Kentucky is a shall issue state, and requires applicants for a concealed carry to be at least 21 years old. The issuing authority is the Kentucky State Department of polices, but applicants should submit their paperwork to the sheriff of their county. Depending on whether the application is submitted in paper or electronically, both the fees and timeline for processing will vary. A paper submission will cost $60 and take up to 60 days to process. Electronic submissions are slightly more expensive at $70 but have an expedited timeline of taking 15 days to process. In addition to age and other requirements, the application for a concealed permit also has a training component. This includes live-fire exercises so online only training is not accepted. If issued, a license is valid for 5 years. Holders of a Kentucky concealed carry permit can carry in 37 other states

This information was last updated in January 2019.

Reciprocity Map for Kentucky

Use the tabs below to display states that will accept a Kentucky concealed carry permit or those states that Kentucky will honor. Click the sections below for a complete listing of states in each category, along with other relevant information.

States That Honor Kentucky Concealed Carry
  1. Alabama
  2. Alaska – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
  3. Arizona – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
  4. Arkansas
  5. Colorado – Resident Permit ONLY
  6. Delaware
  7. Florida – Resident Permit ONLY
  8. Georgia
  9. Idaho
  10. Indiana
  11. Iowa
  12. Kansas – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
  13. Louisiana
  14. Maine – Resident Permit ONLY
  15. Michigan
  16. Minnesota
  17. Mississippi – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
  18. Missouri – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
  19. Montana
  20. Nebraska
  21. Nevada
  22. New Hampshire – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit
  23. North Carolina
  24. North Dakota
  25. Ohio
  26. Oklahoma
  27. Pennsylvania – Resident Permit ONLY
  28. South Carolina – Resident Permit ONLY
  29. South Dakota
  30. Tennessee
  31. Texas
  32. Utah
  33. Vermont
  34. Virginia
  35. West Virginia – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit
  36. Wisconsin
  37. Wyoming

 

 
Kentucky Will Honor The Following States
  1. Alabama
  2. Alaska
  3. Arizona
  4. Arkansas
  5. California
  6. Colorado
  7. Connecticut
  8. Delaware
  9. Florida
  10. Georgia
  11. Hawaii
  12. Idaho
  13. Illinois
  14. Indiana
  15. Iowa
  16. Kansas
  17. Kentucky
  18. Louisiana
  19. Maine
  20. Maryland
  21. Massachusetts
  22. Michigan
  23. Minnesota
  24. Mississippi
  25. Missouri
  26. Montana
  27. Nebraska
  28. Nevada
  29. New Hampshire
  30. New Jersey
  31. New Mexico
  32. New York
  33. North Carolina
  34. North Dakota
  35. Ohio
  36. Oklahoma
  37. Oregon
  38. Pennsylvania
  39. Rhode Island
  40. South Carolina
  41. South Dakota
  42. Tennessee
  43. Texas
  44. Utah
  45. Vermont
  46. Virginia
  47. Washington
  48. West Virginia
  49. Wisconsin
  50. Wyoming

Under Kentucky state code all other valid licenses are accepted.

 

How To Apply for a Kentucky Concealed Carry License

Can I get a concealed carry permit in Kentucky?

Kentucky is a shall issue state.

    Relevant Code(s):

    Section 237.110

    What is the minimum age to obtain a CCW license in KY?

    The minimum age to obtain a Kentucky concealed carry permit is 21 years old.

    Relevant Code(s):

    Section 237.110

    Who issues a concealed carry permit in Kentucky?

    The Kentucky State Police are responsible of issuing a concealed permit. However, applicants should submit their paperwork to the sheriff of the county in which they reside.

    Relevant Code(s):

    Section 237.110

    How long is a Kentucky concealed carry permit good for?

    Kentucky concealed permits are valid for a period of 5 years from the date of issuance.

    Relevant Code(s):

    Section 237.110

    Does KY issue concealed permits to non-residents?

