Roberta Aguirre
Kentucky has some of the most lenient gun laws in the United States, allowing residents to own, possess, and openly carry or conceal a firearm without a license or registration. However, there are some restrictions on where a person can carry a concealed weapon. For example, Kentucky law prohibits carrying a concealed firearm in areas of an airport where access is controlled by the inspection of persons and property.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Concealed carry laws in Kentucky | Permitless carry; anyone over 21 can carry a concealed firearm without a license or permit |
| Exceptions | Airports, police stations, detention facilities, schools, courthouses, government buildings, establishments serving alcohol, childcare facilities, colleges, universities, and private businesses |
| Penalties | Carrying a concealed weapon is a Class A misdemeanor, unless the defendant has been previously convicted of a felony involving a deadly weapon, in which case it is a Class D felony |
| Training requirements | A firearms training course is required to obtain a CCDW license |
| License availability | Licenses are available to residents and military personnel stationed in Kentucky |
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What You'll Learn
Kentucky's gun laws
Concealed Carry Laws
Kentucky allows any person over 21 years old who is eligible to own a firearm under state and federal law to carry a concealed weapon without a permit or a background check. Persons under 21 may possess a firearm but are not permitted to carry it concealed. A CCDW (Carry Concealed Deadly Weapons) license is still available and can substitute the NICS background check when purchasing a firearm.
Open Carry Laws
Kentucky also permits the open carry of firearms, including handguns, shotguns, and rifles. Open carry means visibly carrying a firearm on one's person or within a vehicle. While not mandatory, open carry may lead to more frequent encounters with law enforcement.
Location Restrictions
Kentucky law prohibits carrying concealed firearms in specific locations, including areas of airports with restricted access controlled by inspections, and any place where federal law prohibits firearms. State and local governments and educational institutions may also restrict carrying concealed weapons on their property.
Additionally, it is prohibited to carry firearms, concealed or otherwise, into certain public facilities, including schools, police stations, courthouses, daycare centers, and businesses that sell alcohol for on-site consumption. It is also illegal to possess a loaded firearm in a room where alcoholic beverages are sold by the drink, with some exceptions for larger restaurants.
Other Restrictions and Requirements
Kentucky bars the purchase of firearms by individuals with violent misdemeanor convictions, domestic abusers under restraining orders, and those involuntarily committed or deemed a danger to themselves or others. Gun owners must report lost or stolen firearms to law enforcement. The state also regulates the visible carry of firearms in public, requiring a permit or prohibiting open carry altogether.
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Concealed carry law
Kentucky has some of the most lenient gun laws in the United States. The Kentucky concealed carry law permits anyone over the age of 21 to lawfully carry a concealed firearm without a license or permit. However, there are some important exceptions to this law.
Firstly, Kentucky law prohibits people who are authorised to carry concealed firearms from entering certain locations with their weapons. These locations include:
- Any police station or sheriff's office
- Any detention facility, prison, or jail
- Any courthouse or courtroom
- Any meeting of the governing body of a county, municipality, or special district, unless the licensee is a member of that body
- Any portion of an establishment licensed to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises, where that part of the establishment is primarily devoted to such purpose
- Any elementary or secondary school facility, without the consent of the school authorities
- Any child-care facility, day care centre, or certified family child-care home, unless the licensee is the owner of a certified family child-care home operated out of their residence
- Areas of an airport with restricted access controlled by the inspection of persons and property
Secondly, Kentucky law prohibits the possession of any loaded firearm in a room where alcoholic beverages are sold at a retail establishment licensed to sell alcohol "by the drink". This prohibition does not apply to restaurants that are open to the public, have dining facilities for at least 50 people, and receive less than 50% of their annual food and beverage income from alcohol sales.
Thirdly, units of state, city, county, urban-county, or charter county government may prohibit the carrying of concealed weapons in portions of buildings owned, leased, or occupied by that unit of government. Such ordinances must exempt buildings used for public housing, highway rest areas, firing ranges, and private residences.
It is important to note that Kentucky offers a Concealed Carry Deadly Weapon (CCDW) license that many gun owners obtain. The CCDW covers firearms and other types of concealed weapons, including nunchaku, knives, and brass knuckles. A CCDW is recognised in 37 states, so it is useful for those who want to carry their guns outside of Kentucky. To obtain a CCDW, an individual must be a resident of Kentucky, a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident, and at least 21 years old. They must also complete a firearms training course that has been state-approved, demonstrate knowledge of the law regarding the justifiable use of force, and pay a total of $60 in fees.
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Airports and other prohibited places
Kentucky has some of the most lenient gun laws in the United States. With limited exceptions, a resident can own, possess, and openly carry or conceal a firearm without a license or registration. However, there are still some restrictions on carrying concealed weapons in the state.
