The number of Kansans applying for new concealed carry licenses dipped in recently ended 2022 fiscal year, according to the Kansas Attorney General’s office Tuesday.
Derek Schmidt says the Concealed Carry Licensing Unit received over 4,500 new applications between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022. That’s down from just over 7,700 the previous fiscal year. The licensing program began in 2006 and a legislative change in 2015 allows eligible Kansans 21 and over to carry concealed without a license.
The 2021 Kansas Legislature authorized a new provisional license available for individuals between 18-20 years of age. The Concealed Carry Licensing Unit issued 305 provisional licenses to applicants in that age group during the 2022 fiscal year.
Most Kansans who already have licenses are choosing to keep their licenses active. The Concealed Carry Licensing Unit received over 15,000 renewal applications this year.
Licenses are still required in most states, and Kansas licenses are currently recognized in 40 states.
Currently, more than 81,000 Kansans have active concealed carry licenses.
