Non-Resident permit · MO → KY
Is a Missouri Non-Resident Permit Valid in Kentucky?
Missouri doesn't put this permit on the table for non-residents (no non-resident permits, except members of the US Armed Forces stationed in Missouri and their spouses (RSMo 571.101.2). Minimum age drops to 18 for members of or honorably discharged from the Armed Forces). See our non-resident permit guide for the states that do, and which of their permits Kentucky accepts.
Why
- Missouri does not issue carry permits to non-residents (no non-resident permits, except members of the us armed forces stationed in missouri and their spouses (rsmo 571.101.2). minimum age drops to 18 for members of or honorably discharged from the armed forces).
KSP: 'A person who is not a resident of Kentucky and who has a valid license issued by another state... may carry a concealed deadly weapon in Kentucky.' Recognition covers deadly weapons generally, not just handguns. New Kentucky residents' out-of-state licenses stay valid for 120 days if they file the KSP form within 60 days of moving.
The permit (Missouri)
- Permit
- Missouri Concealed Carry Permit
- Issued by
- County or city sheriff of the applicant's county of residence
- Issue policy
- Shall-issue
- Issued to non-residents?
- No — No non-resident permits, except members of the US Armed Forces stationed in Missouri and their spouses (RSMo 571.101.2). Minimum age drops to 18 for members of or honorably discharged from the Armed Forces.
The destination (Kentucky)
- Recognition policy
- Honors permits from all states
- Permitless carry
- Yes (21+)
- Duty to inform
- No (present permit on demand)
- Magazine limit
- No state limit
Carry rules in Kentucky
Your Missouri habits may not match Kentucky's law. Check these three areas before you carry there.
- No Kentucky statute or KSP guidance imposes a proactive duty to inform an officer that you are carrying.
- Kentucky sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.
- Kentucky allows permitless concealed carry from age 21 for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.
- A firearm in any enclosed container, compartment or storage space installed as original equipment (e.g. glove box or console) is not considered concealed and is lawful for anyone who may possess it, loaded or not; persons 21+ may also carry on-body permitless.
Off-limits places in Kentucky
- Police stations and sheriff's offices
- Detention facilities, prisons and jails
- Courthouses and courtrooms
- Portions of establishments primarily devoted to selling alcoholic beverages
- Meetings of governing bodies of local governments and the General Assembly
- Elementary/secondary schools, child-care facilities and secured airport areas
Frequently asked questions
- Is a Missouri non-resident permit valid in Kentucky?
- Missouri doesn't put this permit on the table for non-residents (no non-resident permits, except members of the US Armed Forces stationed in Missouri and their spouses (RSMo 571.101.2). Minimum age drops to 18 for members of or honorably discharged from the Armed Forces). See our non-resident permit guide for the states that do, and which of their permits Kentucky accepts.
- Do I have to tell police in Kentucky that I am carrying?
- No Kentucky statute or KSP guidance imposes a proactive duty to inform an officer that you are carrying.
- Does Kentucky limit magazine capacity?
- Kentucky sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.
- Can I carry in Kentucky without any permit?
- Kentucky allows permitless concealed carry from age 21 for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.
- Does Missouri issue non-resident carry permits?
- No. Missouri issues carry permits to residents only (no non-resident permits, except members of the US Armed Forces stationed in Missouri and their spouses (RSMo 571.101.2). Minimum age drops to 18 for members of or honorably discharged from the Armed Forces). 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.
Official sources
- Kentucky State Police - CCDW Reciprocity — accessed 2026-08-08
- Kentucky State Police - CCDW FAQs — accessed 2026-08-08
- Kentucky State Police - CCDW Qualifications — accessed 2026-08-08
- Missouri Attorney General — Concealed Carry Reciprocity — accessed 2026-08-08
- RSMo 571.101 — Concealed carry permits, application requirements — accessed 2026-08-08
- RSMo 571.030 — Unlawful use of weapons, exceptions — accessed 2026-08-08
- RSMo 571.107 — Permit does not authorize concealed firearms, where — accessed 2026-08-08
- RSMo 571.121 — Duty to carry and display permit — accessed 2026-08-08