Yes. Kentucky residents applying for an armed security officer’s license in Louisville must hold a valid CCDW. Louisville Metro’s ordinance, Chapter 124, requires it as a standing condition of the license. This post breaks down the CCDW for armed security guards in Kentucky and clears up the two most common points of confusion: what “resident” means for this rule, and why the CCDW is not the license itself.
The CCDW Requirement, in Plain Terms
Louisville Metro’s ordinance splits this requirement by residency. A Kentucky resident applying for an armed security officer in Kentucky role must provide proof of a valid CCDW under KRS 237.110 before the city will issue the license. An out-of-state applicant follows a different path. They sign an affidavit in place of the CCDW, confirming they have never been adjudged mentally incompetent.
The CCDW requirement doesn’t end at approval. The ordinance requires a Kentucky resident to keep holding a valid CCDW for as long as they are licensed as an armed security officer, not just at the moment of application.
Difference Between CCDW and Armed Security Guard License
A CCDW is a Kentucky State Police credential that lets any qualifying adult carry a concealed weapon in public. An armed security guard license is a separate, Louisville Metro credential that authorizes someone to carry a firearm specifically while working as a licensed armed security officer. One comes from the state; the other comes from the city, and neither substitutes for the other.
| Credential | Issued By | What It Authorizes |
| CCDW | Kentucky State Police | Carrying a concealed deadly weapon as a private citizen |
| Armed security officer’s license | Louisville Metro | Carrying a firearm while working a licensed armed security post |
Here is the practical result of this split: holding a CCDW alone doesn’t authorize armed guard work, and holding an armed guard license alone does not authorize carrying concealed off duty. A working Louisville armed security officer needs both, held at the same time.
Why Louisville Ties Armed Guard Licensing to the CCDW
The CCDW already requires its own background check and a Department of Criminal Justice Training-approved firearms safety course, so Louisville’s ordinance leans on that existing state-level vetting rather than starting it from scratch. Think of it this way: the city adds its own licensing layer on top of a state credential instead of building a separate firearms-competency standard from the ground up.
What Getting a CCDW Actually Requires
Here is a quick rundown of CCDW eligibility, based on Kentucky State Police’s own qualification standards:
- Being at least 21 years old and a Kentucky resident, or otherwise meeting the state’s residency exceptions.
- Passing a background check clear of disqualifying felony convictions, domestic violence orders, or certain controlled-substance offenses.
- Completing a firearms safety or training course approved by the Department of Criminal Justice Training.
- Paying the state’s application fee, currently $60 total between the Kentucky State Treasurer and the local sheriff’s office.
A Kentucky armed guard applicant already covers much of this ground through the armed guard training course itself, but the CCDW remains a separate application filed with Kentucky State Police.
When You Might Not Need a CCDW for Armed Guard Work
The ordinance lists two exceptions. An out-of-state applicant doesn’t need a CCDW at all, since the affidavit process replaces it. A sworn, active police officer working as an armed security officer is also exempt from Louisville’s licensing requirement entirely. The police officer, however, must have completed a qualifying basic training course through the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council within the past year.
This exception applies narrowly, though. It covers active sworn officers, not retired officers or security personnel with general law enforcement background. Anyone with law enforcement experience should confirm their specific status with Louisville Metro rather than assuming the exemption applies.
What Happens If Your CCDW Lapses
Letting a CCDW expire puts an armed security officer’s license at risk, since the ordinance requires continuous CCDW status. Louisville Metro can suspend or revoke an armed guard license if a licensee becomes ineligible under the chapter’s requirements, which includes losing CCDW status.
Renew your CCDW well before its expiration date. A gap in coverage, even briefly, technically puts the armed guard license out of compliance with the ordinance.
Questions About Your Armed Guard Paperwork? We Can Help
Phoenix Executive Protection LLC helps candidates sort out exactly which documents they need, including a concealed carry license for security guards, before starting the Louisville licensing process. Visit our website or give us a call at (407) 460-5976 to get clear answers and start your security career the right way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an out-of-state armed guard applicant need a Kentucky CCDW?
No. Louisville Metro’s ordinance requires the CCDW only for Kentucky residents; out-of-state applicants sign an affidavit regarding mental competency instead.
Can I use my armed security guard training to skip the CCDW requirement?
No. The two are separate, independently required credentials — completing armed guard training doesn’t waive the CCDW, which is issued by Kentucky State Police, not the training provider or Louisville Metro.
Does a police officer working armed security still need a CCDW or a Louisville armed guard license?
Generally no, if they are an active sworn officer who completed a qualifying basic training course within the past year — the ordinance exempts this specific group from its licensing requirement.
