AR15.Com Archives
 How to get your CCW/CCH License. How much does it cost? How long does it take?
Storm_Tracker  [Team Member]
1/21/2012 5:22:56 PM
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!
Storm_Tracker  [Team Member]
1/21/2012 5:25:59 PM
Mod -

Maybe we can tack this? I thought it would be a good overview of the process and might help some people in what to expect.
1MAC  [Team Member]
1/23/2012 5:30:07 PM
This is a very helpful post. I wish it had been up when I went through the process.