Is a Arkansas Non-Resident Permit Valid in Ohio?

Why

• Arkansas does not issue carry permits to non-residents (requires arkansas residency for 90+ continuous days (§ 5-73-309(2)); exception — active-duty us armed forces members and their spouses are exempt from the residency requirement).

Since March 23, 2015 Ohio recognizes a valid concealed handgun license issued by ANY other state regardless of reciprocity agreement, but only while the holder is NOT an Ohio resident and is temporarily in Ohio (R.C. 2923.126). The statute does not require the holder to be a resident of the issuing state. Ohio residents must use an Ohio license or permitless carry.

Carry rules in Ohio

Your Arkansas habits may not match Ohio's law. Check these three areas before you carry there.

• SB 215 (2022) removed the duty to promptly notify; a person stopped by law enforcement is no longer required to volunteer that they are carrying but must answer truthfully if the officer asks (R.C. 2923.12).
• Ohio sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.
• Ohio allows permitless concealed carry from age 21 for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.
• A licensee or qualifying adult (21+) may carry a loaded concealed handgun in a motor vehicle; pre-2022 vehicle notification and handling restrictions were repealed by SB 215.

Off-limits places in Ohio

• Police stations, sheriff's offices and highway patrol posts
• Correctional institutions, jails and detention facilities
• Airport passenger terminals beyond security checkpoints
• Courthouses and buildings containing a courtroom
• School safety zones (limited vehicle exceptions, R.C. 2923.122)
• Places of worship, unless the facility permits carry

Frequently asked questions

Is a Arkansas non-resident permit valid in Ohio?

The premise fails at the first step. Arkansas issues no non-resident carry permit (requires Arkansas residency for 90+ continuous days (§ 5-73-309(2)); exception — active-duty US Armed Forces members and their spouses are exempt from the residency requirement), so reciprocity with Ohio never comes into play for this permit type.

Do I have to tell police in Ohio that I am carrying?

SB 215 (2022) removed the duty to promptly notify; a person stopped by law enforcement is no longer required to volunteer that they are carrying but must answer truthfully if the officer asks (R.C. 2923.12).

Does Ohio limit magazine capacity?

Ohio sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.

Can I carry in Ohio without any permit?

Ohio allows permitless concealed carry from age 21 for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.

Does Arkansas issue non-resident carry permits?

No. Arkansas issues carry permits to residents only (requires Arkansas residency for 90+ continuous days (§ 5-73-309(2)); exception — active-duty US Armed Forces members and their spouses are exempt from the residency requirement). Non-residents who want multi-state coverage usually obtain a non-resident permit from a state that offers one, such as those listed in our non-resident permit guide.