Kentucky Concealed Carry Permit Basics

Permitless Carry (Constitutional Carry)

Kentucky enacted permitless carry legislation allowing concealed carry without a CCDW (Carrying Concealed Deadly Weapons) license. Key provisions include:

• Age Requirement: Any person 21 years of age or older 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.
• Under 21: 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.
• What Can Be Carried: Any deadly weapon as defined by KRS 500.080, concealed on or about the person. Open carry laws remain unchanged.
• Where: 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.
• Visitors: Any person 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.
• Out-of-State Carry: Kentucky's permitless carry laws do not apply out of state. Carry in other states is governed by those states' laws.

Reasons to Still Obtain a CCDW License

• Most states still require a CCDW license for concealed carry reciprocity.
• A valid CCDW license serves as a substitute for the NICS background check when purchasing a firearm from a licensed dealer.
• The license provides the holder with training and familiarity with gun laws.

CCDW License Details (KRS 237.110)

Issuing Authority

The Department of Kentucky State Police is authorized to issue and renew licenses to carry concealed firearms or other deadly weapons, or a combination thereof.

License Validity

• Valid throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky
• Valid for a period of five (5) years from the date of issuance (unless revoked or suspended)
• Authorizes the holder to carry a concealed firearm or other deadly weapon, or a combination thereof, on or about his or her person
• Authorizes the holder to carry ammunition for a firearm on or about his or her person

Eligibility Requirements (KRS 237.110(4))

The Department of Kentucky State Police shall issue an original or renewal license if the applicant:

1. Not prohibited from the purchase, receipt, or possession of firearms, ammunition, or both pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 922(g), 18 U.S.C. 922(n), or applicable federal or state law
2. Residency/Citizenship — Must meet one of the following:
   • A citizen of the United States who is a resident of Kentucky
   • A U.S. citizen who is a member of the Armed Forces on active duty, assigned to a military posting in Kentucky at the time of application
   • Lawfully admitted to the United States, permitted by federal law to purchase a firearm, and a resident of Kentucky
   • Lawfully admitted to the United States, permitted by federal law to purchase a firearm, and assigned to a military posting in Kentucky at the time of application
3. Age: Twenty-one (21) years of age or older
4. No controlled substance issues: Has not been committed to a state or federal facility for the abuse of a controlled substance or been convicted of a misdemeanor violation of KRS Chapter 218A (or similar laws of any other state) within the three (3) year period immediately preceding the application date
5. No chronic alcohol abuse: Does not chronically and habitually use alcoholic beverages, as evidenced by:
   • Two (2) or more convictions for violating KRS 189A.010 (DUI) within the three (3) years immediately preceding the application, or
   • Having been committed as an alcoholic pursuant to KRS Chapter 222 (or similar laws of another state) within the three (3) year period immediately preceding the application
6. No child support arrearage equal to or exceeding the cumulative amount owed after one (1) year of nonpayment (if the Department has been notified by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services)
7. Compliance with subpoenas/warrants relating to child support or paternity proceedings

Background Check Process (KRS 237.110(3))

Prior to issuance of an original or renewal license, the Department of Kentucky State Police conducts a background check including:

• 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 federal agency consultation (U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, Department of State, or other federal agency) if the applicant has not been lawfully admitted under permanent resident status and a doubt exists regarding eligibility

Key Statutes Referenced