Kansas Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws
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Summary of Kansas Gun Laws
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 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.
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.
Kansas Gun Laws at a Glance
Carry Basics
Permitless Carry?Does Kansas allow permitless carry? |
Yes. Permitless concealed carry is legal for anyone at least 21 years old that is not prohibited from carrying a firearm. |
Open Carry Permitted?Is open carry permitted in Kansas? |
Yes without a license. Any person who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to possess a firearm can open carry. |
Gun Permit Licensure?If Kansas requires a license to carry a concealed firearm, how are those licenses issued? |
Shall issue, with discretion. |
Minimum Age for Concealed Carry?What is the minimum age in Kansas to get a concealed carry license? |
Individuals between 18 and 21 may apply for provisional Concealed Carry Handgun Licenses (CCHL). You must be at least 21 years old to apply for a standard license. |
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed?Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Kansas with a concealed carry license (or under permitless carry if applicable)? |
No. A Kansas concealed carry handgun license does not permit the carrying of weapons other than handguns. |
Tasers or Stun Guns?Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Kansas? |
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Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray?Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Kansas? |
Yes, individual self-defense devices, including those using a pepper spray or chemical mace are legal in Kansas. |
MAGAZINE LIMITS FOR HANDGUNS?Does Kansas have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns? |
No. There is no restriction on handgun magazine capacity in Kansas. |
AMMUNITION RESTRICTIONS?Does Kansas have ammunition restrictions? |
Yes. The sale and possession of plastic-coated handgun ammunition is prohibited. |
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Carry Locations
Carry in Vehicle?Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Kansas? |
Yes, without a license for anyone at least 21 years old and allowed to possess a firearm. 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 at Roadside Rest Areas?Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Kansas? |
Yes. |
Carry in State/National Parks, State/National Forests and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)?Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in Kansas? |
Yes. |
Carry in Bars/Restaurants That Serve Alcohol?Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Kansas? |
Yes, unless posted and provided you are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs |
Carry/Possess at a hotel?Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Kansas? |
Kansas statutes don't specifically address firearms at hotels. Please note that each hotel develops their own policies and the individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about it's concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information. |
Store in a Vehicle in an Employee Parking Lot?Does Kansas have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot? |
No employer may prohibit possession of a handgun in a private means of conveyance, even if parked on the employer’s premises. In addition, no public employer shall restrict or otherwise prohibit by personnel policies any employee, who is legally qualified, from carrying any concealed handgun while engaged in the duties of such employee's employment outside of such employer's place of business, including while in a means of conveyance. |
Key State Laws
Duty to Inform Officer You're Carrying?Do you have a duty to notify a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Kansas? |
No. There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Kansas. |
DRIVER'S LICENSE LINKED TO Carry License?Is my Kansas driver’s license linked to my Kansas carry license? |
Yes. Your Kansas driver’s license is linked to your Kansas concealed carry handgun license. Therefore, a law enforcement officer will be notified immediately that you are a concealed carry license holder if they run your driver’s license. |
"No Weapons Allowed" Signs Enforced?Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in Kansas? If yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense. |
No. Kansas law does not recognize "No Weapons Allowed" signs. |
Preemption?Does Kansas have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e. Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)? |
Yes. The state has preemption over regulating firearms, except local municipalities may:
[Kan. Stat. Ann. § 12-16, 124] |
Red Flag Law?Does Kansas have a red flag law? |
No. Kansas does not have a red flag law. |
Brandishing?Does Kansas state law define brandishing? |
No definition of brandishing was found in Kansas law. |
Carry While Using Alcohol or Drugs?Does Kansas have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or drugs? |
Not while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or both, to such a degree as to render such person incapable of safely operating a firearm. As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgement, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences. |
NON-RESIDENT PERMITTING?Does Kansas issue concealed carry licenses to non-residents? |
Yes, only to active-duty military personnel and their dependents stationed in Kansas. |
PUBLIC ACCESS TO CONCEALED CARRY REGISTRY?Does Kansas allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law? |
