Keith Mack
Kentucky is a constitutional carry state, meaning that a license or permit is not required to carry a concealed weapon. However, Kentucky does issue Concealed Deadly Weapons Licenses (CDWL) to residents who are 21 or older and eligible to lawfully possess a firearm. A CCDW license is essential for carrying a concealed weapon out of state. Additionally, Kentucky recognizes all valid concealed carry permits issued by other U.S. jurisdictions, but not all states reciprocate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Constitutional carry law status | Constitutional carry became legal in Kentucky in 2019. |
| Permit requirement | No permit is required to carry a concealed weapon in Kentucky. However, permits are still issued in the form of a CCDW or CDWL, which ensures the right to carry is protected in other states. |
| Age requirement | Individuals must be at least 21 years old to carry a concealed weapon in Kentucky. |
| Citizenship requirement | An individual must be a citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S. |
| Residency requirement | An individual must be a resident of Kentucky or an active-duty military member stationed in the state. |
| Training requirement | Training is mandatory to receive a concealed carry permit. |
| Weapon type | The law allows the carry of concealed "deadly weapons", including firearms, knives, clubs, blackjacks, nunchaku, shuriken, and brass knuckles. |
| Locations with restrictions | Concealed carry is prohibited in schools, childcare facilities, police stations, detention facilities, courthouses, government meetings, bars, secure areas of airports, and anywhere federally prohibited. Private businesses can also prohibit concealed carry on their premises. |
| Out-of-state carry | Kentucky's permitless carry laws do not apply outside of the state. A CCDW license is required to carry a concealed weapon in most other states. |
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What You'll Learn
Kentucky is a constitutional carry state
The Kentucky Constitution's Article 1, Section 1, Paragraph 7, states that "all men are by nature, free and equal, and have certain inherent and inalienable rights," including the right to bear arms in self-defence and for the state. However, it also recognises the power of the General Assembly to enact laws to prevent persons from carrying concealed weapons.
While Kentucky does not require a permit for constitutional carry, it still issues Concealed Deadly Weapons Licenses (CDWL) to residents over the age of 21. This license is essential for carrying a concealed weapon in other states, as Kentucky's permitless carry laws do not apply outside of the state. Obtaining a CCDW license requires completion of a state-approved firearms training course.
Kentucky's concealed carry law, KRS § 237.110, permits the carrying of concealed "deadly weapons," which includes a wide array of weapons beyond guns, such as knives, clubs, blackjacks, nunchaku, shuriken, and brass knuckles. However, it is important to note that ordinary pocket knives and hunting knives are specifically excluded from the definition of "deadly weapons."
Additionally, Kentucky restricts where firearms can be carried. While open carry is generally allowed, concealed carry is prohibited in certain locations, including schools, police stations, government meetings, bars, and airports. Private businesses can also prohibit concealed carry on their premises, although they cannot restrict open carry.
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No permit is required to carry a concealed weapon
Kentucky is a constitutional carry state, meaning that no permit is required for an individual to carry a concealed weapon. This law came into effect in 2019 when Governor Matt Bevin signed Senate Bill 150, eliminating the requirement of a permit to carry a concealed weapon in the state.
Kentucky's concealed carry law, set forth in KRS § 237.110, is "shall-issue". The law allows the carry of concealed "deadly weapons", not just handguns. While a permit is not required, Kentucky still issues permits in the form of a Concealed Deadly Weapons License (CDWL). These permits ensure that an individual's right to carry is protected in other states.
To qualify for a CDWL, an individual must be at least 21 years old, successfully complete a firearms training course, be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S., and be a resident of Kentucky or an active-duty military member stationed in the state. It is important to note that the same Kentucky concealed carry laws do not apply when carrying a weapon out of state. Additionally, there are places in Kentucky where concealed carry is prohibited, including schools, police stations, government buildings, and bars.
Kentucky's constitutional carry law also applies to non-residents, who may carry a concealed weapon in the state without a permit as long as they are legally eligible to do so. However, it is the responsibility of the individual to know and comply with Kentucky's gun laws when carrying a weapon in the state.
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Concealed carry is prohibited in certain locations
Kentucky has some of the most lenient gun laws in the United States. With limited exceptions, a resident can own, possess, and openly carry or conceal a firearm in Kentucky without a license or registration. However, there are several locations where concealed carry is prohibited.
Firstly, KRS 527.020(1) states that "a person is guilty of carrying a concealed weapon when he or she carries concealed a firearm or other deadly weapon on or about his or her person." This applies to any person prohibited from possessing a firearm. Carrying a concealed weapon is a Class A misdemeanour, unless the defendant has been previously convicted of a felony involving a deadly weapon, in which case it is a Class D felony.
