Gun Laws/Kentucky/Reviewed September 16, 2026

Can you conceal carry in Kentucky?

Quick answer

Yes, no permit needed

Kentucky: Permitless (21+).

5 of Kentucky's 7 neighboring states have the same status. Check each one before you cross a state line with concealed carry.

Not legal advice. Source: GunPartPicker state law review, September 16, 2026

Concealed carry laws by state

Alabama: PermitlessAlaska: PermitlessArizona: PermitlessColorado: Shall issueFlorida: PermitlessGeorgia: PermitlessIndiana: PermitlessKansas: PermitlessMaine: PermitlessMassachusetts: Shall issueMinnesota: Shall issueNew Jersey: Shall issueNorth Carolina: Shall issueNorth Dakota: PermitlessOklahoma: PermitlessPennsylvania: Shall issueSouth Dakota: PermitlessTexas: PermitlessWyoming: PermitlessConnecticut: Shall issueMissouri: PermitlessWest Virginia: PermitlessIllinois: Shall issueNew Mexico: Shall issueArkansas: PermitlessCalifornia: Shall issueDelaware: Shall issueHawaii: Shall issueIowa: PermitlessKentucky: PermitlessMaryland: Shall issueMichigan: Shall issueMississippi: PermitlessMontana: PermitlessNew Hampshire: PermitlessNew York: Shall issueOhio: PermitlessOregon: Shall issueTennessee: PermitlessUtah: PermitlessVirginia: Shall issueWashington: Shall issueWisconsin: Shall issueNebraska: PermitlessSouth Carolina: PermitlessIdaho: PermitlessNevada: Shall issueVermont: PermitlessLouisiana: PermitlessRhode Island: Shall issueALAKAZARCACOFLGAHIIDILINIAKSKYLAMEMIMNMSMOMTNENVNMNYNCNDOHOKORPASCSDTNTXUTVAWAWVWIWY
Permitless (29)Shall issue permit (21)Concealed carry laws by state. Tap a state
Map legend: clear means Permitless; caution means Shall issue permit; restricted means Discretionary permit

Kentucky law in detail

  • Permitless (21+) — Adults 21 and older can carry concealed without a permit since June 2019.
  • Yes, no permit (Open Carry) — Open carry of handguns and long guns is legal without any permit.
  • Restricted Locations — While carry is broadly permitted, postsecondary institutions and government buildings may still restrict concealed carry on their premises.
  • Provisional License (18 to 20) — Since July 2026, adults 18 to 20 can get a provisional concealed carry license (HB 312). Permitless carry remains 21+.

The federal rule

There is no federal carry permit. Since the Supreme Court's 2022 Bruen decision, states cannot deny a carry permit for lack of a special reason, and most states now allow permitless carry for adults who can legally own a handgun. Reciprocity decides whether another state's permit counts.

Carry in neighboring states

Next steps

Frequently asked questions

Can you conceal carry in Kentucky?

Yes, no permit needed. Kentucky: Permitless (21+). Reviewed September 16, 2026.

What is the federal rule on concealed carry?

There is no federal carry permit. Since the Supreme Court's 2022 Bruen decision, states cannot deny a carry permit for lack of a special reason, and most states now allow permitless carry for adults who can legally own a handgun. Reciprocity decides whether another state's permit counts.

How many states restrict concealed carry?

Nationwide by our review: 29 states: permitless; 21: shall issue permit.

More Kentucky gun laws

Legal disclaimer: This page summarizes state law for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can be stricter. Confirm with the Kentucky statutes, the state attorney general or a licensed attorney before buying, building or traveling.