Kentucky still processes CCDW license applications in person at your county sheriff's office — even under permitless carry. You need the license to carry in 37+ other states. This directory lists every NKY sheriff office with verified hours, fees, and photo requirements.
Applications must be submitted at the sheriff's office in your county of residence. The three NKY core counties are below. Additional counties are being added each month — see the full Kentucky list.
PermitKY is expanding county by county. Each page includes verified office hours, local fees, photo requirements, and any quirks specific to that sheriff's office.
Every Kentucky county follows the same state process, administered by the Kentucky State Police. Here's what to expect from start to permit-in-hand.
You must complete a firearms training course certified by the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT). Training certificates are valid for life — you never have to repeat the course. Find a certified instructor in your county at docjt.ky.gov/ccdw or call your local sheriff's office.
You need a color photograph: full face, no smaller than 3½×4 inches and no larger than 4×5 inches. No hats, no tinted glasses. Passport photos are accepted at most offices. Most county sheriff offices can take your photo on-site for a small fee ($5 is typical).
The $60 total fee is split into two mandatory payments:
| Payment | Amount | Payable To | Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| KSP application & background check | $40 | Kentucky State Treasurer | Check or money order only |
| Sheriff processing fee | $20 | Your county sheriff's office | Cash, check, or card (varies by county) |
Bring: (1) your training certificate, (2) your photo, (3) your two payments, (4) a valid Kentucky driver's license or state ID. You must be a Kentucky resident for at least 6 months prior to applying. Complete the application on-site — you'll also sign a citizenship affidavit.
KSP conducts a background check and typically issues the permit within 3–6 weeks (up to 60 days by law). You'll receive a mail notification when it's ready. Return to the same sheriff's office where you applied to pick it up — permits are not mailed to your home.
Kentucky now offers an online CCDW application at ksprecords.ky.gov/ccdw. The online fee is $70 total ($50 KSP + $20 sheriff), paid by debit or credit card. Some applicants report faster processing. You still pick up the permit at your county sheriff's office. Note: not all counties are fully enrolled — confirm with your sheriff's office first.
| Transaction | Total Fee | KSP Portion | Sheriff Portion | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New application (in-person) | $60 | $40 (check/MO to KY State Treasurer) | $20 (varies by county — cash, check, or card) | Split payment required; $40 check failure = returned application |
| New application (online via KSP) | $70 | $50 | $20 | Paid by debit/credit card; pick up permit at sheriff's office |
| Renewal (on time) | $60 | $40 | $20 | Renewal notice mailed 120 days before expiration; bring photo |
| Renewal (late — before 6-month cutoff) | $75 | $55 (includes $15 late fee) | $20 | License expires permanently 6 months after expiration date |
| Duplicate license (lost/stolen) | $15 | $15 (check/MO to KY State Treasurer) | $0 | Complete KSP-126 form at your sheriff's office; permit is re-issued |
| Address/name change | $0 | — | — | Complete KSP-121 at your sheriff's office; KSP re-issues with new info using original photo |
| On-site photo (optional) | ~$5 | — | $5 (paid to sheriff; varies by county) | Confirmed at Campbell County; verify at your county before visiting |
| Active/retired peace officers | $0 | Exempt | Exempt | Must meet requirements of KRS 237.110(7) |
Kentucky became a permitless carry state, which means you don't need a license to carry concealed within Kentucky (if you're 21+ and legally able to possess a firearm). But your permit is still essential if you cross state lines.
Kentucky CCDW licenses are honored by 37+ other states, including Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Virginia, Florida, and Texas. Without a Kentucky license, you cannot legally carry concealed in any of those states — even if you are otherwise law-abiding. For NKY residents who regularly cross into Ohio, this matters every day.
Carry laws in other states are governed by those states' laws, not Kentucky's. Check the reciprocity map at the Kentucky State Police CCDW page for a current state-by-state list.
A valid Kentucky CCDW license serves as a substitute for the NICS (National Instant Criminal Background Check System) background check when purchasing a firearm from a licensed dealer. This means faster transactions at gun stores — no waiting for a background check to clear.
Ohio honors Kentucky CCDW licenses. However, Ohio has its own laws about where you can carry, storage in vehicles, and duty-to-inform requirements that differ from Kentucky. If you carry in Ohio, research Ohio's specific rules before crossing the river.
Kentucky CCDW licenses are valid for 5 years. Enter your issue date to see your expiration, your renewal window, and the late-fee cutoff.
No — Kentucky is a permitless carry state. Anyone 21 or older who can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed weapon in Kentucky without a license. However, you still need a CCDW license to carry legally in most other states, and to skip the NICS background check when buying a gun from a dealer.
You must apply in the county where you reside. The only exception is active-duty military personnel assigned to a military posting in Kentucky — they may apply in the county of their posting.
Typically 3 to 6 weeks from the date you apply at the sheriff's office. KSP has up to 60 days by law. Processing time varies — a background check with complications can take longer. You'll receive a mail notification when the permit is ready at your sheriff's office.
No. Permits are always picked up at the county sheriff's office where you applied. If you applied at a satellite branch (like Campbell County's Alexandria office), your permit will be delivered specifically to that branch — not the main office in Newport.
You must notify the Kentucky State Police within 30 days of an address change. Complete the KSP-121 (Change of Personal Information) form at the sheriff's office in your new county of residence. There is no fee. KSP will reissue the card with updated information using your original photo.
No. A Kentucky CCDW license is permanently expired once 6 months have passed after its expiration date. You must start over as a new applicant — complete a training course, get a new photo, and pay the full $60 application fee. Contact your county sheriff's office for the application.
Yes. Ohio is one of the 37+ states that recognizes a valid Kentucky CCDW license for concealed carry. However, you must comply with Ohio's specific carry laws, which differ from Kentucky's in several ways (duty to inform, prohibited locations, vehicle storage rules). Always verify current reciprocity at the KSP website before traveling.
No — this is a Campbell County-specific rule. Your permit is delivered to the office where you submitted your application. Apply at Newport, pick it up at Newport. Apply at Alexandria, pick it up at Alexandria.
At Campbell County, yes — passport photos are explicitly accepted. At Kenton County, the policy is no digital or computer-generated photos, but standard passport prints (which are physically printed) should be fine. Always confirm with your specific county sheriff's office before your visit, as photo policies are set locally.
Yes — as of 2025, Kentucky passed HB 312 allowing 18–20 year olds to apply for a provisional CCDW license. The state is still developing the specific system and process for this. Contact the Kentucky State Police CCDW office or your county sheriff for current status on provisional applications.
