Carrying a firearm for self-defense comes with a lot of responsibility. Knowing the laws where you carry is just one important task you must undertake as an armed American. To help with that, we will be providing you with a summary of basic carry laws for several states. Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in Kansas, the Sunflower State.

Concealed Carry Permitting in Kansas

Open and concealed carry are legal without a license in Kansas. Anyone at least 18 years of age who is not prohibited from carrying a firearm may openly carry a firearm in public without a license or permit. However, the minimum age for concealed carry is 21. 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 8-hour handgun safety and training course approved by the attorney general is required. Kansas has permitless carry, individuals from any state can carry. 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 (although stun guns are not allowed in schools).

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.

Where Can One Concealed Carry in Kansas?

In terms of locations where a concealed handgun may be carried, 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. Other areas where permitless concealed carry is allowed include:

  • 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, 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 (a firearm secured in a motor vehicle by a parent, guardian, custodian or someone authorized to act in such person’s behalf who is delivering or collecting a student is allowed)
  • 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
  • The public areas of state or municipal buildings that are equipped with electronic equipment and armed personnel and are conspicuously posted with signage
  • 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
  • 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

Visit the USCCA Kansas gun laws page now…

The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. members and the concealed carry community and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case. Laws are constantly changing, and, as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.