(Source: USCCA Website)
Kansas is a shall-issue, permitless carry state. Licenses are issued at the state level by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.
There are no requirements for licenses to purchase handguns and no firearms registration. Background checks are not required for private sales. Background checks are required if you’re purchasing a handgun from a Federal Firearms Dealer, with the exception of Kansas concealed carry handgun license holders.
Open and concealed carry are legal without a license in Kansas. Anyone at least 18 years of age and legally entitled to possess a firearm may openly carry a firearm in public without a license or permit. Permitless concealed carry is legal for anyone at least 21 years old that is not prohibited from carrying a firearm. Carry Handgun Licenses (CCHLs) are restricted to residents and members of the military stationed in Kansas. The minimum age to obtain a provisional CCHL is 18 years old and 21 years old to obtain a standard CCHL. Applicants must complete an 8-hour handgun safety and training course approved by the attorney general. In terms of reciprocity, since Kansas has permitless carry, any person 21 years of age and older who can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed firearm on his or her person without a license or permit. In addition, as of July 1, 2021, all valid concealed carry licenses/permits issued by another jurisdiction are recognized in Kansas for non-residents.
The minimum age to possess a firearm with a barrel less than 12 inches long is 18 years old and individuals under 21 years of age may concealed carry only when on their own land, abode, or fixed place of business. There are other exceptions for 18-year-olds, including when attending a firearms safety course, target shooting at established ranges or when hunting.
Self-Defense
Kansas is a Castle Doctrine state and has adopted a “stand your ground” statute. There is no duty to retreat anywhere a person has a legal right to be.
Defense of Property Other Than Dwelling, Place of Work or Occupied Vehicle
A person who is lawfully in possession of property other than a dwelling, place of work or occupied vehicle is justified in the use of force for the purpose of preventing or terminating an unlawful interference with such property. Only such use of force as a reasonable person would deem necessary to prevent or terminate the interference may intentionally be used.
[Kan. Stat. Ann § 21-5222, 21-5223, 21-5224 & 21-5225]
Defense of Person
A person is justified in the use of force when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes that such use of force is necessary to defend the person or a third person against the imminent use of unlawful force.
A person is justified in the use of deadly force if such person reasonably believes that such use of deadly force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to such person or a third person.
Defense of Dwelling, Place of Work or Occupied Vehicle
A person is justified in the use of force when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes that such use of force is necessary to prevent or terminate such other’s unlawful entry into or attack upon such person’s dwelling, place of work or occupied vehicle.
A person is justified in the use of deadly force to prevent or terminate unlawful entry into or attack upon any dwelling, place of work or occupied vehicle if such person reasonably believes that such use of deadly force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to such person or another.
What You Should Know …
Can You Carry a Gun in Kansas?
Kansas allows permitless carry, meaning individuals from any state may legally carry firearms within its borders. Both open and concealed carry are permitted without a license in Kansas.
Anyone who is at least 18 years old and not prohibited by law may openly carry a firearm in public without a license or permit. However, the minimum age for concealed carry is 21.
Kansas Concealed Carry Permit
For reciprocity purposes, residents and members of the military stationed in Kansas can obtain a Concealed Carry Handgun License (CCHL). Licenses are not available for non-residents.
The minimum age to obtain a concealed carry permit is 21, although 18- to 20-year-olds may apply for provisional CCHLs as of July 1, 2021.
An initial CCHL costs $132.50. Renewals are $25. The applicant must complete an eight-hour handgun safety and training course approved by the attorney general. The processing time can take up to 90 days, and permits are valid for four years.
Currently, 39 states recognize a CCHL, but this is subject to change.
Stand Your Ground
Kansas is a Castle Doctrine state and has adopted a stand-your-ground statute. A person is justified in the use of deadly force if he or she reasonably believes that the use of deadly force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or a third person.
There is no duty to retreat, and the law applies at a person’s residence, vehicle or business.
Gun Purchase and Handgun Registration Requirements
Permits are not required when buying a handgun, and there is no firearms registration in Kansas. Private firearms transfers are not subject to a background check requirement. There is also no mandatory waiting period for handgun purchases.
Kansas has no magazine-capacity restrictions. The sale and possession of plastic-coated handgun ammunition is prohibited.
Less-Lethal Legal Self-Defense Weapons
You may also carry pepper spray, a stun gun or a Taser for personal protection, as all are legal to purchase and possess without a permit — though stun guns are prohibited on school property.
Where Can One Concealed Carry in Kansas?
Understanding where you can and cannot carry a firearm is crucial for staying compliant with Kansas’ gun laws. The state has specific locations where carrying a concealed handgun is allowed and places where it is strictly prohibited, even for permit holders.
Familiarize yourself with these regulations to ensure you are always carrying legally and responsibly.
Locations Where Concealed Carry Is Allowed
- Bars or restaurants, unless posted, provided you are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Places of worship, unless posted or upon notice that firearms are prohibited
- State/national parks
- State/national forests
Locations Where Carry Is Prohibited
Locations where carry is prohibited, even for permit holders, include:
- Public and private K-12 schools — if posted “No Firearms” — or at any regularly scheduled school-sponsored activity or event with “adequate security measures” (if posted) (Note: A firearm secured in a motor vehicle is allowed if the person is a parent, guardian, custodian or someone authorized to act on his or her behalf while delivering or picking up a student.)
- Any public areas of public colleges, universities or municipal buildings that have been equipped with adequate security measures and are posted “No Firearms”
- Governor’s residence
- Public areas of state or municipal buildings that are equipped with electronic equipment and armed personnel and are conspicuously posted with signage
- Secure areas of any buildings for a correctional facility, jail facility or law enforcement agency
- State racetracks (if posted)
- Private employers (if posted)
- Anywhere while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law or state law or regulation
Additional Prohibited Locations (When Posted)
The concealed carry of handguns can be prohibited by posting with signage in:
- County courthouses
- State- or municipal-owned medical care facilities and adult care homes
- Community mental health centers
- Indigent health care clinics
- Any buildings located in the health care district associated with the University of Kansas Medical Center
Can You Carry a Gun in Your Car in Kansas?
The minimum age for possessing and transporting a handgun unloaded and secured in a vehicle without any type of permit/license to carry firearms is 18. Carry is allowed in vehicles without a permit for anyone 21 or older who is not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Carry is also allowed at roadside rest areas without a permit.
