Kentucky has two carry ages, and most sources give you one
Permitless concealed carry starts at 21 under KRS 237.109. Open carry has been lawful from 18 for far longer, under KRS 527.020. A single “Kentucky carry age” figure has flattened two separate rules, and which one you are relying on decides whether an 18-year-old is carrying lawfully.
Also worth knowing: SB 150 wrote permitless carry into KRS 237.109 and tied it explicitly to the licence statute — a permitless carrier may carry in the same locations as a CCDW licensee. That is unusual. In several other states the two lists differ, which is exactly the trap Missouri and Arizona set.
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 | KRS 237.109 (permitless carry)KRS 237.110 is the CCDW licence statute; KRS 527.020 covers open carry and vehicles |
| 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 |
| 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.
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.