Simone Lawson
Kentucky has some of the most lenient gun laws in the US. Since 2019, the state has allowed anyone over 21 who can legally possess a firearm to carry a concealed weapon without a license or permit. However, there are still some restrictions on who can obtain a firearm and where they can be carried. In this article, we will explore what constitutes a concealed weapon in Kentucky, the laws surrounding firearm possession, and the places where carrying a concealed weapon is prohibited.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age requirement | 21 years or older |
| Training course | Required for a CCDW license |
| License | Not required in Kentucky, but required for out-of-state carry |
| Firearms registration | Not required in Kentucky |
| NFA registration | Required |
| Background check | Not required in Kentucky, but required for firearm purchases from federally licensed dealers |
| Waiting period | None |
| Minimum age to possess a firearm | 18 years |
| Minimum age to purchase a firearm | 18 years |
| Age restriction for vehicle storage | None |
| Concealed carry restrictions | Private businesses can restrict concealed carry |
| Location restrictions | Schools, government buildings, police stations, courthouses, detention facilities, and anywhere prohibited by federal law |
| Permitted weapons | Firearms, knives, clubs, blackjacks, nunchaku, shuriken, brass knuckles |
| Restricted ammunition | Armor-piercing bullets, flanged ammo |
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What You'll Learn
Kentucky's permitless carry law
The state's constitution guarantees the right to bear arms for self-defence, but also empowers the general assembly to enact laws preventing individuals from carrying concealed weapons. While Kentucky does not require a permit for concealed carry within the state, individuals seeking to carry a concealed weapon out-of-state will need a CCDW license. The CCDW license is also recognised by other states with reciprocity agreements, allowing for the carrying of concealed deadly weapons across state lines.
To obtain a CCDW license in Kentucky, applicants must successfully complete a firearms training course approved by the state. This course ensures individuals are competent with firearms and covers topics such as firearm safety, handgun use, and marksmanship principles. The course includes written tests, in-person instruction, and live-fire training with a handgun. Additionally, applicants must be United States citizens or lawfully admitted to the country.
It is important to note that Kentucky's permitless carry law does not apply to individuals prohibited from possessing firearms under KRS 527.040. The state also has specific provisions for retired law enforcement officers (RLEOs) and peace officers, who may carry concealed firearms under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA).
While Kentucky's permitless carry law provides individuals with the right to bear arms without a permit, it is crucial to adhere to federal and state laws regarding the possession and carrying of firearms and other deadly weapons.
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Concealed carry licenses
Kentucky is a constitutional carry state, meaning that no permit is required to carry a loaded firearm in your vehicle. However, you must be at least 21 years old to carry a concealed firearm in your vehicle without a license. Kentucky has no restrictions on NFA items, and NFA weapons and firearms must be registered with the federal government.
Kentucky offers Concealed Carry of Deadly Weapons (CCDW) licenses, which are not necessary for carrying a concealed weapon within the state but are essential for carrying a firearm out-of-state. CCDW licenses are available to residents and military personnel stationed in Kentucky, and they cover not only handguns but also knives, clubs, blackjacks, nunchaku, shuriken, and brass knuckles.
To obtain a CCDW license, applicants must successfully complete a firearms training course approved by the state. This course must include written tests, in-person instruction, and live-fire training. The course must be no longer than eight hours and cover topics such as handgun safety, care, cleaning, and marksmanship principles. Applicants must also be at least 21 years old, be a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and not have specific convictions or commitments related to substance abuse or impaired driving within the three years before their application.
Kentucky law requires the Kentucky Department of State Police (DSP) to issue a CCDW license if the applicant meets the qualifications. CCDW licenses are valid for five years from the issuance date, and renewal requires a background check and eligibility determination. Kentucky also recognises valid concealed carry permits from other states and has reciprocity agreements to allow Kentucky license holders to carry concealed deadly weapons in those states.
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Carrying without a permit
Kentucky is a "shall-issue", permitless carry state, meaning that no license is needed to purchase a firearm from a private individual, there is no waiting period, and there is no firearms registration in the state. However, a background check is required if purchasing a handgun from a Federal Firearms Dealer.
