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Disclaimer
The following information is provided solely for the convenience of the public and is not intended to constitute a formal legal opinion or legal advice. You may wish to consult an attorney if you have any questions on carrying a concealed deadly weapon in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
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Concealed Deadly Weapons
The Kentucky State Police was authorized by KRS 237.110 to issue and renew licenses to carry concealed firearms or other deadly weapons, or a combination thereof, to qualified persons.
Qualifications for a CCDW License Click here for more information
The applicant for a carry concealed deadly weapon (CCDW) license must:
- Meet one of the following residence requirements:
Is a citizen of the United States who is a resident of Kentucky and has been a resident for six (6) months or longer immediately preceding the filing of the application;
Is a citizen of the United States who is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States who is on active duty, who is at the time of application assigned to a military posting in Kentucky, and who has been assigned to a posting in the Commonwealth for six (6) months or longer immediately preceding the filing of the application;
Is lawfully admitted to the United States by the United States government or an agency thereof, is permitted by federal law to purchase a firearm, and has been a resident of this Commonwealth for six (6) months or longer immediately preceding the filing of the application; or
Is lawfully admitted to the United States by the United States government or an agency thereof, is permitted by federal law to purchase a firearm, is, at the time of the application, assigned to a military posting in Kentucky, and has been assigned to a posting in the Commonwealth for six (6) months or longer immediately preceding the filing of the application - Not be under indictment for, or have been convicted of, a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year; and
- Not be a fugitive from justice; and
- Not be an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance; and
- Not have been adjudicated as a mental defective or have committed to a mental institution; and
- Not have been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions; and
- Not be subject to a domestic violence order or emergency protective order; and
- Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence (see section below for discussion of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence); and
- Not be prohibited from the purchase, receipt or possession of firearms, ammunition or both pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 922(g), 18 U.S.C. 922(n), or applicable state law; and
- Not have been committed to a state or federal facility for abuse of a controlled substance or convicted of a misdemeanor relating to a controlled substance within the three-year period immediately preceding the date the application was submitted; and
- Not have two or more convictions for violating KRS 189A.010 (Operating motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or other substance which impairs driving ability) within the three (3) years immediately preceding the date on which the application is submitted; and
- Not have been committed as an alcoholic pursuant to KRS Chapter 222 or similar laws of another state within the three (3) year period immediately preceding the date on which the application is submitted; and
- Not owe a child support arrearage which equals or exceeds the cumulative amount which would be owed after one (1) year of nonpayment; and
- Have complied with any subpoena or warrant relating to child support or paternity proceedings; and
- Have not been convicted of a violation of KRS 508.030 (Assault in the fourth degree) or 508.080 (Terroristic Threatening in the third degree) within the three years immediately preceding the date on which the application is submitted; and
- Demonstrate competence with a firearm by successful completion of a firearms safety or training course offered or approved by the Department of Criminal Justice Training.
NOTE - ONLY SOME OF THE OFFENSES LISTED ABOVE HAVE A THREE-YEAR LIMITATION. OTHER OFFENSES, SUCH AS FELONIES AND MISDEMEANOR CRIMES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DO NOT HAVE A TIME LIMIT. IN OTHER WORDS, IF YOU HAVE BEEN CONVICTED OF A FELONY OR MISDEMEANOR CRIME OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, YOU ARE INELIGIBLE FOR A CCDW LICENSE AND ARE PROHIBITED FROM POSSESSING A FIREARM UNDER FEDERAL LAW, NO MATTER HOW LONG AGO YOU WERE CONVICTED.
Felony Convictions
If you have been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, i.e., a felony, you are not only ineligible to possess a CCDW license; federal law prohibits you from possessing a firearm. Individuals subject to this disability should immediately lawfully dispose of their firearms and ammunition. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) recommends that individuals who have been convicted of a felony surrender their firearms and ammunition to a third party, such as their attorney, local police agency, or a federal firearms dealer. The continued possession of firearms or ammunition by persons under this disability is a violation of federal law and may subject the possessor to criminal penalties as well as seizure and forfeiture of the firearms and ammunition.
Diversion
Those on pretrial diversion for disqualifying offenses are not eligible for a CCDW license.
Misdemeanor Crimes of Domestic Violence (MCDV)
It is illegal under federal law for any person convicted of a "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence" to ship, transport, possess, or receive firearms or ammunition (18 U.S.C. 922). A "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence" is defined in 18 U.S.C. 921(33) as an offense that:
- Is a misdemeanor under federal or state law; and
- Has, as an element, the use or attempted use of physical force, or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, committed by a current or former spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabiting with or has cohabited with the victim as a spouse, parent, or guardian, or by a person similarly situated to a spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim.
