Kansas Concealed Carry Firearm Laws

Kansas: Gun Laws Summary

As a shall-issue, permitless carry state, Kansas does not require licenses to purchase handguns or firearms registration. Private sales do not require background checks, but they are necessary for purchasing a handgun from a Federal Firearms Dealer, with the exception of Kansas concealed carry handgun license holders.

Carry Laws in Kansas

Open and concealed carry are legal without a license in Kansas. Anyone legally entitled to possess a firearm can openly carry a firearm in public without a license or permit. Anyone at least 21 years old can carry a concealed firearm without a permit if they are not prohibited from carrying a firearm. Carry Handgun Licenses (CCHLs) are restricted to residents and members of the military stationed in Kansas.

Requirements for Carry Handgun Licenses

Applicants must complete an 8-hour handgun safety and training course approved by the attorney general. The minimum age to obtain a provisional CCHL is 18 years old and 21 years old to obtain a standard CCHL.

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. As of July 1, 2021, all valid concealed carry licenses/permits issued by another jurisdiction are recognized in Kansas for non-residents.

Individuals under 21 years of age may conceal carry only when on their own land, abode, or fixed place of business. The minimum age to possess a firearm with a barrel less than 12 inches long is 18 years old. 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 Laws in Kansas

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 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. [Kan. Stat. Ann § 21-5222]

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. [Kan. Stat. Ann § 21-5223]

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 § 21-5224 & 21-5225]

Kansas: Gun Laws at a Glance


License to Carry Concealed Firearm	Shall issue, with discretion. [source]
Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray	Individual self-defense devices, including those using a pepper spray or chemical mace are legal in Kansas. [Kan. Stat. Ann § 21-5422]
Handgun Magazine Capacity Restrictions	No. There is no restriction on handgun magazine capacity in Kansas. [source]
Ammunition Restrictions	The sale and possession of plastic-coated handgun ammunition is prohibited. [Kan. Stat. Ann. § 21-6301(a)(6)]
Permitless Carry	Yes. Permitless concealed carry is legal for anyone at least 21 years old that is not prohibited from carrying a firearm. [source]
Concealed Carry of Weapons other than Handguns	No. A Kansas concealed carry handgun license does not permit the carrying of weapons other than handguns. [source]
Taser or Stun Gun	Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a license. They are not allowed in schools. [72-6132]
Open Carry	Yes without a license. Any person who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to possess a firearm can open carry. [source]
Minimum Age for 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. [Kan. Stat. Ann § 21-6302(4)]

Kansas: Carry Locations


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. [Kan. Stat. Ann. § 75-7c22(a)(4)]
Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in Kansas?	Yes. [Kan. Stat. Ann. 75-7c20]
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. [Kan. Stat. Ann. § 75-7c22(a)(3)]
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 its concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information.
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. [Kan. Stat. Ann. § 75-7c10(b)]
Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Kansas?	Yes.

Kansas: Key State Laws


Concealed Carry Registry Information	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. [source]
Notification of Concealed Carry	No. There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm in Kansas. [source]
Definition of Brandishing	No definition of brandishing was found in Kansas law. [source]. Assault is knowingly placing another person in reasonable apprehension of immediate bodily harm. Aggravated assault is assault committed with a deadly weapon. [source]
Concealed Carry Licenses for Non-Residents	Yes, only to active-duty military personnel and their dependents stationed in Kansas. [source]
Enforcement of “No Weapons Allowed” Signs	No. Kansas law does not recognize “No Weapons Allowed” signs. [source]
Preemption Laws Related to Concealed Carry	Yes. The state has preemption over regulating firearms, except local municipalities may prohibit concealed handguns in state and municipal buildings that have adequate security measures, including electronic equipment and personnel, and prohibit public employees from carrying concealed handguns while on the premises of the employer’s business or while engaged in the duties of the person’s employment. [source][source]
Red Flag Law	No. Kansas does not have a red flag law. [source]
Link Between Kansas Driver’s License and 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. [source]
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. [source]. 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. [source]

Kansas: Handgun Purchase and Possession


Permit to Purchase	Kansas does not require a permit to buy a handgun. [Kan. Stat. Ann. § 21-6301]
Concealed Carry License and Background Checks	If you have a current Kansas concealed carry license, you are exempt from needing a background check when purchasing a firearm. [Kan. Stat. Ann. § 21-6305]
Handgun Registration	Handguns are not required to be registered in Kansas. [Kan. Stat. Ann. § 21-6307]
Minimum Age for Handgun Possession and Transport	You must be at least 18 years old to possess or transport a handgun in Kansas. [Kan. Stat. Ann. § 21-6301]
Handgun Waiting Period	There is no waiting period to purchase a handgun in Kansas. [Kan. Stat. Ann. § 21-6301]
Background Checks for Private Gun Sales	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. [Kan. Stat. Ann. § 21-6303]
Permitless Carry	Permitless carry is allowed in Kansas for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm. Individuals between 18 and 21 years of age may carry a firearm on their own land, abode, or fixed place of business. [Kan. Stat. Ann. § 21-6302(4)]