Is a Kentucky Non-Resident Permit Valid in North Dakota?

Why

• Kentucky does not issue carry permits to non-residents (kentucky residents (or us citizens / lawfully admitted persons on active military duty assigned to a kentucky posting) only - ksp ccdw qualifications).

AG: 'North Dakota will honor a valid concealed carry license/permit (resident and non-resident) issued by a state that has agreed to recognize a North Dakota license' (NDCC 62.1-04-03.1) — the honored list above is the AG's list of states recognizing the ND Class 1 license. Separately, any adult 18+ with a valid US state/territory ID who may lawfully possess can carry permitless regardless of permits.

Carry rules in North Dakota

Carry law is state law. From the moment you enter North Dakota, these rules replace the ones you know from Kentucky.

• Not proactive by statute: license carriers must produce the license for inspection upon an officer's request, and permitless carriers must disclose the firearm if the officer inquires and show state ID on request (NDCC 62.1-04-04; $20 noncriminal fee). The AG's Constitutional Carry page nonetheless instructs permitless carriers to inform law enforcement on any in-person contact — safest practice is to inform.
• North Dakota sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.
• North Dakota allows permitless concealed carry from age 18 for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.
• A loaded handgun in a vehicle is legal for ND licensees, out-of-state reciprocity carriers, and permitless-eligible individuals carrying a valid state/territory ID (NDCC 62.1-02-10(3),(8)).

Off-limits places in North Dakota

• Bar areas set aside for alcohol sale/consumption, and bingo gaming sites (NDCC 62.1-02-04)
• Schools and school-sponsored events on school property
• Churches and other places of worship (unless the congregation authorizes)
• Publicly owned or operated buildings (NDCC 62.1-02-05 'public gatherings')

Frequently asked questions

Is a Kentucky non-resident permit valid in North Dakota?

No such permit is issued. Kentucky restricts its carry permits to residents (kentucky residents (or US citizens / lawfully admitted persons on active military duty assigned to a Kentucky posting) only - KSP CCDW qualifications), so this page exists to say exactly that and point you to alternatives that North Dakota does recognize.

Do I have to tell police in North Dakota that I am carrying?

Not proactive by statute: license carriers must produce the license for inspection upon an officer's request, and permitless carriers must disclose the firearm if the officer inquires and show state ID on request (NDCC 62.1-04-04; $20 noncriminal fee). The AG's Constitutional Carry page nonetheless instructs permitless carriers to inform law enforcement on any in-person contact — safest practice is to inform.

Does North Dakota limit magazine capacity?

North Dakota sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.

Can I carry in North Dakota without any permit?

North Dakota allows permitless concealed carry from age 18 for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.

Does Kentucky issue non-resident carry permits?

No. Kentucky issues carry permits to residents only (kentucky residents (or US citizens / lawfully admitted persons on active military duty assigned to a Kentucky posting) only - KSP CCDW qualifications). Non-residents who want multi-state coverage usually obtain a non-resident permit from a state that offers one, such as those listed in our non-resident permit guide.