Concealed Carry Information

Carrying a concealed handgun is a significant responsibility. Our office is committed to processing every application thoroughly, professionally, and in accordance with Ohio law. Each application is carefully reviewed, fingerprints are taken, and all required background investigations are completed within the 45-day period established by law.

Applications are available in either of the following ways:

• In the lobby of the Fairfield County Sheriff's Office — 345 Lincoln Avenue, Lancaster, OH 43130
• Download and print the application from the Ohio Attorney General's website (opens in a new window – external site), where you can also find:
  • The Concealed Carry Law Handbook (required reading)
  • Additional concealed carry information

Please bring all of the following to your appointment:

Required Documents

• Completed Concealed Carry License Application (opens in a new window – external site)
• Certificate of Completion from an Ohio Concealed Carry Course completed within the past 3 years, OR one of the following qualifying alternatives:
  • Law Enforcement firearms training completed within the past 10 years; or
  • Military firearms training documentation
    • No time limit applies
    • Training must be equivalent to Ohio concealed handgun training and completed through military service
    • If the training does not meet Ohio requirements, completion of an Ohio CCW course is required
• Valid Driver's License or State Identification Card
• Social Security Card
• Passport-quality color photograph (2" x 2"), OR have your photo taken at your appointment for an additional $10.00

Fees

CASH OR CHECK ONLY:

• $67.00 – Applicants who have physically resided only in Ohio during the previous five years
• $91.00 – Applicants who have lived outside Ohio within the previous five years (includes the required FBI fingerprint background check)

Fee Waivers

Military and Veterans — Applicants may qualify for a fee waiver if they:

• Notify our office when scheduling the appointment
• Present Military Identification Card or documentation showing honorable discharge or active-duty status

Per 10 U.S.C. § 101, National Guard does not qualify for this waiver.

Retired Law Enforcement — Applicants must:

• Notify our office when scheduling your appointment
• Present retired law enforcement identification or retirement documentation showing your retirement date

Please ensure you have:

• Completed the application
• All required identification documents
• Training documentation (if applicable)
• Passport-quality photo or funds to have one taken at your appointment (if applicable)
• Correct payment (Cash or Check only)

Applicants who do not bring all required documents may need to reschedule their appointment.