Can a felon own a gun in Ohio?

Ohio provides automatic restoration of firearm rights for nonviolent felony offenders upon completion of sentence. Persons convicted of offenses of violence or drug offenses may petition the court for restoration after completing their sentence and demonstrating a law-abiding life.

How can a felon restore gun rights in Ohio?

Automatic for nonviolent felonies. Court petition required for violent and drug offenses.

What is the waiting period for gun rights restoration in Ohio?

Immediate upon completion of sentence for nonviolent felonies. Violent/drug offenders must petition after sentence completion.

Are there exceptions to gun rights restoration in Ohio?

Persons convicted of offenses of violence or drug offenses cannot obtain automatic restoration — they must petition the court of common pleas. Certain offenses (e.g., murder, aggravated murder) may be permanently disqualifying.

Can a felon own a gun in Ohio?

It depends on the type of conviction. If you were convicted of a nonviolent, non-drug felony, your firearm rights are automatically restored upon completing your sentence. If you were convicted of a violent felony or drug offense, you must petition the court of common pleas for relief under ORC 2923.14. Certain convictions (aggravated murder, murder) carry a lifetime ban. In all cases, the federal prohibition under 18 USC 922(g)(1) also applies and must be addressed separately.

What is 'relief from weapons disability' under ORC 2923.14?

It is a court process where a person prohibited from possessing firearms under ORC 2923.13 petitions the court of common pleas in their county of residence to have the prohibition lifted. The petitioner must show they have led a law-abiding life since completing their sentence and are likely to continue doing so. The judge has full discretion to grant or deny the petition. If granted, the state weapons disability is removed.

What offenses automatically restore gun rights upon sentence completion?

Felony offenses that are NOT classified as 'offenses of violence' under ORC 2901.01(A)(9) and do NOT involve drugs of abuse. This includes many property crimes (non-violent theft, fraud, forgery), white-collar offenses, and other felonies where violence was not an element of the offense and drugs were not involved. If your felony does not fall under the disability categories in ORC 2923.13, your rights are restored automatically.

How do I file a petition for relief from weapons disability?

File a petition in the court of common pleas in the county where you reside. Include your personal information, conviction details, proof of sentence completion, and evidence of rehabilitation. Some counties have specific forms available from the clerk of courts. The prosecuting attorney will be notified and may oppose the petition. A hearing will be scheduled where you must demonstrate you have led a law-abiding life. An attorney is recommended but not strictly required.

What happens at the ORC 2923.14 hearing?

The judge evaluates whether you meet the requirements for relief: (1) you have led a law-abiding life since discharge, (2) you are likely to continue doing so, and (3) you are not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing firearms. The prosecuting attorney may present arguments against granting relief. You or your attorney can present evidence of rehabilitation, including employment records, community involvement, character references, and testimony. The judge's decision is discretionary.

What is the penalty for having weapons under disability in Ohio?

Under ORC 2923.13, having weapons while under disability is generally a felony of the third degree, carrying up to 36 months in prison and a $10,000 fine. Recent legislation has reduced the offense to a felony of the fourth degree for some offenders, though repeat violations and violations involving violent offense disabilities remain at the third-degree level with a presumption of prison time.

Can I get an Ohio concealed carry license (CCW) after restoration?

If your firearm rights are fully restored under Ohio law (either automatically or through a successful ORC 2923.14 petition), you may be eligible for a concealed handgun license (CHL). However, the sheriff's office will conduct its own background check, and federal law must also be satisfied. If there is any question about whether your restoration lifts the federal ban, the NICS background check may result in a denial. Ohio also has 'constitutional carry' (permitless carry) as of 2022, but this does not apply to persons under a weapons disability.

Does Ohio recognize gun rights restoration from other states?

Ohio law primarily addresses disabilities under Ohio law. If your rights were restored in another state, Ohio may recognize that restoration for purposes of Ohio's concealed carry licensing. However, the federal prohibition operates independently — you must ensure that your out-of-state restoration satisfies the federal 'civil rights restored' exception. This is a complex legal question requiring attorney consultation.

