It is considered unlawful to possess or purchase a firearm if an individual:^[2]

• is under indictment for, or has been convicted in any court of, a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year;
• is a fugitive from justice;
• is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance;^[3]
• has been adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to any mental institution;
• who, being an alien—
  • is illegally or unlawfully in the United States; or
  • has been admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant visa^[4]
• who has been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions;
• who, having been a citizen of the United States, has renounced his citizenship;
• is subject to a court order that restrains such person from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner of such person or child of such intimate partner or person, or engaging in other conduct that would place an intimate partner in reasonable fear of bodily injury to the partner or child, except that this paragraph shall only apply to a court order that—
  • was issued after a hearing of which such person received actual notice and at which such person had the opportunity to participate; and
    • includes a finding that such person represents a credible threat to the physical safety of such intimate partner or child; or
    • by its terms explicitly prohibits the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against such intimate partner or child that would reasonably be expected to cause bodily injury; or
• has been convicted in any court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

* A ban on individuals under felony indictment was held unconstitutional.^[5]

Any person at least 21 can carry concealed in Kentucky without a permit.^[6]

How to Apply

Kentucky does offer a Concealed Carry Deadly Weapons permit for individuals who would like to obtain one.

1. Complete an application for a concealed carry permit. Physical applications can be obtained in person at county sheriff’s offices.
2. Attach a color passport-style photograph of the applicant and proof of completion of a firearm safety training course.
3. Submit the application in person to the applicant’s local county sheriff’s office or online via the Kentucky State Police Portal.
4. Pay a $60 application fee.
5. The sheriff’s office will issue or deny the license within 60 days of receiving the application.

Reciprocity

The state of Kentucky recognizes concealed carry permits from all U.S. states.^[7]