Kentucky carry status overview
Kentucky is a permitless carry state. SB 150, signed by Governor Matt Bevin and effective June 27, 2019, allows any Kentucky resident or non-resident 21 years of age or older who is legally eligible to possess a firearm to carry a concealed deadly weapon without a license.
The Concealed Carry Deadly Weapons (CCDW) license remains available and is recommended for Kentuckians who travel, as it is honored in 35+ other states for reciprocity purposes.
| Permitless carry | Yes — effective June 27, 2019 (SB 150) |
| Governing law | Kentucky Revised Statutes § 237.110 |
| Minimum age | 21 years old |
| Open carry | Yes — broadly permitted for eligible persons |
| Vehicle carry | Allowed without permit for eligible persons |
| Permit available | Yes — Kentucky CCDW License, issued by Kentucky State Police |
| Non-resident carry | Yes — same 21+ eligibility applies to visitors |
Kentucky CCDW License
| Issuing agency | Kentucky State Police (KSP) |
| Application | kentuckystatepolice.org — CCDW ↗ |
| Minimum age | 21 standardProvisional CCDW license for ages 18–20 begins July 15, 2026 (HB 312, 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 173, enacted by veto override April 14, 2026). Same training and background-check requirements; converts to a standard license at 21. Permitless carry remains 21+ only, and federal law still bars 18–20-year-olds from buying handguns from licensed dealers. |
| Fee | $60 (initial 3-year) / $60 (5-year renewal) |
| Training required | Yes — 8-hour course including live-fire component |
| Background check | Yes — KSP and FBI NICS |
| Validity | 5 years |
Prohibited locations in Kentucky
- K–12 school buildings and grounds
- School buses
- Law enforcement facilities
- Detention and correctional facilities
- Courthouses and court facilities
- Locations with security screening (if posted)
- Places of worship (without governing body permission)
- Establishments where alcohol is the primary business (bars)
- Any location prohibited by federal law
- Private property with posted prohibition
Frequently asked questions — Kentucky
Does Kentucky require a permit to carry?
No. Since June 27, 2019, any person 21+ who is legally eligible to possess a firearm may carry a concealed deadly weapon in Kentucky without a CCDW license. Open carry has long been permitted without a license in Kentucky as well. Note for 18–20-year-olds: permitless carry does NOT apply to you, but starting July 15, 2026 you can apply for a provisional CCDW license under HB 312 (2026).
Is a CCDW license worth getting?
Yes, particularly for travelers. The Kentucky CCDW is honored in 35+ states. Without it, Kentucky residents cannot legally carry concealed in those states. The license costs $60 and requires an 8-hour course. Apply at Kentucky State Police.
Can I carry in my car in Kentucky without a permit?
Yes. Kentucky's permitless carry law applies to vehicles. Any eligible person 21+ may carry a loaded handgun concealed or openly in a vehicle without a CCDW license.
Does Kentucky honor out-of-state carry permits?
Yes. Kentucky recognizes valid carry licenses from all other states (KRS § 237.110(20)). Visitors with a valid permit from their home state may carry concealed in Kentucky under the same rules as CCDW holders. Additionally, any eligible non-resident 21+ may carry without a permit under Kentucky's permitless carry law.