After 80 days and aprox. $280 I finally received my approval from the
Attorney Generals office to CCW/CCH in the state of KS. Despite
different sources of information, many of the steps I took seemed to be a
learning experience on the fly.
I wanted to make a post here
about the licensing process to exercise your constitutional right to
bear arms. I think it would help people with an outline of the step by
step process and what exactly to expect.
The Attorney General for the state of KS handles the licensing of CCW/CCH permit holders.
(
Since i dont know what happens EXACTLY when you are not approved I will
reserve this space to update that info if someone in this thread posts
that information. I think you need an attorney at that point).
With that, lets get started...
1.
First you need to take a CCW Course. They last about 8 hours as per KS
law. Usually this course costs anywhere from $75 - $125.
Here is a link to approved trainers and classes on the KSCCW board.
http://www.ksccw.com/forumdisplay.php?f=54
here is a list of KS approved trainers as per the Attorney Generals website.
http://ag.ks.gov/docs/documents/cert...-directory.pdf
The class lasts most of the day (8 hours)
note: night classes may be available in 2 different 4 hour classes.
The
class includes classroom study on the KS laws of CCW/CCH carry and
other pertinent information surrounding the practice. Some instructors
may or may not include lunch or dinner, so be prepared to purchase your
own while on lunch or dinner break if they dont.
In addition to
classroom time you will get some range time where you will be asked to
shoot at a target from varying distances and techniques, ie. right, left
hand or whatever the instructor chooses to address. Enjoy your class.
Special
note: The cheapest class isnt always the best. Level of professionalism
from the instructor Providing meals, help with application, pictures
etc. is a definite added benefit and will save you alot of time. Time =
money
Also, dont be that guy in class. Every class has one.
Have your $%^& squared away. You will need your handgun. Have it in a
case with plenty of ammo ( about 50rds ) when you arrive. Some
instructors supply a weapon. I recommend discussing what is expected
with the instructor prior to your class.
Now lets move forward and say we have that step out of the way.
2.
Now you need to complete the application and acquire a 2" x 2" passport
type photo of yourself to attach to the application. Cost - $132.50 +
$10 - $15 for photo
Pictures can be taken and printed by
yourself if you have a photo printer. Make sure you have a neutral
backdrop. Smile, but dont show teeth. Dont try to look like a tough guy (
ie, chin up in air with one eye cocked, resembling a prisoners mugshot
). They want front view, head and shoulders with no hats or sunglasses,
full color, passport type.
or, you can go to Walgreens, Kinkos,
UPS store. Some Post Offices also provide this service. for the above
mentioned price of $10 - $15. make sure to call ahead wherever you go so
you don't wind up on a wild goose chase.
You can get your application from:
a.
The instructor. IMO a good instructor should help with this. If he/she
is really on top of their game they will do the picture as well.
b. You may download the application from the Attorney Generals website.
http://ag.ks.gov/docs/forms/conceale...pplication.pdf
c.
The Sheriffs department where you go to present your application may or
may not have the application. I recommend downloading, and printing the
application priorly if your CCW instructor did not help with this.
In addition to the application and picture you will need: A money order, cashiers check or personal check.
a. One check or money order in the amount of $100 for " Office of Attorney General"
b. One check or money order in the amount of $32.50 made out to the "Sheriff of _______ county".
Once you have the application filled out, the picture, and the 2 checks in hand...
On to the next step.
3. Go to the local Sheriffs office to present your application.
Go
to the Sheriffs office with application, the 2 checks outlined in item
#2 and the picture in hand or attached with scotch tape to the
application.
You are not yet a CCW/CCH holder. Do not go armed to
the Sheriffs office. I also recommend leaving any knives or anything
else that may be misconstrued as a weapon in your vehicle or at home. I
know this is common sense but I wanted to mention it anyways.
Expect
to go to the booking area where they book prisoners and get your
fingerprints taken. Don't be nervous, make small talk and enjoy the
tour.
This step usually takes about 10 - 15 minutes from start to finish.
4. Wait for your approval in the mail
The
Attorney Generals office currently is taking about 60 days to get these
out. Remember the time begins when the Attorney Generals office receive
the application from your Sheriffs office. Expect it no earlier than 45
days and no later than 90 days. Also, remember to take into account
mail postal times.
When you finally receive your approval which
may very well seem like an eternity, YOU ARE STILL NOT APPROVED TO CARRY
CONCEALED YET.
on to the next step
5. Take your
approval to the same place you get your drivers license in your county
or anywhere that provides this service on behalf of the state within the
state of KS. Cost - $16
Wait in line or not depending on your location. Make sure to have a cash or check for $16 for the license fee.
Here
you will receive a temporary license and now the waiting starts all
over again. NOW YOU ARE PERMITTED TO CARRY with your temporary license.
You should receive your actual license from the state in about 2 Weeks.
__________________________________________________ _____________
I
hope this helps folks with the process for your CCW/CCH license. It
took me about the same time to type this up as it did to get the
license. haha, thats a joke but it did take 1/2 of my Saturday.
In summation:
a. paid about $100 for my course and fuel
b. paid about $140 acquiring my postal money orders in costs and fuel.
c. paid $15 for my picture that is included with the application
d. paid about $5 in fuel to go to the sheriffs dept. to present my application
d. Paid about $20 for the license and fuel at the drivers license office.
Grand
total of $280 about 12 hours for drive time, class time and waiting at
all the different offices I had to go to. And a wait of about 80 days
from the time I completed my class. Of which it took me 10 days before I
had time to go to the sheriffs office for step #3. Then another 2 weeks
I will wait until the actual license is in hand.
Good luck!
This is a very helpful post. I wish it had been up when I went through the process.