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.
← Kentuckyoverview & reciprocity
Kentucky CCDW Requirements
How to get a Kentucky Kentucky License to Carry a Concealed Deadly Weapon (CCDW): fees, training, fingerprints, processing time, and renewal.
How to apply
- Application fee
- $60 — $60 total, paid as two payments: $20 to the sheriff of the county of residence plus a $40 state fee.
- Minimum age
- 21
- Training
- Required — A state-approved CCDW firearms-safety course (taught by a Department of Criminal Justice Training–certified instructor), including live-fire, is required; the training certificate does not expire.
- Fingerprints
- Not required
- Processing time
- See official source
- Validity / renewal
- 5 years, then renewal
- Residency
- Kentucky residents only
- Non-resident permit
- Not available
Applications are processed by Kentucky State Police (application filed through the county sheriff).
Steps to get a Kentucky CCDW
- Confirm you are eligible. Be at least 21 years old and a Kentucky resident, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and not prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law.
- Complete the required firearms training. A state-approved CCDW firearms-safety course (taught by a Department of Criminal Justice Training–certified instructor), including live-fire, is required; the training certificate does not expire.
- Submit your application to Kentucky State Police (application filed through the county sheriff). File your Kentucky License to Carry a Concealed Deadly Weapon (CCDW) application with Kentucky State Police (application filed through the county sheriff). See the official page for forms and instructions.
- Pay the application fee. Pay the CCDW application fee of $60. $60 total, paid as two payments: $20 to the sheriff of the county of residence plus a $40 state fee.
- Receive your permit and note the renewal date. Once approved, your CCDW is valid for 5 years, after which it must be renewed.
Note: Kentucky allows permitless carry, so this permit is optional in-state — but it is still worth holding for reciprocity when traveling.
Last verified 2026-07-10 against Kentucky State Police — CCDW Reciprocity.
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Kentucky CCDW FAQ
- What are the requirements for a Kentucky CCDW?
- Applicants must be at least 21 years old, a resident of Kentucky. The application is processed by Kentucky State Police (application filed through the county sheriff).
- Is training required for a Kentucky CCDW?
- Yes. Kentucky requires firearms training to obtain the CCDW. A state-approved CCDW firearms-safety course (taught by a Department of Criminal Justice Training–certified instructor), including live-fire, is required; the training certificate does not expire.
- How long does it take to get a Kentucky CCDW?
- Kentucky has not published a specific processing-time estimate for the CCDW — check with Kentucky State Police (application filed through the county sheriff) for current wait times.
- Can non-residents get a Kentucky CCDW?
- No. Kentucky generally limits the CCDW to residents.
- How much does the Kentucky CCDW cost, and how long is it valid?
- The application fee is $60. $60 total, paid as two payments: $20 to the sheriff of the county of residence plus a $40 state fee. The permit is valid for 5 years before renewal.
Sources
- Kentucky State Police — CCDW Reciprocity (2026-07-10)