Is there a new federal pathway for gun rights restoration?

Yes. In March 2025, the DOJ revived the 18 USC 925(c) process, allowing persons federally prohibited from possessing firearms to petition the Attorney General for relief. This is separate from Ohio state restoration and can help address the federal ban if state restoration is insufficient or uncertain. The detailed application procedures are still being developed.

Felon Gun Rights in Ohio

Automatic restoration

It depends on your conviction. If you were convicted of a nonviolent, non-drug felony in Ohio, your firearm rights are automatically restored when you complete your sentence (including prison, probation, and parole). If you were convicted of an offense of violence or a drug offense, you must petition the court of common pleas in your county for relief from weapons disability under ORC 2923.14. Certain violent felonies carry a lifetime ban. Federal law (18 USC 922(g)(1)) also applies and may not be lifted by state restoration alone.

Last updated: 2026-03-21

Overview

Ohio has a dual system for felon gun rights. For nonviolent felony offenders who are not convicted of an 'offense of violence' or drug offense, firearm rights are automatically restored upon completion of sentence — no petition or application is needed. However, persons convicted of offenses of violence, drug offenses, or who fall under other disability categories must petition the court of common pleas for relief from weapons disability under ORC 2923.14. Certain violent felonies (such as aggravated murder and murder) can result in a lifetime ban that cannot be lifted through the petition process. Ohio's approach is more favorable than many states for nonviolent offenders, but the petition process for violent and drug offenders requires judicial approval and is not guaranteed.

Quick Answer

Federal Law — 18 USC 922(g)

Under 18 USC 922(g)(1), all persons convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year of imprisonment are federally prohibited from possessing firearms. Ohio's automatic restoration for nonviolent felons may lift the federal ban under the 'civil rights restored' exception in 18 USC 921(a)(20) if the state fully restores civil rights (voting, jury service, and holding office) and does not expressly exclude firearms. Ohio does automatically restore voting rights and jury service eligibility upon sentence completion, which supports the federal exception. However, court-granted relief under ORC 2923.14 for violent/drug offenses may or may not satisfy the federal standard depending on the scope of rights restored. A governor's pardon or the revived federal 18 USC 925(c) process (as of March 2025) provides additional pathways. Consult an attorney to evaluate whether your specific restoration lifts the federal ban.

Can restore gun rights

✓Persons convicted of nonviolent, non-drug felonies — automatic restoration upon completion of sentence (no petition needed)
✓Persons convicted of offenses of violence (except certain lifetime-ban offenses) — may petition for relief under ORC 2923.14 after completing sentence
✓Persons convicted of drug offenses (felony involving illegal possession, use, sale, distribution, or trafficking) — may petition for relief under ORC 2923.14 after completing sentence
✓Persons who receive a governor's pardon — restores all civil rights including firearms
✓Persons whose conviction is expunged or sealed under Ohio law — may restore eligibility (consult an attorney regarding the interaction with federal law)

Cannot restore gun rights

✗Persons convicted of aggravated murder or murder — lifetime weapons disability that generally cannot be removed through the ORC 2923.14 petition process
✗Persons who are fugitives from justice — prohibited under both state and federal law
✗Persons who are drug-dependent, in danger of drug dependence, or chronic alcoholics — prohibited under ORC 2923.13; must address the dependency before seeking firearms restoration
✗Persons adjudicated mentally incompetent, committed to a mental institution, or found to be mentally ill subject to court order — prohibited under ORC 2923.13
✗Persons under indictment for a felony offense of violence — prohibited while indictment is pending
✗Persons subject to a protection order — prohibited under both state and federal law
✗Persons convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence — prohibited under federal law (18 USC 922(g)(9)) regardless of Ohio state restoration

Step-by-Step Process

Determine whether your restoration is automatic or requires a petition

Review your conviction. If you were convicted of a felony that is NOT an 'offense of violence' (as defined in ORC 2901.01(A)(9)) and NOT a drug offense (involving illegal possession, use, sale, distribution, or trafficking in drugs of abuse), your firearm rights are automatically restored upon completion of your sentence. No petition or application is needed. If your conviction IS an offense of violence or drug offense, you must petition the court for relief from weapons disability.

