Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost released the state’s annual report on concealed handgun licensing on Feb. 27, showing that a total of 77,159 permits were issued in Ohio in 2025.
The report is significant as it provides insight into how many residents are participating in the state’s concealed-carry program and reflects ongoing changes to firearm laws. According to Yost’s office, county sheriffs issued 13,876 new licenses and renewed 63,283 existing ones last year. Permit holders must renew their licenses every five years.
Yost said that since June 13, 2022, qualifying Ohioans have been allowed to carry a concealed handgun without a permit while the permitting system remains available. County sheriffs are responsible for issuing and renewing these licenses as well as suspending or revoking them when necessary. The Ohio Attorney General’s Office compiles this annual report as required by law.
Each sheriff is required to submit quarterly statistics on concealed handgun licenses to the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission within the Attorney General’s Office. Concealed-carry licensing by county sheriffs began in Ohio in 2004.
Buckeye Firearms Association advocates for individuals’ rights to own and use firearms for legal purposes such as self-defense, hunting, competition, and recreation according to the official website. The organization focuses its efforts within Ohio according to the official website and delivers alerts about laws and politics related to gun rights according to the official website. It also provides updates on legislation, training opportunities, and events concerning gun rights according to the official website. Buckeye Firearms Association operates as a grassroots group dedicated to firearm rights according to the official website, with activities centered in Ohio according to the official website.
Looking ahead, state officials will continue monitoring trends in concealed-carry licensing while organizations like Buckeye Firearms Association remain active in providing information and advocacy regarding firearm laws.
