Concealed Carry
CCW applications are being taken by appointment only. SCROLL DOWN OR USE THE DOWN ARROW TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE FOR ONLINE APPOINTMENTS.
Please call 419-424-7098 from 8 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday to make your appointment, or use the online calendar below to make your appointment.
1.) Is Ohio’s concealed handgun license (CHL) optional after June 13th, 2022?a. Yes. Although Senate Bill 215 legalizes constitutional carry in Ohio, residents are still encouraged to obtain a CHL permit with their local Sheriff’s Office. The new law allows a person to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. However, the same rights and responsibilities apply as a person who has a permit.
2.) What is the benefit of obtaining a CHL in Ohio if I do not need one anymore?
a. During a CHL certification course individuals receive in-depth training on firearm safety, safe storage and handling, how a firearm mechanically functions, a deeper understanding of the law, and a skills test. This information is critical when ensuring the safety of the firearm operator and those around them.
3.) If a person was previously denied a CHL in Ohio, are they permitted to carry without a license?
a. No. The law did not change regarding who can legally carry a handgun. You must still be a legally qualified adult, be at least 21 years of age and not prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law. 4.) In Ohio, are citizens required to carry the CHL permit on their person?
a. No. A CHL holder was required to have the permit on their person. However, with the new law, people are no longer required to carry the physical permit.
5.) Will Ohio continue to issue CHL licenses?
a. Yes. The new law does not affect the licensing process. People who travel outside of Ohio still need to have a valid license to carry a concealed handgun in other states that still require a permit. Individuals are encouraged to obtain a CH permit with their local Sheriff’s Office.
6.) Are persons compelled to inform a law enforcement officer that they are carrying a concealed hand gun?
a. No. When the new law goes into effect, the duty to inform the officer is only when or if the officer asks if you are carrying a handgun. We recommend that all officers routinely ask if the person has a concealed handgun.
CCW Initial Licensing Requirements
- Valid Ohio Driver’s License or State ID card
- ORIGINAL AND COPY of Firearms Safety Certificate of Competency or Lawful Equivalent Military with proper documentation (a DD214 original and copy)
- Completed application form
- Must be 21 years of age or older
- Submit to fingerprint verification for a background check
- Must attest to having read the Ohio Attorney General’s Concealed Carry Law Manual (Click to open PDF)
- Photo will be taken at time of appointment with no additional cost.
CCW Renewal Licensing Requirements
- Valid CCW license or expired CCW license
- Valid Ohio Driver’s License or State ID card
- Newly completed application form – cannot be a photocopy of the prior application and check for the latest version. Military with proper documentation (a DD214 original and copy)
- Ohio resident for at least 45 days AND a Hancock County resident or an adjacent county for 30 days
- Must be 21 years of age or older
- Submit to fingerprint verification for a background check
- Must attest to having read the Ohio Attorney General’s Concealed Carry Law Manual (Click to open PDF)
- Photo will be taken at time of appointment with no additional cost.
CCW Licensing Hours
1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
CCW Licensing Fees
Exact change (cash), local Hancock County (home address on the check is in Hancock County) check or a credit card (fee applies - 3% of total or a minimum fee of $2.00 per transaction).
- $67.00 – Ohio resident 5 or more consecutive years
- $77.00 – Ohio resident less than 5 consecutive years
- $50.00 – Ohio resident 5 or more consecutive years
- $60.00 – Ohio resident less than 5 consecutive years
CCW Forms
Application forms and CCW pamphlets are available at the Ohio Attorney General’s Office website:
(THIS FORM IS A FILLABLE ONLY - IT DOES NOT SUBMIT - YOU MUST PRINT AND BRING TO YOUR APPOINTMENT)
Schedule your CCW Appointment Online:
All appointments are 15 min long.
All appointments are at:
Hancock County Sheriff's Office,
200 West Crawford St.
Findlay, OH 45840
*Do not click on "Powered by Calendly" to make your appointment. Pick a date on the calendar that is showing.
All Applicants must have: Application filled out, Valid driver’s license or state ID card, Exact change or local (Hancock County) check. (See Fee schedule on this page.)
New applicants must have: Original and copy of class completion certificate (expires after 3 years) OR a DD214 original and a copy.
Renewal applicants must have read the new book of laws (available on the Ohio Attorney General’s website. Link under "Renewal Licensing Requirements"). Military veterans must have a DD214 original and a copy.