The following misdemeanors under Kentucky law are deemed to be possible misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence. If you have been convicted of any of the following offenses, your application must be reviewed to determine whether your offense involved domestic violence:
- KRS 508.030 Assault in the fourth degree (note that this is a three year state disqualifier even if domestic violence was not involved).
- KRS 508.040 Assault under Extreme Emotional Disturbance
- KRS 508.120 Criminal Abuse in the third degree
- KRS 509.030 Unlawful Imprisonment in the second degree
- KRS 510.120 Sexual Abuse in second degree
- KRS 510.130 Sexual Abuse in third degree
- KRS 510.140 Sexual Misconduct
- KRS 525.060 Disorderly Conduct
- KRS 525.070 Harassment
Note that there is no three-year limitation as with state disqualifiers. If you have been convicted of any of the above offenses, a domestic violence determination must be made regardless of how long ago you were convicted. A domestic violence determination must also be made if you were convicted of similar misdemeanors in federal court or another state or territory. You are not disqualified, even if domestic violence was involved, if your conviction was expunged, set aside or pardoned. If your conviction is determined to be a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, you are not only ineligible to possess a CCDW license; federal law prohibits you from possessing a firearm. Individuals subject to this disability should immediately lawfully dispose of their firearms and ammunition. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) recommends that individuals who have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence surrender their firearms and ammunition to a third party, such as their attorney, local police agency, or a federal firearms dealer. The continued possession of firearms or ammunition by persons under this disability is a violation of federal law and may subject the possessor to criminal penalties as well as seizure and forfeiture of the firearms and ammunition.
An applicant for a CCDW license must complete an application form at the sheriff's office in his or her county of residence. The applicant must also pay the $60 application fee at the time of application (active and retired peace officers that meet the requirements of KRS 237.110(7) are exempt from paying the application or renewal fee). The sixty-dollar fee is to be allocated as follows:
- Payment of twenty dollars to the sheriff of your county of residence.
- A check or money order for forty dollars (the portion of the CCDW fee allocated to the KSP and the Administrative Office of the Courts by statute) payable to the Department of State Police. The KSP will collect the portion of the fee designated for the Administrative Office of the Courts on its behalf.
Applications that are not accompanied by a check or money order for forty dollars ($40.00) payable to the Department of State Police will be returned unprocessed to the sheriff of the applicant's county of residence.
The application will be sent to the Kentucky State Police within five working days.
The application form, completed under oath, must include the following:
- Name, Address, Date of Birth, Gender and Social Security Number.
- A photograph that meets one of the following standards:
- An original color photograph or a color photographic copy developed from the negative of an original photograph and:
- Be no less than three and one-half (3 1/2) inches by four (4) inches; and
- Not exceed four (4) inches by six (6) inches;
- A color photograph from a digital camera, rated for seven (7) megapixels or greater, printed on photograph quality paper; or
- An original color passport style photograph that is:
- 2 x 2 inches in size; and
- Between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
- Sunglasses;
- A hat; or
- Attire that obscures a facial feature, hair, or hairline.
- A photocopy of a certificate or an affidavit or document certifying completion of a firearms training course offered or approved by the Department of Criminal Justice Training.
The photograph shall display the full front of the head and the facial features of the applicant and not be a photograph of the applicant wearing:
The CCDW License Application - If you are not a U.S. Citizen, the Citizenship Affidavit (KSP 131) must be completed and submitted to the sheriff of your county of residence to be attached to the application. You can download the KSP 131 by clicking here.
Renewal Process
Not less than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the expiration date of a CCDW license, the Department of State Police shall mail to each licensee a written notice of the expiration and a renewal form. If you wish to renew your CCDW license, you must take the renewal notice and a color photograph to the Sheriff of your county of residence. If you are not a U.S. Citizen, the Citizenship Affidavit (KSP 131) must be completed and submitted to the sheriff of your county of residence to be attached to the renewal form. You can download the CCDW License Citizenship/Immigration Status Affidavit (KSP 131) to be submitted with the renewal form to the Sheriff of your county of residence by clicking here. The photograph must be in color. The photograph must be no less than three and one-half (3 ½) inches by four (4) inches and no more than four (4) inches by five (5) inches. The photograph shall display the full front of the head and the facial features of the applicant. The applicant shall not wear sunglasses or attire that obscures their facial features in the photograph. The photograph shall be an original photograph or a photographic copy developed from the negative of an original photograph and must not be an image produced by a computer, copier or other copy machine. Digital photographs or their printed images are not acceptable.
