Kentucky Gun Control Laws

By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Maddy Teka, Esq. | Last reviewed June 08, 2021

The Bluegrass State's gun control laws are designed to try to balance the interests of gun owners and those worried about gun violence. Here's an introduction to gun control laws in Kentucky.

Gun Control Laws in Kentucky

States regulate and restrict the purchase and use of firearms under specific gun control laws. While the Second Amendment allows for the possession of certain weapons and accessories, others, like armor-piercing bullets, are illegal under Kentucky law.

Along with Kentucky's particular gun laws, federal authorities also regulate gun ownership by limiting the types of firearms a person may legally own. And in cases where federal and state laws intersect, federal law supersedes state law. Thus, all gun owners in the state of Kentucky must also adhere to the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act and the National Firearms Act.

Kentucky Gun Statutes

The table below highlights the specifics of Kentucky's gun control statutes.

Relevant Statutes (Laws)	Kentucky Revised Statutes 237.060: Firearms and Destructive Devices Kentucky Revised Statutes 237.070: Sale and transfer of firearms to felons Kentucky Revised Statutes 237.990: Penalties Kentucky Revised Statues 527.010 through 527.090: Offenses Related to Firearms and Weapons
Illegal Arms	Armor-piercing or "black talon" ammunition Defaced firearm
Waiting Period	There is no waiting period to purchase a firearm in Kentucky.
Who May Not Own	The following persons can't own a firearm in Kentucky: People with a felony conviction, including youthful offenders, unless they are granted a full pardon or relief. People under 18 years old (except when hunting or with permission of a parent). People who are prohibited from purchasing firearms under federal law.
License Required?	You don't need a license to purchase or own a firearm in Kentucky.
Concealed Carry License Required?	You don't need a license to carry a concealed firearm in Kentucky.
Open Carried Allowed?	Open carry is allowed in Kentucky.
Eligibility for a Concealed Carry License	In order to qualify for a concealed license, you must: Be 21 or older Be eligible to possess a firearm under Kentucky and federal law Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted to the country Not be convicted of terroristic threats or assault three years before applying for the permit Not have two or more DUI convictions or be committed to a hospital for alcohol addiction Not owe one year or more child support payment Complete a firearm safety training course Nonresidents can carry concealed weapons if they have a license from another state.
Machine Gun Laws	You can own a machine gun in Kentucky if you comply with federal registration requirements.
Penalties for Illegal Firearm Possession	Possession of a firearm by a person with a felony conviction is a class D felony that carries a prison sentence of up to five years. (It's a class C felony if the firearm is a handgun.) Possession of a firearm by a minor is a Class A Misdemeanor (for the first offense) or Class D felony (for subsequent offenses).
Penalties for Illegal Possession on or Near School Grounds	Unlawful possession of a firearm on or near school grounds is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.