What is a Kentucky Gun Bill of Sale?

A Kentucky gun bill of sale is a legally binding contract between a buyer and seller. In other words, each person must uphold their part of the deal, or they become liable. A fair arrangement implies the previous owner passed the gun to the buyer after receiving payment.

The new owner must pay the seller using the agreed-upon method, such as cash, check, or electronic means. A bill of sale does not allow for payment plans or layaway, meaning the buyer must pay the seller the requested amount during the transfer.

Private sales do not require the seller to conduct a background check on the buyer, nor does either party need to present a permit. However, per state law, merchants have a legal obligation to ensure the purchaser does not have mental challenges or criminal intent.

The owner can request that the interested person undergo criminal records screening through a licensed dealer for added safety. Kentucky law enforcement arrests private sellers who give firearms to unlawful individuals. Therefore, requiring background checks prevents legal troubles and accusations.

How to Apply for a Concealed Carry License

Kentucky’s Carrying Concealed Deadly Weapons (CCDW) program allows residents to apply for a concealed carry license. County sheriff’s offices handle license issuance, renewal, and inquiries. Applicants can also submit their forms online to the Kentucky State Police (KSP).

Per the Federal Brady Law, CCDW licenses issued after July 12, 2006, exempt residents from background checks when purchasing guns through licensed dealers. In addition, many states require visitors to hold a carry permit when traveling in their state.

However, even with a license, individuals cannot concealed carry in California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Washington D.C., or Washington State.

Step 1 – Eligibility

Residents must meet the state’s requirements to apply for a CCDW license. Officials reject individuals who do not meet the qualifications. In most cases, the rejected applicant receives a reason why the state turned them away, thus giving them the chance to reapply if possible.

The applicant must:

• Be twenty-one (21) years of age or older;
• Live in Kentucky full-time (or have a military or government job in the state);
• Not have criminal convictions or felonies;
• Not have addictions or criminal charges relating to drugs or alcohol;
• Be mentally stable without admittance(s) to a mental hospital;
• Not have a record of domestic violence or restraining orders;
• Not have two (2) or more driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol charges in the past three (3) years;
• Pay their child support regularly without issue;
• Not have a record of assault in the fourth degree or terroristic threatening within the past three (3) years; and
• Have passed a firearms safety course.

Step 2 – Firearms Training Course

Before sending in the application, the resident must have a firearms training course certification. Per state law, a certified instructor must teach the safety class.

The curriculum teaches individuals how to use a gun and educates them on firearm laws. Following the education, the student must pass the exam. The instructor sends the testing form and application to the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT).

After receiving the information, the DOCJT processes it. Once completed, the student picks up their official “Certificate of Completion of Training” within fifteen (15) days. They must keep the form and make a copy to send with their CCDW license application.

Step 3 – Apply

The applicant can submit their information and payment to their local sheriff’s office or online. Individuals can only pay with a debit or credit card if they opt to apply online.

Step 4 – Retrieve Permit

After applying, the KSP CCDW Permit Office takes three (3) to six (6) weeks to review. Unlike other states, individuals do not receive their permits by mail. Instead, they receive a notice. They must bring the notification to their local sheriff’s office when picking it up.

Step 5 – Renew

Kentucky CCDW licenses last for five (5) years. The KSP Renewal Office sends permit holders a notification before the expiration date. Individuals with valid permits can renew in person or online. If it expires, they must apply again as a new applicant. However, they do not need to take a firearms training course for a second time if they can provide a copy of their original certificate.