Why should I need to carry a concealed weapon? Aren't the police there to protect me?

What are the requirements for a Kentucky concealed weapons license?

How long is my license valid?

Where am I not allowed to carry?

What is the NICS Exception?

Is my license valid in other states?

Why should I need to carry a concealed weapon? Aren't the police there to protect me?

The police do an outstanding job, but unfortunately they can't be there to protect you. All the police can do is respond to a call about a crime, and by then it could be too late for you. Ultimately, the responsibility for the protection of you and your family lies with you. Concealed handguns provide a means to protect yourself from attack by the predatory criminals in our society.

What are the requirements for a Kentucky concealed weapons license?

• You must be at least 21 years old.

• You must be a U.S. citizen and been a Kentucky resident. for at least the last six months before applying.

• You cannot be a convicted felon, an alcohol or drug abuser, adjudicated mentally incompetent, or otherwise ineligible to possess a firearm under federal law.

• In addition, within the past three years you cannot have been:

  • convicted of 2 or more DUIs or been committed for alcoholism;

  • convicted of Assault in the Fourth Degree or Terroristic Threatening;

  • committed for abuse of controlled substances or been convicted of a misdemeanor involving controlled substances;

  • adjudicated mentally incompetent or involuntarily committed to a mental institution.

See also our Kentucky CCDW License Page

How long is my license valid?

Five years.

Where am I not allowed to carry a concealed firearm?

• Any police station or sheriff's office;

• Any prison, jail, or detention facility;

• Any courthouse containing only courtrooms or any court proceeding;

• Any meeting of the General Assembly, a committee of the General Assembly, or of the governing body of a county, city, or special district;

• Any portion of an establishment licensed to dispense beer or alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, which portion is devoted primarily to that purpose;

• Any elementary or secondary school facility without the consent of the school authorities;

• Any child-care facility, day care center or certified family child care home;

• Any area of an airport where people and property are inspected;

• Any place where federal law prohibits it.

In addition, private businesses may post their premises against concealed carry.

What is the NICS Exception?

Any KY license issued after July 12, 2006 qualifies as a substitute for a NICS check on a firearm purchase from a federally licensed dealer in KY.  The Firearms dealer need only enter the license number on the Form 4473 instead of the NICS Confirmation Number.  If your license was issued prior to July 12, 2006, you are out of luck until you get a renewal notice from the KSP.  Replacements for lost or damaged licenses will have the original issue date.

Is my license valid in other states?

Currently, your license will be recognized in many other states. Click here for our complete list of states that recognize a Kentucky license to carry concealed weapons. 

BEWARE!!  The laws regarding possession and concealment of firearms and other weapons vary substantially from state to state.  Please take the time to learn the rules BEFORE traveling through other states with firearms or other weapons.

For further information on reciprocity agreements with Kentucky, contact the Kentucky State Police's Legal Office in Frankfort.

Kentucky State Police Headquarters
 

1250 Louisville Road
Frankfort, KY  40601

(502) 227-8787

Kentucky State Police