Kansas allows most adults 21 and older to carry guns without a permit. But there are key restrictions on who can carry, where guns are allowed, and which weapons are banned.
Kansas is a pretty gun-friendly state, but some people aren’t allowed to have certain types of weapons. The state also has some restrictions on carrying and using firearms and other dangerous weapons. This article covers many of the gun laws in Kansas, but there could be additional laws that apply to any given situation.
Kansas Concealed Carry Gun Laws
Kansas is among the most permissive states when it comes to concealed and open carry laws in the United States. Adults who are at least 21 years old don’t need permits to carry guns in public or in their cars, either openly or concealed—and concealed handguns are allowed in most places in the state. This no-permit rule applies not only to Kansans, but to most people visiting from out of state. Out-of-state visitors who are 21 or older, and who are allowed under federal and state law to carry firearms, can carry them in Kansas without a permit.
But it is still against the law in Kansas to carry guns under certain circumstances and in certain locations.
Carrying a Gun If You're Younger Than 21
You can be charged with a class A misdemeanor in Kansas if you're younger than 21 and carry a concealed handgun anywhere other than your own home, land, or fixed place of business. However, if you're 18-20 years old, you can apply for a provisional concealed carry license. This license entitles you to carry a concealed weapon while off your own property (as long as it's otherwise legal to do so).
Kansas also recognizes concealed carry licenses that have been lawfully issued to 18-20 year-olds from other states. However, this rule for out-of-state permit-holders doesn't apply to people who are residents of Kansas. So, if you're younger than 21 and become a Kansas resident, you have to go through the state's process for getting a provisional license.
(Kan. Stat. § 21-6302(a)(4), (b), (d) (2026); Kan. Stat. § 75-7c03 (a), (b), and (c) (2026); Kan. Stat. § 75-7c04(a)(3)(A) (2026).)
Carrying a Gun While Under the Influence
It’s also a class A misdemeanor to carry a loaded gun on your body or within reach in a vehicle while you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs, unless you:
- are at your home, business, or property; or
- have the gun temporarily while defending yourself or someone else.
(Kan. Stat. § 21-6332 (2026).)
Guns at School
Kansas law and federal law are different when it comes to the legality of carrying a gun on K-12 school property. It's important to keep in mind that some things that are legal under Kansas law could still be federal crimes.
In general, it's a class B misdemeanor in Kansas to bring a gun onto K-12 school property or to school-sponsored activities. But state law makes exceptions for:
- concealed handguns carried by people who are at least 21 and aren’t otherwise prohibited from firearms possession under federal or state law (as discussed below)
- any guns kept in cars by parents and others who are dropping off or picking up students, or by any registered voter who’s on school grounds to vote, and
- gun possession in connection with an authorized safety course or with an administrator’s permission.
However, federal law is more restrictive. Under the Gun-Free School Zones Act it's not only a crime to carry a gun on school property, but also to carry one within 1,000 feet of a school. Federal law makes an exception if you're licensed to carry a gun by the state the school is in. This means that, to avoid breaking federal law, Kansans who want to carry a gun within 1,000 feet of a school must have a Kansas-issued concealed carry license. Kansas is a "shall issue" state, meaning that the state will issue a license to anyone who:
- is not legally barred from owning or possessing a gun
- completes an application, and
- completes a gun safety course.
(Kan. Stat. § 21-6301(a)(11), (j) (2026); Kan. Stat. § 75-7c05 (2026); 18 U.S.C. § 922(q) (2026).)
Firearms Restrictions in Other Kansas Locations
Except for law enforcement or certain other officers, Kansans can be charged with a class A misdemeanor for having a gun within a building in the state capitol complex, in or on the grounds of the governor’s residence, or in other state buildings with signs prohibiting guns. Other than in these buildings, state law specifically allows concealed handguns in the state capitol.
Other buildings can prohibit concealed handguns if they post conspicuous notices to that effect. Nonetheless, you won’t be charged with a crime for violating the notices but will only be asked to leave.
(Kan. Stat. §§ 75-7c10, 75-7c20, 75-7c21, 21-6309 (2026).)
Local Restrictions Prohibited
State law in Kansas specifically prohibits local governments from adopting or enforcing their own gun regulations other than personnel policies or properly posted restrictions on concealed handguns in municipal buildings. (Kan. Stat. § 12-16,124 (2026).)
Who Can’t Have Firearms in Kansas?
It’s illegal in Kansas for some groups of people—including felons, minors, and those with a recent history of domestic violence—to have certain types of weapons.
Can a Felon Have a Gun?
