Kansas Gun Laws
Kansas is one of the most gun-friendly states in the nation. It has very few restrictive gun laws, and the state government actively works to protect its citizens’ 2nd Amendment rights. Kansas does not require any type of permit to carry a handgun (openly or concealed), does not enforce Universal Background Checks, and has very few hardware restrictions. Because of this permissive approach towards firearms legislation, Kansas is a favorite state for many firearms enthusiasts and marksmen.
Kansas Gun Laws at a Glance
| Concealed Carry Premit Required | No |
| Open Carry Premitted | Yes |
| Waiting period before purchasing | No |
| Lost and Stolen Firearm Reporting | No |
| Firearms License Required for Purchasing | No |
| Universal Background Check | No |
| Firearm Registration | No |
| Large Capacity Magazine Ban | No |
Firearm License Requirements
Kansas does not require gun owners to obtain any kind of license.
Background Checks
Kansas does not require firearms dealers to initiate background checks prior to transferring a firearm. However, federal law does require licensed firearms dealers to conduct background checks on all transferees. In Kansas, licensed dealers must initiate this background check by directly contacting the FBI.
Concealed weapons license holders are exempt from background checks.
When buying from unlicensed dealers, background checks are also not required.
Gun Shows
Kansas has no laws directly regulating gun shows.
Hardware and Ammunition Restrictions
| Hardware | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Assault Weapons | No restrictions. |
| 50 Caliber Rifles | No restrictions. |
| Machine Guns | No restrictions. |
| Large Capacity Magazines | No restrictions. |
| Ammunition | Kansas prohibits any cartridge that can be fired by a handgun and contains a plastic-coated bullet with a core of less than 60% lead by weight. |
Prohibited Persons
Under Kansas law, a person is prohibited from possessing a firearm if that person:
- Under the age of 21
- Is addicted to a controlled substance unlawfully
- Has been convicted of a felony crime against another person (Such as homicide, rape, battery, kidnapping)
- Has been adjudicated as a juvenile offender for any crime that would be a felony if committed by an adult
- Has, within the preceding ten years, been convicted of a felony that was not against another person and has been released from imprisonment for such felony
- Has been involuntarily committed to care and treatment for a mental disorder or illness, including alcohol or substance abuse (unless the person has received a certificate of restoration).
- If a fugitive
- Is an alien unlawfully residing in the United States
- Has, within the past five years, been convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor
- Is currently subject to a domestic violence protective order
Prohibited Places
| Location | Restrictions | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Schools | It is illegal under Kansas law to possess a firearm in or on any school property, or on any grounds being used or controlled by a school district or an accredited nonpublic school. | This prohibition does not apply to:
|
| Vehicles | There are no state or local laws regulating the transportation of firearms in a vehicle. | None. |
| Public Courthouses | It is unlawful to possess a firearm in a courtroom. | This prohibition does not apply if, by county resolution, the board of county commissioners have authorized the possession of a firearm in the courthouse. |
| Locations and events selling alcohol | Permitted. | Unless posted. |
Concealed Carry Laws
| Notify Officer | No |
| “No Gun” Signs | Not Enforced |
| In-Vehicle Carry | Permitted with license |
| Restaurant Carry | Permitted |
| State Park Carry | Permitted |
| While Hunting | Permitted with license |
Obtaining a Concealed Carry License
A concealed weapon may be carried by anyone over the age of 21 without a license or permit. However, Kansas law still authorizes the state to issue concealed carry licenses. Kansas is a “shall issue” state. This means that the governing body must issue a concealed carry permit to a given applicant if certain qualifications are met.
| Requirements for a Concealed Carry License |
|---|
|
Concealed Carry Firearms Training
All applicants must complete an 8-hour handgun safety and training course that has been approved by the attorney general. The course must include all of the following:
- The safe storage of handguns
- The firing of weapons
- Instruction in Kansas laws regarding concealed handguns and the use of deadly force
Concealed Carry Location Restrictions
Even with a valid concealed carry license, you may not possess any concealed firearms at or in:
- Private and public K-12 schools
- The Governor’s residence
- Anywhere while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law
- County courthouses
- Public areas of public colleges, universities, or municipal buildings that are equipped with security measures. The following institutions are exempt from having adequate security measures before it is prohibited to carry concealed handguns:
- 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 race tracks where posted
- Private employers if posted
Disclaimer: The information provided here is not to be construed as legal advice or acted upon as if it is legal advice: it is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date content, we cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the information. Gun laws can change frequently, especially at the state and local levels. Application of gun laws can be unique to an individual’s situation. We recommend that each individual consult with a competent and qualified legal professional before purchasing, transporting, or using any firearm or firearm-related product.