Kentucky Concealed Carry Reciprocity

Permitless Carry (Constitutional Carry)

As of 2019, Kentucky is a permitless carry state. Any person over 21 years of age 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 without a license (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.

Why Obtain a CCDW License Despite Permitless Carry?

According to the Kentucky State Police:

• 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 assists in firearms purchases from licensed dealers (serves as a substitute for the NICS background check)
• Provides the holder with training and familiarity with gun laws
• At the time of permitless carry implementation, only states that require no license for any person to carry concealed would allow Kentucky residents to carry without a CCDW license

Reciprocity Agreements

Statutory Authority

Under KRS 237.110(20)(e), the Kentucky State Police is authorized to enter into written reciprocity agreements with other states for the mutual recognition of concealed carry licenses.

Per KRS 237.110(20)(e), the Department of Kentucky State Police is required to:

• Not later than 30 days after July 15, 1998, and not less than once every 12 months thereafter, make written inquiry of concealed deadly weapon licensing authorities in each other state regarding whether a Kentucky resident may carry concealed in that state based on a valid Kentucky CCDW license
• Attempt to secure permission from each other state for Kentucky CCDW license holders to carry concealed in that state
• Enter into written reciprocity agreements with states that agree to permit Kentucky residents to carry concealed on the basis of a Kentucky-issued CCDW license
• If a reciprocity agreement is reached, the requirement to recontact the other state every 12 months is eliminated as long as the agreement is in force

Pennsylvania-Kentucky Reciprocity Agreement

Kentucky has a written reciprocity agreement with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Key terms include:

• Kentucky License Authority: KRS 237.110
• Kentucky Authorizing Agency: Kentucky State Police, authorized under KRS 237.110(20)(e)
• Pennsylvania recognizes all valid Kentucky CCDW licenses issued to legal residents of Kentucky who are 21 years of age or older
• Kentucky recognizes all valid Pennsylvania concealed carry licenses
• Rights and privileges of license holders under the agreement are the same as, and not greater than, those granted to the host state's own license holders
• The agreement applies only to carrying concealed firearms, not other types of weapons
• Either party may terminate the agreement upon 30 calendar days' written notice
• License holders must comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations of the state in which they are carrying

States Recognizing Kentucky CCDW Licenses

Based on the Pennsylvania Attorney General's reciprocity document, Kentucky is listed as recognizing Pennsylvania licenses through a written reciprocity agreement (*) and also through unilateral recognition (∞). Pennsylvania residents with a valid PA concealed carry license may carry in Kentucky.

Pennsylvania recognizes Kentucky CCDW licenses through a written reciprocity agreement (*).

New Residents Moving to Kentucky

Per KRS 237.110(20):

• A person moving to Kentucky who holds a valid out-of-state concealed carry license may continue to carry for a limited period
• Within 60 days of moving to Kentucky, the person must deliver required documentation by registered or certified mail to the Kentucky State Police, including:
  1. A completed form provided by KSP
  2. A photocopy of the person's out-of-state license to carry a concealed deadly weapon
• The out-of-state concealed carry license becomes invalid in Kentucky upon the earlier of:
  1. The person having resided in Kentucky for more than 120 days; or
  2. The person being issued a Kentucky CCDW license

Non-Resident Licenses

Kentucky does not issue CCDW licenses to non-residents. Non-residents are not eligible for a Kentucky CCDW license, and the license of an individual who moves out of state is subject to revocation.

Transferring Out-of-State Licenses

There is no statutory authority for another state's concealed carry license to be transferred to Kentucky. Individuals wishing to obtain a Kentucky CCDW license must meet all requirements set forth in KRS 237.110, including residency and training requirements. No waiver of the training requirement is authorized based on prior completion of out-of-state training.

Law Enforcement Officers

Out-of-State Peace Officers

A full-time paid peace officer of a government agency from another state or territory, or an elected sheriff from another territory, may carry a concealed deadly weapon in Kentucky (on or off duty) if the other state or territory accords Kentucky full-time paid peace officers and elected sheriffs 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 visiting Kentucky.

LEOSA (Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act)

Pursuant to KRS 237.110, 237.138, 237.140, 237.142, and 502 KAR 13:010, qualified honorably retired elected or appointed peace officers may apply for LEOSA certification to carry a concealed deadly weapon pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 926C.

Key Statutes

Important Notes

• Kentucky's permitless carry law applies to anyone over 21 who can legally possess a firearm, regardless of state of residence or citizenship
• Kentucky CCDW license holders traveling to other states must comply with the laws of those states
• The Kentucky State Police cannot answer questions regarding concealed weapons laws of other states; travelers should contact the destination state directly
• Reciprocity information is subject to change as state laws are updated