{"id":373551,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:22","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/kentucky-law\/kentucky-gun-control-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-10-30T12:41:00","modified_gmt":"2024-10-30T17:41:00","slug":"kentucky-gun-control-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/kentucky-law\/kentucky-gun-control-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Kentucky Gun Control Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Kentucky Gun Control Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

The number of mass shootings in the United States brings issues of gun control and public safety back into the forefront of political discourse. Yet, Americans often don’t agree on how to balance the rights of gun owners and the need to prevent gun violence. Kentucky’s gun control laws remain less restrictive than many other states.<\/p>\r\n

An understanding of firearms law in America today begins with federal law. The U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to bear arms. This right appears in the Second Amendment<\/a>. The U.S. Supreme Court has interpreted this as an individual right to own firearms for self-defense at home and in public.<\/p>\r\n

Federal law allows limited control over the ownership and use of firearms. It sets a baseline. It sets requirements for the legal manufacture, sale, possession, and use of firearms. Federal law also identifies people banned from having firearms, including felons and those addicted to or engaging in illegal use of drugs. Licensed federal firearms dealers must also perform background checks on those seeking to buy firearms.<\/p>\r\n

Federal law supersedes state law in cases where federal and state laws intersect. So, in most circumstances, gun owners in Kentucky must follow federal laws like the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act<\/a> and the National Firearms Act. States can choose to enact stricter laws.<\/p>\r\n

Gun Control Laws in Kentucky<\/h2>\r\n

States regulate and restrict the purchase and use of firearms under specific gun control laws<\/a>. Some states require a permit to buy a firearm and limit the possession of certain assault-style weapons and accessories. While the Commonwealth of Kentucky does not take either of those actions, it does ban armor-piercing bullets. It also prohibits felons from owning firearms. If you buy a firearm through a licensed dealer, the dealer must run a background check. Private sales between unlicensed persons are not subjected to a background check.<\/p>\r\n

Kentucky gun laws reflect the state’s history of limited regulation of firearms. In 2019, Kentucky adopted a "permitless carry" law. This law allows people who are 21 or older and otherwise able to lawfully possess a firearm to carry a concealed handgun or deadly weapon without a state permit. Like other states, Kentucky maintains a process for getting a concealed deadly weapon license (CDWL) for reciprocity. A CDWL is only available for residents of Kentucky who are 21 or older, the minimum age for possession of a handgun. There is no minimum age or permit process for carrying a shotgun or rifle.<\/p>\r\n

To get a CDWL, a resident must apply at their local sheriff’s office. The sheriff then sends the application to the Kentucky State Police<\/a> for further review. Applications must contain the certificate showing the applicant completed the required firearms training. The State Police will conduct a background investigation before issuing a license.<\/p>\r\n

State gun carry laws are subject to location restrictions. Kentucky law says guns are generally not allowed at the following locations:<\/p>\r\n