Article: To be eligible for a concealed carry weapons (CCW) permit in Ohio, you must get a certificate of competency after a total of 8 hours of study. At least 2 of those hours must be in-person training that includes range time and live-fire training. Your local sheriff's department will have a list of courses available in your area that satisfy this requirement. Generally, the course covers the following areas:  Safe handling and proper storage practices for handguns and ammunition Knowledge, skills, and attitude toward safe shooting practices Basic gun-handling training Demonstrated knowledge of rules of safe handling and proper storage The sheriff's department in the county where you live issues CCWs. Some counties only issue CCWs by appointment, while others only accept applications on specific days of the week. Your county sheriff's department likely has this information available on its website, or you can call the non-emergency number during regular business hours. Go to https://buckeyesheriffs.org/county-map.php and click on your county to get contact information for your sheriff's department. Your photo should show your whole face against a blank background. You can get these photos made at most drug stores, groceries, big-box stores, and other locations that handle photo development. Your photo must have been taken within 30 days of the date you submit your application form. If you have an old passport photo taken for another purpose, you won't be able to use it. Download the application at https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Files/Forms/Forms-for-Law-Enforcement/Concealed-Carry-License-and-Renewal-Application.aspx or pick up a paper copy from your county sheriff's department. Fill out the entire form completely and honestly. Any false information could result in prosecution for a felony.  You can fill out the downloadable form on your computer. However, you'll still have to print it so you can sign and date it. If you fill out the form by hand, use a blue or black ink pen and write legibly. As of 2019, the fee for a new CCW is $67. Most sheriff's departments accept only cash, personal check, or money order. If you pay in cash, you must have exact change. The fee is waived if you are active duty, veteran, or retired member of the armed forces.  Unless you've been an Ohio resident for the past 5 years, you must also pay an additional $10 for an FBI background check. When you submit your application, you'll be fingerprinted for your background check. Expect it to take a couple of weeks for your background check to be completed. The sheriff's department will contact you when your license is ready for you to pick up. You typically don't have to make an appointment just to pick up your license. When you get your license, inspect it carefully to make sure all the information is correct. If there's a mistake, let them know so they can fix it. Before your license expires, make an appointment with your county sheriff's department. Show up to your appointment with a completed application, your original license, valid government-issued photo ID, and your renewal fee. As of 2019, the renewal fee is $50.  If you're renewing from another county, you'll also need a new passport-sized photo. If you move or change your name, let the sheriff's department know within 30 days so the information can be updated on your license. To prove you are in imminent danger, write a sworn statement testifying to your reasonable cause to fear a criminal attack. You can also use documents produced by a public official, such as a protection order, a court order, or a police report. The temporary emergency license allows you to carry a handgun without completing a firearms safety course.  You must be over 21, a legal resident of the US, and otherwise legally allowed to own and possess a firearm. Temporary emergency licenses only last for 90 days. That gives you enough time to complete the competency certification. You can only renew a temporary emergency license once every 4 years. As of 2019, the fee for a temporary emergency license is $37.
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Complete a firearms safety course. Contact your local sheriff's department. Get a passport-sized color photo taken for your license. Fill out your application form. Submit your application with your fee. Pick up your license when it's ready. Renew your license every 5 years. Apply for a temporary emergency license if you are in imminent danger.