If you fail to renew your license on or before the expiration date and wish to renew your license, you will be required to pay an additional late fee of fifteen dollars ($15.00).
To pay the renewal fee, you must submit a payment to the Sheriff in the amount of twenty dollars and a check or money order in the amount of forty dollars (fifty five dollars if the renewal application is submitted after the expiration date of the license) payable to the Department of State Police.
If six months or more has passed since the expiration date of your license, your license has permanently expired and cannot be renewed. If your license has permanently expired, you may reapply for licensure pursuant to KRS 237.110 by obtaining a CCDW application from the Sheriff of your county of residence.
Lost, Stolen or Destroyed licenses
Change of address/personal information
You are required to notify the Kentucky State Police within thirty days after the changing of a permanent address. Failure to do so is a noncriminal violation with a penalty of twenty-five dollars payable to the clerk of the District Court. To change or update your address, you must complete a Carry Concealed Deadly Weapons Licensee Request for Change of Personal Information (KSP 121) at the office of the Sheriff of your county of residence. Once completed, the Sheriff will forward the information to the Kentucky State Police.
Restrictions on Carrying by Qualified License Holders Click here for more information
A concealed firearm SHALL NOT be carried in the following places:
- Police station or sheriff's office.
- Detention facility, prison or jail.
- Courthouse (Court of Justice, courtroom or court proceeding).
- County, municipal, or special district governing body meetings.
- Meeting of governing body of a county, municipality, or special district.
- General Assembly session, including committee meetings.
- Any portion of an establishment licensed to dispense beer or alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, which portion of the establishment is primarily devoted to that purpose.
- Elementary or secondary school facilities (without the consent of school authorities).
- Child-caring facilities, day care centers, or any certified family child care home.
- Areas within an airport where restricted access is controlled by the inspection of persons or property.
- Any place where federal law prohibits the carrying of a firearm.
In addition to the above restrictions, units of state and local governments and postsecondary education facilities (colleges, universities, technical schools and community colleges) have the authority to limit the carrying of concealed weapons on property owned or controlled by them (KRS 237.115). You should check with units of state and local government as well as postsecondary education facilities prior to carrying a concealed weapon on their property.
Also, KRS 527.070 prohibits unlawful possession (whether carried openly or concealed) of a weapon on school property, except for certain specified exceptions. KRS 244.125 prohibits loaded firearms (concealed or otherwise) in places where alcohol is sold by the drink, except for certain specified exceptions.
In addition, Kentucky law does not prohibit the owners of private premises from excluding persons carrying firearms. Failure to vacate private premises when asked to do so could result in a criminal trespass charge.
Judicial Special Status /Certified Peace Officer Licenses
There are two special categories of CCDW licenses: Judicial Special Status CCDW and Certified Peace Officer CCDW. These special categories require supplemental forms to be completed in addition to the application obtained at local sheriff's offices.
Judicial Special Status Licenses Click here for more information
The following positions as defined by KRS 237.110 are eligible for "Special Status" Carry Concealed Deadly Weapon (CCDW) License.
Commonwealth/Assistant Commonwealth Attorney
County/Assistant County Attorney
Circuit/District Judges
Appeals Court Judges
Supreme Court Judges
Retired Judges
You can download the Supplemental Affidavit for Judicial "Special Status" CCDW by clicking here. You can download the Judicial "Special Status" instruction form by clicking here.
Both documents provided in PDF format.
Certified Peace Officer CCDW Click here for more information
Pursuant to KRS 237.110 a full or part time peace officer who is currently certified as a peace officer by the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council who is authorized by his or her employer or government authority to carry a concealed deadly weapon at all times and locations within the Commonwealth of Kentucky shall be deemed to have met the training requirements and is exempt from paying the application or renewal fees. A retired peace officer that is a member of the Kentucky Employees Retirement System, State Police Retirement System, or County Employees Retirement System or other retirement system operated by or for a city, county, or urban-county in Kentucky shall be deemed to have met the training requirements and is exempt from paying the application or renewal fees.
You can download the Certified Peace Officer CCDW Supplemental form by clicking here. You can download the Certified Peace Officer CCDW supplemental instruction form by clicking here.
Both documents provided in PDF format.
CCDW Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application fee? Click here for answer
Sixty dollars. You must prepare two payments. One payment, in the amount of twenty dollars, should be made to the sheriff of your county of residence. The second payment, should be a check or money order in the amount of forty dollars ($40.00), made payable to the Department of State Police. Applications that are not accompanied by a check or money order for forty dollars ($40.00) payable to the Department of State Police will be returned unprocessed to the sheriff of the applicant's county of residence.
