How To Get Your Kentucky Concealed Carry Permit
Whether you're new to owning a firearm or have had a gun for home defense for years, getting a concealed handgun permit may seem daunting. It doesn't have to be. There are many reasons and ways to carry a concealed weapon, but the first step is knowing Kentucky's concealed carry laws. Applying for a CCDW varies by state.
Read about the process for getting a Kentucky Concealed Carry of Deadly Weapons below.
Steps To Get A Kentucky Concealed Carry Permit
COMPLETE a state-approved firearms training course.
VISIT your local sheriff's office in your county of residence to complete the application form, and bring:
- Training Certificate
- Passport-type photo
The form must be signed under oath.
PAY the fees.
You must prepare two payments. One payment, in the amount of $20, should be made to the sheriff of your county of residence. The second payment should be a check or money order in the amount of $40, made payable to “Kentucky State Treasurer.”
CHECK YOUR MAILBOX.
You will be notified if your application has been approved within 90 days.
Find a CCW Training Class
What Are the Firearms Training Requirements in Kentucky?
Training is required to obtain a CCDW. Firearms safety courses must be approved by the Department of Criminal Justice and cover:
- Not exceed eight hours in length
- Include instruction on handguns, the safe use of handguns, the care and cleaning of handguns and handgun marksmanship principles
- Include actual range firing of a handgun in a safe manner, and the firing of not more than 20 rounds at a full-sized silhouette target, during which no fewer than 11 rounds must hit the silhouette portion of the target
- Include information on and a copy of laws relating to possession and carrying of firearms, as set forth in Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapters 237 and 527, and the laws relating to the use of force, as set forth in Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 503
- Demonstrate knowledge of the law regarding the justifiable use of force by including with the application a copy of the concealed carry deadly weapons legal handout made available by the Department of Criminal Justice Training and a signed statement that indicates that the applicant has read and understands the handout
TRAINING MUST INCLUDE ACTUAL RANGE FIRE OF NOT MORE THAN 20 ROUNDS:
- Full size range silhouette
- 11 rounds must hit the silhouette
- Not more than 20 rounds fired total
Training exemptions: Active or honorably discharged service members or a reserve component thereof, current and retired peace officers and corrections officers may meet criteria that will deem them to have met the training requirement.
What Are the Kentucky License to Carry a Handgun Requirements?
An applicant must:
- Be at least 21 years old;
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident;
- Be a resident of Kentucky;
- Demonstrate competence with a firearm;
- Not have been committed to a state or federal facility for abuse of a controlled substance or convicted of a misdemeanor relating to a controlled substance within the 3 years prior to application;
- Not have 2 or more convictions for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or other substance which impairs driving ability within the 3 years prior to application;
- Not have been committed as an alcoholic within the last 3 years;
- Not owe a child support arrearage which equals or exceeds the cumulative amount which would be owed after 1 year of non-payment;
- Have complied with any subpoena or warrant relating to child support or paternity proceedings;
- Not have been convicted of assault in the fourth degree or terroristic threatening in the third degree within the 3 years immediately preceding the date on which the application is submitted; and
- Meet federal law requirements.
*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Kentucky.
What are the Fees and Terms?
Valid for Five Years from Date of Issue
90 Day Processing Time
$60 for Initial License & Renewals
$20 to the county sheriff; $40 to Kentucky State Treasurer
Where Can I Find Application Forms?
What Concealed Carry Permit Options Exist Based on Residency?
Non-Resident Concealed Carry Licenses:
Kentucky issues non-resident licenses only to members of the military on active duty assigned to a military post in Kentucky. The process is the same as for residents.
Residency Changes:
Moving to Kentucky and interested in applying for a resident license? How soon can you apply?Kentucky issues license to residents and active duty military stationed in Kentucky only. You can apply for your license to the sheriff of your county once you have established residency in Kentucky.
Moving from Kentucky and have a Kentucky resident license? Does that license transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Kentucky license remains valid?If a person with a Kentucky concealed carry of deadly weapons license establishes residency in another state, the license expires upon the establishment of residence in the other state.
How Do I Renew My Concealed Carry Permit in Kentucky?
Renewals are the responsibility of the licensee, however, not less than 120 days prior to the expiration date of a CCDW license, the Department of State Police will mail a written notice of the expiration and a renewal form to each licensee. If you fail to renew your license on or before the expiration date and wish to renew your license, you will be required to pay an additional late fee of $15.00. If 6 months or more has passed since the expiration date of your license, your license has permanently expired and cannot be renewed. If your license has permanently expired, you may reapply for a new license.
CHECK YOUR MAILBOX.
Not less than 120 days prior to the expiration date of a CCDW license, the Department of State Police will mail a written notice of the expiration and a renewal form to each licensee. If you fail to renew your license on or before the expiration date and wish to renew your license, you will be required to pay an additional late fee of $15.00. If 6 months or more has passed since the expiration date of your license, your license has permanently expired and cannot be renewed. If your license has permanently expired, you may reapply for a new license.
VISIT YOUR LOCAL SHERIFF'S OFFICE.
Take the renewal notice and a passport-style photograph to the Sheriff of your county of residence. If you are not a U.S. Citizen, the Citizenship Affidavit (KSP Form 131) must be completed and submitted to the sheriff of your county of residence to be attached to the renewal form.
Pay the $20 fee.
CHECK YOUR MAILBOX.
You will be notified if your application has been approved within 90 days.
The USCCA has the CCW Permit Resources You Need
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Make sure you understand Kentucky Gun Laws and Kentucky concealed carry reciprocity with other states.