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Kentucky Open Carry Laws (2026)
Permitted: Open carry of a handgun is legal in Kentucky without a permit for anyone 18 or older who can lawfully possess one.
Official source: wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov →
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Open Carry in states bordering Kentucky
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- IllinoisRestricted
Open carry of a handgun is prohibited in Illinois. Firearms must be carried concealed under a valid Concealed Carry License (CCL).
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: isp.illinois.gov · Full Illinois rule →
- IndianaPermitted
Open carry of a handgun is allowed in Indiana without a permit for any proper person 18 or older. Indiana draws no distinction between open and concealed carry.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: in.gov · Full Indiana rule →
- MissouriPermitted
Open carry of a handgun is legal under state law and needs no permit, but cities and counties may ban it by ordinance. Where banned, you may still carry openly with a Missouri permit, or a recognized out-of-state permit, kept on you and shown when an officer asks. Without a permit, carrying a firearm into a church, government building, polling place on election day or school is a crime. The statutes state no open carry age; treat 19 (18 for military) as the minimum.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: revisor.mo.gov · Full Missouri rule →
- OhioPermitted
Open carry of a handgun is legal in Ohio without a license. Ohio's concealed-carry law does not regulate open carry, and federal law bars handgun possession under 18. Openly carrying into a bar or other liquor-permit premises where people are drinking is a felony unless you hold a license and are not drinking. Schools, courthouses and other restricted places are off-limits, and owners can post signs banning firearms.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: ohioattorneygeneral.gov · Full Ohio rule →
- TennesseePermitted
Open carry of a handgun is allowed in Tennessee without a permit for anyone 18 or older who may lawfully possess one.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: tn.gov · Full Tennessee rule →
- VirginiaPermitted
Open carry of a handgun is legal without a permit unless a law bars it. …
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: vsp.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →
- West VirginiaPermitted
Open carry of a handgun is legal in West Virginia with no license, at 18 or older, for anyone who may lawfully have a gun. Carrying or brandishing a weapon so as to threaten a breach of the peace is a crime. Guns are banned on school grounds and buses and on court premises. Cities may restrict guns in city-owned buildings and recreation facilities.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: ago.wv.gov · Full West Virginia rule →
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