How to Apply for a Concealed Carry Permit in Kentucky | CCW Hub
How to Apply for a Concealed Carry Permit in Kentucky
As of June 28, 2019, pursuant to 2019 Senate Bill 150, any person age 21 or older who is otherwise able to lawfully possess a firearm may carry concealed...
Reviewed by Will Luker, Founder of CCW Hub. USCCA Training Counselor, USCCA Certified Instructor, NRA Certified Instructor, Law Enforcement.
Application Process
Kentucky CCDW License Application Process
Permitless Carry Note
As of June 28, 2019, pursuant to 2019 Senate Bill 150, any person age 21 or older who is otherwise able to lawfully possess a firearm may carry concealed firearms or other concealed deadly weapons without a license in the same locations as persons with a valid Kentucky CCDW license issued under KRS 237.110. However, obtaining a CCDW license remains beneficial for reciprocity with other states, assistance with firearms purchases from licensed dealers, and training/familiarity with gun laws.
Issuing Authority
The Department of Kentucky State Police is authorized by KRS 237.110 to issue and renew licenses to carry concealed firearms or other deadly weapons, or a combination thereof, to qualified persons.
Application Methods
Online Application
Kentucky State Police provides an online application option at https://kspportal.ky.gov/CCDW. Individuals can register and create personal accounts that allow them to apply, renew, request replacement, update their information, or monitor their current license status.
Paper Application
An applicant for a CCDW license must complete an application form at the sheriff's office in his or her county of residence.
Application Fee
The total application fee is $60, allocated as follows:
$20 paid to the sheriff of the applicant's county of residence
$40 paid by check or money order payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer (this portion is allocated to KSP and the Administrative Office of the Courts by statute; KSP collects the AOC portion on its behalf)
Note: Applications not accompanied by a check or money order for $40 payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer will be returned unprocessed to the sheriff of the applicant's county of residence.
Fee Exemption: Active and retired peace officers that meet the requirements of KRS 237.110(7) are exempt from paying the application or renewal fee.
Required Application Materials
The application form, completed under oath, must include:
Personal Information: Name, address, date of birth, gender, and Social Security number
Photograph meeting one of the following standards:
An original color photograph or color photographic copy developed from the negative, no less than 3½" × 4" and not exceeding 4" × 6"
A color photograph from a digital camera rated for 7 megapixels or greater, printed on photograph quality paper
An original color passport-style photograph that is 2" × 2" in size, with the chin-to-top-of-head measurement between 1" and 1⅜"
The photograph must display the full front of the head and facial features. The applicant may not be wearing sunglasses, a hat, or attire that obscures a facial feature, hair, or hairline.
Training Certificate: A photocopy of a certificate, affidavit, or document certifying completion of a firearms safety or training course offered or approved by the Department of Criminal Justice Training
Citizenship Affidavit (if applicable): Non-U.S. citizens must complete the Citizenship Affidavit (KSP Form 131) and submit it to the sheriff of their county of residence to be attached to the application
Processing
The sheriff forwards the application to the Kentucky State Police within five (5) working days
KSP conducts a background check upon receipt of the completed application, applicable fees, and required documentation
Processing time varies depending on circumstances such as background checks and whether the application was submitted correctly
Background Check (KRS 237.110(3))
The background check includes:
State records check covering items specified in the statute
Federal records check, including a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check
Federal Immigration Alien Query if the applicant is an alien lawfully admitted to the United States
Additional consultation with U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, Department of State, or other federal agency if the applicant has not been admitted under permanent resident status and doubt exists regarding eligibility
Eligibility Qualifications (KRS 237.110(4))
The applicant must:
Be at least 21 years of age
Meet one of the following residency requirements:
U.S. citizen who is a resident of Kentucky
U.S. citizen who is an active duty member of the Armed Forces assigned to a military posting in Kentucky
Lawfully admitted to the U.S. and permitted by federal law to purchase a firearm, and a resident of Kentucky
Lawfully admitted to the U.S. and permitted by federal law to purchase a firearm, assigned to a military posting in Kentucky
Not be under indictment for, or convicted of, a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
Not be a fugitive from justice
Not be an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance
Not have been adjudicated as a mental defective or committed to a mental institution
Not have been dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces
Not be subject to a domestic violence order or emergency protective order
Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence
Not be prohibited from purchasing, receiving, or possessing firearms or ammunition under 18 U.S.C. 922(g), 18 U.S.C. 922(n), or applicable state law
Not have been committed for controlled substance abuse or convicted of a controlled substance misdemeanor within the three (3) years preceding the application
Not have two or more DUI convictions (KRS 189A.010) within the three (3) years preceding the application
Not have been committed as an alcoholic under KRS Chapter 222 or similar laws within the three (3) years preceding the application
Not owe child support arrearage equal to or exceeding one year of nonpayment (if KSP has been notified by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services)
Have complied with any subpoena or warrant relating to child support or paternity proceedings
Not have been convicted of KRS 508.030 (Assault 4th degree) or KRS 508.080 (Terroristic Threatening 3rd degree) within the three (3) years preceding the application
Demonstrate competence with a firearm by successful completion of a firearms safety or training course offered or approved by the Department of Criminal Justice Training
Training Requirement
A valid training certificate is good for life
Training must be offered or approved by the Department of Criminal Justice Training
To find a certified instructor, contact your local sheriff's office
Duplicate training certificates can be requested from the Department of Criminal Justice Training by fax at (859) 622-8387 or by mail, including full name, Social Security number, and current mailing address
No out-of-state training transfers: There is no statutory authority for out-of-state training to satisfy Kentucky's training requirement
Training Waivers (KRS 237.110(6))
The following individuals are deemed to have met the training requirement:
Peace officers currently certified by the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council pursuant to KRS 15.380 to 15.404
Retired peace officers who are members of the Kentucky Employees Retirement System, State Police Retirement System, or County Employees Retirement System or other retirement system operated by or for a city, county, or urban-county in Kentucky
Current and retired peace officers of specified federal agencies (as detailed in KRS 61.365 and related provisions)
Military peace officers who have completed required military law enforcement training
U.S. Coast Guard members serving in a peace officer role who have completed required training
License Details
Valid for five (5) years from the date of issuance (unless revoked or suspended)
Valid throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky
Authorizes carrying a concealed firearm or other deadly weapon, or combination thereof, on or about the person
Authorizes carrying ammunition for a firearm on or about the person
Renewal Process
120 days prior to expiration, a written notice of expiration and renewal form is mailed to each licensee
Late renewal: A licensee who fails to renew by the expiration date may renew by paying the license fees plus a $15 late fee
No renewal is permitted six (6) months or more after expiration; the license is deemed permanently expired at that point
A person whose license has permanently expired must reapply for a new license pursuant to KRS 237.110
Replacement License
If a license is lost, stolen, or destroyed:
Complete a Request for Duplicate CCDW License (KSP Form 126) at the sheriff's office of the county of residence
Pay $15 by check or money order payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer
Address/Personal Information Changes
A Change of Personal Information form must be completed at the sheriff's department
The CCDW section cannot update an address via telephone or fax
Temporary Concealed Carry Permit (KRS 403.754)
Petitioners for an order of protection under KRS 403.715 to 403.785 may apply for a temporary permit to carry a concealed deadly weapon:
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.