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’ve provided a comprehensive overview of Kansas gun laws. Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in the Sunflower State.
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.
- 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) (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
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.
Ready to Learn More About Kansas Gun Laws?
It is your responsibility as a gun owner to know and understand the laws regarding your concealed carry rights. The USCCA’s Concealed Carry Reciprocity & Gun Laws Map has been designed to help inform and educate armed citizens like you. To learn more about Kansas’ concealed carry permit application process, concealed carry restrictions and training requirements, visit the Kansas gun laws page now…
Interested in obtaining your Kansas concealed carry permit? Learn how to apply for a Kansas concealed carry permit here with this step-by-step guide.
Find a concealed carry class in Kansas today.
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.
