Kentucky's Concealed Carry Laws: Residents Only?

Kentucky's concealed carry laws apply to both residents and non-residents of the state. Any person over the age of 21 who is eligible to lawfully possess a firearm under state and federal law may carry a concealed firearm in Kentucky. However, there are some restrictions for non-residents when it comes to obtaining a concealed carry license. While Kentucky still issues concealed carry licenses, they are only available to residents and military personnel stationed in the state.

Kentucky's permitless carry laws

Kentucky passed a law in 2019 that allows the permitless carry of a firearm within the state. This means that any US citizen over the age of 21 who is eligible to possess a firearm can carry a concealed deadly weapon in public without a license.

While a license is not required to carry a concealed firearm in Kentucky, there are still several reasons to obtain a CCDW (Carry Concealed Deadly Weapons) license. A CCDW license is useful for purchasing weapons from licensed dealers, as it can serve as a substitute for a NICS background check. It will also provide you with training and familiarity with gun laws.

There are several restrictions on who can carry a concealed firearm in Kentucky. To be eligible, you must be over the age of 21 and eligible to possess a firearm under state and federal law. Additionally, there are certain places where concealed carry is not permitted, such as schools, police stations, courthouses, daycare centres, and businesses that sell alcohol for consumption on the premises.

Carrying a concealed weapon in other states

Kentucky is a permitless-carry state, meaning that a license is not required to carry a concealed weapon in the state. However, this does not apply to carrying a concealed weapon in other states. If you are a Kentucky resident and want to carry a concealed weapon in another state, you must follow that state's laws. Only states that do not require a license for any person to carry a concealed weapon would allow Kentucky residents to carry concealed weapons without a license.

Kentucky issues concealed carry licenses, referred to as Concealed Carry of Deadly Weapons (CCDW) licenses, to residents and military personnel stationed in the state. These licenses are recognised by 37 other states. To obtain a CCDW license, you must be a US citizen or legal resident, a Kentucky resident, at least 21 years old, and demonstrate competence with a firearm. The license costs \$60 and is valid for five years.

If you are not a Kentucky resident but hold a valid concealed carry license from another state, Kentucky will recognise your license. However, this does not apply if you move to Kentucky and establish residency. In that case, your out-of-state license will expire, and you will need to obtain a Kentucky CCDW license.

Who can carry a concealed weapon?

Kentucky is a "shall-issue, permitless carry state" with licenses processed by the State Police. This means that any person over 21 who is eligible to lawfully possess a firearm under state and federal law may carry concealed deadly weapons on or about their person. Kentucky's permitless carry laws do not apply outside of the state.

In Kentucky, persons under 21 may be eligible to possess a firearm, but they are not allowed to carry the firearm (or other deadly weapon) concealed. Persons who are over 21 but not eligible to lawfully possess a firearm may be legally eligible to possess other deadly weapons, but they are not permitted to carry any deadly weapon concealed under Kentucky law.

Kentucky still issues concealed carry licenses (CCDW) for people who may wish to obtain them for carrying in other states. The CCDW license will also assist in weapons purchases from licensed dealers and provide the holder with training and familiarity with gun laws.

In terms of reciprocity, Kentucky recognises all currently valid concealed carry permits issued by other U.S. jurisdictions. Kentucky also issues non-resident licenses to members of the military on active duty and stationed in the state.

What weapons can be carried?

Kentucky allows the open and concealed carry of firearms, including shotguns, rifles, and handguns. Any person over 21, who is eligible to lawfully possess a firearm under state and federal law, may carry concealed deadly weapons on or about their person.

The specific weapons that can be carried concealed are defined by KRS 500.080. The laws governing the open carry of deadly weapons remain unchanged.

To own a firearm, you must be a legal citizen of the United States. While there is no legal requirement to register firearms, and no license is needed for shotguns or rifles, you must be at least 21 years old to carry a concealed weapon.

It is important to note that the laws regarding the carry of concealed deadly weapons by Kentucky residents visiting other states are governed by the laws of those states.

Where can concealed weapons be carried?

Kentucky allows the open carry and concealed carry of firearms, including shotguns, rifles, and handguns.

Any person over 21, who is eligible to lawfully possess a firearm, may carry concealed deadly weapons, concealed on or about their person. Persons under 21 may be eligible to possess a firearm, but are not allowed to carry the firearm (or other deadly weapon) concealed in Kentucky.

Kentucky previously required a carry concealed deadly weapons license (CCDW). CCDW licenses are still available and are valid for five years. A CCDW license is also useful when purchasing a firearm, as it can serve as a substitute for the NICS background check.

Most public areas allow the open carry or concealed carry of a handgun. However, there are restrictions on carrying concealed weapons into certain public facilities, such as schools, police stations, courthouses, daycare centers, and any business that sells alcohol for consumption on the premises.

When carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle, it must be placed in the glove box, center console, or seat pocket. It is illegal to place a concealed weapon under the driver's seat.

Kentucky residents carrying concealed deadly weapons in other states are subject to the laws of those states. Only states that do not require a license for carrying a concealed weapon would allow Kentucky residents to carry concealed deadly weapons without a CCDW license.

Similarly, any person visiting Kentucky who is eligible to possess a firearm under US law and Kentucky Commonwealth law may carry a concealed firearm or other concealed deadly weapon in the state, regardless of their citizenship or state of residence.

Frequently asked questions