Open carry is legal in Kentucky without a license for anyone aged 18 or over who is not prohibited from possessing a firearm. Some areas are off-limits, including businesses primarily devoted to the sale of alcohol.
In Kentucky, any person aged 21 or older who can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed firearm on their person without a license or permit. This applies to both residents and non-residents (military on active duty assigned to a military post in Kentucky). However, those wanting to carry concealed weapons out-of-state will still need to obtain a concealed carry license, as Kentucky's permitless carry laws do not apply outside of the state.
A CCDW (Concealed Carry of Deadly Weapons) license is required to carry a concealed weapon in another state. A CCDW license will also assist in weapons purchases from licensed dealers and provide the holder with training and familiarity with gun laws. CCDW licenses are available to residents and military personnel stationed in Kentucky, but not to non-residents.
Kentucky law defines a "deadly weapon" as "any weapon from which a shot, readily capable of producing death or other serious physical injury, may be discharged". This includes firearms, knives, clubs, blackjacks, nunchaku, shuriken, and brass knuckles.
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Carrying in other states
While Kentucky is a permitless carry state, allowing anyone over 21 who can legally possess a firearm to carry a concealed weapon without a license, this does not apply in other states. If you are travelling to another state, it is important to check the laws of that state before travelling with your firearm. Most states require a CCDW license to carry a concealed weapon, and you will need to obtain one of these licenses to carry a concealed weapon out-of-state.
CCDW licenses are available to residents and military personnel stationed in Kentucky, but not to non-residents. The license will allow you to carry a range of weapons, including handguns, knives, clubs, blackjacks, nunchaku, shuriken, and brass knuckles. To obtain a CCDW license, you must complete a firearms training course that has been approved by the state.
In terms of reciprocity, Kentucky does recognize all currently valid concealed carry permits issued by other U.S. jurisdictions. This means that if you have a valid concealed carry permit from another state, you may be able to carry a concealed weapon in Kentucky, subject to the provisions of Kentucky law.
It is important to note that the laws around concealed carry can vary significantly from state to state. Some states may have stricter requirements for obtaining a concealed carry permit, while others may have different age restrictions or prohibited weapons. As such, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the laws of the state you are visiting before travelling with any firearms or weapons.
Additionally, there are some exceptions to the general requirement for a CCDW license. For example, under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), qualified law enforcement officers (LEO) and retired LEOs (RLEOs) can carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States, regardless of state or local laws, with some exceptions.
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Training requirements
Kentucky is a permitless carry state, meaning that any person aged 21 or older who can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed firearm on their person without a license or permit. However, those wishing to carry a concealed weapon out of state will need to obtain a concealed carry license, known as a CCDW license.
To obtain a CCDW license, an applicant must complete a firearms training course that has been approved by the state. The course must be conducted by a firearms instructor certified by a national organization that certifies firearms instructors. It must include written tests, in-person instruction, and a live-fire training component. The course must cover the safe use of handguns, the care and cleaning of handguns, and handgun marksmanship principles. The applicant must also demonstrate knowledge of the law regarding the justifiable use of force by including a copy of the concealed carry deadly weapons legal handout with their application.
Certain individuals are exempt from the training requirement, including active or honorably discharged service members, current and retired peace officers, and corrections officers. These individuals may submit documentation with their application to demonstrate that they have met the training requirement.
Kentucky also offers reciprocity agreements with other states, allowing individuals with a valid concealed carry permit from another state to carry a concealed deadly weapon in Kentucky, and vice versa.
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Frequently asked questions
No permit is required to carry a concealed firearm in your vehicle in Kentucky. However, you must be at least 21 years old.
In Kentucky, a concealed weapon can refer to a firearm or other deadly weapon, including knives, clubs, blackjacks, nunchaku, shuriken, and brass knuckles.
Yes, there are some restrictions. For example, armor-piercing ammunition is prohibited, and firearms must be kept in a locked container if they are not being carried by a person.
Non-residents who are at least 21 years old and can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed firearm in their vehicle in Kentucky without a Kentucky-issued permit. However, they must follow federal and state laws regarding the possession and transportation of firearms.
