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.
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Kentucky Concealed Carry By The Numbers
Average Cost in Dollars*
# of States That Accept KY License
# of Years Valid
Minimum Age
# of Days To Get A Permit*
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
- Alabama
- Alaska – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Arizona – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Arkansas
- Colorado – Resident Permit ONLY
- Delaware
- Florida – Resident Permit ONLY
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Louisiana
- Maine – Resident Permit ONLY
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Missouri – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania – Resident Permit ONLY
- South Carolina – Resident Permit ONLY
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Kentucky Will Honor The Following States
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- 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?
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.“
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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.
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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.
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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.