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...
Reviewed by Will Luker, Founder of CCW Hub. USCCA Training Counselor, USCCA Certified Instructor, NRA Certified Instructor, Law Enforcement.
Yes. Most states still require a CCDW license to carry a concealed weapon, and Kentucky's permitless carry laws do not apply out of state. A CCDW license will also assist in weapons purchases from licensed dealers and provide the holder with training and familiarity with gun laws.
Any person over 21 who is eligible to lawfully possess a firearm under state and federal law may carry concealed deadly weapons on or about his or her person. Persons under age 21 may be eligible to possess a firearm but are not allowed to carry the firearm (or other deadly weapon) concealed in Kentucky. Persons over 21 who are not eligible to lawfully possess a firearm may be legally eligible to possess other deadly weapons, but they are not permitted to carry any deadly weapon concealed under Kentucky law.
A person who qualifies can carry any deadly weapon, as defined by KRS 500.080, concealed on or about his or her person. The laws governing the open carry of deadly weapons remain unchanged.
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 or in places where concealed carry is not permitted under KRS 237.110 or KRS 527.020.
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 concealed deadly weapons with no CCDW license. The laws of those states may also differ on what weapons may be carried.
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.
Only a valid CCDW license will serve as a substitute for the NICS background check when purchasing a firearm.
Five years from the date of issuance unless suspended or revoked.
Yes. Failure on the part of a license holder to have their CCDW license in their possession when carrying a concealed firearm or deadly weapon will result in a non-criminal violation punishable by a $25.00 fine.
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.
Except as provided in KRS 527.020, no CCDW license shall authorize any person to carry a concealed firearm into:
Additionally, under KRS 237.115, units of state and local governments and postsecondary education facilities (colleges, universities, technical schools, and community colleges) have the authority to limit the carrying of concealed weapons on property owned or controlled by them. Kentucky law does not prohibit the owners of private premises from excluding persons carrying firearms.
Per KRS 527.020(8): A loaded or unloaded firearm or other deadly weapon shall not be deemed concealed on or about the person if it is located in any enclosed container, compartment, or storage space installed as original equipment in a motor vehicle by its manufacturer, including but not limited to a glove compartment, center console, or seat pocket, regardless of whether said enclosed container, storage space, or compartment is locked, unlocked, or does not have a locking mechanism.
No person or organization, public or private, shall prohibit a person from keeping a loaded or unloaded firearm or ammunition, or both, or other deadly weapon in a vehicle in accordance with this provision. This subsection does not apply to any person prohibited from possessing a firearm pursuant to KRS 527.040.
Carrying a concealed weapon in violation of KRS 527.020(1) is a Class A misdemeanor under KRS 527.020(9), unless the defendant has been previously convicted of a felony in which a deadly weapon was possessed, used, or displayed, in which case it is a Class D felony.
There are no Kentucky Revised Statutes that govern the open carry of firearms by persons who lawfully possess such firearms, except for:
The following individuals are eligible for a training waiver under KRS 237.110(6):
Documentation for military training waivers may include DD Form 2586, DD Form 214, CG Form 3029, DA Form 88-R, DA Form 5704-R, OPNAV Form 3591-1, or AF Form 522 showing evidence of handgun qualifications. Alternatively, documentary evidence of an honorable discharge plus a notarized affidavit on a KSP-provided form may be submitted.
Note: There is no statutory authority for another state's concealed carry license or out-of-state training to be transferred to Kentucky. No waiver of the training requirement is authorized based upon prior completion of out-of-state training.
Training certificates are valid for life. Duplicate certificates may be requested from the Department of Criminal Justice Training.
Licensees are required to notify the Kentucky State Police within 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.
To change or update address or personal information, complete the Carry Concealed Deadly Weapons Licensee Request for Change of Personal Information (KSP 121) at the office of the Sheriff of your county of residence. The CCDW section cannot update an address via telephone or fax.
A full-time paid peace officer of a government agency from another state or territory may carry a concealed deadly weapon in Kentucky, on or off duty, if the other state or territory accords a Kentucky full-time paid peace officer and elected sheriff the same rights by law. If the other state limits Kentucky officers to carrying only while on duty, the same restriction applies to officers from that state.
Retired/former peace officers from other states may carry concealed in Kentucky if they possess a valid concealed carry license from another state or valid certification under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), 18 U.S.C. § 926C.
KRS 403.754 authorizes an EPO/DVO temporary concealed carry permit for eligible petitioners for an order of protection. Applications are accepted electronically at https://kspportal.ky.gov/ccdw.
Under KRS 527.100, a person under the age of 18 is guilty of possession of a handgun by a minor when possessing, manufacturing, or transporting a handgun, except when:
Possession of a handgun by a minor is a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense and a Class D felony for each subsequent offense.
Renewal flashpaks (application packets) are mailed 120 days prior to expiration of the license to the address on file with the CCDW Section. P.O. Box addresses will override a street address.
Non-residents are not eligible for a CCDW license. The license of an individual who moves out of state is subject to revocation. Licensees may voluntarily surrender their CCDW license by mailing it with a letter to:
Kentucky State Police Criminal Identification & Records Branch CCDW Section 1266 Louisville Road Frankfort, KY 40601
This page covers one part of our Kentucky concealed carry guide.
Read the complete Kentucky guideBrowse local instructors offering state-approved training in your area. Book online, complete your training, and get one step closer to your concealed carry permit.