The information provided on the Website is for general information purposes only and is not an alternative to legal advice from your lawyer. This post may contain references to products and services from our partners. We may receive commissions from our partners when you click on some of the links. Learn More
Sweet Home Alabama!
Like most southern states Alabama has some of the most “classically” liberal laws concerning concealed carry. Alabama is unique in that it allows the counties of the state to issue concealed carry permits.
Applications need to be made at your local Sheriff’s office where your residence resides, and you must be 19 years or older to qualify. Good news is there’s no firearm training requirement.
Now, it takes 30 days from your submission of the firearm application to either be denied or granted, but don’t sweat it because the application is easy and not very time consuming.
| Open Carry Permitted? | Yes! |
| Carry In Vehicle? | Yes! |
| Carry In State Park? | Yes! |
| Carry In Restaurants? | Yes! |
| Constitutional Carry? | No |
| No Weapon Sign Enforced? | Yes! |
| Must Notify Officer? | No |
Kentucky has a friendly relationship with all 50 states conceal carry licenses, including non-resident licenses issued by other states. Check out the state website which has more information on reciprocity.
YES – WITHOUT A LICENSE Kentucky has no laws prohibiting open carry. When open carrying you should be prepared for Police Officers to question you as open carrying a firearm will attract their attention. The minimum age to open carry is 18 years. Kentucky has released a white paper on open carry which can be viewed by clicking on the link.
YES – WITHOUT A PERMIT Kentucky allows any person not prohibited from possessing a firearm to carry a loaded or unloaded firearm in a vehicle in any closed 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 the enclosed container, storage space, or compartment is locked, unlocked or does not have a locking mechanism. The Law KRS 27.020
YES
You are permitted to carry in the following areas; State Parks: YES State/National Forests: YES State Wildlife Management Areas: YES – 301 KAR 3:010 Road Side Rest Areas: YES
YES
In Restaurants That Serve Alcohol You are not permitted to carry in an establishment that’s primary business is to serve alcohol. You can carry in a restaurant but not in the bar area as long as the restaurant is not posted with a “No Weapons” sign. The Law KRS 237.110 KRS 244.125 – prohibits loaded firearms (concealed or otherwise) in places where alcohol is sold by the drink, except for certain specified exceptions.
NO
There is no constitutional carry in Kentucky.
NO/YES “No Weapons” signs are not mentioned in Kentucky gun laws. However, the law does authorize any private business to ban concealed carry on their premises, this does not include open carry though. Facilities that lease or rent housing are not permitted to restrict concealed carry. Private employers can prohibit their own employees from concealing a handgun or other weapons in company owned vehicles but not vehicles that are owned by an individual. State and local government employers can ban the carry of weapons within their buildings but not in vehicles.
NO
There is nothing in Kentucky gun laws that states you must inform a law enforcement officer you have a firearm when approached on official business. You are required by law to carry your permit at all times during which the permittee is in actual possession of a concealed handgun. The Law KRS 237.110