Kentucky Gun Laws: Concealed Carry, Open Carry and Buying a Gun

Yes, for adults 21 and older. 'Persons age twenty-one (21) or older, and otherwise able to lawfully possess a firearm, may carry concealed firearms or other concealed deadly weapons without a license in the same locations as persons with valid licenses' (effective June 27, 2019). Persons under 21 need a license (a provisional license is available at 18 to 20 since July 15, 2026) to carry concealed. Carrying a concealed weapon unlawfully is a Class A misdemeanor (Class D felony if previously convicted of a felony involving a deadly weapon).

Kentucky license to carry concealed deadly weapons (CCDW), issued by the Kentucky State Police (shall-issue: KSP 'shall issue' to applicants who meet the criteria). Standard license: age 21 or older; Kentucky resident (or military posted in Kentucky); not prohibited under state or federal law; no controlled-substance misdemeanor or commitment within three years, no two DUI convictions within three years; and completion of a firearms safety or training course from a nationally certified instructor (e.g., NRA, USCCA, NSSF) or a Department of Criminal Justice Training course of not more than eight hours that includes live fire of not more than 20 rounds (at least 11 hits). Valid five years. KSP must issue or deny within 60 days of a paper application or 15 business days of an electronic one. Fee per KSP: $60 ($20 to the sheriff and $40 to the Kentucky State Treasurer); renewal late fee $15. Provisional license (new, effective July 15, 2026): KSP issues a provisional license to persons age 18 to 20 who otherwise qualify; it is valid until age 21 and can be switched to a standard license without retaking training.

Allowed. Kentucky State Police states there are no Kentucky statutes governing open carry by persons who lawfully possess firearms, except the ban on weapons on school property (KRS 527.070) and the ban on loaded firearms where alcohol is sold by the drink (KRS 244.125). A person under 18 may not possess a handgun except in listed situations (safety courses, ranges, competitions, licensed hunting, property with adult and parental permission, home self-defense with parental permission).

A person under 18 may not possess, manufacture or transport a handgun except in listed situations (Class A misdemeanor first offense, Class D felony after). Knowingly or recklessly providing a handgun to a person known or believed to be under 18 in violation of those rules is a Class D felony, as is a parent providing a handgun when there is a substantial risk the juvenile will commit a felony. These rules apply to private transfers. No Kentucky statute reviewed sets a minimum age for long guns.

Kentucky has no state law that requires a background check, permit-to-purchase or license for private (non-dealer) firearm sales, and state law bars any unit of government from limiting the right to purchase, transfer or own a firearm (outside listed exceptions) and bars keeping lists or registries of privately owned firearms or their owners.

Kentucky has no state law that sets a waiting period for buying any firearm.

Kentucky has no state law that provides for extreme risk protection orders (red flag orders). State law provides that no person or unit of government may take, seize, confiscate or impound a firearm from a person except in listed cases (e.g., a person barred from firearms under KRS 527.040 or federal law, carrying unlawfully, holding a stolen firearm, or using it to commit an offense).

Kentucky has no state law that bans assault weapons or limits magazine capacity. State law bars Kentucky law enforcement agencies and local governments from using public funds or resources to enforce federal bans (adopted on or after January 1, 2021) on firearms, ammunition or firearm accessories, defined to include detachable magazines.

A loaded or unloaded firearm is not considered concealed if it is in an enclosed container, compartment or storage space installed by the vehicle manufacturer (glove compartment, center console, seat pocket), locked or not, so anyone not barred from possessing firearms may keep one there without a license. Adults 21 and over may also carry concealed without a license. No person or organization, public or private, may prohibit a person from keeping a firearm in a vehicle in compliance with these rules. On school property, an adult who is not a secondary pupil may keep a firearm in the vehicle if it is not removed or brandished.

All states. A nonresident with a valid license to carry a concealed deadly weapon issued by another U.S. state may carry concealed in Kentucky, subject to Kentucky law, and the license is considered valid in Kentucky.

A license (or permitless carry) does not authorize concealed carry into: police stations or sheriff's offices; detention facilities, prisons or jails; courthouses solely occupied by the Court of Justice, courtrooms or court proceedings; meetings of a county, city or special-district governing body or of the General Assembly or its committees (members excepted); the portion of an establishment licensed to sell alcohol for on-premises drinking that is primarily devoted to that purpose; elementary or secondary school facilities without school consent, child-care facilities, day-care centers and certified family child-care homes; secured areas of airports; and places where federal law bans firearms. Possessing any firearm on K-12 school property, buses or grounds is a felony (with exceptions such as adults keeping a firearm in their vehicle). Colleges and universities may control weapons on their property, and state and local governments may ban concealed weapons in the parts of buildings they occupy if posted (no criminal penalty; violators may be removed). Private businesses, day-care centers and health-care facilities may prohibit concealed carry by posting signs; carrying there is not a crime but can lead to removal.

Kentucky has no state law that regulates unserialized or homemade firearms or firearm kits. Intentionally defacing a firearm, and knowingly possessing a defaced firearm (unless reported to police or another appropriate agency before arrest or a warrant), are Class A misdemeanors.