Kentucky Duty to Inform: Police Stops While Carrying

Duty to Inform Law Enforcement in Kentucky

No Proactive Duty to Inform — But Must Disclose When Asked

Kentucky does not require concealed carriers to proactively inform law enforcement that they are armed upon initial contact. There is no provision in KRS Chapter 237 (concealed carry licensing) or KRS 527.020 (carrying concealed weapon) that mandates a person to volunteer this information unprompted.

However, Kentucky is classified as an "inform when asked" state. Under KRS 237.110(15), CCDW license holders must carry their license at all times when armed and display the license upon request of a law enforcement officer. This creates a legal obligation to disclose and present documentation when directly asked — distinguishing Kentucky from states with no duty-to-inform requirements whatsoever.

Statutory Text — KRS 237.110(15)

"The licensee shall carry the license at all times the licensee is carrying a concealed firearm or other deadly weapon and shall display the license upon request of a law enforcement officer."

Penalty for non-compliance: Failure to have the CCDW license in possession while carrying constitutes a noncriminal violation punishable by a $25.00 fine, payable to the clerk of the District Court. No court costs are assessed.

— As amended by 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 59, sec. 7, effective July 1, 2025

Permitless (Constitutional) Carry Considerations

As of June 28, 2019 (pursuant to 2019 Senate Bill 150), any person aged 21 or older who can lawfully possess a firearm may carry concealed without a license. For permitless carriers:

• There is no license to present, so the KRS 237.110(15) display requirement does not apply.
• Kentucky law imposes no separate duty-to-inform obligation on permitless carriers.
• However, carriers should be prepared to provide valid state-issued identification if asked by law enforcement to verify age and legal eligibility.

Open Carry

Kentucky permits open carry without any permit or license. There are no duty-to-inform requirements for open carry.

2025 Legislative Update

The Kentucky General Assembly passed 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 59, which amended KRS 237.110 effective July 1, 2025. Section 7 of the act updated the penalty provision for failure to carry a CCDW license while armed. The noncriminal violation and $25.00 fine structure remain unchanged, but the statutory language was formally codified through this enactment.

Practical Guidance for Law Enforcement Encounters

• If you hold a CCDW license: Carry your license at all times when armed. If an officer asks whether you are carrying or requests to see your permit, you are legally required to display it.
• If you carry under permitless carry: While not legally required to volunteer information, you must respond truthfully if asked by an officer whether you are armed.
• Recommended traffic stop protocol: Keep hands visible on the steering wheel, wait for the officer to speak first, and if asked or if you choose to disclose, state calmly: "Officer, I have a concealed carry permit and I am currently armed. How would you like me to proceed?"
• Do not reach for your firearm, wallet, or glove compartment until instructed by the officer.
• Although not legally mandated, many firearms law experts recommend voluntary disclosure during any law enforcement encounter as a safety and courtesy measure — this can reduce tension and demonstrate a cooperative attitude.

Comparison to Other States

Kentucky falls into the "only when asked" category of duty-to-inform states, alongside states such as Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Virginia, and Ohio. This is distinct from:

• Proactive duty states (e.g., Texas, Michigan, Louisiana) — where carriers must inform officers immediately upon contact, unprompted
• No duty states (e.g., Georgia, Indiana, Montana) — where there is no obligation to inform even when asked (though lying to an officer may still carry consequences)

Relevant Statutes and Authority