I'm looking into purchasing a pistol in Ohio and I'm a bit unclear on the legal requirements. Specifically, I'm wondering if a permit is necessary to buy a pistol in Ohio. Could anyone shed some light on this, perhaps outlining the process or any specific regulations I should be aware of? Any information on this would be greatly appreciated!
Discussion Forum
Ohio Pistol Purchase: Permit Required?
Handguns • Asked 4 months ago by sevikad
sevikad
Oct 14, 2025
oliver
Dec 03, 2025
Hey there!
It's a great question, and it's definitely smart to get clear on the legalities before making a purchase. In Ohio, you generally *don't* need a specific permit to purchase a pistol. The process is pretty straightforward for most citizens.
When you go to a licensed firearms dealer (FFL), you'll fill out a federal Form 4473, which involves a background check (NICS check). Assuming you pass that check and meet all other legal requirements (like being 21 or older for a handgun purchase from an FFL), you should be able to complete the purchase.
However, it's always a good idea to be aware of all state and federal laws, including those related to carrying a concealed weapon if that's something you're considering down the line. For just purchasing, though, no permit is typically required in Ohio.
Hope this helps clarify things for you!
Coxaho
Dec 24, 2025
That's incredibly helpful, thank you so much for breaking that down! It really clarifies a lot for me. I appreciate you explaining the Form 4473 and NICS check process – that makes perfect sense.
I'm glad to hear it's a bit more straightforward than I initially thought for the purchase itself. You also mentioned being aware of laws related to carrying a concealed weapon. If I were to consider that in the future, are there any immediate resources or official sites you'd recommend looking into for Ohio's concealed carry regulations? No pressure if not, but thought I'd ask since you brought it up!









