Simone Lawson
Kentucky is a constitutional carry state, meaning that the state's law does not prohibit citizens who can legally possess a firearm from carrying handguns, either openly or in a concealed manner, without a state permit. In 2019, Kentucky repealed its requirement that people obtain a license and background check to carry concealed firearms in public. The state allows people who are otherwise allowed to own a firearm to carry that firearm in public, though there are some places where carry is not allowed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is Kentucky a constitutional carry state? | Yes |
| Is a permit or license necessary to carry a firearm in Kentucky? | No |
| Is a background check necessary to carry a firearm in Kentucky? | No |
| Is training necessary to carry a firearm in Kentucky? | No |
| Is there a minimum age requirement to carry a firearm in Kentucky? | Yes, 18 years old for open carry and 21 years old for concealed carry |
| Are there location restrictions for carrying a firearm in Kentucky? | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Kentucky is a constitutional carry state
While a license is not necessary, they are still issued at the county level by the sheriff's office. A Kentucky resident must be 21 years of age to be issued a concealed weapons license. A CCDW license will also assist in weapons purchases from licensed dealers and provide the holder with training and familiarity with gun laws. Additionally, a CCDW is valuable if you want to travel with your weapon, as 37 other states accept this license. Kentucky also honors concealed carry permits from every other state in the country.
Kentucky's gun laws are permissive, with no assault weapons bans in the state and no bans on magazine type. The gun-buying process in the state follows federal guidelines, with buyers needing to meet age and prohibited person requirements, as well as pass a background check. Kentucky does not impose additional waiting periods to buy firearms within the state.
While Kentucky is a constitutional carry state, there are still some important restrictions and considerations to keep in mind. For example, private businesses can restrict concealed carry, but they cannot restrict open carry. Additionally, employers cannot stop employees from storing firearms or ammunition in private vehicles in the parking lot. It is also important to note that open carry is legal in Kentucky for everyone over 18 who passes a federally mandated background check, with some exceptions for locations that primarily serve alcohol.
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No permit is necessary
In 2019, Kentucky repealed its requirement for a license and background check to carry concealed firearms in public. The state now allows people who are otherwise allowed to own a firearm to carry that firearm in public without a permit. This means that no state permit is required for citizens who can legally possess a firearm to carry handguns, either openly or in a concealed manner.
Kentucky is a "shall-issue" state, meaning that it will issue a concealed carry permit to anyone who meets the requirements. A license isn’t necessary, but they’re issued at the county level by the sheriff’s office. A Kentucky resident must be 21 years of age to be issued a concealed weapons license. However, every Kentucky resident at least 18 years old can purchase a gun in the state without a license. To purchase a firearm, a buyer needs only to take a form of payment and valid ID to a gun store. A background check is necessary when purchasing a firearm through a federally licensed dealer in Kentucky, but not when buying privately.
While a permit is not necessary, there are some benefits to obtaining one. A permit proves that an individual has passed a rigorous background check and has gone through a legal process to obtain training and education. This makes it easier for law enforcement to identify these individuals. A CCDW license will also assist in weapons purchases from licensed dealers and provide the holder with training and familiarity with gun laws. Additionally, a CCDW is valuable if an individual wants to travel with their weapon, as 37 other states accept this license.
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Open carry is legal for over-18s
Kentucky is a constitutional carry state, meaning no permit is necessary to carry a firearm. However, licenses are available in the form of a CCDW, which ensures your right to carry is protected in other states. While Kentucky does not impose additional waiting periods to buy firearms, a background check is required when purchasing a firearm through a federally licensed dealer.
Open carry is legal in Kentucky for everyone over 18 who passes a federally mandated background check. Some locations, including those primarily serving alcohol, are exceptions to this rule. Persons under 18 years of age may possess a handgun with permission from their parent or legal guardian if they are justified under the principles of justification set forth in KRS Chapter 503 in using physical force or deadly physical force.
While open carry is legal for over-18s, there are some restrictions on the purchase of firearms and ammunition. For example, a buyer must be 21 to buy ammunition for handguns. Additionally, an ammunition buyer cannot be a prohibited person, which includes people who have been convicted of felonies or domestic violence, ruled mentally unfit in court, or involuntarily committed to inpatient mental health treatment.
Kentucky restricts where you can carry a gun. Firearms are prohibited in specific locations, such as police stations, prisons, and government meetings. However, private businesses can restrict concealed carry but cannot restrict open carry. Additionally, employers cannot stop employees from storing firearms or ammunition in private vehicles in the parking lot.
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Concealed carry is allowed for over-21s
Kentucky is a "shall-issue" state, meaning that it does not require its residents to obtain a license or permit to carry a concealed weapon. In 2019, the state repealed its requirement for a license and background check for carrying concealed firearms in public. As such, any person over the age of 21 who is eligible to possess a firearm under state and federal law can carry a concealed deadly weapon in public in Kentucky. This includes non-residents and those from out of state.
While a license is not necessary, they are still issued at the county level by the sheriff's office for those who may wish to obtain one for carrying in other states. A Kentucky resident must be 21 years of age to be issued a concealed weapons license. A CCDW license will also assist in weapons purchases from licensed dealers and provide the holder with training and familiarity with gun laws.
Kentucky's gun laws are relatively permissive, with no assault weapons bans in the state and no restrictions on magazine types. There are also no additional waiting periods to buy firearms within the state, and a background check is only required when purchasing from a federally licensed dealer.
It is important to note that there are still location restrictions on where concealed weapons can be carried in Kentucky, and private businesses can restrict concealed carry. Additionally, while open carry is generally legal in Kentucky for those over 18, some locations are exempt, including those primarily serving alcohol.
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Location restrictions apply
Kentucky is a constitutional carry state, meaning that a license or permit is not necessary to carry a firearm. However, location restrictions apply to carrying firearms in the state.
Firstly, Kentucky law prohibits carrying a firearm in any place where federal law disallows it. This includes places like schools, federal buildings, and courthouses.
Secondly, private businesses in Kentucky can restrict the carrying of concealed firearms on their premises. Employers and business owners must post signs to this effect, and employees carrying a concealed weapon in contravention of the business owner's wishes may be subject to disciplinary measures. This prohibition does not apply to restaurants that are open to the public, have dining facilities for at least 50 people, and receive less than 50% of their annual gross revenue from the sale of alcohol.
Thirdly, units of state, city, county, urban-county, or charter county government may prohibit the carrying of concealed weapons in portions of buildings owned, leased, or occupied by that unit of government. The Kentucky Attorney General has interpreted these provisions to mean that a county legislative body may prohibit or limit the carrying of concealed weapons in buildings in parks or portions of buildings in parks that it owns, leases, or controls.
Finally, Kentucky is a shall-issue state, meaning that it offers a concealed carry permit on a shall-issue basis. This means that while a permit is not necessary to carry a firearm, it may be useful for gun owners who want to travel with their weapons, as 37 other states accept this license.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Kentucky is a constitutional carry state.
No, you do not need a license or permit to carry a firearm in Kentucky. However, licenses are available in the form of a CCDW, which ensures your right to carry is protected in other states.
Yes, you must be 21 years of age or older and eligible to possess a firearm under state and federal law to carry a concealed weapon in Kentucky.
Yes, firearms are prohibited in certain locations, including establishments that primarily serve alcohol.
No, Kentucky does not ban any type of firearm or magazine. However, armor-piercing ammunition is restricted.
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