State Laws · KY
Kentucky Gun Laws
Effective as of June 27, 2019 (SB 150, constitutional carry). Laws change — you should check for updates or consult with a licensed firearms trainer in your state before acting on this information.
Concealed & Open Carry
Kentucky adopted constitutional carry under SB 150, effective June 27, 2019. Persons aged 21 and older who can legally possess a firearm may carry concealed without a permit. Open carry is legal for anyone 18 or older who can legally possess a firearm. Kentucky continues to issue the Concealed Carry of Deadly Weapons License (CCDWL) for reciprocity.
Key statute: KRS 527.020 — carrying concealed deadly weapon. As amended by SB 150, exempts eligible persons from the licensing requirement.
Who Cannot Carry
Prohibited persons include: convicted felons, persons under indictment for a felony, fugitives from justice, persons committed involuntarily to a mental institution, unlawful users of controlled substances, persons under 21 (for concealed carry; 18 for open carry), and persons convicted of domestic violence.
Prohibited Locations
Kentucky prohibits carry in: police stations, sheriff offices, detention facilities, courthouses, schools, childcare facilities, any room where the General Assembly or a committee is in session, an area of an airport to which access is controlled by security measures, and any establishment with posted prohibition. Kentucky generally allows carry in restaurants and bars.
Purchase Requirements
No permit is required to purchase any firearm. All FFL sales require a NICS background check. Private sales do not require a background check. There is no waiting period, no state firearms registry, no assault weapons ban, and no magazine restriction.
Citations
KRS Chapter 527 (offenses relating to firearms and weapons); KRS 237.110 (CCDWL); SB 150 (2019).
Look up statutes at Kentucky Legislature →Legal disclaimer
This summary is for informational purposes only. Firearms laws change frequently. Always verify current statutes and consult a qualified attorney before making legal decisions.
Sources & official resources
Federal firearms laws
ATF.gov — Laws: Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives →Kentucky statutes
Kentucky Legislature →This link goes to Kentucky's legislative website. To find specific firearms statutes, search for terms like "concealed carry," "firearms," or "weapons permit" in the site's search function.