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Applicant must be a resident of Kentucky for at least six months prior to filing of the application.
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Applicant must be 21 years of age or older.
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Applicant must not be ineligible to carry a firearm pursuant to 18 USC 922(g) or KRS 527.040.
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Applicant can be revoked under 18 USG 922(d)(1). This means under indictment for a felony.
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Applicant must 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 a 3 year period preceding the date the application was submitted.
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Applicant must not have chronically and habitually used alcoholic beverages and must not have had two or more DUI convictions within a three year period preceding the date the application was submitted.
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Applicant must demonstrate competence with a firearm.
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Applicant must not have been adjudicated as incompetent or must have waited three years from the date their competency was restored by a court order and must not have been involuntarily committed to a mental institution unless certified by a psychiatrist not to have suffered from a disability for a period of three years.
An applicant for a CCDW license may obtain an application from the sheriff’s office in their county of residence.
The completed application along with $60.00 is to be returned to the sheriff’s office. (Retired police officers are exempt from the payment for the CCDW license).
The application will be sent to the Kentucky State Police within five working days.
The application form, completed under oath, must include the following:
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Name, Address, Place and Date of Birth, Gender and Social Security Number.
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Statement of Compliance with Required Qualifications.
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Statement of Receipt and Understanding of the Statute concerning the use of force and self-defense in Kentucky.
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Recent color photograph: full head shot no smaller than 3 ½ x 4 nor larger than 4x5 inches.
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A photocopy of a certificate or an affidavit or document certifying completion of a certified firearms training course.
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Police station or sheriff’s office.
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Detention facility, prison or jail.
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Courthouse (Court of Justice, courtroom or court proceeding).
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County, municipal, or special district governing body meetings.
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General Assembly session, including committee meetings.
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Businesses which dispense beer or other alcoholic beverages for consumption, excluding restaurants receiving 50% of sales from food purchases.
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Elementary or secondary school facilities (without the consent of school authorities).
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Child-caring facilities, day care centers, or any certified family child care home.
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Areas within airport where restricted access is controlled by the inspection of persons or property.
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Any place where the carrying of a firearm is prohibited by federal law.
A concealed firearm or other deadly weapon MAY NOT be carried in the following places:
There are two special categories of CCDW licenses: Judicial Special Status CCDW and Certified Peace Officer CCDW. These special categories require supplemental forms to be completed in addition to the application obtained at local sheriff's offices.
Judicial Special Status Licenses
The following positions as defined by KRS 237.110 are eligible for "Special Status" Carry Concealed Deadly Weapon (CCDW) License.
You can download the Supplemental Affidavit for Judicial "Special Status"
CCDW by clicking here.
You can download the Judicial "Special Status" instruction form by
clicking here.
Both documents provided in PDF format.
Certified Peace Officer CCDW
Pursuant to KRS 527.020 a full or part time peace officer who is currently certified as a peace officer by the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council who is authorized by his or her employer or government authority to carry a concealed deadly weapon at all times and locations within the Commonwealth shall be exempt from paying the application or renewal fees and special training requirements.
You can download
the Certified Peace Officer CCDW Supplemental form by clicking
here.
You can download
the Certified Peace Officer CCDW supplemental instruction form by
clicking here.
Both documents provided in PDF format.
What is the effective date of the carry concealed weapon law?
October 1, 1996
- What is the license fee?
Sixty dollars (Retired police officers and active police officers currently certified as a peace officer by the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council are exempt from the payment for the CCDW license following the date of their retirement.)
- What is the renewal fee?
Sixty dollars for each five year renewal.
- How long is the license valid?
Five years from the date of issuance.
- Is there a fine if I do not have my carry concealed deadly weapon license in my possession?
Yes, failure on the part of the license holder to have in his possession the CCDW license when carrying a concealed firearm or deadly weapon will result in a non-criminal violation punishable by a $25.00 fine plus court costs.
- For what reasons would a license be denied, suspended or revoked?
An application may be denied, or a license revoked or suspended, for any of the following:
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Conviction of a felony.
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Conviction of two DUIs within the past three years.
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Conviction of fourth degree assault within the past three years.
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Conviction of terroristic threatening within the past three years.
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Conviction of a misdemeanor relating to a controlled substance within the past three years.
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Conviction of a crime of domestic violence.
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Commitment for alcohol or drug abuse within the past three years.
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Adjudication as an incompetent within the past three years.
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An active emergency protective order or domestic violence order.
- What weapons are covered under the CCDW permit?
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Any weapon from which a shot, readily capable of producing death or serious physical injury, may be discharged.
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Any knife other than an ordinary pocket knife or hunting knife.
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Billy, nightstick, or club.
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Blackjack or slapjack.
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Nunchaku karate sticks.
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Shiriken or death star.
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Artificial knuckles made from plastic, or other similar hard material.
- How can I legally carry a gun in my vehicle without a CCDW permit?
KRS 527.020 - "A deadly weapon shall not be deemed concealed on or about the person if it is located in a glove compartment, regularly installed in a motor vehicle by its manufacturer regardless of whether said compartment is locked, unlocked, or does not have a locking mechanism."
- I am a Peace Officer from another state, can I carry my weapon concealed?
Only when necessary for your protection in the discharge of official duties. You may carry the weapon in your glove compartment.
Within thirty days after the changing of a permanent address you may fill out a form at your county Sheriff Office. The address will be changed and a new CCDW permit will be generated.
- How will I be notified when it is time to renew my CCDW permit?
Ninety days prior to the expiration date of the license, a written notice of expiration and a renewal form shall be mailed to each licensee. The renewal form then shall be taken to your county Sheriff Office, along with a new photograph and fee.
- How can I find a certified instructor for the required training class?
You can contact your local Sheriff Office and they will have a listing of all instructors in your area.
Effective, July 15, 1998, Kentucky recognizes valid carry concealed weapons licenses issued by other states.
Written inquiries regarding recognition of Kentucky carry concealed licenses have been made to all other states and U.S. territories.
The following states have advised that they will recognize valid Kentucky carry concealed licenses:
| Alaska | Alabama |
| Arizona | Arkansas |
| Florida | Georgia |
| Idaho | Indiana |
| Louisiana | Michigan |
| Mississippi | Montana |
| New Hampshire | North Dakota |
| Pennsylvania | South Dakota |
| Tennessee | Texas |
| Utah | West Virginia |
| Wyoming |
Persons with a valid Kentucky carry concealed license may apply individually to the United States Virgin Islands Police Department for temporary reciprocal recognition of a CCDW license while in the Virgin Islands. This temporary recognition is normally for ninety (90) days from the date of issue.
An application for temporary privileges may be requested from:
Office of the Commissioner
Criminal Justice Complex
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, VI 00802.
The following states/territories have advised that they will not recognize valid Kentucky carry concealed licenses:
| California | Colorado |
| Connecticut | Delaware |
| District of Columbia | Guam |
| Hawaii | Illinois |
| Iowa | Kansas |
| Maine | Maryland |
| Massachusetts | Minnesota |
| Missouri | Nebraska |
| Nevada | New Jersey |
| New Mexico | New York |
| North Carolina | Ohio |
| Oklahoma | Oregon |
| Puerto Rico | Rhode Island |
| Samoa Territory | South Carolina |
| Vermont | Virginia |
| Washington | Wisconsin |
This list will be updated periodically as responses are received from the states/territories. It was last updated on 12/23/02.