Is anyone exempt from the payment of the application fee? Click here for answer
Yes. Active peace officers currently certified by the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council and retired peace officers who are members of the Kentucky Employees Retirement System, State Police Retirement System, County Employees Retirement System or other retirement system operated by or for a city, county or urban-county in Kentucky are exempt from the payment of the application fee.
What is the renewal fee? Click here for answer
Sixty dollars. You must prepare two payments. One payment, in the amount of twenty dollars, should be made to the sheriff of your county of residence. The second payment, should be a check or money order in the amount of forty dollars (fifty-five dollars if the renewal application is submitted after the expiration date of the license), made payable to the Department of State Police.
How long is the license valid? Click here for answer
Five years from the date of issuance unless suspended or revoked.
Yes, failure on the part of a license holder to have their CCDW license in their possession when carrying a concealed firearm or deadly weapon will result in a non-criminal violation punishable by a $25.00 fine.
For what reasons would a license be denied, suspended or revoked? Click here for answer
The reasons an application may be denied, or a license revoked or suspended, include the following:
- Conviction of a felony.
- Being under indictment for a felony.
- Conviction of Assault in the fourth degree within the past three years.
- Conviction of terroristic threatening in the third degree within the past three years.
- Conviction of a misdemeanor relating to a controlled substance within the past three years.
- Conviction of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
- Being an unlawful user of, or being addicted to, any controlled substance.
- Conviction of two DUIs within the past three years.
- Commitment for alcohol or drug abuse within the past three years.
- Adjudication as an incompetent or having been involuntarily committed to a mental institution.
- An active emergency protective order or domestic violence order.
- Owing a child support arrearage which equals or exceeds the cumulative amount which would be owed after one (1) year of nonpayment.
- Failure to comply with any subpoena or warrant relating to child support or paternity proceedings.
- Being a fugitive from justice.
- Dishonorable discharge from the Armed Forces.
- A discrepancy concerning the age or training requirements.
- Being ineligible to purchase, receive or possess a firearm, ammunition or both under state or federal law.
Note - While some disqualifiers listed above have a three-year limitation, other disqualifiers, such as conviction of a felony or misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, do not have a time limitation.
What weapons are covered under the CCDW license? Click here for answer
- Any weapon from which a shot, readily capable of producing death or serious physical injury, may be discharged.
- Any knife other than an ordinary pocket knife or hunting knife.
- Billy, nightstick, or club.
- Blackjack or slapjack.
- Nunchaku karate sticks.
- Shiriken or death star.
- Artificial knuckles made from plastic, or other similar hard material.
KRS 527.020(8) states in part that:
"A loaded or unloaded firearm or other deadly weapon shall not be deemed concealed on or about the person if it is located in any enclosed container, compartment, or storage space installed as original equipment in a motor vehicle by its manufacturer, including but not limited to a glove compartment, center console, or seat pocket, regardless of whether said enclosed container, storage space, or compartment is locked, unlocked, or does not have a locking mechanism. No person or organization, public or private, shall prohibit a person from keeping a loaded or unloaded firearm or ammunition, or both, or other deadly weapon in a vehicle in accordance with the provisions of this subsection. Any attempt by a person or organization, public or private, to violate the provisions of this subsection may be the subject of an action for appropriate relief or for damages in a Circuit Court or District Court of competent jurisdiction. This subsection shall not apply to any person prohibited from possessing a firearm pursuant to KRS 527.040."KRS 527.020(1) states that: "A person is guilty of carrying a concealed weapon when he or she carries concealed a firearm or other deadly weapon on or about his or her person."
KRS 527.020(9) establishes the following penalty: "Carrying a concealed weapon is a Class A misdemeanor, unless the defendant has been previously convicted of a felony in which a deadly weapon was possessed, used, or displayed, in which case it is a Class D felony."
The above information is provided solely for your convenience and is not intended to constitute a formal legal opinion or legal advice. If you have any additional questions on transporting deadly weapons in a vehicle, including whether a particular means of transportation would violate the prohibition against carrying a concealed deadly weapon, you may wish to consult an attorney.
