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. Kan. Stat. § 75-7c03 (a), (b), and (c) (2026)
But it is still against the law in Kansas to carry guns under certain circumstances and in certain locations. For example:
- Age restrictions. It is a class A misdemeanor in Kansas for a person younger than 21 to carry a concealed handgun anywhere other than their own home, land, or fixed place of business. However, 18-20-year-olds can apply for provisional concealed carry licenses. (Kan. Stat. § 75-7c04(a)(3)(A) (2026); Kan. Stat. § 21-6302(a)(4), (b), (d) (2026).)
- Drugs and alcohol. It is a misdemeanor to carry a loaded gun (or to have one within reach in a vehicle) while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. State law makes exceptions for people who are on their own property or fixed place of business, or who temporarily take possession of a gun to defend themselves or others. (Kan. Stat. § 21-6332 (2026).)
- School grounds. State and federal law heavily restrict firearm possession on K-12 school property, near K-12 schools, and at school-related activities. (Kan. Stat. § 21-6301(a)(11), (j) (2026); Kan. Stat. § 75-7c05 (2026); 18 U.S.C. § 922(q) (2026).)
- Government buildings. Kansas restricts where guns can be carried on state property. Be on the lookout for signs prohibiting guns. (Kan. Stat. §§ 75-7c10, 75-7c20, 75-7c21, 21-6309 (2026).)
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). First violations are punished as a class A misdemeanor, but subsequent violations will be treated as a level 8 felony. State law includes some exceptions to this rule. For example, if their parents' consent, a minor can have a gun in the family home for the purpose of defending people or property.
(Kan. Stat. § 21-6301(a)(14), (l) (2026).)
Domestic Violence, Addiction, and Other Limiting Factors
Kansas bars certain people from possessing firearms. State law includes a specific list of behaviors and legal statuses that can trigger this ban. For example, Kansas may prohibit gun ownership for people who have been convicted of domestic violence in the previous five years, who are wanted for felonies, or who have mental health or substance abuse issues.
Violations are generally treated as a Level 8 felony (but possession by people who’ve been committed for mental heath of substance abuse treatment is 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 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
You don't need a license to carry a concealed weapon in Kansas. But getting 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.
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.
