You can legally carry a handgun in Kansas without a license. But there are rules
Kansas is one of the U.S. states known for having fairly lax state laws in place for gun ownership, with one World Population Review ranking placing Kansas as the 45th state when it came to strict gun laws.
While other states require a license to conceal carry, Kansas is one of the states that does not.
So, how old do you need to be to own a gun in Kansas? What are the limitations? Here’s what to know about gun laws in Kansas.
Does Kansas have age restrictions for conceal carry?
Kansas law allows anyone over the age of 21 to conceal carry in the state — even if they don’t have a license to do so. Anyone under that age can only do so on their own property, like their home.
Kansas law does not allow concealed carry in K-12 school buildings or at school events. Additionally, guns can only be prohibited in buildings that have posted signage and security, which includes security guards and metal detectors.
Kansas also does not have laws against open carrying firearms in the state.
While licenses are not required in the state for those over the age of 21, they are still given out by the state attorney general. Licenses are given to people who are 18 years of age or older and are not prohibited from owning a firearm. Licenses are issued for four-year periods.
In order to get approved for a concealed handgun license, applicants must complete a firearm safety course that is approved by the attorney general.
Courses have to include training in safe storage of guns and firing of weapons. It must also provide instruction on Kansas laws that govern concealed handguns and deadly force. The course also has to be either certified or sponsored by either the National Rifle Association or a college, law enforcement agency or a handgun training school that is approved by the attorney general.
What are the laws for purchasing firearms in Kansas?
When it comes to purchasing a gun in Kansas, while there is a federal law that requires background checks for federally licensed gun sales, there are no local laws in place. However, a recent Biden administration decision made it mandatory for dealers to perform background checks on buyers at gun shows.
Minors are allowed to possess guns in the state as long as the barrel is more than 12 inches long. There are a few exceptions to this rule, including if it’s being used in a hunter or firearms safety course, or if it’s used in hunting or trapping or if its own private property and under supervision of a guardian.
There is also no waiting period when purchasing a gun. and no laws that require firearms to be registered in Kansas.
This story was originally published September 3, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
