Kentucky is a permitless carry state, meaning individuals who are not prohibited from possessing firearms may carry concealed without a license....
Reviewed by Will Luker, Founder of CCW Hub. USCCA Training Counselor, USCCA Certified Instructor, NRA Certified Instructor, Law Enforcement.
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How to Get a Kentucky CCDW License
Overview
Kentucky is a permitless carry state, meaning individuals who are not prohibited from possessing firearms may carry concealed without a license. However, Kentucky still issues Carry Concealed Deadly Weapons (CCDW) licenses, which are beneficial for reciprocity with other states.
Application Process
Applications for a CCDW license are submitted through the Sheriff of your county of residence. Kentucky State Police has also implemented an electronic application process available at:
The CCDW license is valid for five (5) years from the date of issuance, unless suspended or revoked.
Disqualifying Factors
Per Kentucky State Police, an application may be denied, or a license revoked or suspended, for the following reasons:
Conviction of a felony
Being under indictment for a felony
Conviction of Assault in the fourth degree within the past three years
Conviction of terroristic threatening in the third degree within the past three years
Conviction of a misdemeanor relating to a controlled substance within the past three years
Conviction of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence
Being an unlawful user of, or being addicted to, any controlled substance
Conviction of two DUIs within the past three years
Commitment for alcohol or drug abuse within the past three years
Adjudication as an incompetent or having been involuntarily committed to a mental institution
An active emergency protective order or domestic violence order
Owing a child support arrearage equaling or exceeding one year of nonpayment (if KSP has been notified by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services)
Failure to comply with any subpoena or warrant relating to child support or paternity proceedings
Being a fugitive from justice
Dishonorable discharge from the Armed Forces
A discrepancy concerning the age or training requirements
Being ineligible to purchase, receive, or possess a firearm, ammunition, or both under state or federal law
Note: While some disqualifiers have a three-year limitation, others (such as conviction of a felony or misdemeanor crime of domestic violence) do not have a time limitation.
Weapons Covered Under the CCDW License
The CCDW license covers:
Any weapon from which a shot, readily capable of producing death or serious physical injury, may be discharged
Any knife other than an ordinary pocket knife or hunting knife
Billy, nightstick, or club
Blackjack or slapjack
Nunchaku karate sticks
Shiriken or death star
Artificial knuckles made from plastic or other similar hard material
EPO/DVO Temporary Concealed Carry Permit
Pursuant to KRS 403.754, an EPO/DVO temporary concealed carry permit is available for eligible petitioners for an order of protection. Applications are accepted electronically at https://kspportal.ky.gov/ccdw.
LEOSA Certification (Retired Law Enforcement)
Pursuant to KRS 237.110, 237.138, 237.140, 237.142 and 502 KAR 13:010, qualified honorably retired elected or appointed peace officers may apply for certification to carry a concealed deadly weapon under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), 18 U.S.C. 926C.
LEOSA Application Requirements:
Evidence of retired status
Evidence of successful completion of firearms qualification (KSP Form 123)
Signed, notarized statement that applicant is an eligible peace officer (KSP Form 124A)
Notarized statement from the employing agency (KSP Form 124B)
A photograph meeting specified standards
LEOSA Fee: There is no charge for submitting a LEOSA application.
LEOSA Issuance: Upon approval, both a CCDW license (valid for 5 years) and a Kentucky LEOSA license (valid for 12 months from the date of most recent range qualification) will be issued at no charge. The LEOSA license must be accepted in person at the office of the sheriff of the county of residence.
After Receiving Your License
Possession Requirement
Failure to have your CCDW license in your possession when carrying a concealed firearm or deadly weapon results in a non-criminal violation punishable by a $25.00 fine.
Change of Address
You are required to notify the Kentucky State Police within thirty (30) days after changing a permanent address. Failure to do so is a noncriminal violation with a penalty of $25.00 payable to the clerk of the District Court. Complete the Change of Personal Information form (KSP 121) at the office of the Sheriff of your county of residence.
Change of Personal Information
To correct or update personal information on your CCDW license, complete the KSP 121 form at the office of the Sheriff of your county of residence.
Contact Information
Kentucky State Police — CCDW Section
Phone: (502) 227-8700
KSP Headquarters: 919 Versailles Rd, Frankfort, KY 40601
General KSP Phone: (502) 782-1800
Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT) — CCDW Program
Browse local instructors offering state-approved training in your area. Book online, complete your training, and get one step closer to your concealed carry permit.