Ohio Sees Rise in Concealed Carry Permits Despite Permitless Carry Law

Concealed handgun licenses issued in 2025 increased nearly 5% over the previous year, even as state allows carrying without a permit.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 9:04pm

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Despite Ohio legalizing permitless carry in 2022, allowing anyone 21 or older to carry a concealed firearm, the state has seen a rise in the number of concealed carry permits issued, according to a report from the Ohio Attorney General's Office. In 2025, county sheriffs issued 77,159 permits, a nearly 5% increase over 2024. The report also shows a decrease in license suspensions but an increase in denials, particularly in Lucas and Cuyahoga counties.

Why it matters

The increase in concealed carry permits in Ohio, even after the state legalized permitless carry, highlights the continued demand for formal licensing among gun owners. This trend raises questions about the impact of permitless carry laws and the role of concealed carry permits in states where they are no longer legally required.

The details

Ohio sheriffs issued 77,159 concealed carry permits in 2025, including 13,876 new licenses and 63,283 renewals. This represents a nearly 5% increase over the 73,552 permits issued in 2024. The report also shows a nearly 12% decrease in license suspensions compared to 2024, but a roughly 19% increase in license denials, with Lucas and Cuyahoga counties reporting the highest denial rates.

  • Ohio legalized permitless carry in June 2022.
  • The 2025 concealed carry permit report was released on February 27, 2026.

The players

Dave Yost

Ohio Attorney General, who released the state's annual concealed handgun licensing report.

Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission

The commission within the Attorney General's office that compiles the annual concealed carry permit report as required by state law.

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The takeaway

The rise in concealed carry permits in Ohio, despite the state's permitless carry law, suggests that many gun owners still value the formal licensing process and the benefits it provides, such as reciprocity with other states. This trend highlights the complex and evolving landscape of gun laws in the United States.