A person not prohibited from owning a firearm is able to carry a handgun concealed without obtaining a Concealed Handgun License (CHL). Ohio has joined over two dozen other states which have enacted permitless carry. An excellent article about Ohio's permitless carry by the Buckeye Firearms Association can be accessed --> "Answers to Common Questions about Ohio’s New Permitless Carry Law." 

To be able to carry your handgun for self-defense in states that do not have permitless carry; you need to have two elements present:

1.) A Concealed Handgun License issued by your jurisdiction of residence;
2.) An Agreement of Reciprocity between your state of residence and the state you are visiting or a non-resident CHL if the destination state issues them.

The state of Ohio has entered into Reciprocity Agreements with thirty-eight other states which allow you to carry a handgun for protection under your Ohio Concealed Handgun License. You can view the list of states in which Ohio has entered into reciprocity agreements with here--> Ohio Reciprocity Agreements.

Should you get your CHL? If you want to take full advantage of your right to self-defense when traveling to other states, obtaining your CHL would be the logical step. 

*North Dakota restricts permitless carry to residents of their state only. North Dakota DOES have reciprocity with Ohio allowing you to carry with an Ohio CHL..