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Kentucky Gun Laws

Kentucky Gun Laws

KENTUCKY GUN LAWS & REGULATIONS UPDATE 2023

A DECADE OF CHANGE: AN UPDATED OVERVIEW OF KENTUCKY’S GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS TIMELINE (2013-2023)

Over the past ten years, Kentucky’s gun laws have experienced notable changes, reflecting the state’s commitment to preserving Second Amendment rights while addressing the evolving landscape of firearm ownership and public safety. From concealed carry to background checks, these developments aim to strike a balance between responsible gun ownership and community well-being. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the key advancements in Kentucky’s gun laws and regulations from 2013 to 2023, organized in bullet points:

2013 – Concealed Carry Law Enhancement:

   – Kentucky enacts legislation to streamline the process for obtaining a concealed carry permit, emphasizing responsible firearm ownership.

2014 – Stand Your Ground Law Enactment:

   – Kentucky adopts a “Stand Your Ground” law, allowing individuals to use deadly force in self-defense without a duty to retreat under certain circumstances.

2015 – Background Checks for Private Sales:

   – Legislation is introduced to require background checks for private firearm sales at gun shows, promoting responsible transfers and closing potential loopholes.

2016 – Enhanced Reporting of Mental Health Records:

   – Kentucky improves the reporting of mental health records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to prevent firearm access by prohibited individuals.

2017 – “Red Flag” Law Consideration:

   – Kentucky explores “red flag” laws, allowing law enforcement and family members to seek temporary firearm removal for individuals deemed a risk.

2018 – Enhanced Penalties for Gun Crimes:

   – Legislation is introduced to enforce stricter penalties for individuals convicted of gun-related crimes, aiming to deter illegal firearm use.

2019 – Firearm Preemption Law:

   – Kentucky strengthens state preemption laws to prevent local jurisdictions from enacting firearm regulations that exceed state laws.

2020 – Enhanced Background Checks for Concealed Carry:

   – The state tightens the background check process for concealed carry permit applicants, focusing on mental health history and criminal records.

2021 – Firearm Storage Recommendations:

   – Kentucky introduces guidelines promoting responsible firearm storage practices, particularly in households with minors, to prevent unauthorized access.

2022 – Reporting Lost or Stolen Firearms:

    – Legislation is introduced to require reporting lost or stolen firearms to law enforcement, aiming to prevent potential diversion to illegal markets.

2022 – Enhanced Background Checks for All Firearm Sales:

    – Kentucky explores potential regulations to require background checks for all firearm sales, including private transactions.

2023 – Firearm Training Requirements for Concealed Carry:

    – Proposed legislation aims to enhance firearm training requirements for concealed carry permit applicants, emphasizing responsible gun ownership and firearm handling skills.

2023 – School Safety Regulations:

    – Kentucky explores legislation to enhance school safety by permitting certain school staff to carry concealed firearms on school grounds, subject to proper training.

2023 – “Red Flag” Law Implementation:

    – Kentucky enacts “red flag” laws, allowing law enforcement and family members to seek temporary firearm removal for individuals deemed a risk.

Kentucky’s gun laws have undergone significant changes in the past decade, reflecting the state’s dedication to responsible firearm ownership and community safety. From concealed carry regulations to discussions on “red flag” laws and the enhancement of self-defense rights, these changes underscore Kentucky’s proactive approach to firearm regulation. As the state continues to shape its laws, it remains vital for stakeholders, policymakers, and citizens to engage in informed discussions that balance individual rights with the security of the community.


Kentucky gun laws state that an individual is not required by law to register firearms. Also, firearm laws in Kentucky do not require a permit to purchase any kind of firearm.
The requirements to be eligible for the purchase of firearms–which includes shotguns, rifles, handguns, and any firearm legally permitted–is restricted to those who are legal citizens of the United States. Though it is not strictly stated in the written law of Kentucky firearms, it can be assumed that the age requirement to purchase a weapon is to be at least 18 years of age.
Kentucky residents may also purchase firearms from any licensed dealer, manufacturer, or shop in any other state. This also includes a firearms purchase or transaction between individual people or private parties, as long as state and federal laws are followed and observed.
There is no firearms permit necessary for the possession of firearms in the state of Kentucky. The carrying of shotguns and rifles is also permitted without a license, however, to carry a concealed handgun, an individual must have a license to carry a concealed weapon.
The open carry of a handgun is allowed for the exception of areas that are restricted, or specifically disallow open carry on their premises. Individuals that are currently under service to law enforcement, the military, or is a mail carrier are also permitted to carry a concealed firearm while on duty.
The state of Kentucky considers a concealed weapon one that is not easily visible and within immediate access for use by the person. This also extends to firearms in vehicles placed underneath the driver’s seat. A weapon located in the glove compartment, whether the compartment itself is locked or unlocked, is not considered under the state’s definition of a concealed weapon.
Those who wish to apply for a concealed weapons license must be at least 21 years old, a resident of Kentucky for at least six months, and a citizen of the United States. U.S. citizens who are currently listed to be on active duty for the military and assigned to the state of Kentucky for a period of at least six months are also eligible. Reasons for applicant to be considered ineligible for a concealed weapons license include:
• Convictions of crimes punishable by incarceration for a term over one year.
• Convictions of domestic violence misdemeanors.
• Two or more convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or controlled substances within three years of the date of application.
• Owing child support that is greater or equal to the amount to be paid in one-year’s time.
• Warrants or subpoenas relating to child support or paternity cases.
• Convictions involving Assault in the fourth degree or terroristic threatening in the third degree within three years of the application date.
Applicants for the concealed weapons license must also complete a firearms safety course that is conducted by the Department of Justice Training.
The course is not to be over eight hours long, and covers areas such as instruction, care, and cleaning of handguns, marksmanship, and target practice. In order to complete the test, the applicant must successfully hit a target at least eleven times out of twenty shots fired. The application is valid for five years, and the applicant is responsible for any required fees.
Even with license, it is prohibited for an individual to carry concealed firearms into public facilities such as schools, police stations, courthouses, day care centers, and any businesses that sell alcohol for consumption on the premises.