Complete your sentence in full

For both automatic restoration and the petition process, you must complete your entire sentence. This includes: serving any prison or jail time, completing probation or parole/post-release control, paying all fines and court costs (though outstanding restitution may not necessarily bar the petition). You must be fully discharged from all supervision.

For automatic restoration: Verify your status

If your conviction qualifies for automatic restoration, verify that your sentence is fully completed and that you have no other disabilities (e.g., pending charges, protection orders, substance dependency). Ohio does not issue a certificate of restoration — your rights are restored by operation of law. You may want to consult an attorney or check with local law enforcement to confirm that your specific conviction does not trigger the disability under ORC 2923.13.

For petitioned restoration: File an application for relief from disability under ORC 2923.14

File a petition in the court of common pleas in the county where you reside. The petition should include your personal information, details of your conviction, proof of sentence completion, evidence of rehabilitation (employment history, community involvement, character references), and a statement explaining why relief should be granted. Some counties have specific forms — contact the clerk of courts for your county.

Attend the court hearing

The court of common pleas will schedule a hearing on your petition. At the hearing, you must demonstrate that: (1) you have led a law-abiding life since discharge or release, (2) you appear likely to continue to do so, and (3) you are not otherwise prohibited by law from acquiring, having, or using firearms. The prosecuting attorney may oppose your petition. The judge has full discretion to grant or deny relief.

If granted: Obtain documentation and address federal law

If the court grants relief, obtain certified copies of the court order for your records. This order lifts the Ohio weapons disability. However, evaluate whether the relief also satisfies the federal 'civil rights restored' exception under 18 USC 921(a)(20). If there is any doubt, consider applying for federal relief under the revived 18 USC 925(c) process or seeking a governor's pardon to ensure comprehensive restoration.

Waiting Period

For nonviolent, non-drug felonies: No waiting period beyond completion of the sentence — rights are restored immediately upon full discharge. For offenses of violence and drug offenses: No statutory minimum waiting period after sentence completion to petition under ORC 2923.14, but the court considers time elapsed and rehabilitation evidence. Practical advice is to wait at least 1-3 years after sentence completion to build a strong rehabilitation record. For a governor's pardon: No fixed waiting period, but pardons are rare and typically require many years of demonstrated law-abiding conduct.

Key Laws

Law	Year	Description
ORC 2923.13 — Having Weapons While Under Disability	1974 (amended through 2025)	Defines who is prohibited from possessing firearms in Ohio. Prohibits possession by persons convicted of felony offenses of violence, felony drug offenses, fugitives from justice, persons under indictment for a felony offense of violence, drug-dependent persons, persons adjudicated mentally incompetent, and persons committed to a mental institution. Violation is a felony of the third degree (recently reduced to fourth degree for some offenders under legislative amendments), carrying up to 5 years in prison.
ORC 2923.14 — Relief from Weapons Disability	1974 (amended through 2025)	Provides the mechanism for persons prohibited under ORC 2923.13 to petition the court of common pleas for relief from the firearms disability. The petitioner must demonstrate a law-abiding life since discharge and a likelihood of continuing to be law-abiding. The court has full discretion. Recent legislative amendments have aimed to align this process with federal law and U.S. Supreme Court precedent.
ORC 2901.01(A)(9) — Definition of 'Offense of Violence'	1974 (amended through 2024)	Defines 'offense of violence' for purposes of the weapons disability. Includes aggravated murder, murder, voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter, felonious assault, aggravated assault, kidnapping, abduction, rape, aggravated robbery, robbery, aggravated burglary, domestic violence (felony), and many other offenses. This definition determines whether a conviction triggers the weapons disability requiring a petition for relief.
ORC 2953.32 — Sealing of Record of Conviction (Expungement)	1974 (amended through 2024)	Allows sealing (expungement) of certain criminal records. Ohio expanded expungement eligibility in recent years to include more felony offenses. Sealing a record may affect firearms eligibility, but the interaction between sealed records and federal firearms disability requires legal analysis. Not all felonies are eligible for sealing.
ORC 2967.16 — Full Pardon	1953 (amended through 2023)	Establishes the Governor's pardon power in Ohio. The Adult Parole Authority investigates pardon applications and makes recommendations to the Governor. A full pardon restores all civil rights including firearms. Pardons are rare in Ohio and typically require a recommendation from the prosecuting attorney or sentencing judge.

