Conceal & Carry: What it takes to get a CCW permit in Ohio
BOARDMAN, Ohio - The number of people applying for conceal carry permits in Mahoning County alone has gone up 129 percent this year over last year.
So what does it take to get one?
First you have to be 21 years old and be an Ohio resident for at least 45 days.
Then you have to look for a qualified conceal carry instructor since the law requires you to pass a minimum 12 hour course made up of class work and range training.
21 News Reporter Matt Stone found a list of them online on the Ohio Attorney General's web site.
A Boardman company called Diplomatic Protection Training is made up of former military who were security specialists overseas.
Prices vary depending on the trainer. Diplomatic charges cost around $150.
The first day of classroom instruction, an NRA guide was given to the class to cover the basic of pistol shooting to everything about handgun and the ammo it uses.
The next day we were on the range. It helps to have your own handgun and holster before you take the course. But it's not necessary.
"A lot of times, people are sure what they want to get so ideally people come to a class like ours we will have different kinds of handguns for them to try out and see what's best for them," says Edwin Lard, with Diplomatic Protection Training.
Instructors then give students the time they need to feel comfortable with the gun.
"I'm going to put you through drills where you're going to make mistakes. We're going to correct it and help you build a strong foundation and muscle memory so if you do find yourself in a situation, you can address it in an appropriate fashion. Hopefully, you won't have to," Lard says.
They even go over maintenance of the weapon.
The next day, students learn specifics about Ohio's conceal carry laws for about four hours, Then, students take the NRA basics written test.
They provide all the paperwork and then it is brought to the sheriff.
So you need to take your completed application, your training certificate, a new passport photo, your driver's license and social security card and a $67 money order.
At the sheriff's department, the student is finger printed. Once criminal background checks are complete, you can pick up the permit.
"We just gave you an introduction. We just gave you a building block and you have to continue that building on your own or through additional instruction," Lard says.
That means practicing at the range at least a couple times a year.
