Is a Kentucky Non-Resident Permit Valid in Ohio?

Why

• Kentucky does not issue carry permits to non-residents (kentucky residents (or us citizens / lawfully admitted persons on active military duty assigned to a kentucky posting) only - ksp ccdw qualifications).

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

Crossing into Ohio swaps the rulebook. Here is what changes for a visiting carrier.

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may carry a loaded concealed handgun in a motor vehicle; pre-2022 vehicle notification and handling restrictions were repealed by SB 215.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

Kentucky doesn't put this permit on the table for non-residents (kentucky residents (or US citizens / lawfully admitted persons on active military duty assigned to a Kentucky posting) only - KSP CCDW qualifications). See our non-resident permit guide for the states that do, and which of their permits Ohio accepts.

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 Kentucky issue non-resident carry permits?

No. Kentucky issues carry permits to residents only (kentucky residents (or US citizens / lawfully admitted persons on active military duty assigned to a Kentucky posting) only - KSP CCDW qualifications). 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.