I am a Peace Officer from another state, can I carry my weapon concealed? Click here for answer
A full-time paid peace officer of a government agency from another state or territory of the United States or an elected sheriff from another territory of the United States may carry a concealed deadly weapon in Kentucky, on or off duty, if the other state or territory accords a Kentucky full-time paid peace officer and a Kentucky elected sheriff the same rights by law. If the other state or territory limits a Kentucky full-time paid peace officer or elected sheriff to carrying a concealed deadly weapon while on duty, then that same restriction shall apply to a full-time paid peace officer or elected sheriff from that state or territory.
Other questions concerning this matter should be addressed with the KSP Legal Office at 502-782-1800.
I have recently moved, how do I notify the State Police of my new address? Click here for answer
You are required to notify the Kentucky State Police within thirty days after the changing of a permanent address. Failure to do so is a noncriminal violation with a penalty of twenty-five dollars payable to the clerk of the District Court. To change or update your address, you must complete a Carry Concealed Deadly Weapons Licensee Request for Change of Personal Information (KSP 121) at the office of the Sheriff of your county of residence. Once completed, the Sheriff will forward the information to the Kentucky State Police.
To change or update your personal information, you must complete a Carry Concealed Deadly Weapons Licensee Request for Change of Personal Information (KSP 121) at the office of the Sheriff of your county of residence. Once completed, the Sheriff will forward the information to the Kentucky State Police.
How will I be notified when it is time to renew my CCDW license? Click here for answer
One hundred twenty (120) days prior to the expiration date of the license, a written notice of expiration and a renewal form shall be mailed to each licensee.
What if I fail to renew my CCDW license by the expiration date? Click here for answer
A licensee who fails to file a renewal application on or before the license expiration date may renew their license by paying, in addition to the license fees, a late fee of fifteen dollars ($15). No license shall be renewed six (6) months or more after its expiration date, and the license shall be deemed permanently expired six (6) months after its expiration date. A person whose license has permanently expired may reapply for a CCDW licensure pursuant to KRS 237.110.
How can I find a certified instructor for the required training class? Click here for answer
You can contact your local Sheriff Office and they will have a listing of all instructors in your area.
How do I obtain a replacement for a lost, stolen or destroyed license? Click here for answer
If your license is lost, stolen or destroyed you must complete a Request for Duplicate CCDW License (KSP 126) form at the office of the Sheriff of your county of residence and provide a check or money order, payable to the Department of State Police, in the amount of fifteen dollars ($15.00).
How long does it take to process and receive my license? Click here for answer
The Kentucky State Police shall either issue a license or send a denial notice within 90 days after the date of receipt of the following items:
- A completed application;
- A recent color photograph of the applicant, as prescribed by administrative regulation;
- photocopy of a certificate of completion of training issued by the Department of Criminal Justice Training; and
- For an applicant who is not a citizen of the United States and has been lawfully admitted to the United States by the United States government or an agency thereof, his or her United States government issued:
- Permanent Resident Card I-551 or its equivalent successor identification;
- Other United States government issued evidence of lawful admission to the United States which includes the category of admission, if admission has not been granted as a permanent resident; and
- Evidence of compliance with the provisions of 18 U.S.C. sec. 922(g)(5), 18 U.S.C. sec. 922(d)(5), or 18 U.S.C. sec. 922(y)(2), and 27 C.F.R. Part 178, including, as appropriate, but not limited to evidence of ninety (90) day residence in the Commonwealth, a valid current Kentucky hunting license if claiming exemption as a hunter, or other evidence of eligibility to purchase a firearm by an alien which is required by federal law or regulation.
The processing time for each application will vary. It depends on different circumstances, such as background checks or whether the application was submitted correctly.
Can I find out if my license will be denied before I apply? Click here for answer
A background check is not conducted until after an application has been submitted. For a list of possible disqualifiers, a potential applicant can view the section of the frequently asked questions page titled: "For what reasons would a license be denied, suspended, or revoked?"
My license is expired and has been purged, how do I get my license back? Click here for answer
A licensee who fails to file a renewal application on or before its expiration date may renew his or her license by paying, in addition to the license fees, a late fee of fifteen dollars ($15). No license shall be renewed six (6) months or more after its expiration date, and the license shall be deemed to be permanently expired six (6) months after its expiration date. A person whose license has permanently expired may reapply for a license. KRS 237.110(14)(c).
I lost my training certificate; do I have to take the training again? Click here for answer
A valid training certificate is good for life. If you need a duplicate certificate, send a written request which includes your full name, Social Security Number, and current mailing address to the Department of Criminal Justice Training by fax at (859) 622-8387 or by mail at:
CCDW
Department of Criminal Justice Training
521 Lancaster Ave.
Funderburk Bldg., EKU
Richmond, KY 40475
(859) 622-2299
ccdwprogram@ky.govI did not receive my flashpak in the mail. Click here for answer
Flashpaks are mailed to the address that is currently on file with the CCDW Section. If you have moved, you must complete a Change of Personal Information form (available at the office of the Sheriff for your county of residence).