Concealed carry is prohibited in all courthouses, police stations, and childcare facilities. It is also prohibited in elementary and secondary schools, certain areas of the airport, and places prohibited by federal law. Additionally, government employers may ban guns from the workplace, and open carry is prohibited in establishments that primarily serve alcohol. Private or public colleges, universities, or other post-secondary education facilities can also ban concealed weapons on their property.
Private businesses may prohibit concealed carry on their premises, but only once asked to leave can the gun owner be cited for trespassing or disturbing the peace. "Facilities renting or leasing housing" are specifically prohibited from restricting concealed carry. Private employers can prohibit employees or permit holders from carrying concealed weapons in employer-owned vehicles, but not in individually-owned vehicles. Public employers can prohibit carry within their buildings, but not in any vehicle, with the exception of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet.
Retired or former peace officers from another state with a valid concealed carry weapons license issued by another state may carry a concealed deadly weapon in Kentucky, subject to the provisions of Kentucky law.
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Out-of-state residents may conceal carry under certain conditions
Kentucky is a constitutional carry state, meaning that individuals over 21 who can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed firearm without a license or permit. However, it is important to note that Kentucky's permitless carry laws do not apply outside the state, and most states still require a CCDW license to carry a concealed weapon.
Out-of-state residents may conceal carry in Kentucky under certain conditions. Non-residents may carry concealed weapons under the Kentucky constitutional carry law, provided they are legally eligible to do so. This means that out-of-state residents who are over 21 and can legally possess a firearm are permitted to conceal carry in Kentucky without a license. Additionally, retired or former peace officers from another state with a valid carry concealed weapons license issued by another state may carry a concealed deadly weapon in Kentucky, subject to the provisions of Kentucky law.
While Kentucky recognizes all currently valid concealed carry permits issued by other U.S. jurisdictions, it is important to note that not all states recognize Kentucky's permits. Therefore, when traveling with firearms, individuals must comply with the laws of the state they are visiting. It is the responsibility of the gun owner to be aware of and follow the gun laws of the state they are entering.
Kentucky's concealed carry law, set forth in KRS § 237.110, allows the carry of concealed "deadly weapons," not just handguns. The definition of a "deadly weapon" includes a wide array of weapons other than guns, such as knives, clubs, blackjacks, nunchaku, shuriken, and brass knuckles. However, ordinary pocket knives and hunting knives are specifically classified as not being "deadly weapons."
It is important to note that there are restrictions on where individuals can carry concealed weapons in Kentucky. For example, concealed carry is prohibited in schools, childcare facilities, police stations, detention facilities, courthouses, government meetings, bars, secure areas of airports, and anywhere federally prohibited. Additionally, private businesses have the right to prohibit concealed carry on their premises, but they cannot restrict open carry.
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Kentucky observes all other states' licenses, but not all states observe Kentucky's
Kentucky is a "shall-issue", "permitless carry" state, meaning that anyone over 21 who can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed firearm without a license or permit. However, Kentucky does issue Concealed Deadly Weapons Licenses (CDWL), which ensure that an individual's right to carry is protected in other states. While Kentucky recognizes all currently valid concealed carry permits issued by other U.S. jurisdictions, not all states recognize Kentucky's permits.
Kentucky's concealed carry law, set forth in KRS § 237.110, allows the carry of concealed "deadly weapons", not just handguns. The definition of a "deadly weapon" includes a wide array of weapons other than guns, including knives (ordinary pocket knives or hunting knives are specifically classified as not being "deadly weapons"), clubs, blackjacks, nunchaku, shuriken, and brass knuckles (including knuckles made from other hard materials).
The laws governing the open carry of deadly weapons remain unchanged. Open carry is allowed without a permit and is specifically protected in the Kentucky State Constitution. However, even with a concealed carry permit, some locations are off-limits, including schools and school buses, any childcare facility, police stations and sheriff's offices, detention facilities, courthouses or court proceedings, government or General Assembly meetings, bars, secure areas of airports, and anywhere federally prohibited.
It is important to note that the carry of concealed deadly weapons by Kentucky residents visiting other states is governed by the laws of those states. Most states still require a CCDW license to carry a concealed weapon, and Kentucky's permitless carry laws do not apply out of state. Therefore, a Kentucky resident must be aware of and comply with the laws of the state they are visiting when travelling with firearms.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Kentucky is a constitutional carry state.
No, you do not need a license or permit to carry a concealed weapon in Kentucky. However, licenses are still issued at the county level by the sheriff's office.
To qualify for a Kentucky CCW permit, you must be at least 21 years old, successfully complete a firearms training course, be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S., be a resident of Kentucky or an active-duty military member stationed in the state, and meet all federal requirements.
