Overview for Kentucky
Chapter 44 of Title 18 of the United States Code (U.S.C.) does not allow citizens, convicted of a felony with a prison sentence over a year to own firearms. This includes hand guns, and long guns. Many states allow convicted felons to own firearms after a certain amount of time has passed, (usually 10 years or more) since the end of their sentence, and/or if they are given a full pardon by certain authority figures (Governors, President, etc.) Kentucky allows felons to own gun as long as they have been fully pardoned by the President or governor, or if they are granted full relief by the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 527.040).
It is illegal to alter or remove the serial number of a firearm. Owning a gun that has been defaced is a crime. Should something happen to cause this, it must be reported to the police immediately to avoid prosecution.
| Law | Long-guns | Handguns |
|---|---|---|
| Permit to Purchase | No | No |
| Open Carry | Yes | Yes |
| Concealed Carry | No | Yes |
| State Preemption of Local Restrictions | Yes | Yes |
| Firearm Registration | No | No |
| Owner License | No | No |
The Concealed Carry Permit
(often encompasses the open carry permit)
- Price: $60 (law enforcement active or retired are exempt)
- Valid for 5 years
- Regarding Non-residents of Kentucky: Only to military personnel in certain circumstances
- Non-resident permits are valid for N/A
- An owner's license is Not Needed
- Permit to Purchase: Not Needed
- Permits to Purchase Year/Cost: Not Needed
Official Concealed Carry page for Kentucky.
Kentucky Concealed Carry Reciprocity
Kentucky Magazine Capacity
Does Kentucky have a gun buy back program?
Kentucky does not run, or fund any gun buyback programs.
Does Kentucky have an inheritance gun law?
Kentucky does not have an inheritance gun law.