Simone Lawson
Kentucky's constitutional carry law, also known as permitless carry, allows residents to possess and carry firearms without a permit. This law came into effect when Governor Matt Bevin signed the NRA-backed Senate Bill 150 into law on March 11, 2019. Kentucky is now the 16th state to pass such legislation, joining the likes of Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, and Idaho. While a license is no longer required to carry a concealed firearm in Kentucky, specific regulations and restrictions are in place to ensure safe and responsible firearm ownership. For example, individuals must be at least 21 years old and cannot carry firearms in certain locations, including schools and airports.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Constitutional carry status | Constitutional carry state |
| Permit requirement | No permit required for individuals 21 and over |
| Open carry | Allowed without a permit for individuals 18 and over |
| Concealed carry | Allowed without a permit for individuals 21 and over |
| Concealed carry license | Issued by the Kentucky Department of State Police |
| License validity | Five years |
| License renewal | Requires background check and NICS check |
| License renewal time limit | Cannot be renewed more than six months after expiration |
| License fee | $60 |
| Training course | Required for concealed carry license |
| Training course content | Firearm safety, possession and carrying laws, use of force, live-fire training |
| Deadly weapons | Include knives, clubs, blackjacks, nunchaku, shuriken, brass knuckles |
| Local municipalities | Cannot regulate firearms |
| Private employers | Can prohibit weapons in employer-owned vehicles |
| Public employers | Can prohibit carry within buildings |
| School property | Visitors can carry weapons in vehicles |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Kentucky's constitutional carry law
Kentucky joins other states such as Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming in passing Constitutional Carry or Permitless Carry legislation.
While Kentucky's constitutional carry law provides residents with the freedom to carry firearms without a permit, individuals must still adhere to specific regulations and restrictions to ensure safe and responsible firearm ownership. For instance, certain locations are off-limits for carrying firearms, including businesses primarily devoted to the sale of alcohol, and areas of airports with controlled access. Additionally, private employers can prohibit employees or permit holders from carrying weapons in employer-owned vehicles.
It is important to note that Kentucky's constitutional carry law does not supersede federal law or the laws of other states. Individuals carrying firearms are responsible for complying with the laws of the state they are visiting. Additionally, local municipalities within Kentucky are prohibited from enacting or reenacting firearm regulations under the constitutional carry preemption gun law.
Knife Laws and Constitutional Carry: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Concealed carry licenses
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. 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 at least 18 years of age who is not prohibited from possessing a firearm. Some areas are off-limits, including businesses primarily devoted to the sale of alcohol.
On March 11, 2019, Governor Matt Bevin signed into law Senate Bill 150, which eliminated the requirement of a permit to carry concealed weapons in Kentucky. As a result, Kentucky became the 16th Constitutional Carry or Permitless Carry state, joining states such as Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, and Maine. This means that anyone 21 years of age or older who can legally possess a firearm can carry a concealed deadly weapon in public without a license or permit. However, people carrying guns without a permit are still subject to the same location restrictions that previously existed for permit holders.
Despite the new law, Kentucky still issues concealed carry licenses for individuals who wish to obtain them, especially if they intend to carry their firearms in other states. These licenses are referred to as Concealed Carry of Deadly Weapons (CCDW) licenses or Concealed Deadly Weapons Licenses (CDWL) and are valid for five years from the date of issuance. The application fee is $60, and the application process is handled by the state police department. To apply for a CCDW license, candidates must meet certain qualifications and complete a recognized and approved firearm training course as per state law. The training course must include instruction on the safe use of handguns, the care and cleaning of handguns, handgun marksmanship principles, and actual range firing of a handgun. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate knowledge of Kentucky laws relating to the possession and carrying of firearms, as well as the laws relating to the use of force.
It is important to note that Kentucky's constitutional carry preemption gun law prohibits local municipalities from enacting or reenacting firearm regulations. However, there are specific locations where carrying firearms is prohibited, such as schools, airports, and certain areas of establishments that serve alcohol. Private and public employers also have the right to prohibit employees or permit holders from carrying weapons in employer-owned vehicles or within their buildings, with some exceptions.
Constitutional Carry Bill: Vetoed, What's Next?
You may want to see also
Open carry laws
On March 11, 2019, Kentucky became a constitutional carry state when Governor Matt Bevin signed into law the NRA-backed Senate Bill 150. This bill eliminated the requirement for a permit to carry concealed firearms in public for those aged 21 and over. Kentucky is now a "shall-issue", permitless carry state, meaning that while licenses are still issued, they are not required to carry a firearm.