Kansas does not allow personal application or license information of concealed weapons license holders to be made public, however the information is available for law enforcement. In addition, records of individuals who have had their licenses suspended or revoked are open to inspection under the state’s public records act. |
Handgun Purchase & Possession
Purchase Permits?Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Kansas? |
No. Kansas does not require a permit to buy a handgun. |
Background Checks for Private Gun Sales?Are background checks required for private gun sales in Kansas? |
No. Private firearms transfers are not subject to a background check requirement, although federal and state purchaser prohibitions, including age restrictions, still apply. It is recommended that you retain any sales receipts to prove ownership of the gun. |
Kansas license exempts from background check?Does my current Kansas concealed carry license exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm? |
Yes. |
Waiting Period?Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Kansas? |
No. There is no waiting period to purchase a handgun in Kansas. |
Handgun Registration?Do handguns need to be registered in Kansas? |
No. You do not have to register a handgun in Kansas. |
Minimum Age to Possess and Transport?What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Kansas? |
You must be at least 18 years old to possess or transport a handgun in Kansas. |
Possess a handgun on my private property without a license?Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a license? |
Yes. Permitless carry is allowed in Kansas for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm. In addition. individuals between 18 and 21 years of age may carry a firearm on their own land, abode, or fixed place of business. |
Related Blog Posts
Basic Concealed Carry Laws: Kansas
USCCA — January 31, 2021
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State Constitutional Provision
Kansas Concealed Carry Reciprocity With Other States
Which states' permits does Kansas honor?
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.
Other States' Reciprocity With Kansas
Which states honor permits from Kansas?
Kansas residents can carry a concealed defensive firearm in the state of Oklahoma without any type of license. You must carry your Kansas driver's license or state-issued ID when carrying your firearm in Oklahoma.
Note: Firearms must be carried in accordance with the laws of the state you are visiting. Be sure to check the laws of the other state before traveling there with your firearms.
States That Have Restricted Reciprocity with Kansas
Kansas offers resident and non-resident (active-duty military personnel and their dependents stationed in Kansas) licenses. If indicated with “Resident only” below, that state only honors Kansas resident licenses (and not those issued to non-residents).
Permitless Carry States
*PC-18 = permitless carry if at least 18 years old
*PC-21 = permitless carry if at least 21 years old
Permitless carry includes constitutional carry states as well as states where an individual must meet certain qualifications, e.g., no DUIs in the last 10 years, in order to legally carry (Tennessee). Each state determines the requirements and any limitations on the carry of firearms. Check each state’s page for more information and any restrictions that may apply.
Kansas Concealed Carry License Information
Requirements: |
An applicant must:
*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Kansas. |
Fees: |
Initial License $132.50 Renewals $25 |
Valid For: |
4 years |
Processing Time: |
90 days |
Application: |
|
Non-Resident Concealed Carry Licenses: |
Non-resident licenses are limited to active-duty military personnel and their dependents stationed in Kansas. The process is the same as for residents. |
Name/Address Changes: |
Complete the online Change of Name/Address Notification Form. |
Lost/Stolen Licenses: |
Licensees must notify the Concealed Carry Licensing Unit (CCLU) of the attorney general’s office in writing within 30 days of losing a concealed carry handgun license or having it stolen. Complete the Lost or Destroyed Permit form and have it notarized. Mail it along with a fee of $15.00 in the form of a cashier’s check, personal check or money order made payable to the Office of Attorney General at the address on the form. Once notified, the CCLU will send the licensee an approval notice to re-issue the license. The licensee will have to go to an approved Kansas Department of Revenue station to obtain the re-issued CCHL. The Kansas Department of Revenue will charge a fee to generate a new CCHL. |
Residency Changes: |
Moving to Kansas and interested in applying for a resident license? How soon can you apply? Moving from Kansas and have a Kansas resident license? Does that license transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Kansas license remains valid? |
Kansas Concealed Carry License Application Process
How to Apply for a Kansas Concealed Carry License
Step 1: |
Complete a firearm training course if required. |
Step 2: |
Download and read the Kansas Personal and Family Protection Act. |
Step 3: |
Download and complete the application. |
Step 4: |
Take the completed application with the following documents to the sheriff in the county of residence:
You will be fingerprinted. |
Step 5: |
You will be notified if your application has been approved. |
Firearms Training Requirements in Kansas
The applicant must complete an 8-hour handgun safety and training course approved by the attorney general. The course must include:
- Training in the safe storage of handguns;
- Actual firing of weapons; and
- Instruction in Kansas laws governing the carrying of concealed handguns and the use of deadly force.
