March 29, 2024

AG Derek Schmidt: Concealed carry applications drop to 3,100 in 2020 fiscal year

Office of the Kansas Attorney General

TOPEKA – (July 24, 2020) – The attorney general’s office received more than 3,100 new applications for concealed carry licenses in the recently ended 2020 fiscal year, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said today.

Between July 1, 2019, and June 30, 2020, the Concealed Carry Licensing Unit received 3,193 new applications. This was the lowest number of applications received in a fiscal year since the licensing program began in 2006. A legislative change in 2015 allows eligible Kansans to carry concealed without a license. 

While the number of new applications has waned, most Kansans who already have permits are choosing to keep their licenses active. The Concealed Carry Licensing Unit received 12,735 renewal applications during the 2020 fiscal year.

Licenses are still required in most states, and Kansas licenses are currently recognized in 40 states.

“Many Kansans continue to recognize the benefits of obtaining a license, including our reciprocity agreements with other states,” Schmidt said. “Our work with other states ensures Kansas licensees can carry a handgun when they travel in many places outside of Kansas.” 

Schmidt also encouraged all Kansans who intend to carry firearms to pursue training opportunities. He reminded all Kansans who choose to carry firearms to comply with properly posted signage. 

Currently, more than nearly 90,000 Kansans have active concealed carry licenses. More information on the concealed carry licensing program is available on the attorney general’s website at www.ag.ks.gov/concealed-carry.