Ohio licenses to carry concealed firearms dropped in 2014

COLUMBUS — The number of new licenses to carry concealed firearms dropped more than 40 percent last year, according to statistics released by the attorney general’s office.

But the number of renewals rose to a five-year high, meaning more than 110,000 Ohioans secured licenses in 2014 to carry concealed handguns.

“The large number of license renewals reflects the significant number of licenses that were issued five years ago and were up for renewal last year,” Attorney General Mike DeWine said in a released statement. “We thank Ohio’s county sheriffs for their continued cooperation in providing this information about the use of Ohio’s concealed carry law.”

State law requires the attorney general to track the number of permits issued, renewed, suspended, revoked and denied and compile the information in an annual report.

Copies are available online at www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov.