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.
States that Recognize Kentucky resident Concealed Pistol License:
• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Louisiana
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• New Hampshire
• Nevada
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• West Virginia
• Wyoming
**Again, anyone traveling in one of these states needs to check their laws, which in many instances are available on that state’s website or by calling the state’s Attorney Generals office or the office of the State Police.
States that DO NOT recognize Kentucky resident Concealed Pistol License:
- California
- Connecticut
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
Passing Through Other States that Don’t Honor Kentucky Concealed Pistol License (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 concealed pistol permit 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 CPL permit does not supersede any other state’s law or CCDW requirements.