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Kentucky Transporting Firearms Laws (2026)
Permitted: In Kentucky, anyone 21 or older who can lawfully possess a handgun may carry it in a vehicle, loaded, concealed or openly, without a permit.
In Kentucky, anyone 21 or older who can lawfully possess a handgun may carry it in a vehicle, loaded, concealed or openly, without a permit. At any age, a loaded or unloaded handgun is not treated as concealed if it is in a factory-installed compartment such as the glove box, center console, or seat pocket. Under 21 without a license, a handgun concealed on or about you outside such a compartment is a Class A misdemeanor.
Official source: wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov →
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Transporting Firearms in states bordering Kentucky
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- IllinoisRestricted
Without an Illinois Concealed Carry License (CCL), a handgun in a vehicle must be broken down, not immediately accessible, or unloaded and in a case, and residents need a Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card. …
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: isp.illinois.gov · Full Illinois rule →
- IndianaConditional
Under Indiana's permitless carry, a proper person 18 or older may carry a handgun in a vehicle. Someone who isn't eligible should transport it unloaded, not accessible, and in a secured case (IC 35-47-2-1.5).
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: in.gov · Full Indiana rule →
- MissouriPermitted
Anyone 19 or older, or 18 or older if in or honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces, may carry a lawfully possessed handgun in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle without a permit. Younger people must keep the firearm unloaded with ammunition not readily accessible, or keep the firearm itself not readily accessible.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: revisor.mo.gov · Full Missouri rule →
- OhioConditional
In Ohio, a person 21 or older who may legally carry concealed, with or without a license, may transport a loaded handgun in a vehicle unless under the influence of alcohol or a drug of abuse, or over the legal limit for alcohol or a listed drug. …
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: codes.ohio.gov · Full Ohio rule →
- TennesseePermitted
In Tennessee, anyone who is not prohibited may carry or keep a loaded handgun anywhere in a privately owned vehicle, without a permit.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: tn.gov · Full Tennessee rule →
- VirginiaConditional
Without a permit, you may carry a handgun in a private vehicle if it is secured in a container or compartment; it does not have to be locked. A permit is needed to carry it concealed on your person. Since July 1, 2026, knowingly leaving a handgun in an unattended vehicle on a public highway, other public property or a commercial or retail parking area is a Class 4 misdemeanor unless it is out of plain view in a locked hard-sided container. A locked glove compartment or console counts.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →
- West VirginiaPermitted
Anyone 18 or older who is a U.S. citizen or legal resident and is not barred from having a gun may carry a handgun in a vehicle, concealed or in view, with no license or permit. Guns are banned on school buses and on school grounds, with limited exceptions. Local and private-property rules can add limits.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: ago.wv.gov · Full West Virginia rule →
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