CONCEALED HANDGUN LICENSES

Scheduling an Appointment

Arriving late and/ or failing to bring all necessary items to your appointment will result in a cancellation of your appointment and will require you to reschedule at a later date.

Do not bring your firearm to the Butler County Sheriff’s Office.

You need to bring a self-addressed, stamped envelope to your appointment to receive your CCW / Concealed Handgun License. There are no exceptions to this.

All new or renewing applicants are required to bring a completed application.

Due to high volume of calls and voicemails, the CCW Office will not be accepting calls or voicemails for the foreseeable future. Please review the information located on this page regarding applying for a license, change of address, etc. There is a also information on the Ohio Attorney Generals website. You may also reach us at ccw@butlersheriff.org

The Concealed Carry Law handbook, and updates on the Concealed Carry License can be found on the Ohio Attorney General’s website at Ohio Attorney Generals Office Concealed Carry Information. The booklets are no longer printed and must be accessed on the website.

The Concealed Carry License Unit processes first-time and renewal licenses for the Butler County Sheriff’s Office. You must schedule an appointment to apply for a new or renewal CCW license and bring required items listed below to your appointment. If you are not prepared with the items listed you may be required to reschedule your appointment.

You will receive your license or letter of denial within 45 days from your appointment. Please do not call or inquire about the status of your application before then.

New and Renewal CCW applications are by appointment only. Appointments are available during the following hours:

CCW Appointment Hours

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday – 9am – 3pm
• Wednesday – 11:30am – 6pm
• Closed Saturdays, Sundays, and major holidays

To schedule an appointment:

Appointments can only be booked a limited number of days away from today’s date. If you’re trying to book an appointment that’s far out (for example, a month away), you’ll get a message that says, “Not Available”. Rest assured, as the date you’re interested in approaches, there will be appointments available on or near that date. Having this restriction in place helps cut down on “no-shows” and allows us to manage the division more effectively. The current number of days away an appointment can be made can be found in “details” when you click the appointment type you’re trying to book. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. If you have any further questions or issues, please contact us via email at ccw@butlersheriff.org.

Appointments are for Butler County and adjoining counties only ( Hamilton, Montgomery, Warren, and Preble).

Click here to make an appointment

• The location of your appointment will be:
• Butler County Sheriff’s Office
• 705 Hanover Street
• Hamilton, OH 45011

You will need to bring several things with you to complete your appointment. Details are below in the procedure section. Failing to bring necessary items to your appointment could result in a cancellation and re-schedule of your appointment at a later date.

Fees

Fees must be exact amount only. We only accept:

• cash (exact amount)
• money orders  payable to: Treasurer of Butler County

We do NOT accept personal checks under any circumstance.

Type	Residency	Fee
First Time Applicant	Ohio Resident 5 or more years	$67
First Time Applicant	Ohio Resident less than 5 years	$77
Renewal	Ohio Resident 5 or more years	$50
Renewal	Ohio Resident less than 5 years	$60
Replacement License	Ohio Resident	$15
Emergency Temporary License	Ohio Resident 5 or more years	$37
Emergency Temporary License	Ohio Resident less than 5 years	$47

You do not need to bring a photo to your appointment.

Training certificates are valid for 3 years from the date the training occurred.

Procedure

Application Form:

Blank forms are available online at the State Attorney Generals Office website or may be picked up at the Sheriff’s Office at the records window in the lobby.

For original first-time license:

• Completed current application.
• A copy of your firearms training certificate.
• A valid Ohio driver’s license or state ID card.
• Exact fees. (See fee chart)
• Self-addressed stamped envelope.

For a Renewal Application, if original application filed through Butler County:

• Completed current application.
• Current CCW license.
• A valid Ohio driver’s license or state ID card.
• Exact fees. (See fee chart)
• Self-addressed stamped envelope.
• NOTICE: Renewals must be no more than 90 days in advance of expiration date.

For a renewal Application if original issued by another County:

• Completed current application.
• CCW license from other County or a copy of your firearms certificate
• A valid Ohio driver’s license or state ID card
• Exact fees (See fee chart)
• Self-addressed stamped envelope.
• NOTICE: Renewals must be no more than 90 days in advance of expiration date.

