Kentucky's Concealed Deadly Weapons License Process

Assuming that you qualify for the Kentucky Carry Concealed Deadly Weapons License (CCDWL), the application process is not that difficult to accomplish.

The first step is to sign up for a training course offered by an instructor certified by the KY Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT). The list of certified instructors that are also KC3 members is found here. The complete list of certified instructors for a particular county can be obtained from each county sheriff or the statewide list can be found here on the DOCJT website. In addition, your favorite gun store or firearms range can usually point you toward a class and some will even provide the service on premises.

The instructor may, by statute, charge up to $75 (it is very rarely offered any cheaper) and he is also allowed to assess a nominal fee for range rental and expendables up to $10. It is always best to ask the instructor ahead of time for specific instructions, but you will likely need to have the following items available at the class:

• a handgun of any caliber or type (it does NOT have to be the one you intend to carry)

• 50 rounds of ammunition specific to the gun you will be using

• a holster or case for the gun

• a pistol cleaning kit suitable for the gun you will be using

• eye and ear protection

• a pen and some paper to take notes during the course

ALL guns must be UNLOADED and UNCONCEALED when brought into the classroom and all guns WILL be inspected for serviceability by the instructor prior to the shooting exam.

During the course, you will watch two hours of video training which covers the Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) on Firearms and Carrying Concealed Deadly Weapons (CCDW) and the Use & Misuse of Force and Liability. Both of these videos are produced by DOCJT. While these tapes are a bit tedious to sit through, they provide you with valuable instruction on the KY statutes regarding firearms, concealed carry procedures and licensing, and most importantly, the legally justifiable use of deadly force. In addition to the tapes, you will receive instruction on safety in the classroom, at home, and on the range, the principles of marksmanship, and pistol and revolver nomenclature and function. You will then be required to pass a written test to demonstrate that you have absorbed the information that has been presented.

Next you will fire at a standard police training silhouette target (type B-21) at a range of seven yards. You must place eleven (11) out of twenty (20) shots within the outline of the silhouette to qualify for your license. The instructor may conduct as many practice rounds as necessary, until he or she feels comfortable with the students' skill level and ability to pass. Only one retest is permitted. After the shooting test you will clean your gun and it will be inspected by the instructor for the purpose of demonstrating that you can maintain your weapon.

When you satisfactorily complete the course of instruction, the instructor will notify DOCJT that you have met the training requirements necessary to apply for your license and a few weeks later you will receive a certificate from the DOCJT. You will next present this certificate to the sheriff of your county of residence along with your application, a “head and shoulders” photograph of yourself 4”x5” in size, proof of residence, and the application fee of sixty dollars ($60).

Keep in mind that ALL of the information you submit with your application is done under oath and any materially false answer to any question could subject you to prosecution under the perjury statutes.

Since the sheriff is allowed some leeway in the application process, it is always best to call the sheriff of your county of residence in advance of your visit to his office to get the specific requirements for the application. Sometimes the sheriff will shoot the picture for you for an additional charge; letting them do the picture guarantees its acceptance. Keep in mind that Polaroid pictures are usually accepted, only if the pose and size are correct, but "passport" photos are too small. When you call to ask about the picture options, be sure to ask what constitutes proof of residency. Get his office hours also, some departments only do CCDW license applications at certain times and many have “bankers” hours.

The sheriff will transmit your application to The Kentucky State Police (KSP) who will then verify your qualifications, do a background check on you and, provided you qualify in all respects, will issue your license and send it back to the sheriff for you to pick up. It usually takes 3-6 weeks for the KSP to do their job but they are allowed 90 days under the law to issue the license or deny the application.

When your license is sent to the sheriff for issuance, you will receive notification in the mail in the form of a “flashpak” with instructions to pick it up. TAKE THE FLASHPAK WITH YOU and trade it to the sheriff for your license. You are now free to carry concealed deadly weapons in the Commonwealth of KY, as well as a number of other states that accept licenses issued by KY, SUBJECT TO the procedures and restrictions set by the various states and sometimes localities.  The list of states with reciprocity / recognition is constantly growing, go here for the most up-to-date information.

Now the only thing left to do is practice, practice, practice!  Please take the added step of maintaining proficiency of the weapon you choose to carry through regular range sessions or maybe even defensive pistol classes or competitive events.  Be sure and dedicate some time to the “art” of safe handling procedures as well, refreshing your skills in this area is ALWAYS good practice!

If you are not already a member, please consider joining KC3 and support the fight to maintain and enhance your right to self defense.