Safety and training courses taken outside the state of Kansas can satisfy Kansas’ concealed carry permitting requirement if the attorney general has certified that the out-of-state course meets or exceeds the standards set by Kansas law.
Training Exemptions – Kansas recognizes prior handgun training of retired law enforcement (if retired less than 8 years) and current Department of Corrections officers, parole officers or Federal Bureau of Prisons officers if completed within the past 12 months.
Be sure to verify that any firearm training you receive in order to obtain your license is approved by the state of Kansas.
No additional training is required for license renewals.
Find a USCCA Certified Instructor or Firearms Training Class Near You
Kansas Concealed Carry License Renewal Process
How to Renew a Kansas Concealed Carry License
Step 1: |
Renewals are the responsibility of the licensee., however a renewal notice, instructions and an application form will be mailed to the licensee’s address at least 90 days before expiration. For the time being, renewal applications will not be available online or made available on the Attorney General’s website. This most likely will change as the renewal process develops. Failure to submit a renewal application prior to expiration will result in an additional fee of $15.00. Licenses are considered permanently expired 6 months after the expiration date. Holders of a permanently expired license will have to submit a new application. |
Step 2: |
Complete the application form and have it notarized. |
Step 3: |
Either mail the completed, notarized application with the following documents via certified mail to the Attorney General or hand deliver the package to the Attorney General’s Office (Topeka) in lieu of certified mail.
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Step 4: |
When approved, licensees receive a notice of approval to renew their license. The notice of approval must be taken to a Kansas Driver’s License Station for issuance. Licenses will be renewed for 4 years from the date of expiration. |
Law Enforcement Officers (LEO)/Retired LEOs
Law enforcement officers (LEOs) and Retired LEOs (RLEOs) may choose to carry under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), often referred to as HR 218. Under 18 U.S. Code §§ 926B & 926C, qualified LEOs and qualified retired LEOs, or those separated from service in good standing, can carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States, regardless of state or local laws, with some exceptions. For details check out our Federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) page.
Kan. Stat. Ann. § 75-7c05(g) outlines the requirements for RLEOs to qualify in Kansas. The Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) has established a procedure for providing qualified retired or separated law enforcement officers the opportunity for annual firearms qualification on the State of Kansas standard firearms qualification course of fire at KLETC. Qualification dates can be found on the KLETC website.