- To request a duplicate flashpak, contact the CCDW Section at 502-782-9792.
- Renewal Flashpaks are mailed 120 days prior to expiration of the license.
- P.O. Box will override a street address.
Can I change my address by fax or telephone? Click here for answer
The CCDW section cannot update an address via telephone or fax. A Change of Personal Information form must be completed at the Sheriff's Department.
Can I come to the CCDW office to deliver my documentation? Click here for answer
No. All documents must be provided to the Sheriff of the county of the applicant's residence.
What do I do now that I have moved out-of-state? Click here for answer
Non-residents are not eligible for a CCDW license. Consequently, the license of an individual that moves out of state is subject to revocation. Licensees that move out of state may voluntarily surrender their CCDW license by mailing it with a letter to the following address explaining that they are moving out of state:
Kentucky State Police
Criminal Identification & Records Branch
CCDW Section
1266 Louisville Road
Frankfort, KY 40601Why has my check not cleared yet? Click here for answer
Because of CCDW check and accounting process procedures, it may take longer than an applicant anticipates for a check to clear.
The only current or prior military personnel that are entitled to a training waiver are:
Any current or retired military peace officer of the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or Air Force, or a reserve component thereof, or of the Army Reserve or Air Force Reserve who has successfully completed the military law enforcement training course required by that branch of the military; and any member of the United States Coast Guard serving in a peace officer role who has successfully completed the law enforcement training course specified by the United States Coast Guard.
Applicants claiming a training waiver should submit with their application a Certificate of Military Police Training or a DD214 that shows military police training.
I have a question about CCDW laws in other states. Click here for answer
The Kentucky State Police cannot answer questions regarding the concealed weapons laws of other states, you will have to contact the states in question.
(*See reciprocity list for states that honor KY CCDW license)
Why have I been denied when trying to purchase a firearm? Click here for answer
You should contact the FBI NICS at (877) 444-6427.
Where can I openly carry a firearm? Click here for answer
There are no Kentucky Revised Statutes that govern the open carry of firearms by persons who lawfully possess such firearms except for the following:
- 527.070 - Unlawful possession (whether carried openly or concealed) of a weapon on school property, except for certain specified exceptions.
- KRS 244.125 - Which bars loaded firearms (concealed or otherwise) in places where alcohol is sold by the drink, except for certain specified exceptions.
If you have any questions on the open carry of firearms in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, including whether a particular mode of carrying a firearm would be deemed open or concealed carry, you may wish to consult an attorney.
There is no statutory authority for another state's license to carry a concealed weapon to be transferred to Kentucky. Individuals that wish to apply for a license to carry a concealed deadly weapon in Kentucky must meet the requirements set forth in KRS 237.110, including the residency and training requirements. Currently, no waiver of the training requirement is authorized based upon prior completion of out of state training approved for obtaining a license in another jurisdiction. The only training waivers authorized by statute are for the following individuals listed in KRS 237.110(6):
"(a) Peace officers who are currently certified as peace officers by the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council pursuant to KRS 15.380 to 15.404 and peace officers who are retired and are members of the Kentucky Employees Retirement System, State Police Retirement System, or County Employees Retirement System or other retirement system operated by or for a city, county, or urban-county in Kentucky shall be deemed to have met the training requirement.
(b) Current and retired peace officers of the following federal agencies shall be deemed to have met the training requirement:
- Any peace officer employed by a federal agency specified in KRS 61.365;
- Any peace officer employed by a federal civilian law enforcement agency not specified above who has successfully completed the basic law enforcement training course required by that agency;
- Any military peace officer of the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or Air Force, or a reserve component thereof, or of the Army Reserve or Air Force Reserve who has successfully completed the military law enforcement training course required by that branch of the military; and
- Any member of the United States Coast Guard serving in a peace officer role who has successfully completed the law enforcement training course specified by the United States Coast Guard."
