State profile · KY
Kentucky Concealed Carry Reciprocity: Where Your Permit Works
A Kentucky resident permit (Kentucky Concealed Deadly Weapon (CCDW) License) is honored in 36 of the other 50 US jurisdictions, and 1 more allow permitless carry even though they do not recognize the permit itself. In the other direction, Kentucky recognizes valid carry permits from every US state. Kentucky allows permitless concealed carry from age 21 for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.
Where a Kentucky permit is honored
Click any destination for the full rules — duty to inform, magazine limits, off-limits places, and official sources.
* a load-bearing fact could not be fully verified — confirm with the official source before carrying.
Whose permits Kentucky honors
Kentucky recognizes valid concealed-carry permits from every US state and DC.
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.
Kentucky at a glance
- Permit
- Kentucky Concealed Deadly Weapon (CCDW) License
- Issued by
- Kentucky State Police (KRS 237.110)
- Issue policy
- Shall-issue
- Resident minimum age
- 21
- Non-resident permits
- Not issued
- Permitless carry
- Yes (21+)
- Duty to inform
- No
- Magazine limit
- None
Kentucky residents (or US citizens / lawfully admitted persons on active military duty assigned to a Kentucky posting) only - KSP CCDW qualifications.
Vehicle carry
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
- Which states honor a Kentucky carry permit?
- Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. The table on this page links to the detailed rules for each destination.
- Does Kentucky recognize out-of-state carry permits?
- 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.
- Can I carry in Kentucky without a permit?
- Kentucky allows permitless concealed carry from age 21 for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.
- 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.
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