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

Why

• South Dakota does not issue carry permits to non-residents (no non-resident permits — the applicant must have physically resided in and be a resident of the county of application for at least 30 days immediately preceding the application (sdcl 23-7-7.1)).

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.

Carry rules in Kentucky

Whatever your permit status, Kentucky law governs how you carry inside the state. The rules below matter most on a short trip.

• 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 South Dakota non-resident permit valid in Kentucky?

A South Dakota non-resident permit isn't something you can hold — the state doesn't issue one (no non-resident permits — the applicant must have physically resided in and be a resident of the county of application for at least 30 days immediately preceding the application (SDCL 23-7-7.1)). The question for Kentucky is which resident or non-resident permits from other states it honors.

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 South Dakota issue non-resident carry permits?

No. South Dakota issues carry permits to residents only (no non-resident permits — the applicant must have physically resided in and be a resident of the county of application for at least 30 days immediately preceding the application (SDCL 23-7-7.1)). 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.