Ohio Open Carry Laws (2026)

Permitted: Open carry of a handgun is legal in Ohio without a license.

PermittedVerified Oct 12, 2026

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Open carry of a handgun is legal in Ohio without a license. Ohio's concealed-carry law does not regulate open carry, and federal law bars handgun possession under 18. Openly carrying into a bar or other liquor-permit premises where people are drinking is a felony unless you hold a license and are not drinking. Schools, courthouses and other restricted places are off-limits, and owners can post signs banning firearms.

Official source: ohioattorneygeneral.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Open Carry in states bordering Ohio

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

IndianaPermitted
Open carry of a handgun is allowed in Indiana without a permit for any proper person 18 or older. Indiana draws no distinction between open and concealed carry.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: in.gov · Full Indiana rule →
KentuckyPermitted
Open carry of a handgun is legal in Kentucky without a permit for anyone 18 or older who can lawfully possess one.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov · Full Kentucky rule →
MichiganConditional
A Concealed Pistol License (CPL) is not required to carry a pistol openly if you are 18 or older, may lawfully have a firearm, and hold the pistol license Michigan law requires. …
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: michigan.gov · Full Michigan rule →
PennsylvaniaConditional
At 18 or older, you may carry a handgun openly on foot in most of Pennsylvania without a license. A License to Carry Firearms (LTCF) is required in a vehicle and on public streets or property during a declared state or local emergency. Philadelphia law also requires an LTCF; a 2025 appeals court ruling held that unconstitutional as applied to one unlicensed carrier, but the law stays on the books and may still be enforced.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: pa.gov · Full Pennsylvania rule →
West VirginiaPermitted
Open carry of a handgun is legal in West Virginia with no license, at 18 or older, for anyone who may lawfully have a gun. Carrying or brandishing a weapon so as to threaten a breach of the peace is a crime. Guns are banned on school grounds and buses and on court premises. Cities may restrict guns in city-owned buildings and recreation facilities.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: ago.wv.gov · Full West Virginia rule →

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