How Kentucky recognizes out-of-state permits, which states honor a Kentucky CCDW license, and what to know before you carry across state lines.Kentucky Concealed Carry Reciprocity
Kentucky Reciprocity Rules
Effective, July 15, 1998, Kentucky recognizes valid carry concealed weapons licenses issued by other states and, subject to the provisions of Kentucky law, a person holding a valid license from another state may carry a concealed deadly weapon in Kentucky.
Certain other jurisdictions that recognize Kentucky carry concealed permits may limit the right to carry concealed to handguns only and not allow for the carrying concealed of other types of weapons. Also, the laws of other jurisdictions may differ from the laws of Kentucky regarding the circumstances under which you may legally carry a concealed weapon.
You are advised to contact all other jurisdictions in which you intend to carry concealed weapons with questions regarding these issues.
You can also contact: 502-782-9781 for more information on Concealed Deadly Weapons.
Which states honor a Kentucky CCDW license
According to the Kentucky State Police, 36 states honor a Kentucky CCDW license. Washington, D.C., Guam, Puerto Rico and American Samoa do not. For Rhode Island, Vermont and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the State Police say to contact that jurisdiction.
| State | Honors a Kentucky CCDW? |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Yes |
| Alaska | Yes |
| Arizona | Yes |
| Arkansas | Yes |
| California | No |
| Colorado | Yes |
| Connecticut | No |
| Delaware | Yes |
| Florida | Yes |
| Georgia | Yes |
| Hawaii | No |
| Idaho | Yes |
| Illinois | No |
| Indiana | Yes |
| Iowa | Yes |
| Kansas | Yes |
| Louisiana | Yes |
| Maine | Yes |
| Maryland | No |
| Massachusetts | No |
| Michigan | Yes |
| Minnesota | Yes |
| Mississippi | Yes |
| Missouri | Yes |
| Montana | Yes |
| Nebraska | Yes |
| Nevada | Yes |
| New Hampshire | Yes |
| New Jersey | No |
| New Mexico | No |
| New York | No |
| North Carolina | Yes |
| North Dakota | Yes |
| Ohio | Yes |
| Oklahoma | Yes |
| Oregon | No |
| Pennsylvania | Yes |
| Rhode Island | Contact that state |
| South Carolina | Yes |
| South Dakota | Yes |
| Tennessee | Yes |
| Texas | Yes |
| Utah | Yes |
| Vermont | Contact that state |
| Virginia | Yes |
| Washington | No |
| West Virginia | Yes |
| Wisconsin | Yes |
| Wyoming | Yes |
Kentucky permitless carry does not apply in other states. Reciprocity changes, so check the Kentucky State Police list and the laws of the state you are visiting before you travel.
Passing through states that do not honor a Kentucky CCDW
Some states require you to lock up your firearms when not in use. If you are driving across state lines, it’s a good idea to bring a locking case. Not only can a vehicle gun safe help secure your concealed carry firearms when you’re not using them, it’s peace of mind when dealing with law enforcement in gun-restrictive states.
Federal law expressly provides that persons may carry a firearm in their vehicles while traveling through another state provided that the possession of the weapon is legal in both the states of origin and destination and the weapon is unloaded and carried in the trunk of the vehicle or a locked container other than the glove box. See 18 U.S.C.926a
Non-residents of Kentucky wishing to carry a concealed pistol in Kentucky:
If you are a non-resident of Kentucky with a valid concealed pistol permit from your home state, Kentucky will recognize your permit. However, you must carry in conformance with any and all restrictions appearing on the permit. You are subject to Kentucky’s concealed pistol law including but not limited to restrictions on where a concealed pistol may be carried. Please review the information provided on this website for further information.
Concealed Weapon Permit Reciprocity
If you are a Kentucky resident with a Kentucky CCDW license and want to carry your pistol into another state you are strongly encouraged to contact that state for information on their concealed pistol law. A Kentucky CCDW license does not supersede any other state’s law or CCDW requirements.
Source & further reading: this overview is kept current against the CCW Hub Kentucky Concealed Carry Guide. It is a regularly updated, statute-cited reference. Always verify current law before you carry.