are prohibited from carrying a concealed firearm unless they are accompanied by their parent or legal guardian and have the written consent of their parent or legal guardian to do so. Furthermore, minors may not carry a handgun in their car without having written consent from their parent or legal guardian. If you are 18 years old but under 21 years old, you may carry a concealed handgun with an LTC (License To Carry) provided that you complete an application and receive approval from your county sheriff’s department. Before applying for an LTC in Ohio, you must be fingerprinted and pass both a criminal background check and competency test at the sheriff’s office.
3. Local Law
Some municipalities in Ohio have passed local ordinances against carrying a concealed handgun, even if you’re over 18 years old and have an LTC. Even if your county sheriff has approved your application for an LTC, it is important to check with your local police department to ensure that you comply with all applicable local laws related to carrying a concealed handgun.
4. Be Aware Of The Local Ordinances In Your Area
Local ordinances in Ohio may differ from the state laws outlined above. Before you carry a concealed handgun in public, be sure to check with your city or county clerk’s office first to see whether or not you are allowed to do so under local ordinances specific to your area and situation. As with any other gun-related matter, it is best to err on the side of caution when it comes to carrying a concealed handgun before reaching out for further information regarding the legality of doing so in your specific situation.
Where Can You Legally Carry A Handgun In Ohio?
1. Handgun Permit:
You must be 21 to receive a handgun license in Ohio. You can apply for a handgun license once you’re 18, but it will expire three months after your 21st birthday.
2. Concealed Carry:
Ohio is a “shall issue” state, which means that the government must give you a concealed carry permit if you meet certain requirements and apply for it. In order to get this permit, you must be at least 21 years old and must submit an application with a completed firearms training course certificate and a valid firearms safety instructor’s signature on it. It’s also required that you take the course within three years of applying for your permit. If you are granted this permit, you may carry concealed weapons in Ohio except where prohibited by federal law or by the laws of other states (e.g., if you were planning on visiting another state). There is no age limit on getting this permit, but you must be 21 to carry a concealed weapon in Ohio.
3. Open Carry:
Ohio allows for open carry of a handgun without a permit, though it’s not recommended. You may open carry if you are 18 or older, but if you are younger than 21, you must have your permit with you and your gun must be in plain sight at all times. This means that you cannot conceal your weapon while carrying it openly.
Who Is Allowed To Carry A Handgun In Ohio?
1. Age
Ohio has no special age restrictions on who can carry a handgun in public. However, Ohio does have a minimum age requirement for handgun ownership of 21 years old. You must be at least 21 years old to purchase a handgun or any other firearm. If you are under the age of 21, you may still possess a handgun if it is given to you as a gift by an adult or if it is inherited from someone who was at least 18 years old when they died. Keep reading to learn more about carrying handguns past 18 in Ohio.
2. Criminal History & Mental Health
In general, anyone with a criminal history or history of mental health issues cannot go out in public carrying a gun in Ohio (or anywhere else). This ban applies even if your arrest never resulted in criminal charges against you and even if your mental health has since been restored. Keep reading for more information about carrying handguns past 18 in Ohio.
3. Personal Circumstances & Situations
In Ohio, you are never allowed to carry a handgun in public if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you have a valid concealed handgun license, it is also illegal for you to carry a gun while intoxicated. Other than that, there aren’t any personal circumstances or situations in which it’s illegal to carry a gun in Ohio. Keep reading if you have further questions about carrying handguns past 18 in Ohio.
Which Handguns Are Allowed?
1. What Type Of Handgun Can I Carry?
In Ohio, there are a few handguns that you’re not allowed to carry. This includes any handgun that has an automatic firing mechanism or that shoots .50 caliber ammunition. You’re also not allowed to carry a handgun if it has been modified in any way — for example, by being sawed down or changed in caliber. However, if you have a concealed-carry permit and want to carry a handgun that doesn’t fall into any of these categories, you can do so as long as it is on your person at all times and you don’t conceal it from view.
2. Can I Carry More Than One Handgun?
In Ohio, no matter how many guns you own or how many licenses you have to carry them around, you can only have one of each kind on your person at any given time. For example, if you have both a revolver and semi-automatic pistol license, you can only carry one gun of each type at a time. However, if you’re carrying any of the handguns that are prohibited in Ohio, you can still carry other types of guns with your concealed-carry permit.
3. Can I Legally Carry A Handgun Into My Home?
In Ohio, it is completely legal to have a handgun on your person inside your own home. You don’t need to have a concealed-carry permit to do so or worry about any other laws or regulations — as long as the handgun is in plain sight and not concealed from view by anything like clothing or furniture. It’s also legal for minors to have handguns on their persons inside their own homes, even if they don’t have concealed-carry permits. However, anyone who is 18 years old or older and lives with someone under 18 must store all firearms — including handguns — inside locked containers and out of reach from minors.
Conclusion
Like every other state, Ohio has its own laws governing when and where you can carry a handgun. If you’re 18 years old or older, you can legally carry a handgun with a license. You can also own a handgun at the age of 18, but you can’t legally carry a handgun outside of your own home or property until you are 21 years old. If you have a license to carry a concealed handgun, you must abide by Ohio’s laws governing where and when you can carry a handgun. And if you have a license to carry a handgun, you must abide by the terms of that license.
