State Law Background

Among other things, Kansas requires certain mentally ill individuals to be reported to the federal database used for firearm purchaser background checks.

Kansas law does not, however:

• Require a background check prior to the transfer of a firearm between unlicensed individuals;
• Require firearms dealers to obtain a state license;
• Regulate the transfer or possession of assault weapons, 50 caliber rifles, or large capacity ammunition magazines;
• Require gun owners to obtain a license, register their firearms, or report lost or stolen firearms;
• Impose a waiting period prior to purchase of a firearm;
• Limit the number of firearms that may be purchased at one time;
• Regulate unsafe handguns (“junk guns” or “Saturday night specials”);
• Significantly regulate ammunition;
• Allow local governments to regulate firearms; or
• Require any permit for adults 21 and older to carry a concealed handgun in public.

In 2016, Kansas had the 23rd highest rate of gun deaths among the states. Kansas had the 19th highest rate of crime gun exports among the states in 2016–meaning that crime guns originally sold in Kansas were recovered after being used in crimes in other states at the 19th highest rate among the states. Based on 2016 Firearms Trace Data from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Kansas supplied more than twice as many crime guns to other states than it imported from other states.

Kansas Firearms Laws

For details about specific firearms laws in Kansas, choose a topic below, or see all of the firearms laws in this state.