Under Kansas law, people convicted of certain felonies can't legally possess any firearms or dangerous knives (like switchblades, daggers, or straight-edged razors). This will be a lifetime ban for those who had a gun when they committed a violent crime, a drug crime, or an equivalent juvenile offense, unless they’ve had the conviction expunged or have been pardoned. Some other felonies will result in a gun ban for five or 10 years, depending on the felony the person was convicted of. Violations of the prohibition are punished as a level 8 felony.
(Kan. Stat. § 21-6304 (2026).)
Gun Restrictions for Minors
Minors (those younger than 18) aren’t allowed to have handguns (with a barrel shorter than 12 inches) unless they are:
- at their home and have the gun with their parents’ consent for the purpose of defending a person or property
- on property controlled by their parents, grandparents, or legal guardians, and have those family members’ consent
- attending a firearm safety course
- hunting or trapping with a valid license
- engaged in target practice or organized competition, or
- traveling to or from any of those authorized activities.
First violations are punished as a class A misdemeanor, but subsequent violations will be treated as a level 8 felony.
(Kan. Stat. § 21-6301(a)(14), (l) (2026).)
Domestic Violence, Addiction, and Other Limiting Factors
Kansas state law bars you from possessing a firearm if you:
- have been convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence crime within the past five years
- are currently subject to a domestic violence protective order that was issued after a hearing and prohibits threatened, attempted, or actual physical violence
- are addicted to and using illegal drugs
- are in the U.S. unlawfully
- have fled an arrest warrant for a felony, or
- have been involuntarily committed for treatment of mental illness or substance abuse.
Violations are generally treated as a Level 8 felony, except for possession by people who’ve been committed for treatment—a class B misdemeanor.
Federal law also bars certain people from possessing firearms. The federal ban is similar to Kansas' in many ways. However, the differences could be crucial depending on a specific person's situation. For example:
- Under Kansas law, people who are using and addicted to controlled substances are barred from possessing guns. Under federal law, illegal drug users are barred from possessing guns even if there's no evidence they're addicted.
- Under federal law, any domestic violence conviction triggers a lifetime ban on gun possession. Kansas' five-year time limit doesn't apply.
If you're unsure about your rights under state or federal law, consult an attorney before buying or taking possession of a gun.
(Kan. Stat. § 21-6301 (2026); 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) (2026).)
Prohibited Weapons in Kansas
A few types of weapons are outlawed in Kansas, including:
- guns that fire repeatedly with one trigger pull (often called automatic or machine guns)
- bludgeons, sand clubs, or metal knuckles
- blackjacks and dangerous cutting weapons (like throwing stars and straight-edged razors), but only if you intend to use those weapons illegally.
You can be charged with a level 9 felony for possessing an automatic rifle or carrying an automatic handgun. The same is true if you’ve had certain previous felony convictions and you’re caught with any of the other banned weapons. Otherwise, possession of those non-firearm weapons will be punished as a class A misdemeanor.
(Kan. Stat. §§ 21-6301, -6302, -6305 (2026).)
Illegal Use of Weapons in Kansas
It’s against the law in Kansas to fire a gun recklessly within city limits or at a building or an occupied motor vehicle, boat, train, or other means of transportation. The level of punishment depends on the specific location, whether someone was hurt, and whether the target building was occupied.
Unless you’re a law enforcement officer or other authorized personnel, you can be charged with a class C misdemeanor for firing a gun (recklessly or not) on private land without the owner’s permission or on a public road or right-of-way.
You may also face more serious charges if you use a gun or other deadly weapon while committing another crime, such as aggravated assault.
(Kan. Stat. §§ 21-6308, 21-6308a (2026).)
Carrying a Gun Outside of Kansas
A Kansas concealed carry license makes it legal to carry a gun in some states where it would otherwise be a crime. Some states do not require gun licenses, and will not penalize a Kansan for carrying a gun without a Kansas permit. Others have their own rules and processes for handgun possession and ownership, meaning your status as a legal Kansas gun owner is irrelevant there. But many states:
- criminalize possession of a gun by people who don't have a gun license, but
- recognize out-of-state licenses and won't penalize someone with a valid Kansas license.
Therefore, applying for a Kansas concealed carry license, and completing the required training, will ensure that you have the broadest legal right to carry a gun outside of Kansas. If you have questions about how Kansas' gun possession laws interact with those in other states, you can learn more on the website of the Kansas Attorney General, or speak with an attorney.
Speaking With a Lawyer
If you’re facing criminal charges over weapons violations, you should speak with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as you can. Felony charges, in particular, can lead to serious consequences, including heavy prison sentences and a criminal record that stays with you. An experienced attorney can help protect your rights and prepare the best defense possible.
Watch Out for Legal Changes
States can change their laws at any time, but you can check the Kansas statutes to see the current version of the laws discussed here. You should know, however, that court decisions may affect how those laws are interpreted and applied. That’s another reason to consult a lawyer if you’re worried about actual or potential criminal charges.
