Kentucky CCDW at 18: The New Provisional License (HB 312) Explained

by Shane Wall

For years, the most common question we got from young adults at Hillside Brass went like this: "I'm 19, I can own a handgun, so why can't I carry it?" Until this summer, the honest answer was "Kentucky law doesn't let you, yet." That changed with House Bill 312.

If you're between 18 and 20 (or you're the parent of someone who is), this post walks through what the new provisional license is, who can get one, how the process works, and what happens when you turn 21.

What Changed: HB 312 in Plain English

HB 312 was passed in the 2026 Regular Session and is now 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 173. It created a new section of the Kentucky Revised Statutes, KRS 237.118, which tells the Kentucky State Police (KSP) to issue a provisional license to carry concealed firearms or other deadly weapons to people who are at least 18 but younger than 21 (KRS 237.118(2)).

Why 18-20-Year-Olds Needed a License in the First Place

Kentucky has had permitless carry since 2019, but it only applies to people 21 and older who can legally possess a firearm. KSP says it directly: persons under 21 may be eligible to possess a firearm, "but are not allowed to carry the firearm (or other deadly weapon) concealed in Kentucky" (KSP Permitless Carry).

The standard CCDW license under KRS 237.110 also requires applicants to be 21 or older (KRS 237.110(4)(c)). So before HB 312, there was no legal path at all for an 18-year-old to carry concealed in Kentucky.

Here's the key point: HB 312 did not give 18-20-year-olds permitless carry. If you're under 21 and want to carry concealed, you need the provisional license.

Who Qualifies for a Provisional License?

Under KRS 237.118(2), you must:

  1. Be 18 years old but younger than 21, and
  2. Meet every other requirement for a standard CCDW license in KRS 237.110(4), with the age requirement set aside, and
  3. Pass the background check in KRS 237.110(3).

That means the same rules as adult applicants. Among other things, KRS 237.110(4) requires that you:

  • Are not prohibited from possessing firearms under federal or state law
  • Meet the residency/citizenship rules (for example, a U.S. citizen who resides in Kentucky)
  • Have no disqualifying drug or DUI history in the prior three years
  • Have no qualifying child-support arrearage
  • Complete an approved firearms safety or training course, and
  • Sign a statement that you've read the DOCJT legal handout on use of force

The background check includes state records, a federal NICS check, and more (KRS 237.110(3)).

The Training Requirement

This is where we come in. Our approved concealed carry classes now qualify a student between 18-20 to apply for their permit after successful completion of the course. And yes, we do train 18-20 year old students!

How the Application Works

KRS 237.118(3) says the provisional license is issued and regulated under the same rules as the standard license unless the new section says otherwise. In practice, that means the same two paths adults use (KRS 237.110(7)):

  • Paper application at your county sheriff's office: $60 fee under the statute
  • Electronic application through KSP: $70 fee under the statute

DOCJT's CCDW page describes the sheriff payment as $40 to the Kentucky State Treasurer plus $20 to the sheriff (plus a photo charge) (DOCJT CCDW).

By statute, KSP has 60 days to act on a paper application, or 15 business days on an electronic one, once it has everything (KRS 237.110(9)).

What the Provisional License Lets You Do

A provisional license (KRS 237.118(4)):

  • Is valid throughout Kentucky
  • Lets you carry a concealed firearm or other deadly weapon, plus ammunition, on or about your person
  • Is valid until you turn 21 (unless it's revoked or suspended)
  • Looks noticeably different from a standard license (KRS 237.118(5))

Every location restriction that applies to adult license holders applies to you too: police stations, courthouses, the bar area of an alcohol-licensed establishment, K-12 schools without consent, secured airport areas, and so on (KRS 237.110(16)).

Out of state: Whether other states honor a Kentucky provisional license is a separate question, and federal law sets its own age rules for handgun purchases from dealers.

Turning 21: Switching to a Standard License

At least 90 days before your provisional license expires, KSP must mail you a notice and an application to switch to a standard license (KRS 237.118(6)(a)). Then:

  • You apply through the sheriff (paper) or KSP (online), confirm you're still qualified, and pay the fee
  • You don't have to retake the training (KRS 237.118(6)(g))
  • The new standard license isn't valid until you're 21
  • If you wait more than six months after the provisional license expires, you'll have to file a brand-new application under KRS 237.110 (KRS 237.118(6)(f))

At 21 you'll also be covered by permitless carry in Kentucky. Many people keep a license anyway for reciprocity and for faster dealer purchases. We explain why in our post on whether you still need a CCDW in Kentucky.

An Instructor's Take

The law gives you a legal right. A class gives you the skills and judgment to carry safely and shoot confidently.

Ready to Get Started?

If you're 18-20 and ready to carry responsibly, book a Kentucky CCDW class at Hillside Brass in Lawrenceburg. We'll cover the law, safe handling, and the live-fire qualification. Once you're licensed, check out Hillside Holsters for a quality holster that keeps your carry gun secure. Brand new to handguns? Start with our Intro to Pistol Basics class first.

This article is for general educational purposes and is not legal advice. Laws change. Check the current statutes and KSP guidance, or talk to a Kentucky attorney about your situation.

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