Kansas is a constitutional carry state, and as such, a concealed carry permit (CCHL) is not necessary to carry a firearm, either openly or concealed. However, the state does offer permits for the purpose of reciprocity. Obtaining a CCHL in Kansas has several requirements. First, the applicant must be 21 years old and a resident of the state. In addition, there is an education requirement for obtaining a CCHL. While there are guidelines for the competency training, ultimate approval rests with the attorney general. The process for obtaining a Kansas concealed carry must be completed within 90 days. Should you obtain a CCHL, it is valid for 4 years, and will cost $132.50 in total. A Kansas CCHL will allow the holder to carry in 38 other states.
This information was last updated in January 2019.
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Kansas Concealed Carry By The Numbers
Average Cost in Dollars
# of States That Accept KS License
# of Years Valid
Minimum Age*
# of Days To Get A Permit
Reciprocity Map for Kansas
Use the tabs below to display states that will accept a Kansas concealed carry permit or those states that Kansas will honor. Click the sections below for a complete listing of states in each category, along with other relevant information.
States That Honor Kansas Concealed Carry
- Alabama
- Alaska – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Arizona – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Arkansas
- Colorado – Resident Permit ONLY
- Delaware
- Florida – Resident Permit ONLY
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued permit.
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Missouri – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania – Resident Permit ONLY
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Kansas Will Honor The Following States
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
While Kansas will honor any other states’ concealed permit, it is not required as Kansas is a constitutional carry state and you need only be 21 with a valid state ID.
How To Apply for a Kansas Concealed Carry License
Can I get a concealed carry permit in Kansas?
Anyone who can legally own a firearm and is 21 years old is permitted to carry it concealed within the state. However, Kansas is a shall issue state for the purposes of reciprocity. In addition to meeting the age requirement, a CCHL requires an education component in order to be issued.
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What is the minimum age to obtain a CCW license in KS?
Kansas requires any person applying for a CCHL to be 21 years old, the same age required for concealed carry without a license.
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Who issues a concealed carry permit in Kansas?
While the Kansas attorney general issues a CCHL, applicants should submit their paperwork to the sheriff of the county where they reside. This information will be sent onto the attorney general for verification and background checks.
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How long is an Kansas concealed carry permit good for?
Kansas issues a CCHL that is valid for 4 years from the date of issuance, unless revoked or suspended prior to expiration.
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Does KS issue concealed permits to non-residents?
While Kansas will accept any valid permit, the state does not issue non-resident permits to carry concealed. As outlined in the following excerpt, only residents of the state are candidates for a Kansas CCHL:
“Is not a resident of the county where application for licensure is made or is not a resident of the state;“
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How long does it take to process a concealed carry application?
Kansas code states that the attorney general will either issue a CCHL or deny the application within 90 days of the completed applications’ submission.
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How much does a concealed carry permit cost?
The fees associated with obtaining a CCHL in Kansas amount to $132.50. However, it’s worth noting that these fees do not cover any firearms training, and are only the fees paid to obtain a concealed carry permit. The sheriff of the county in which the application is made collects $32.50. Additionally, a check made payable to the attorney general in the amount of $100 must be sent. These checks must be separate, below are accepted forms of payment:
- personal check
- cashiers check
- money order
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What are the accepted forms of competency training?
While there is no listing of accepted courses within Kansas state code, there are guidelines about what training is acceptable. It is recommended that you review the code to ensure compliance with the attorney generals’ requirements.
However, it is worth noting that training must be a minimum of 8 hours. Furthermore, the training must comprise “A requirement that trainees receive training in the […] actual firing of handguns.” This excerpt seems to indicate that online only instruction does not constitute acceptable training.
Ultimately, acceptable training is subject to the attorney generals’ approval.
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Restrictions on Carrying A Firearm in Kansas
Is Kansas an Open Carry State?
Kansas is an open carry state. The following code regarding concealed carry licenses also states that:
“The availability of licenses to carry concealed handguns under this act shall not be construed to impose a general prohibition on the carrying of handguns without such license, whether carried openly or concealed, or loaded or unloaded.“
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Can I Conceal Carry in a Vehicle?
Nothing within Kansas state code prohibits the carrying of a firearm in a vehicle with or without a permit. Since Kansas is a constitutional carry state, a CCHL is not necessary.
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Can I Conceal Carry in State Parks?
Carrying within a state park is permitted without a CCHL. However, it is advised that you understand the layout of the park as certain areas are off limits. Furthermore, while carrying a concealed firearm is permitted within state parks, it is forbidden to carry on any Corp of Engineers land which may be within or adjacent to a state park as described in federal statutes. Additional information can be found on the following resources.
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Am I Allowed To Conceal Carry In Restaurants?
Restaurants are not among the list of restricted areas, and therefore concealed carry within restaurants is permitted. However, Kansas does make exception for any building with appropriate posted signage that designates such building as a gun free area.
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Can I Conceal Carry in a Church?
As with restaurants, nothing in Kansas code makes carrying in a church forbidden. However, churches are subject to the same restrictions regarding posted signage designating the area as a gun free location.
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Can I Conceal Carry in a Bank?
Financial institutions are subject to the same restrictions as restaurants, places of worship, and medical facilities. Clear signage must be present in order to prevent the carrying of concealed weapons, otherwise, it is lawful for an individual to carry their firearm concealed into banks and other financial institutions.
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Can I Conceal Carry in a Hospital?
Hospitals, being public buildings are subject to the same restrictions as any other public building. Persons are allowed to carry concealed in hospitals, unless otherwise visibly posted signage declares the building a gun free area.
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The content of this page is for informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for legal council, or intended as legal advice. It is recommended that you inquire with the state about the validity of the information contained herein.