Starting Today, Kentucky No Longer Requires Licenses For Concealed Carrying Of Guns

Kentucky is the 16th state with a permitless concealed carry law.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jorden Wells

(Undated) - A new concealed carry law takes effect Thursday in Kentucky.

Senate Bill 150 passed the legislature and was signed by Governor Matt Bevin in March, making Kentucky the 16th state with a permitless concealed carry law.

The measure allows gun owners 21 years or older to carry a concealed weapon without a background check, permit or safety training. Kentucky’s previous concealed-carry law required six hours of safety training, a background check, and a $60 application fee to obtain a permit.

SB 150 has the support of the National Rifle Association, which said the law reinforces Kentuckians’ constitutional right to bear arms.

“This law is a common sense measure that allows law-abiding citizens to exercise their fundamental right of self-protection in the manner that best suits their needs,” said Chris W. Cox, executive director of NRA's Institute for Legislative Action. 

However, the legislation-now-law was opposed by law enforcement groups including the Kentucky State Fraternal Order of Police. Gun-control advocates including Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America also fought against it.

“Our lawmakers proved they are willing to put our families at risk. We hear them loud and clear and intend to work tirelessly to elect leaders who will actually stand up for public safety in 2019. Moms Demand Action is more determined than ever to keep going and ensure next session we pass common-sense gun legislation,” Connie Coartney, volunteer leader for Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, said when the bill was signed by Bevin.

Those carrying must still meet other laws for legal gun ownership – for example, convicted felons still may not possess a firearm. The law also does not change where people can have their weapons. 

For Kentucky gun owners who want to concealed carry into other states, they will still need to get a Kentucky concealed carry permit before visiting states which have permit reciprocity with Kentucky. Thirty-two states, including Indiana and Ohio, have reciprocity agreements with Kentucky for concealed carry permits.