    While technically, the state will issue non-resident permits, it is restricted to active duty military personnel assigned to a duty station within the state.

    Relevant Code(s):

    Section 237.110

    How long does it take to process a concealed carry application?

    Depending on the type of application submitted, the time to process a concealed permit will vary. For a paper submission, the state will either issue or deny a permit within 60 days. However, for online application, the state will have 15 days to do the same.

    Relevant Code(s):

    Section 237.110

    How much does a concealed carry permit cost?

    A fee of $60 must be paid at the time of application, when submitting a paper application. However, the fee is increased, and it will cost $70 for an electronic application to be processed. Any additional fees, such as those required for training are not included in this cost. To see a full break down of funds, see the below code.

    Relevant Code(s):

    Section 237.110

    What are the accepted forms of competency training?

    Kentucky does require proof of competency in order to obtain a concealed permit. Among other qualifying traits, the course must be no more than 8 hours in length and must consist of actual range time.

    Therefore, courses taught exclusively online are not acceptable forms of training to obtain a Kentucky concealed permit. In addition to live-fire training, the applicant must also be instructed regarding the governing laws, safely handling firearms, and must provide certification of completion for the course.

    Relevant Code(s):

    Section 237.110

    Restrictions on Carrying A Firearm in Kentucky

    Is Kentucky an Open Carry State?

    Kentucky does not forbid open carry of firearms, but it is not expressly allowed either. According to this white paper, there is a “strong background for permitting open carry.”

    Relevant Code(s):

    Kentucky Government White Paper

    Can I Conceal Carry in a Vehicle?

    Permit holders in Kentucky are permitted to carry a concealed weapon within their vehicle. Any person not holding a valid permit, can have a firearm in their vehicle under the following conditions:

    • firearm is in an enclosed container, compartment, or storage area
    • this includes the glove compartment, center console, and even a seat pocket
    • a locking mechanism is NOT required
    • firearm can be loaded or unloaded

    Relevant Code(s):

    Section 527.020

    Can I Conceal Carry in State Parks?

    According to this release by the National Park Services, the carrying of firearms, whether openly or concealed, will be governed by the state laws. Therefore, you are permitted to carry a firearm openly or concealed with proper permit in Kentucky state parks. There are exceptions for certain areas and government buildings and you are advised to understand the layout and restricted areas governing the specific park in question.

    Relevant Code(s):

    NPS Release

    Am I Allowed To Conceal Carry In Restaurants?

    Kentucky explicitly restricts the carrying of concealed firearms into establishments that serve alcohol, when 50% or more of their sales are a result of the sale of alcohol. Therefore, it certainly applies to bars, but not necessarily to restaurants. Furthermore, the establishment must be open to the general public and facilities capable of providing service to no less than 50 people.

    Relevant Code(s):

    Section 244.125

    Can I Conceal Carry in a Church?

    Similar to the code governing concealed carry within banks and hospitals, an individual is not barred from carrying a concealed weapon into a church or other place of worship.

    Unless otherwise specifically provided by the Kentucky Revised Statutes or applicable federal law, no criminal penalty shall attach to carrying a concealed firearm or other deadly weapon with a permit at any location at which an unconcealed firearm or other deadly weapon may be constitutionally carried.

    Relevant Code(s):

    Section 237.115

    Can I Conceal Carry in a Bank?

    Nothing in Kentucky code prohibits the carrying of a concealed weapon by a licensed individual into a bank or other financial institution.

    Relevant Code(s):

    Section 237.115

    Can I Conceal Carry in a Hospital?

    Hospitals are not on the list of restricted areas for persons with a concealed permit. I was unable to locate any statute that prevents a person from concealed carrying within any medical facility.

    Relevant Code(s):

    Section 237.115

    The content of this page is for informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for legal council, or intended as legal advice. It is recommended that you inquire with the state about the validity of the information contained herein.