Is a Vermont Non-Resident Permit Valid in Ohio?

Why

• Vermont does not issue carry permits at all (vermont issues no carry permits to anyone, resident or non-resident — there is no permit system at all. vermont residents who need a permit recognized elsewhere must obtain a non-resident permit from another state that issues them) — there is no Vermont permit to recognize.

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

Whatever your permit status, Ohio law governs how you carry inside the state. The rules below matter most on a short trip.

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may carry a loaded concealed handgun in a motor vehicle; pre-2022 vehicle notification and handling restrictions were repealed by SB 215.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

Vermont has no permit to check. The state never built a permitting system (carry is permitless there), so reciprocity with Ohio starts from a permit you hold from some other state.

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 Vermont issue carry permits at all?

No — to anyone. Vermont has no carry-permit system; carry there is permitless. Vermont residents who want reciprocity coverage elsewhere obtain a non-resident permit from a state that issues one.