Edge Cases

My felony was a nonviolent offense but it involved drugs. Are my rights automatically restored?

No. Drug offenses — even nonviolent ones — trigger the weapons disability under ORC 2923.13(A)(3) if they involve 'illegal possession, use, sale, administration, distribution, or trafficking in any drug of abuse.' This means even simple drug possession felonies require a petition to the court of common pleas for relief under ORC 2923.14. Only non-drug, nonviolent felonies qualify for automatic restoration.

I was convicted of domestic violence as a misdemeanor. Am I prohibited from possessing firearms?

Yes, under federal law. Under 18 USC 922(g)(9) (the Lautenberg Amendment), any person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence is permanently prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law. Ohio state law also prohibits firearm possession for certain domestic violence convictions. Ohio's ORC 2923.14 petition process cannot remove the federal misdemeanor domestic violence disability — only a presidential pardon or the federal 925(c) process could address the federal ban.

I have a felony conviction from another state. Can I petition in Ohio for relief from weapons disability?

The ORC 2923.14 petition process applies to persons under disability under ORC 2923.13, which covers persons convicted of offenses under Ohio law. For out-of-state convictions, the analysis is more complex. An out-of-state felony conviction may still trigger the disability if it would qualify as an offense of violence or drug offense under Ohio definitions. You would need to petition in the county where you reside, and the court would evaluate whether the out-of-state conviction falls within Ohio's disability categories. Consult an Ohio attorney.

Can I possess a firearm while my ORC 2923.14 petition is pending?

No. Until the court grants relief, the weapons disability remains in effect. Possessing a firearm while the petition is pending is a felony under ORC 2923.13. Wait until you have a signed court order granting relief before possessing any firearm.

I was convicted of aggravated murder or murder. Can I ever get my gun rights back in Ohio?

It is extremely unlikely. Aggravated murder and murder convictions generally result in a lifetime weapons disability that cannot be removed through the ORC 2923.14 petition process. A governor's pardon is theoretically possible but exceedingly rare for these offenses. The revived federal 18 USC 925(c) process would only address the federal disability, not the state prohibition.

Does Ohio's automatic restoration for nonviolent felonies also lift the federal ban?