For a New Application if a CCW has been issued by another State:

• Completed current application.
• Copy of your firearms training certificate (must comply with Ohio’s firearms training requirements).
• A valid Ohio driver’s license or state ID.
• Exact fees (See fee chart)
• Self-addressed stamped envelope.

For an Out of State Applicant if Employed in the State of Ohio:

• Completed current application.
• A copy of your firearms training certificate (must comply with the state of Ohio’s firearms training and safety requirements).
• Adequate proof of employment in Ohio. (Pay stub, letter from employer)
• A valid driver’s license of state ID card.
• Exact fees (See fee chart)
• Self-addressed stamped envelope.

For a replacement of Damaged, Lost, or Stolen, etc. License:

• Police report, affidavit attesting to the loss or destruction of the license.
• A valid Ohio driver’s license or state ID card.
• Exact fees (See fee chart)

For an Emergency / Temporary License:

• Completed, current Temporary Emergency CCW application from the Ohio Attorney Generals website.
• A sworn statement that states he/she has reasonable cause to fear a criminal attack.  Such documents may include temporary protection orders, civil protection orders, a court order, and any report filed with or made by a law enforcement agency or prosecutor.
• A valid Ohio driver’s license or state ID card
• Exact fees (See fee chart)

For Active Duty and Military Veterans:

• Completed current application
• A copy of firearms training certificate or Military record of proof of small firearms training equivalent to Ohio’s requirements of CCW.
• A valid Ohio driver’s license or state ID.
• Proof of Honorable discharge for waiver fees.
• Self-addressed stamped envelope.

For a Change of Address:

Ohio law requires you to notify the county sheriff’s office at which you obtained your concealed carry license within 45 days after a change of address. Address changes sent by E-Mail are not accepted.

• You may download the CCW Address Change Form (NOTE: This is a link to a PDF stored on the old site, possibly problematic) and send it by US Postal Service to:
  • Butler County Sheriff’s Office
  • ATTN: Concealed Carry License
  • 705 Hanover Street
  • Hamilton, Ohio 45011

For a Name Change:

You must schedule an appointment for a “replacement license.”

• Have proof of name change, e.g., updated driver license, state ID, divorce papers, court order, marriage license.
• Exact license fees (please refer to chart).

This process, required by law, modifies the record held by our agency in the event you need to be contacted regarding suspension, revocation, or administrative purpose.

If you wish to obtain a CCW license with your new address and/or name change you may do so by scheduling an appointment. A fee of $15 will be due at the time of your appointment in the form exact cash,  money order, or official bank check (personal checks are not accepted) already completed and made payable to “Treasurer of Butler County”.

FAQ

 Question: What is SB215 and do I need a Concealed Handgun License?

• SB215 goes into effect on June 13, 2022. It’s commonly referred to as “permitless carry” or “constitutional carry”. If you’re a “qualifying adult” you’re no longer required to obtain a Concealed Handgun License (CHL; also known as a CCW permit) to carry a concealed HANDGUN in Ohio. However, without a CCW permit and per federal law, you may not carry a concealed handgun in your vehicle while in a school zone. Also, if you plan on traveling and carrying a concealed handgun in another state, you may still need a CCW permit for that state and will need to abide by the laws of that state. “No-Carry” zones will remain “No-Carry” zones regardless of a CCW permit or “Constitutional Carry”. A property owner still has the right to post gun-free signs and enforce it as such.

Question:   Does SB215 change the CCW Process?

• SB215 does not change the CCW process in any way. You’re still welcome to obtain your CCW permit if you  desire and we highly encourage it; the benefits and peace of mind far outweigh the small cost involved. Effective June 13, 2022, you’re no longer required to carry the physical CCW permit with you while carrying the concealed handgun in Ohio.
  

Question: What’s the benefit of obtaining my CCW permit if it’s no longer mandatory?

• During a CCW certification course, individuals receive in-depth training on firearm safety, safe storage and handling, how a firearm mechanically functions, a deeper understanding of the law, and a skills test. This information is critical when ensuring the safety of the firearm operator and those around them. With a CCW permit, you don’t have to worry about school zones, you can travel with your handgun in more states, and you’ll know without a doubt that you are a “qualifying adult”.
  

Question: I applied for a CCW permit and was denied. Am I able to carry a concealed handgun now without a license?

