Concealed carry applications drop in Kansas

Officials in Kansas are tracking a drop in applications for concealed carry licenses.

Attorney General Derek Schmidt says the AG’s office received more than 3,100 applications in the recently ended 2020 fiscal year.

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.”