Kentucky Constitutional Carry Laws

6 min readJun 20, 2024

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Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.

Kentucky Gun Control Laws

The issue of gun control in the United States is a prominent topic, especially in light of mass shootings. Kentucky’s gun control laws are less restrictive compared to many other states.

An understanding of firearms law in America begins with federal law. The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to bear arms, which the Supreme Court has interpreted as an individual right to own firearms for self-defense both at home and in public.

Federal law sets a baseline for firearm regulations, including the legal manufacture, sale, possession, and use of firearms. It also identifies people banned from having firearms, such as felons and those addicted to illegal drugs. Licensed federal firearms dealers must perform background checks on potential buyers.

In cases where federal and state laws intersect, federal law generally takes precedence. Gun owners in Kentucky must comply with federal laws like the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act and the National Firearms Act. States may choose to enact stricter laws.

Gun Control Laws in Kentucky

Kentucky regulates firearms but does not require permits to purchase them or limit certain assault-style weapons and accessories. The state does ban armor-piercing bullets and prohibits felons from owning firearms. Licensed dealers must conduct background checks, but private sales between unlicensed individuals do not require them.

In 2019, Kentucky adopted a “permitless carry” law, allowing individuals 21 or older and legally permitted to possess firearms to carry a concealed handgun without a state permit. Kentucky also maintains a process for obtaining a Concealed Deadly Weapon License (CDWL) for reciprocity purposes. A CDWL is available to Kentucky residents who are 21 or older. There is no minimum age or permit requirement for carrying shotguns or rifles.

To obtain a CDWL, applicants must apply at their local sheriff’s office, which forwards the application to the Kentucky State Police. Applicants must provide a certificate of completed firearms training. The State Police conduct a background investigation before issuing the license.

Location Restrictions

Kentucky law restricts firearms in certain locations, including:

Police stations and sheriff’s offices
Detention facilities, prisons, and jails
Courthouses
Meetings of the General Assembly and its committees
Meetings of municipal, county, or special district governing bodies
Areas designated for the consumption of alcoholic beverages in licensed establishments
Elementary and secondary school facilities
Childcare facilities and daycare centers
Controlled areas of airports
Locations prohibited by federal law
Private businesses with clear notices prohibiting firearms

Local governments, colleges, universities, and state government units may also restrict concealed handguns on properties they control. Private property owners can ban firearms on their premises.

Kentucky has a preemption statute, meaning state law overrides local regulations in most firearms matters. For example, Louisville cannot enact an assault weapons ban if it conflicts with state law. Kentucky law also allows the carrying of firearms in motor vehicles. Firearms stored in any enclosed container, compartment, or storage space installed by the vehicle manufacturer are not considered concealed.

Relevant Statutes (Laws)

Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS)

KRS Section 237.070: Sale and transfer of firearms to felons
KRS Section 237.080: Prohibitions on armor-piercing ammunition
KRS Section 527.080: Using restricted ammunition during a crime
KRS Section 237.095: Notification to domestic violence victims when subjects of orders attempt to buy firearms
KRS Section 237.109: Authorization to carry concealed weapons without a license
KRS Section 237.110: License to carry concealed deadly weapons
KRS Section 527.020: Carrying a concealed deadly weapon
KRS Section 527.050: Possessing a defaced firearm
KRS Section 527.040: Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
KRS Section 527.070: Unlawful possession of a weapon on school property
KRS Section 527.100: Possession of a handgun by a minor
KRS Section 527.110: Unlawfully providing a handgun to a minor

Illegal Arms

Armor-piercing ammunition
Defaced firearms

Waiting Period

There is no waiting period to buy a firearm in Kentucky.

Who May Not Own

The following individuals cannot own a firearm in Kentucky:

People with a felony conviction, including youthful offenders, unless pardoned
People under 18 (except when hunting or with parental permission)
People prohibited under federal law (18 USC Section 922(g))

License Required?

No license is needed to buy or own a firearm in Kentucky.

Concealed Carry License Required?

No license or permit is needed to carry a concealed firearm if you are law-abiding and not disqualified under state and federal law.

Open Carry Allowed?

Yes, open carry is allowed, but there are location restrictions.

Eligibility for a Concealed Carry License

To qualify for a Concealed Deadly Weapon License (CDWL):

Be 21 years or older
Be eligible under Kentucky and federal law
Be a resident of Kentucky, a U.S. citizen, a U.S. Armed Forces member, or lawfully admitted to the U.S. and permitted to possess a firearm
Not committed for substance abuse or convicted of certain misdemeanors in the past three years
Not a chronic alcoholic (evidenced by two or more DUIs in the past three years)
Not owe significant child support arrears
Comply with subpoenas or warrants related to child support or paternity
Not convicted of assault in the fourth degree or making terroristic threats in the past three years
Complete a firearms safety course

Nonresidents can carry concealed weapons if they have a valid permit from another state.

Machine Gun Laws

Ownership is allowed if federal registration requirements are met.

Penalties for Illegal Firearm Possession

Sale or transfer to a felon: Class A misdemeanor, up to 12 months in jail, a $500 fine, or both; potential forfeiture of the firearm.
Illegal possession of armor-piercing ammunition: Class D felony, up to five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.
Using armor-piercing ammo during a crime: Class D felony; increased penalties if others are harmed.
Illegal carrying of a concealed deadly weapon: Class A misdemeanor, up to 12 months in jail, a $500 fine, or both; Class D felony for prior felons.
Possession of a defaced firearm: Class A misdemeanor, up to 12 months in jail, a $500 fine, or both.
Possession by a felon: Class D felony, up to five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both; Class C felony if involving a handgun, with penalties up to 10 years.
Unlawful possession by a minor: Class A misdemeanor (first offense), Class D felony (subsequent offenses).
Unlawfully providing a handgun to a minor: Class D felony.

Penalties for Illegal Possession on or Near School Grounds

Felony, up to five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.

Red Flag Law?

No.

Universal Background Checks?

No.

Stand Your Ground Law?

Yes. There is no duty to retreat if deadly force is authorized.