Kentucky
Kentucky gun laws are relatively liberal and don’t require the registration of firearms. Kentucky is a “Shall Issue” policy where applicants are required to complete and pass a safety course. The safety course includes a marksmanship test which where you must hit 11 out of 20 rounds. Non-residents cannot obtain a Carry Concealed Deadly Weapons (CCDW) permit.
Kentucky
REQUIREMENTS
- Must be at least 21 years old.
- Demonstrate competence with a firearm.
- Resident of Kentucky for at least six months prior to application.
- Are a US citizen or legal resident.
- Not have been committed to a state or federal facility for abuse of a controlled substance or convicted of a misdemeanor relating to a controlled substance within the last three years prior to application.
- Not have two or more convictions for Operating motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or other substance which impairs driving ability within the last three years prior to application.
- Not have been committed as an alcoholic within the last three years.
- Not owe a child support arrearage which equals or exceeds the cumulative amount which would be owed after one year of nonpayment.
- Have complied with any subpoena or warrant relating to child support or paternity proceedings.
- Have not been convicted of Assault in the fourth degree or (Terroristic Threatening in the third degree within the three years immediately preceding the date on which the application is submitted.
- Federal Law – Prohibits the following persons
APPLICATIONS
Follow these steps to obtain a permit
- Complete your firearm training course.
- You will need to complete the application form at the sheriffs office in your county of residence as the form must be signed under oath.
- You will need the following items;
- Passport type photo
- Certificate of completion of firearms course
- Social security number
- $60 for fee
RENEWALS
- 120 days before a CCDW license expires the State Police will send a renewal notice to licencees.
- Failure to renew a license before the expiration date will result in a $15 late fee.
- The license will be permanently expired if it has not been renewed within 6 months past the expiry date. A new application will then need to be submitted.
You will need to take the following to the sheriffs office when renewing your CCDW license;
- Renewal form, you should have recieved one in the mail.
- Photo, these can be done at the sheriffs office.
- Drivers license.
PERMIT FEES
| Application Conditions | Original | Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $60 | $60 |
| Peace Officer | $0 | $0 |
| Retired Peace Officer | $0 | $0 |
| Late Renewal Fee | $15 | |
| Replacement | $15 |
Two payments for the application fee are required.
- $20 to county sheriff.
- $40 check or money order – payable to “Kentucky State Treasurer”
Kentucky
Kentucky
Kentucky
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Kentucky
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Kentucky
Kentucky
Kentucky
Places Allowed
- State parks
- State and national forests
- Road side rest areas
- Vehicle
- All areas of the state – except those listed as off limits
Places Not Allowed
- Any police station or sheriff’s office
- Any detention facility, prison, or jail
- Any courthouse, courtroom, or court proceeding
- Any meeting of the governing body of a county, municipality, or special district
- Any meeting of the General Assembly or a committee of the General Assembly
- Any portion of an establishment licensed to dispense beer or alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, which portion of the establishment is primarily devoted to that purpose
- Any elementary or secondary school facility
- Any child-caring facility, day-care center, or certified family child-care home
- State and local governments have the authority to limit the carrying of concealed weapons on property owned or controlled by them
- Colleges, universities, technical schools and community colleges have the authority to limit the carrying of concealed weapons on property owned or controlled by them
- An area of an airport to which access is controlled by the inspection of persons and property
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.
Kentucky
Yes
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
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
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
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
NO
There is no constitutional carry in Kentucky.
Yes
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
NO – MUST INFORM OFFICER
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
Kentucky
Quick Facts
Open Carry
Yes
Carry In Vehicle
Yes
Carry In State Parks
Yes
Carry In Restaurants
Yes
Constitutional Carry
No
No Weapons Signs Enforced
Yes
Must Notify Officer
No