Kentucky Concealed Carry Laws
Quick Reference
Laws change without notice. This summary reflects our best understanding of current Kentucky law but may not reflect recent legislative changes, court rulings, or local ordinances. Always verify current law with an attorney or official state source before carrying a firearm. This is not legal advice.
Permit & Carry Requirements
Kentucky is a constitutional carry state where no permit is required for eligible persons 21 and older to carry a concealed firearm. Open carry is also permitted. Kentucky issues a voluntary Concealed Carry Deadly Weapons (CCDW) License through the Kentucky State Police for reciprocity purposes when traveling out of state.
Reciprocity
Kentucky honors concealed carry permits from all other US states. The Kentucky CCDW is recognized by a large number of states. Non-residents 21 and older may carry in Kentucky under its constitutional carry provisions without obtaining a Kentucky license.
Prohibited Locations
Kentucky prohibits carry in police stations, sheriff offices, detention and correctional facilities, courthouses, public schools and on school property, openly or knowingly posted private premises, and places where the sale of spirits by the drink for consumption is licensed. Carry in a meeting place of the governing body of any governmental entity is also prohibited.
NFA Items in Kentucky
Kentucky permits federally-registered NFA items including suppressors, SBRs, and SBSs. Kentucky has no state-level restrictions on NFA items beyond federal requirements. The $200 NFA tax stamp elimination effective January 1, 2026 benefits Kentucky residents acquiring suppressors or other NFA items.
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