Is it legal for a minor to possess a handgun? Click here for answer
KRS 527.100 provides as follows:
- A person is guilty of possession of a handgun by a minor when, being under the age of eighteen (18) years, he possesses, manufactures, or transports a handgun as defined by KRS 527.010, except when the person is:
- In attendance at a hunter's safety course or a firearms safety course;
- Engaging in practice in the use of a firearm, or target shooting at an established firing range, or any other area where the discharge of a firearm is not prohibited;
- Engaging in an organized competition involving the use of a firearm, or participating in or practicing for a performance by a group organized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or any successor thereto which uses firearms as a part of the performance;
- Hunting or trapping pursuant to a valid license issued to him pursuant to the statutes or administrative regulations of this Commonwealth;
- Traveling to or from any activity described in paragraphs (a) to (d) of this subsection with any unloaded handgun in his possession;
- On real property which is under the control of an adult and has the permission of that adult and his parent or legal guardian to possess a handgun; or
- At his residence and with the permission of his parent or legal guardian possesses a handgun and is justified under the principles of justification set forth in KRS Chapter 503 in using physical force or deadly physical force.
- For the purposes of subsection (1) of this section, a handgun is "loaded" if:
- There is a cartridge in the chamber of the handgun; or
- There is a cartridge in the cylinder of the handgun, if the handgun is a revolver; or
- There is a cartridge in the magazine of a semiautomatic handgun, if the magazine is attached to the handgun; or
- The handgun and the ammunition for the handgun, are carried on the person of one under the age of eighteen (18) years or are in such close proximity to him that he could readily gain access to the handgun and the ammunition and load the handgun.
- Possession of a handgun by a minor is a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense and a Class D felony for each subsequent offense.
The above information is provided solely for your convenience and is not intended to constitute a formal legal opinion or legal advice. In addition, this response does not address any restrictions that may apply under federal law or the laws of other states. If you have any additional questions on this subject, you may wish to consult an attorney.
Is it legal to provide a handgun to a minor? Click here for answer
KRS 527.110 provides:
- A person is guilty of unlawfully providing a handgun to a juvenile or permitting a juvenile to possesses a handgun when he:
- Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly provides a handgun, with or without remuneration, in violation of KRS 527.040, 527.100, or 600.020 to any person he knows or has reason to believe is under the age of eighteen (18) years; or
- Is the parent or legal guardian of a juvenile and intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly provides a handgun to the juvenile or permits the juvenile to possess a handgun knowing that there is a substantial risk that the juvenile will use a handgun to commit a felony offense; or, with knowledge that the juvenile has been convicted of a crime of violence as defined in KRS 439.3401 or has been adjudicated a public offender of an offense which would constitute a crime of violence as defined in KRS 439.3401, provides a handgun to that juvenile.
- Unlawfully providing a hand gun to a juvenile or permitting a juvenile to possess a handgun is a Class D felony.
The above information is provided solely for your convenience and is not intended to constitute a formal legal opinion or legal advice. In addition, this response does not address any restrictions that may apply under federal law or the laws of other states. If you have any additional questions on this subject, you may wish to consult an attorney.
LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS SAFETY ACT (LEOSA)
Pursuant to KRS 237.110, 237.138, 237.140, 237.142 and 502 KAR 13:010 qualified honorably retired elected or appointed peace officers may apply for certification to carry a concealed deadly weapon pursuant to the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), 18 U.S.C. 926C. The forms and processes for LEOSA certification have been updated to reflect amendments to LEOSA. Click here for the text of Public Law 111–272, which revised several provisions of the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), 18 U.S.C. 926C, including the definition of the term "qualified retired law enforcement officer". http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-111publ272/pdf/PLAW-111publ272.pdf
More Information on LEOSA Click here for more information on More Information
- Initial application - In addition to the application, each retired peace officer who desires certification to carry a concealed deadly weapon pursuant to LEOSA is required to submit the following to the sheriff of his county of residence to be attached to the application:
- Evidence of retired status together with all information required by applicable federal and state laws and administrative regulations;
- Evidence of successful completion of firearms qualification required by KRS Chapter 237 including annually meeting the marksmanship qualification requirement for a retired peace officer established in KRS Chapter 237. The Peace Officer Range Qualification Certification-LEOSA (KSP Form 123) must be completed and signed by the retired peace officer and the firearms instructor/trainer, as appropriate, in the places indicated. Once completed and signed, the form shall be returned to the retired peace officer to be attached to the completed application. You may wish to visit the website of the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training at http://docjt.jus.state.ky.us for information on available firing range dates.
- A signed, notarized statement from the applicant that he or she is an eligible peace officer (KSP Form 124A). (KSP RETIRED OFFICERS ONLY-after completion of the form and notarization of the signature of the retired KSP officer, the form should then be submitted to the KSP CCDW Section, 1266 Louisville Road, Frankfort, KY 40601, which will then forward to the Commissioner).
