Kentucky Gun Laws
If you’re looking to obtain a legal firearm in Kentucky, here are some things about the permit process you should know:
Kentucky is a shall-issue, permitless carry state, meaning concealed carry is legal for anyone at least 21 years old who can legally possess a firearm without a license/permit. Kentucky Concealed Carry of Deadly Weapons (CCDW) licenses are issued to persons who want to conceal carry out-of-state. Kentucky Concealed Carry of Deadly Weapons (CCDW) licenses are processed by the State Police.
Is There a Waiting Period to Buy a Gun in Kentucky?
No. There is no waiting period to buy a gun in Kentucky.
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Kentucky?
No. A permit is not required to purchase a firearm in Kentucky.
Do you need to register handguns in Kentucky?
No. Handguns, rifles and shotguns do not have to be registered in Kentucky.
Who is eligible to obtain a Concealed Carry of Deadly Weapons (CCDW) license in Kentucky?
Any Kentucky state resident who is at least 21 years of age can apply for a Concealed Carry of Deadly Weapons (CCDW) license.
Is firearms training a requirement in Kentucky for a Concealed Carry of Deadly Weapons (CCDW) license?
Yes. Kentucky requires a state-approved firearms training course to obtain a Concealed Carry of Deadly Weapons (CCDW) license.
What are the requirements to obtain a Concealed Carry of Deadly Weapons (CCDW) in Kentucky?
An applicant to obtain a Kentucky Concealed Carry of Deadly Weapons (CCDW) must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be a legal resident of Kentucky
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Must meet federal law requirements
- Must complete an approved firearm-training course
What are the steps to obtain a Concealed Carry of Deadly Weapons (CCDW) in Kentucky?
- Complete a firearms training course
- Go to your local sheriff’s office with a passport-style photograph and fee, and complete an application. Or, you can complete the application online at ky.gov. You will sign the application under oath. You will be notified in 90 days if your application has been approved.
How much does a Kentucky Concealed Carry of Deadly Weapons Cost?
The fee for a Kentucky Concealed Handgun Permit is $60.
Does Kentucky recognize concealed-carry pistol permits from other states?
Yes. Kentucky recognizes all currently valid concealed-carry permits issued by other states.
Is Kentucky a Constitutional Carry state?
Yes. Kentucky is a Constitutional Carry state.
Is Kentucky an Open Carry state?
Yes. Open carry in Kentucky is legal without a license for residents at least 18 years of age that are not prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Is Kentucky a Stand Your Ground state?
Yes. Kentucky is a Stand Your Ground state. There is no duty to retreat.
Are AR-style and other semi-auto rifles legal in Kentucky?
Yes. Magazine-fed semi-auto rifles are legal to buy and possess in Kentucky.
Are standard-capacity magazines allowed in Kentucky?
Yes. There are no state magazine-capacity restrictions in Kentucky.
Does Kentucky have gun-storage laws?
No. Kentucky does not have a gun-storage law that specifies how firearms should be stored.
Is Kentucky a Red Flag state?
No. Kentucky does not have a red-flag law.
