Buying a Gun in Kansas
The age to buy a gun in Kansas, background checks for dealer and private sales, any waiting period, and rules on ghost guns.
Short answer: It is a class A nonperson misdemeanor to sell, give or otherwise transfer any firearm with a barrel less than 12 inches long (handguns) to a person under 18, and a person under 18 may not possess one except in listed situations (hunter or safety courses, ranges, competitions, licensed… K.S.A. 21-6301(a)(7), (a)(14), (b), (l)
| Age to buy a gun | It is a class A nonperson misdemeanor to sell, give or otherwise transfer any firearm with a barrel less than 12 inches long (handguns) to a person under 18, and a person under 18 may not possess one except in listed situations (hunter or safety courses, ranges, competitions, licensed hunting, family property with permission, home self-defense with parental permission). These rules apply to private sellers. Kansas statutes reviewed set no separate minimum age for long guns. |
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| Background checks and private sales | Kansas has no state law that requires a background check, permit-to-purchase or license for private (non-dealer) firearm sales. It is a crime to sell, give or transfer any firearm to a person known to be addicted to and an unlawful user of a controlled substance, or a person who is or has been subject to involuntary commitment for mental illness or substance abuse. Cities and counties may not require fees, licenses or permits for, or regulate the sale, purchase or transfer of, firearms. Reviewed K.S.A. chapter 21, article 63 (21-6301 to 21-6332) and chapter 75, article 7c (Personal and Family Protection Act), all sections, plus K.S.A. 12-16,124, on 2026-10-27; no provision found. |
| Waiting period | Kansas has no state law that sets a waiting period for buying a firearm, and cities and counties may not regulate the sale, purchase or transfer of firearms. Reviewed K.S.A. chapter 21, article 63 (21-6301 to 21-6332) and chapter 75, article 7c (Personal and Family Protection Act), all sections, plus K.S.A. 12-16,124, on 2026-10-27; no provision found. |
| Ghost guns and homemade firearms | Kansas has no state law that regulates unserialized or homemade firearms or firearm kits, and cities and counties may not regulate firearms or their components. Intentionally changing, altering, removing or obliterating the maker, model, manufacturer's number or other identification mark of any firearm is a severity level 10, nonperson felony; possessing a firearm with such a mark altered is prima facie evidence that the possessor altered it. Reviewed K.S.A. chapter 21, article 63 (21-6301 to 21-6332) and chapter 75, article 7c (Personal and Family Protection Act), all sections, plus K.S.A. 12-16,124, on 2026-10-27; no provision found. |
More Kansas gun laws
- Concealed Carry in Kansas
- Open Carry in Kansas
- Red Flag Law and Weapon Limits in Kansas
- All Kansas gun laws rules
FAQ
How old do you have to be to buy a gun in Kansas?
It is a class A nonperson misdemeanor to sell, give or otherwise transfer any firearm with a barrel less than 12 inches long (handguns) to a person under 18, and a person under 18 may not possess one except in listed situations (hunter or safety courses, ranges, competitions, licensed hunting, family property with permission, home self-defense with parental permission). These rules apply to private sellers. Kansas statutes reviewed set no separate minimum age for long guns.
Do private gun sales need a background check in Kansas?
Kansas has no state law that requires a background check, permit-to-purchase or license for private (non-dealer) firearm sales. It is a crime to sell, give or transfer any firearm to a person known to be addicted to and an unlawful user of a controlled substance, or a person who is or has been subject to involuntary commitment for mental illness or substance abuse. Cities and counties may not require fees, licenses or permits for, or regulate the sale, purchase or transfer of, firearms.
Is there a waiting period to buy a gun in Kansas?
Kansas has no state law that sets a waiting period for buying a firearm, and cities and counties may not regulate the sale, purchase or transfer of firearms.
Are ghost guns legal in Kansas?
Kansas has no state law that regulates unserialized or homemade firearms or firearm kits, and cities and counties may not regulate firearms or their components. Intentionally changing, altering, removing or obliterating the maker, model, manufacturer's number or other identification mark of any firearm is a severity level 10, nonperson felony; possessing a firearm with such a mark altered is prima facie evidence that the possessor altered it.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.