Kansas Location Restrictions
Where Can I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Kansas? |
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Where Can't I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Kansas?Places off-limits even with a permit/license |
[Kan. Stat. Ann. § 21-6301] [Kansas Personal and Family Protection Act FAQs]
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FAQ: Kansas Concealed Carry Questions
What Are the Knife Laws in Kansas? |
It is legal to open and concealed carry all knives that are legal to own in Kansas. It is illegal to possess with intent to use unlawfully against another, a dagger, dirk, billy, blackjack, slungshot, dangerous knife, straight-edged razor, throwing star, stiletto, or any other dangerous or deadly weapon or instrument of like character. Ballistic knives and throwing stars are illegal. Students are prohibited from carrying switchblades or gravity knives on school property. [K.S.A. §§ 21-6301(a), 21-6301(m)(4), 21-6302 & 72-89a01] |
WEAR A COVID MASK & CARRY?I can legally carry a concealed firearm in Kansas, but can I wear a COVID 19 protective mask while carrying concealed? |
There is no known statute in Kansas making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed. |
CARRY WHILE GUN HUNTING?Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Kansas? |
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CARRY WHILE BOW HUNTING?Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in Kansas? |
Yes. |
HUNTER HARASSMENT LAW?Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in Kansas? |
Yes. No person shall willfully obstruct or impede the participation of any individual in the lawful activity of hunting, fur harvesting or fishing. |
Related Information & Links for Kansas Gun Laws
- Kansas Personal and Family Protection Act Frequently Asked Questions
- Kansas Attorney General Concealed Carry Website
Kansas Gun Laws Updates:
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
| 2021-07-01 | Updated all sections for new laws that went into effect on July 1, 2021 |
| 2021-05-25 | Added info per HB 2058, about provisional CCHLs in Summary and Permit Info sections |
| 2021-05-18 | Added info on driver's license link to permit in At A Glance table |
| 2020-11-11 | Updated information on accepted training courses in the Training Section |
| 2020-09-03 | Added information on Self Defense in the Summary |
| 2020-06-30 | Added information on wearing a COVID 19 mask while carrying concealed above the Summary |
| 2020-06-29 | Updated info about grace period for CCHL renewals due to COVID 19 to Summary section |
| 2020-06-04 | Added info and statutory links for ammunition restrictions in At A Glance table |
| 2020-05-05 | Added info on handguns at hotels in At A Glance table |
| 2020-04-17 | Added info on handguns on private property in At A Glance table |
| 2020-04-03 | Added info on private gun sales in At A Glance table |
| 2020-02-25 | Added info on carry in bars to the At A Glance table |
| 2020-02-19 | Added related blog posts with links |
| 2020-02-14 | Added info regarding residency changes and resulting impacts on carry permits |
| 2020-01-28 | Updated the knife laws and added statutory references |
| 2020-01-10 | Updated info on carry while using alcohol or controlled substances in At A Glance table |
| 2020-01-02 | Updated info on private transfers of firearms in the At A Glance table |
| 2019-12-04 | Added info on whether a valid state ccw permit exempts a person from needing a background check when purchasing a firearm to the At A Glance table |
| 2019-12-02 | Added carry in the State Capitol and statutory link |
| 2019-11-18 | Added statutory references and links for can’t carry locations |
| 2019-11-18 | Updated location restrictions per HB 2278 going into effect |
| 2019-10-31 | Added brandishing info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-10-14 | Added Hunter Harassment info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-10-01 | Added Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray to the At A Glance table |
| 2019-09-06 | Added Carry While Hunting info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-08-13 | Added anchor links to various sections below the Summary |
| 2019-07-25 | Added minimum age to possess and transport a handgun to At A Glance table |
| 2019-05-24 | Added stun gun/Taser info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-04-29 | Added permit renewal and name/address change info |
| 2019-04-18 | Links checked |
| 2019-03-29 | Added info on state implementation of Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act info (LEOSA) |
| 2019-02-20 | Added info to vehicle carry in At A Glance table |
| 2019-02-15 | Added pages for Federal Gun Laws, Traveling with Firearms & Terminology |
| 2019-02-09 | Added ammunition restrictions to At A Glance table |
| 2019-02-06 | Added red flag law info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-01-25 | Added church carry info to location restrictions section |
| 2019-01-25 | Links checked |
| 2019-01-24 | Added info about alcohol or prescription medication in At A Glance table |
| 2019-01-10 | Mag limit info added to At A Glance table |
Did We Miss Something?
Here at the USCCA, it is our mission to provide responsible gun owners with the tools they need to be educated and trained. Our team is constantly working to provide you with the most up-to-date and comprehensive list of self-defense laws available for every state.
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Permit numbers were obtained from the Crime Prevention Resource Center’s publication entitled, “Concealed Carry Permit Holders Across the United States.” Numbers include resident and non-resident permits for those states that issue both.
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.
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