Kentucky law prohibits people who are otherwise authorised to carry concealed firearms in public from carrying them into any area of an airport where access is controlled by the inspection of persons and property. In addition to airports, there are several other places where carrying a concealed firearm is prohibited. These include:
- Police stations or sheriff's offices
- Detention facilities, prisons, or jails
- Courthouses or court proceedings
- Meetings of the governing body of a county, municipality, or special district, or of the General Assembly or a committee of the General Assembly, unless the licensee is a member of that body
- Portions of establishments licensed to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises, where that part of the establishment is primarily devoted to such purpose
- Elementary or secondary school facilities, without the consent of the school authorities
- Child-care facilities, day care centres, or certified family child-care homes, unless the licensee is the owner of a certified family child-care home operated out of their residence
- Any place where federal law prohibits the carrying of a firearm
In addition to the above restrictions, units of state and local governments, as well as 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. Private businesses may also ban concealed weapons by posting a sign. Therefore, it is important to check with the relevant authorities or businesses before carrying a concealed weapon onto their property.
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Carrying openly vs carrying concealed
Kentucky law prohibits people who are authorised to carry concealed firearms in public from carrying them into areas of an airport with restricted access controlled by the inspection of persons and property. This also applies to any place where federal law prohibits the carrying of a firearm.
Open carry refers to carrying firearms on your person or in plain view, whereas concealed carry involves keeping firearms hidden from public view. In constitutional carry states, citizens can openly carry or conceal carry. Open carry is legal in many other states, but it may come with certain restrictions, such as magazine size limits and concealment requirements for specific areas.
Some gun owners prefer to carry firearms openly. This can include displaying a handgun in a holster, carrying an unconcealed rifle, or having an exposed gun inside a vehicle. However, open carry can make you a target. If criminals are intent on causing harm and see that you are carrying a firearm, you may be one of the first people they try to 'take out'. Open carry also removes the element of surprise, which is considered a tactical advantage in dangerous situations.
On the other hand, carrying a firearm in a concealed manner can provide you with discretion in public spaces, where the visible presence of a firearm might cause alarm or attract unwanted attention. However, carrying a handgun in an Inside the Waistband (IWB) holster can be uncomfortable over long periods, and basic activities like visiting the restroom or bending over become more complicated.
In most states, individuals must meet specific criteria before being allowed to conceal and carry firearms. These criteria include having no prior convictions for felonies or violent misdemeanours, passing an accredited firearms safety course, passing a criminal background check, and being at least 21 years old (or 18 if they are active military personnel).
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CCDW licenses
In Kentucky, the Carrying Concealed Deadly Weapons (CCDW) program allows citizens to carry a concealed weapon with a permit. The CCDW license will also assist in weapons purchases from licensed dealers and provide the holder with training and familiarity with gun laws.
To obtain a CCDW license, applicants must first complete a training course and receive a "Certificate of Completion of Training". DOCJT prepares trainers and instructors who teach CCDW courses across the commonwealth and provides applicants with proof of training through certification before obtaining their permit through the licensing agency, Kentucky State Police. Applicants can select an instructor or trainer from DOCJT's list, which is organized by county, and enroll in a course. After the course is complete, the instructor will mail the applicant's application form and test answersheet to DOCJT's CCDW office within five business days. DOCJT will process the application and send the applicant a "Certificate of Completion of Training" within 15 business days if they pass the course. Certificates are valid for life, and applicants never have to repeat the course unless they received incomplete or insufficient training.
Once applicants have received their certificate, they can present it to their local sheriff's office (keeping the original certificate for personal records) and fill out an application. They will be required to make two payments: $40 to the Kentucky State Treasurer (for the cost of the license and background check) and $20 to the sheriff's department (plus a photo charge). Alternatively, applicants may apply online at kentuckystatepolice.org, clicking on "CCDW Online" and following the prompts. $50 will be paid online via debit or credit card, and $20 to the sheriff's office when the permit is picked up after background checks are completed. After either method of application is made to the KSP CCDW Permit Office, a background check is conducted, which takes approximately three to six weeks. Upon completion of the background check, the applicant will receive a notification advising them of a date when their permit will be available at their sheriff's office.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you cannot conceal carry in areas of an airport where access is controlled by the inspection of persons and property.
Kentucky has some of the most lenient gun laws in the US. With limited exceptions, a resident can own, possess, and openly carry or conceal a firearm without a license or registration. However, you must be over the age of 21 to carry a concealed firearm.
Conceal carry is prohibited in government buildings, schools, colleges, universities, and establishments that primarily serve alcohol. Private businesses may also ban concealed weapons by posting a sign.
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