Buying a Gun in Kentucky
The age to buy a gun in Kentucky, background checks for dealer and private sales, any waiting period, and rules on ghost guns.
Short answer: 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). KRS 527.100, 527.110
| Age to buy a gun | 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. Providing to juvenile: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=19965 Source: KRS 527.100, 527.110 |
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| Background checks and private sales | 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. Reviewed KRS Chapter 237 (Firearms and Destructive Devices) and Chapter 527 (Offenses Relating to Firearms and Weapons), all section headings, on 2026-10-27; no provision found. Chapter 527: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/chapter.aspx?id=39394 |
| Waiting period | Kentucky has no state law that sets a waiting period for buying any firearm. Reviewed KRS Chapter 237 (Firearms and Destructive Devices) and Chapter 527 (Offenses Relating to Firearms and Weapons), all section headings, on 2026-10-27; no provision found. Chapter 527: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/chapter.aspx?id=39394 Source: KRS chs. 237 and 527 (reviewed) |
| Ghost guns and homemade firearms | 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. Reviewed KRS Chapter 237 (Firearms and Destructive Devices) and Chapter 527 (Offenses Relating to Firearms and Weapons), all section headings, on 2026-10-27; no provision found. Chapter 527: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/chapter.aspx?id=39394 |
More Kentucky gun laws
- Concealed Carry in Kentucky
- Open Carry in Kentucky
- Red Flag Law and Weapon Limits in Kentucky
- All Kentucky gun laws rules
FAQ
How old do you have to be to buy a gun in Kentucky?
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.
Do private gun sales need a background check in Kentucky?
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.
Is there a waiting period to buy a gun in Kentucky?
Kentucky has no state law that sets a waiting period for buying any firearm.
Are ghost guns legal in Kentucky?
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.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.