Likely yes, but it is not guaranteed. Ohio automatically restores voting rights and jury service eligibility upon sentence completion. If firearm rights are also restored (automatically for nonviolent, non-drug felonies), this may satisfy the 'civil rights restored' exception under federal law (18 USC 921(a)(20)), which lifts the federal ban when a state restores civil rights including the right to vote, hold office, and serve on a jury without expressly restricting firearms. However, this is a legal analysis that depends on the specific facts. An attorney can help assess whether your restoration satisfies the federal standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a felon own a gun in Ohio?: It depends on the type of conviction. If you were convicted of a nonviolent, non-drug felony, your firearm rights are automatically restored upon completing your sentence. If you were convicted of a violent felony or drug offense, you must petition the court of common pleas for relief under ORC 2923.14. Certain convictions (aggravated murder, murder) carry a lifetime ban. In all cases, the federal prohibition under 18 USC 922(g)(1) also applies and must be addressed separately.
What is 'relief from weapons disability' under ORC 2923.14?: It is a court process where a person prohibited from possessing firearms under ORC 2923.13 petitions the court of common pleas in their county of residence to have the prohibition lifted. The petitioner must show they have led a law-abiding life since completing their sentence and are likely to continue doing so. The judge has full discretion to grant or deny the petition. If granted, the state weapons disability is removed.
What offenses automatically restore gun rights upon sentence completion?: Felony offenses that are NOT classified as 'offenses of violence' under ORC 2901.01(A)(9) and do NOT involve drugs of abuse. This includes many property crimes (non-violent theft, fraud, forgery), white-collar offenses, and other felonies where violence was not an element of the offense and drugs were not involved. If your felony does not fall under the disability categories in ORC 2923.13, your rights are restored automatically.
How do I file a petition for relief from weapons disability?: File a petition in the court of common pleas in the county where you reside. Include your personal information, conviction details, proof of sentence completion, and evidence of rehabilitation. Some counties have specific forms available from the clerk of courts. The prosecuting attorney will be notified and may oppose the petition. A hearing will be scheduled where you must demonstrate you have led a law-abiding life. An attorney is recommended but not strictly required.
What happens at the ORC 2923.14 hearing?: The judge evaluates whether you meet the requirements for relief: (1) you have led a law-abiding life since discharge, (2) you are likely to continue doing so, and (3) you are not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing firearms. The prosecuting attorney may present arguments against granting relief. You or your attorney can present evidence of rehabilitation, including employment records, community involvement, character references, and testimony. The judge's decision is discretionary.
What is the penalty for having weapons under disability in Ohio?: Under ORC 2923.13, having weapons while under disability is generally a felony of the third degree, carrying up to 36 months in prison and a $10,000 fine. Recent legislation has reduced the offense to a felony of the fourth degree for some offenders, though repeat violations and violations involving violent offense disabilities remain at the third-degree level with a presumption of prison time.
Can I get an Ohio concealed carry license (CCW) after restoration?: If your firearm rights are fully restored under Ohio law (either automatically or through a successful ORC 2923.14 petition), you may be eligible for a concealed handgun license (CHL). However, the sheriff's office will conduct its own background check, and federal law must also be satisfied. If there is any question about whether your restoration lifts the federal ban, the NICS background check may result in a denial. Ohio also has 'constitutional carry' (permitless carry) as of 2022, but this does not apply to persons under a weapons disability.
Does Ohio recognize gun rights restoration from other states?: Ohio law primarily addresses disabilities under Ohio law. If your rights were restored in another state, Ohio may recognize that restoration for purposes of Ohio's concealed carry licensing. However, the federal prohibition operates independently — you must ensure that your out-of-state restoration satisfies the federal 'civil rights restored' exception. This is a complex legal question requiring attorney consultation.
Is there a new federal pathway for gun rights restoration?: Yes. In March 2025, the DOJ revived the 18 USC 925(c) process, allowing persons federally prohibited from possessing firearms to petition the Attorney General for relief. This is separate from Ohio state restoration and can help address the federal ban if state restoration is insufficient or uncertain. The detailed application procedures are still being developed.

Take Action — Direct Links

Ohio Revised Code 2923.14 — Relief from Weapons Disability (Full Text)
Full statutory text of Ohio's relief from weapons disability provision, including eligibility requirements and the petition process.
Ohio Revised Code 2923.13 — Having Weapons While Under Disability (Full Text)
Full statutory text of Ohio's weapons disability law, listing all categories of persons prohibited from possessing firearms.
CCRC — Ohio Restoration of Rights & Record Relief
Comprehensive guide from the Collateral Consequences Resource Center covering all restoration pathways in Ohio, including weapons disability relief, expungement, and pardons.
Ohio Supreme Court — Adult Rights Restoration Guide
Guide from the Ohio Supreme Court Sentencing Commission on rights restoration for adults, including firearm rights, voting, and other civil rights.
Ohio Attorney General — Weapons Disabilities and Disqualifying Offenses
Official guidance from the Ohio Attorney General's office on weapons disabilities, disqualifying offenses, and law enforcement training materials related to firearms prohibitions.
Cuyahoga County Public Defender — Relief from Firearm Disability Form
Sample petition form for relief from firearms disability used in Cuyahoga County (Cleveland area). Useful as a template for understanding what information is required in a petition.
ATF — Federal Firearms Disabilities Relief (18 USC 925(c))
ATF page explaining federal firearms disability relief, which may supplement Ohio state-level restoration for the federal ban.