- A notarized statement from the agency that employed the applicant as a law enforcement officer that the applicant is an eligible peace officer (KSP Form 124B).
- A photograph that meets one of the following standards:
- An original color photograph or a color photographic copy developed from the negative of an original photograph and:
- Be no less than three and one-half (3 1/2) inches by four (4) inches; and
- Not exceed four (4) inches by six (6) inches;
- A color photograph from a digital camera, rated for seven (7) megapixels or greater, printed on photograph quality paper; or
- An original color passport style photograph that is:
- 2 x 2 inches in size; and
- Between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
The photograph shall display the full front of the head and the facial features of the applicant and not be a photograph of the applicant wearing:
- Sunglasses;
- A hat; or
- Attire that obscures a facial feature, hair, or hairline.
- Fee - There is no charge for submitting a LEOSA application.
- Issuance - Once a LEOSA application has been processed and approved, both a CCDW license, valid for 5 years, and a Kentucky LEOSA license, valid for 12 months from the date of the most recent range qualification, will be issued to the applicant at no charge. A free CCDW license will not be issued to honorably retired peace officers from other states who currently reside in Kentucky since they are not exempt from payment of the CCDW license application fee under KRS 237.110. When a LEOSA application has been approved, the retired peace officer will be notified by mail. The LEOSA license must be accepted in person at the office of the sheriff of the county in which the applicant resides.
- Renewal - The process for renewal is the same as the initial application except that licensees that are seeking renewal of their LEOSA certification do not have to submit a copy of the "LEOSA Law Enforcement Retirement Certification", KSP 124B, if the licensee previously submitted retirement certification that was accepted by the Kentucky State Police.
- Lost/stolen/destroyed licenses - If your license is lost, stolen or destroyed you must submit a REQUEST FOR DUPLICATE LEOSA LICENSE (KSP 127) to the Kentucky State Police.
- Address/personal information change - Notify the Kentucky State Police of a change in your permanent address or other information on your license. To change or update your address or personal information, you must complete a Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act Licensee Request for Change of Personal Information (KSP 120) form at the office of the Sheriff of your county of residence. Once completed, the Sheriff will forward the information to the Kentucky State Police.
Peace Officer Range Qualification Certification-LEOSA (KSP 123)
You can download the Peace Officer Range Qualification Certification-LEOSA form by clicking here.
Document provided in PDF format.
LEOSA Applicant Certification (KSP 124A)
Document provided in PDF format.
You can download the LEOSA Law Enforcement Retirement Certification (KSP 124B) by clicking here.
Document provided in PDF format.
Effective, July 15, 1998, Kentucky recognizes valid carry concealed weapons licenses issued by other states and, subject to the provisions of Kentucky law, a person holding a valid license from another state may carry a concealed deadly weapon in Kentucky.
Written inquiries regarding recognition of Kentucky carry concealed licenses have been made to all states and U.S. territories. The map and chart below detail those responses.
Map: State Responses on Reciprocity
Certain other jurisdictions that recognize Kentucky carry concealed permits may limit the right to carry concealed to handguns only and not allow for the carrying concealed of other types of weapons. Also, the laws of other jurisdictions may differ from the laws of Kentucky regarding the circumstances under which you may legally carry a concealed weapon. You are advised to contact all other jurisdictions in which you intend to carry concealed weapons with questions regarding these issues.
Chart: State/Territory Responses on Reciprocity*
YES Recognize Kentucky CCDW NO Does not recognize Kentucky CCDW OTHER Other: Contact State in regard to CCDW
reciprocity.Alaska YES Alabama YES Arizona YES Arkansas YES California NO Colorado YES Connecticut NO Delaware YES District of Columbia NO Florida YES Georgia YES Guam NO Hawaii NO Illinois NO Idaho YES Indiana YES Iowa YES Kansas YES Louisiana YES Maine NO Maryland NO Massachusetts NO Michigan YES Minnesota YES Mississippi YES Missouri YES Montana YES Nebraska YES Nevada YES New Hampshire YES New Jersey NO New Mexico NO New York NO North Carolina YES North Dakota YES Ohio YES Oklahoma YES Oregon NO Pennsylvania YES Puerto Rico NO Rhode Island OTHER Samoa Territory NO South Carolina YES South Dakota YES Tennessee YES Texas YES US Virgin Islands OTHER Utah YES Vermont OTHER Virginia YES Washington NO West Virginia YES Wisconsin YES Wyoming YES *This reciprocity list is updated periodically as responses are received from the states and territories. It was last updated on 04/25/12.
Kentucky State Police Headquarters
919 Versailles Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
502-782-1800
