Is a Colorado Non-Resident Permit Valid in Ohio?

Why

• Colorado does not issue carry permits to non-residents (no non-resident permits. armed-forces members stationed in colorado on permanent duty station orders, and their immediate family living in colorado, are deemed legal residents (c.r.s. 18-12-203(1)(a))).

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

Carry law is state law. From the moment you enter Ohio, these rules replace the ones you know from Colorado.

• 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may carry a loaded concealed handgun in a motor vehicle; pre-2022 vehicle notification and handling restrictions were repealed by SB 215.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 Colorado non-resident permit valid in Ohio?

A Colorado non-resident permit isn't something you can hold — the state doesn't issue one (no non-resident permits. Armed-forces members stationed in Colorado on permanent duty station orders, and their immediate family living in Colorado, are deemed legal residents (C.R.S. 18-12-203(1)(a))). The question for Ohio is which resident or non-resident permits from other states it honors.

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 Colorado issue non-resident carry permits?

No. Colorado issues carry permits to residents only (no non-resident permits. Armed-forces members stationed in Colorado on permanent duty station orders, and their immediate family living in Colorado, are deemed legal residents (C.R.S. 18-12-203(1)(a))). 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.