Kentucky Gun Laws
Gun Laws Overview
RIFLES & SHOTGUNS | HANDGUNS | |
---|---|---|
Permit to Purchase | No | No |
Registration of Firearms | No | No |
Licensing of Owners | No | No |
Permit to Carry | No | No |
The list and map below are included as a tool to assist you in validating your information. We have made every effort to report the information correctly, however reciprocity and recognition agreements are subject to frequent change. The information is not intended as legal advice or a restatement of law and does not include: restrictions that may be placed on non-resident permits, individuals under the age of 21, qualifying permit classes, and/or any other factor which may limit reciprocity and/or recognition. For any particular situation, a licensed local attorney must be consulted for an accurate interpretation. YOU MUST ABIDE WITH ALL LAWS: STATE, FEDERAL AND LOCAL. Kentucky only honors permits or licenses from individuals 21 years of age or older. |
STATE STATUS | |
---|---|
Castle Doctrine | Enacted |
No-Net Loss | Enacted |
Right to Carry Confidentiality | Provisions Enacted |
Right to Carry in Restaurants | Partial Ban |
Right To Carry Laws | No Permit Required |
Right To Carry Reciprocity and Recognition | Outright Recognition |
Right to Keep & Bear Arms State Constitutional Provisions | With Provisions |
Laws on Purchase, Possession and Carrying of Firearms
Antiques and Replicas
Kentucky statutes are silent on antique and replica firearms. They are treated as ordinary firearms for possession and carrying purposes. |
Carrying
The open carry of a handgun is lawful except in certain restricted areas. MORE |
Machine Guns
It is lawful to possess, purchase, or sell a machine gun that is legally registered and possessed in compliance with all federal laws and regulations. |
Miscellaneous
It is unlawful to remove, deface, cover, alter or destroy the manufacturer’s serial number or other mark of identification on any firearm. MORE |
Possession
No state permit is required to possess a rifle, shotgun, or handgun. |
Preemption
The regulation of firearms and ammunition is completely reserved to the state legislature. MORE |
Purchase
No state permit is required to purchase a rifle, shotgun, or handgun. MORE |
Range Protection
No shooting range shall be or shall become a nuisance, either public or private, solely as a result of changed conditions in or around the locality of the range if the range has been in operation for one (1) year... MORE |
Sources: Ky.Rev.Stat §§ 65.045; 237.020 et seq.; 411.155; 527.010 et seq |
Monday, February 2, 2015
Gun owners in Kentucky can get permits to carry concealed weapons under a new online application process.
Saturday, January 10, 2015
On Tuesday, the 2015 Kentucky Legislature convened and a substantial number of pro-gun and pro-hunting bills were introduced ...
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Today, the Kentucky General Assembly began its 2015 session. The NRA will continue this year to fight any ...
Monday, July 14, 2014
House Bill 128, this legislative session’s comprehensive pro-gun reform package, goes into effect tomorrow, July 15.
Monday, June 23, 2014
Over the past decade, the number of concealed-carry gun permits in Kentucky has risen from 11,000 issued in ...
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
The number of gun permits issued in Kentucky has quadrupled over the past 10 years, thanks in part ...
Friday, March 28, 2014
House Bill 128, sponsored by state Representative Bob Damron (D-39), passed in the state Senate Veterans, Military Affairs ...
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Yesterday, important pro-Second Amendment legislation passed unanimously in the Kentucky Senate. Senate Bill 232 will now be sent to ...
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Today, Senate Bill 232 passed unanimously in the state Senate Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection Committee by ...
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
This Thursday, March 13, critical legislation that would further protect your Second Amendment rights will be heard in ...