Kansas Gun Permit Laws

7 min readJun 21, 2024

Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.

Kansas Gun Laws & Regulations Update 2023

Over the past decade, Kansas’ gun laws have seen significant changes, reflecting the state’s efforts to uphold Second Amendment rights while addressing public safety concerns. From concealed carry to background checks, these developments aim to balance responsible firearm ownership with community well-being. This overview highlights key advancements in Kansas’ gun laws and regulations from 2013 to 2023:

2013 — Concealed Carry Law Enhancement

Kansas enacts legislation allowing law-abiding citizens to carry concealed firearms without a permit, emphasizing personal responsibility.

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2014 — Ammunition Purchase Restrictions Consideration

Kansas explores potential regulations on ammunition sales, prompting discussions on responsible ammunition ownership and potential background checks.

2015 — Background Checks for All Firearm Transfers

Legislation is introduced to require background checks for all firearm transfers, including private sales and transactions at gun shows.

2016 — “Constitutional Carry” Expansion

Kansas expands its “Constitutional Carry” laws to allow legal firearm owners to carry concealed without a permit, both within and outside city limits.

2017 — Enhanced Mental Health Reporting

Kansas improves the reporting of mental health records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to prevent firearm access by prohibited individuals.

2018 — Enhanced Penalties for Gun Crimes

Legislation is introduced to enforce stricter penalties for individuals convicted of gun-related crimes, aiming to deter illegal firearm use.

2019 — “Stand Your Ground” Law Enactment

Kansas adopts a “Stand Your Ground” law, allowing individuals to use deadly force in self-defense without a duty to retreat under certain circumstances.

2020 — Firearm Storage Recommendations

The state introduces guidelines encouraging responsible firearm storage practices, particularly in homes with minors, to prevent unauthorized access.

2021 — Enhanced Background Checks for Concealed Carry

Kansas tightens the background check process for concealed carry permit applicants, focusing on mental health history and criminal records.

2022 — Reporting Lost or Stolen Firearms

Legislation is introduced to require reporting lost or stolen firearms to law enforcement, aiming to prevent potential diversion to illegal markets.

2022 — “Red Flag” Law Consideration

Kansas explores the implementation of “red flag” laws, allowing law enforcement and family members to seek temporary firearm removal for individuals showing signs of danger.

2023 — Firearm Training Requirements for Concealed Carry

Proposed legislation aims to enhance firearm training requirements for concealed carry permit applicants, emphasizing responsible gun ownership and firearm handling skills.

2023 — Enhanced Background Checks for Private Sales

The state considers requiring background checks for private firearm sales, raising discussions about closing potential loopholes.

2023 — School Safety Legislation

Kansas explores legislation to enhance school safety by permitting certain school staff to carry concealed firearms on school grounds, subject to proper training.

Kansas’ gun laws have witnessed substantial changes over the past decade, reflecting the state’s dedication to responsible firearm ownership and community safety. From concealed carry regulations to discussions on “red flag” laws and the enhancement of self-defense rights, these changes underscore Kansas’ proactive approach to firearm regulation. As the state continues to adapt its laws, it remains crucial for stakeholders, policymakers, and citizens to engage in informed discussions that balance individual rights with community security.

Firearm Laws in Kansas

Registration and Permits

No requirement for individuals to register their firearms.
No permit required to purchase guns.
Age requirement to purchase firearms is 18 years old.
Illegal to sell any gun with a barrel shorter than twelve inches to anyone under 18.

Restrictions Based on Criminal History

No sale or transfer to individuals with felony convictions.
Additional restrictions for those with felony-related charges or convictions, including a ten-year disqualification clause for possession and purchase of firearms by felons.
Persons convicted of a felony involving firearm possession cannot possess or purchase firearms for ten years.
Other felony convictions require a five-year period without further convictions, dismissals, or pardons before eligibility for firearm possession or purchase.

Possession Laws

Minimum age for firearm possession is 18.
Minors under 18 may possess firearms under parental, guardian, or qualified instructor supervision.
Minors can possess firearms during activities like hunting, trapping, and competition shooting, and during transportation to and from these activities, provided the firearm is unloaded and not within immediate reach.
Possession at a minor’s residence is allowed with parental or guardian permission.

Licensing and Carrying Firearms

No license needed for shotguns or rifles.
A license is required to carry a concealed handgun.
Open carrying of handguns is generally not allowed.
Eligibility for a firearms license requires:
At least 21 years old.
Residency in the state for at least six months (non-residents eligible if on active military duty).
No felony convictions.
Physical ability to handle a handgun safely.
No history of illegal drug or alcohol use.
No history of domestic violence.
U.S. citizenship.
Not under a restraining order.
Applicants must submit an application to the attorney general and attend safety and training courses at their own expense.
Individuals with valid out-of-state licenses can carry firearms in Kansas, observing the stricter of the two states’ laws, except for the District of Columbia.

Penalties for Violations

Unauthorized possession of offensive weapons, suppressors, short-barreled shotguns, or rifles: Class D felony, up to five years in prison, and/or fines up to $10,245.
Possession of a firearm by persons with felony or misdemeanor domestic violence convictions: Class D felony, up to five years in prison, and/or fines up to $10,245.
Possession of a loaded firearm by a minor: Serious misdemeanor, up to one year in jail, and/or fines up to $2,560.
Making false statements on firearm permit applications: Class D felony, up to five years in prison, and/or fines up to $10,245.
Carrying firearms on or near school grounds: Class D felony, up to five years in prison, and/or fines up to $10,245.

Additional Considerations

Kansas does not have a red flag law.
No requirement for universal background checks.
Kansas has a Stand Your Ground law, allowing individuals to use reasonable force, including deadly force, in self-defense without a duty to retreat if they are lawfully present.

Conclusion

Kansas firearm laws focus on responsible ownership while addressing public safety concerns. The laws, especially regarding individuals with felony convictions, aim to reduce gun-related crimes. Kansas remains dedicated to evolving its firearm regulations to ensure the safety and security of its residents.