Kentucky Concealed Carry Permit Renewal Guide

Kentucky CCDW License Renewal Process

Overview

Under KRS 237.110, the Kentucky Department of Kentucky State Police is authorized to issue and renew licenses to carry concealed firearms or other deadly weapons. A CCDW license is valid for a period of five (5) years from the date of issuance.

Renewal Notification

Not less than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the expiration date of the license, the Department of Kentucky State Police shall mail to each licensee:

• A written notice of the expiration
• A renewal form prescribed by the Department of Kentucky State Police

The outside of the envelope containing the license renewal notice shall bear only the name and address of the applicant. No other information relating to the applicant shall appear on the outside of the envelope. (KRS 237.110(14)(a))

Renewal Requirements

To renew a CCDW license, the licensee must:

1. Take the renewal notice and a color photograph to the Sheriff of their county of residence
2. File the renewal form — either:
   • A paper renewal form filed with the Sheriff of the county of residence, or
   • An electronic renewal form filed directly with the Department of Kentucky State Police in lieu of a paper form
3. State that the licensee remains qualified pursuant to the eligibility criteria specified in KRS 237.110 subsections (3) and (4)
4. Pay the required renewal fees (see Fees section below)
5. Non-U.S. Citizens must complete and submit the Citizenship Affidavit (KSP Form 131) to the Sheriff of their county of residence to be attached to the renewal form

Photograph Requirements for Renewal

The photograph submitted must:

• Be in color
• Be no less than 3½ inches × 4 inches and no more than 4 inches × 5 inches
• Display the full front of the head and facial features of the applicant
• Not show the applicant wearing sunglasses or attire that obscures facial features
• Be an original photograph or a photographic copy developed from the negative of an original photograph
• Not be an image produced by a computer, copier, or other copy machine
• Digital photographs or their printed images are not acceptable (per the KSP CCDW Application Process page)

Background Check

Prior to issuance of a renewal license, the Department of Kentucky State Police shall conduct a background check upon receipt of a completed application, applicable fees, and required documentation. The background check includes (KRS 237.110(3)):

• A state records check
• A federal records check, including a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check
• A federal Immigration Alien Query if the person is an alien lawfully admitted to the United States
• Additional consultation with federal agencies (DHS, DOJ, State Department) if the applicant has not been admitted under permanent resident status and a doubt exists regarding eligibility

Renewal Fees

The renewal fee is structured as follows:

• $20.00 paid to the Sheriff
• $40.00 check or money order payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer
• Total: $60.00 for on-time renewal

If the renewal application is submitted after the expiration date, an additional late fee of $15.00 applies, making the check/money order to the Kentucky State Treasurer $55.00 (total of $75.00).

Receipt

Upon filing:

• The Sheriff shall issue to the applicant a receipt for the paper application for renewal and shall date the receipt
• The Department of Kentucky State Police shall issue a receipt for an electronic application for renewal submitted in lieu of a paper application and shall date the receipt

Late Renewal

A licensee who fails to file a renewal application on or before the expiration date may still renew by paying the standard license fees plus a late fee of fifteen dollars ($15.00). (KRS 237.110(14)(c))

Permanent Expiration

• No license shall be renewed six (6) months or more after its expiration date
• The license shall be deemed permanently expired six (6) months after its expiration date (KRS 237.110(14)(c))
• A person whose license has permanently expired must reapply for licensure as a new applicant pursuant to KRS 237.110 subsections (7), (8), and (9) by obtaining a new CCDW application from the Sheriff of their county of residence

Expired License Status

A license which has expired shall be void and shall not be valid for any purpose other than surrender to the Sheriff in exchange for a renewal license. (KRS 237.110(14)(b))

Upon issuance of a new (renewed) license, the old license shall be destroyed by the Sheriff.

Eligibility Criteria for Renewal

The same eligibility criteria apply for renewal as for an original license under KRS 237.110(4), including but not limited to:

• Not prohibited from possession of firearms under 18 U.S.C. 922(g) or (n), or applicable federal or state law
• U.S. citizen and Kentucky resident (or qualifying military/lawful alien status)
• Age 21 or older
• No commitment for controlled substance abuse or misdemeanor drug conviction within the preceding 3 years
• No chronic/habitual alcohol abuse (two or more DUI convictions within 3 years, or commitment as alcoholic within 3 years)
• No outstanding child support arrearage equal to or exceeding one year of nonpayment
• Compliance with subpoenas/warrants relating to child support or paternity proceedings

Permitless Carry Note

As of June 28, 2019, pursuant to 2019 Senate Bill 150, any person age 21 or older who can lawfully possess a firearm may carry concealed firearms without a license in Kentucky. However, maintaining a CCDW license remains beneficial for:

• Reciprocity — most other states still require a license for concealed carry
• Firearms purchases from licensed dealers
• Training and familiarity with gun laws

LEOSA Renewal (Retired Law Enforcement)

For qualified honorably retired peace officers holding LEOSA certification under 18 U.S.C. 926C:

• The renewal process is the same as the initial application
• Licensees seeking renewal do not have to resubmit the "LEOSA Law Enforcement Retirement Certification" (KSP Form 124B) if previously accepted by Kentucky State Police
• LEOSA license is valid for 12 months from the date of the most recent range qualification
• The associated CCDW license is valid for 5 years
• No fee for LEOSA application or renewal