Constitutional Carry in Kentucky: What the Law Allows

Constitutional Carry (Permitless Carry) in Kentucky

Kentucky is a constitutional carry (permitless carry) state, allowing eligible individuals to carry concealed deadly weapons without a CCDW (Carrying Concealed Deadly Weapons) license.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Must be eligible to lawfully possess a firearm under both state and federal law
• Persons under age 21 may be eligible to possess a firearm but are not allowed to carry it concealed in Kentucky
• Persons over 21 who are not eligible to lawfully possess a firearm may legally possess other deadly weapons but are not permitted to carry any deadly weapon concealed

What Can Be Carried

A qualifying person may carry any deadly weapon, as defined by KRS 500.080, concealed on or about his or her person. The laws governing open carry of deadly weapons remain unchanged.

Where Concealed Carry Is Permitted

Permitless carriers may carry in the same places allowed for persons with a CCDW license issued pursuant to KRS 237.110. Concealed deadly weapons may not be carried:

• In any place prohibited by federal law
• In places where concealed carry is not permitted under KRS 237.110 or KRS 527.020

Visitors to Kentucky

Any person who is eligible to possess a firearm under the laws of the United States and the Commonwealth of Kentucky is permitted to carry a concealed firearm or other concealed deadly weapon in Kentucky, without regard to their citizenship or state of residence.

Carrying in Other States

Kentucky's permitless carry laws do not apply out of state. Carry of concealed deadly weapons by Kentucky residents visiting other states is governed by the laws of those other states. Only states that require no license for any person to carry a concealed weapon would allow Kentucky residents to carry without a CCDW license.

Reasons to Still Obtain a CCDW License

Despite permitless carry, there are still reasons to obtain a Kentucky CCDW license:

• Reciprocity: Most states still require a CCDW license to carry a concealed weapon
• Firearm purchases: Only a valid CCDW license serves as a substitute for the NICS background check when purchasing a firearm
• Training: A CCDW license provides the holder with training and familiarity with gun laws

Key Statutes Referenced

• KRS 237.110 — CCDW license provisions
• KRS 527.020 — Carrying concealed deadly weapon restrictions
• KRS 500.080 — Definition of deadly weapon