Does Kentucky have constitutional carry?

Yes. Kentucky is a constitutional (permitless) carry state — eligible adults may carry a concealed handgun without a permit. The CCDW remains available and is still worth holding for reciprocity in states that don't recognize permitless carry.

How much does a Kentucky CCDW cost?

The CCDW application fee in Kentucky is $60. $60 total, paid as two payments: $20 to the sheriff of the county of residence plus a $40 state fee.

Does Kentucky honor out-of-state concealed-carry permits?

Kentucky honors concealed-carry permits from 49 other states, subject to the qualifiers (resident-only or permit-class restrictions) noted on each reciprocity pair. See the full inbound list on the "who Kentucky honors" page.

Where is a Kentucky CCDW honored?

A Kentucky CCDW is honored by 36 other states. See the full outbound reciprocity list for exactly which states and any resident-only or class restrictions.

How long is a Kentucky CCDW valid?

A Kentucky CCDW is valid for 5 years before renewal is required.

This is not legal advice.Concealed-carry reciprocity changes frequently and carries serious legal consequences. Verify current law with the destination state's official source before you carry.

KentuckyConcealed Carry Permit & Reciprocity

Kentucky is a permitless (constitutional) carry state as of June 28, 2019 (SB 150, KRS 237.109). Any person 21 or older who may lawfully possess a firearm may carry a concealed deadly weapon in Kentucky without a license. The Kentucky License to Carry a Concealed Deadly Weapon (CCDW) remains available and is worth holding for reciprocity and to ease firearm purchases; it is issued by the Kentucky State Police on an application filed through the sheriff of the applicant's county of residence, requires a state-approved training course, costs $60 ($20 to the sheriff plus a $40 state fee), and is valid for five years. Open carry is lawful without a license. Kentucky has no statutory duty to proactively inform an officer that you are armed. Since 1998, Kentucky recognizes a valid concealed-carry license issued by any other state.

Kentucky Kentucky License to Carry a Concealed Deadly Weapon (CCDW)

Issuing authority: Kentucky State Police (application filed through the county sheriff)
Carry regime: constitutional
Minimum age: 21
Fee: $60
Training: Required
Validity: 5 years

Full Kentucky permit requirements →

Carry practicalities

Permitless carry

Allowed — minimum age 21

Kentucky has permitless (constitutional) carry since June 28, 2019 (SB 150, KRS 237.109). Any person 21 or older who is not prohibited from possessing a firearm may carry concealed without a license, and residency is not required.

official source · verified 2026-07-10

Open carry

Permitless

Open carry of a firearm is lawful in Kentucky without a license for a person who may lawfully possess a firearm. Open carry remains subject to the prohibited-place restrictions (schools, alcohol establishments, government buildings, federal property, etc.).

official source · verified 2026-07-10

Duty to inform

Not required

Kentucky imposes no statutory duty to proactively notify a law enforcement officer that you are carrying — neither KRS 237.109 (permitless carry) nor KRS 237.110 (the license statute) requires volunteering that you are armed. Answering truthfully if asked and disclosing for officer safety are advisable but not legally required.

official source · verified 2026-07-10

Off-limits locations

police stations and detention facilities/jails
courthouses and areas used in connection with court proceedings
meetings of a governing body or the General Assembly
portions of establishments licensed to serve alcohol for on-premises consumption (bars)
K-12 schools and school property (KRS 527.070)
child-care facilities
controlled (past-screening) areas of airports
places where carrying a firearm is prohibited by federal law

Curated key categories, not exhaustive. Prohibited places for CCDW carry are set out in KRS 237.110(17); school property is separately governed by KRS 527.070. Private-property owners may prohibit carry.

official source · verified 2026-07-10

Kentucky reciprocity summary

Kentucky honors 49 states' permits · honored by 36 states

Where a Kentucky permit is honored →Whose permits Kentucky honors →

Last verified 2026-07-10 against Kentucky State Police — CCDW Reciprocity.

Verify Kentucky rules on the official page →

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Get notified when your state's reciprocity changes.

Kentucky FAQ

Does Kentucky have constitutional carry?: Yes. Kentucky is a constitutional (permitless) carry state — eligible adults may carry a concealed handgun without a permit. The CCDW remains available and is still worth holding for reciprocity in states that don't recognize permitless carry.
How much does a Kentucky CCDW cost?: The CCDW application fee in Kentucky is $60. $60 total, paid as two payments: $20 to the sheriff of the county of residence plus a $40 state fee.
Does Kentucky honor out-of-state concealed-carry permits?: Kentucky honors concealed-carry permits from 49 other states, subject to the qualifiers (resident-only or permit-class restrictions) noted on each reciprocity pair. See the full inbound list on the "who Kentucky honors" page.
Where is a Kentucky CCDW honored?: A Kentucky CCDW is honored by 36 other states. See the full outbound reciprocity list for exactly which states and any resident-only or class restrictions.
How long is a Kentucky CCDW valid?: A Kentucky CCDW is valid for 5 years before renewal is required.

Sources

Kentucky State Police — CCDW Reciprocity (2026-07-10)