Open carry is legal in Kentucky without a license for anyone aged 18 or over who can legally possess a firearm. Some areas are off-limits, including businesses primarily devoted to the sale of alcohol. Those wishing to carry firearms out-of-state will still need to obtain a concealed carry license, referred to in Kentucky as a Concealed Carry of Deadly Weapons (CCDW) license. This license covers not only firearms but also other dangerous weapons such as knives and brass knuckles.
To apply for a CCDW license, candidates must complete a recognised and approved firearm training course and submit the necessary documents, including a coloured passport photo and a certificate of completed firearm training. The application fee is $60, and the license is valid for five years.
While Kentucky's constitutional carry laws provide residents with the freedom to possess and carry firearms without a permit, individuals must still adhere to specific regulations and restrictions to ensure safe and responsible firearm ownership. For example, Kentucky law prevents a license from being renewed without a background check, and applicants must meet certain qualifications to be eligible for a license, such as being a US citizen or lawfully admitted to the US.
Florida's Constitutional Carry: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Firearm training courses
Kentucky is a shall-issue, permitless carry state, meaning no license is needed to purchase a firearm from a private individual, and there is no waiting period or firearms registration. 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 can legally possess a firearm. Some areas are off-limits, including businesses primarily devoted to the sale of alcohol.
On March 11, 2019, Kentucky became a Constitutional Carry state when Governor Matt Bevin signed NRA-backed Senate Bill 150 into law. This allows anyone aged 21 or over to concealed carry without a permit.
If you are looking for firearm training courses in Kentucky, there are several options available. Online courses, such as those offered by American Firearms Training, provide an easy and convenient way to learn about gun safety and handling from the comfort of your home. These courses are often designed to be accessible from any device and typically include video sections, quizzes, and tests to review your gun safety training. Some courses may also offer a certificate of completion, which can be useful for meeting legal requirements.
In addition to online options, there are also in-person firearm training courses offered by certified firearm experts throughout Kentucky. ShootingClasses.com, for example, offers a student registration feature that allows you to find local shooting classes, track your progress, and connect with other firearm enthusiasts. These courses are typically categorized by skill level, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced, so you can find one that suits your needs and experience level. Northeastern KY Fish & Game Assoc. in Ashland, KY, is one example of an organization that offers firearm training courses in the state.
Michigan's Stance on Indiana's Constitutional Carry Law
You may want to see also
Carrying firearms in other states
Kentucky became a constitutional carry state on June 28, 2019, when Governor Matt Bevin signed Senate Bill 150 into law. This law allows anyone over 21 who can legally possess a firearm to carry a concealed firearm without a license. However, this only applies within Kentucky; the state's permitless carry laws do not apply in other states.
When carrying firearms in other states, it's important to remember that the laws governing this practice vary from state to state. Kentucky residents visiting other states must abide by the laws of those states. Only states that do not require any license for carrying a concealed weapon would allow Kentucky residents to carry concealed weapons without a CCDW license. Additionally, the laws of different states may differ on what types of weapons can be carried.
Some states have specific requirements that must be met for individuals to legally carry a firearm. For example, in Tennessee, an individual must not have any DUIs in the last 10 years. It's crucial to check the specific requirements and restrictions of each state before travelling there with a firearm.
Retired or former peace officers from other states who possess a valid carry concealed weapons license issued by another state may carry a concealed deadly weapon in Kentucky, subject to the provisions of Kentucky law. Similarly, a retired or former peace officer with a valid certification and identification under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) may also carry a concealed deadly weapon in the state.
It's important to note that the information provided here is not a substitute for legal advice, and laws may be subject to change. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, it is recommended to consult an attorney or the relevant state authorities.
Texas Governor Signs Constitutional Carry Bill
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Kentucky's constitutional carry law, or permitless carry law, came into effect on March 11, 2019, when Governor Matt Bevin signed the NRA-backed Senate Bill 150.
The law allows any person aged 21 or older who can legally possess a firearm to carry a concealed deadly weapon in public without a license or permit.
Yes, there are some restrictions to the law. For example, individuals must still adhere to specific regulations and restrictions regarding safe and responsible firearm ownership. Additionally, there are certain locations where carrying firearms is prohibited, such as schools and airports.
![Byrna SD [Self Defense] Kinetic Launcher Ultimate Bundle - Non Lethal Kinetic Projectile Launcher, Home & Personal Defense | Proudly Assembled in The USA](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81wu-phEIPL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