• No. Nothing changes concerning who can legally carry a concealed handgun. If you were denied a CCW permit, you’re not a “qualifying adult”. A “qualifying adult” is a person at least twenty-one years of age and not prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law. If you don’t go through the CCW process, it will be your sole responsibility to ensure you’re not violating the law when carrying a firearm. Please see the Ohio Attorney General’s website and Ohio Revised Code 2923.111 for more information.
  

Question: What about the duty to inform a law enforcement officer that I have a concealed handgun?

• When SB215 goes into effect on June 13, 2022, you’re required to inform a law enforcement officer that you have a concealed handgun when asked… and we will be asking
  

Question: This is a renewal application, do I need to take the class again or re-qualify? 

• No, effective March 2013, you do not need to take the class again.
  

Question: My CCW is expired. Do I need to do anything different?

• If your CCW has been expired more than 30 days, you cannot carry your firearm until you renew the CCW.
  

Question: What if I am active duty military or am retired from the military?

• Beginning March 21, 2017, active military members who have the same or greater training than that required to obtain a concealed carry handgun license, may carry a concealed firearm as a license holder. Qualifying training must be handgun training at least 8 hours with proof of proficiency. 
• Retirees/former military members will need to provide documentation showing firearms training equivalent to Ohio’s CCW training requirements.
• Please read the 2017 Changes to CCW Senate Bill 199 – Active Military  for more information. 
• Active Duty and Veterans can bring proof of service and Honorable discharge to waive fees. Only specific military training records in  firearms will be accepted in place of a CCW Training Certificate.
• Please bring your completed current application, a valid driver’s license or state ID, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Question: Do you have to live in Ohio to obtain an Ohio CCW? 

• No. Out of state residents employed in Ohio can apply for a CCW license in the county where employed or in an adjoining county. Out of state residents applying for an Ohio CCW License must provide adequate proof of that employment and a certificate or similar document that evidences satisfactory completion of a firearms training course that we conducted by an instructor who was certified by a national gun advocacy organization that complies with the state of Ohio’s requirements.
  

Question: I have a CCW from another county in Ohio. I am moving to Butler County, what do I need to do? 

• It is the responsibility of the CCW holder to notify the issuing county if there is a change of address. Please notify the county that issued the CCW. Once it is time to renew, then you can schedule an appointment with Butler County. See the procedure section above for detailed change of address instructions.
  

Question: What happens if I can’t get an appointment before my license expires?  

• You have a 30 day grace period from your expiration date. After the grace period you cannot carry concealed until you get a renewal.
• Please allow 45 days for processing although this is not typical. Please do not call to check the status of your license during this time.

Question: Am I required to pass the CCW training class again if my license expires?

• No, you are not required to take any training classes again. Also, there are no penalties to renew an expired license.
  

Question: Do you have a waiting list for filling cancelled appointments?

• No, we do not keep a waiting list for filling cancelled appointments. We encourage you to go to our website and check the calendar frequently for cancellations.
  

Question: Can two or more applicants come to one appointment? 

• No, we do not keep a waiting list for filling cancelled appointments. We encourage you to go to our website and check the calendar frequently for cancellations.
  

Question: If I have a criminal record, how do I know if I am eligible for a CCW license? 

• There are many criminal offenses that bar you from obtaining a license. There many laws and conditions that prohibit you from owning a handgun. If you have questions about specifics, you should consult an attorney.
  

Question: Where can I apply for a CCW license? 

• You can apply for a CCW license in the county you live in or any adjoining county. See top of page for extensions due to the pandemic.
  

Question: Do Veterans and Active Duty members of the Armed Forces get the fees for a CCW license waived? 

• Yes, you must provide proof of Honorable Discharge or a valid military identification card.
• Several different military identification cards may be acceptable as valid. A valid military identification card may be the Uniformed Services ID Card, also known as the Common Access Card. is commonly used by the armed forces. 
• This fee waiver is subject to a statewide cap. If the cap is reached each year, the fee waiver will end for that year.

Question: How do I update my CCW license for a name change or a address change? 

• You are required to send in a change of address form within 45 days of the change of address. You are not required to update the license itself but may do so by scheduling an appointment for a “replacement” on the scheduling drop down menu in our calendar.
• To update your name you will need an appointment for “replacement”.
• You will need to bring a valid ID with the name change or a marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.

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