Pennsylvania Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws

Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Pennsylvania.

Yes. It is illegal for any person to possess KTW teflon-coated bullets or other armor-piercing ammunition with the intent to use the ammunition in a crime.

[18 Pa. Cons. Stat. Ann. § 6121]

Pennsylvania is a shall-issue state.

Yes. Pennsylvania concealed carry includes any pistol or revolver with a barrel length less than 15 inches, any shotgun with a barrel length less than 18 inches or any rifle with a barrel length less than 16 inches, or any pistol, revolver, rifle or shotgun with an overall length of less than 26 inches. The barrel length of a firearm shall be determined by measuring from the muzzle of the barrel to the face of the closed action, bolt or cylinder, whichever is applicable.

Yes, without a license. Any person who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to possess a firearm can open carry. A license is required in a vehicle and in the city of Philadelphia.

Be aware that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court a decision in Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. Darren Montgomery, 234 A.3d 523 (PA 2020), holding that sometimes a visible firearm is a concealed firearm. This decision has created uncertainty about the definition of open carry.

Yes, with a LCF or permit from a state with which PA has reciprocity. There are a number of exceptions identified in § 6106(b) where firearms may be carried either loaded or transported unloaded with ammunition stored in a separate container by individuals without a license. Exceptions include law enforcement officers, on-duty members of the military as well as a number of others.

[18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 6106]

Yes, there is no statute making it illegal to concealed carry with a LCF or permit from a state with which PA has reciprocity, unless posted.

Pennsylvania statutes don't specifically address firearms at hotels. Please note that each hotel develops their own policies and the individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about it's concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information.

No definition of brandishing was found in Pennsylvania law. However, a person is guilty of disorderly conduct if, with intent to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof, he engages in fighting or threatening, or in violent or tumultuous behavior; or creates a hazardous or physically offensive condition by any act which serves no legitimate purpose of the actor.

[18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5503]

Yes. Non-residents who possess a current license or permit or similar document to carry a firearm issued by their home state (if a license is provided for by the laws of that state) may apply for a non-resident permit.

Yes. Your Pennsylvania driver’s license is linked to your Pennsylvania license to carry firearms. Therefore, a law enforcement officer will be notified immediately that you are a concealed carry license holder if they run your driver’s license.

No. Pennsylvania does not recognize "No Weapons" signs.

Pennsylvania does not have a red flag law.

No. Pennsylvania does not require a special permit at time of handgun purchase.

Yes. Private party transfers of handguns must be conducted through a licensed dealer or at a county sheriff’s office. A background check is required. These requirements do not apply to transfers between spouses, parents and children or grandparents and grandchildren.

[18 Pa. Cons. Stat. Ann. § 6111(c)]

No. Handgun registration is not required in Pennsylvania.

Yes. A License to Carry Firearms is not required for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm in the person’s place of abode or fixed place of business. 

[18 Pa. Cons. Stat. Ann. § 6106(a)(1)]

Link to application

If you change your address or your name is legally changed, you need to go to your county/city Sheriff’s Office for the update. You will need an updated PA driver’s license or ID with the new address or name and $5.00. Your card will be issued for the balance of your time. If your expiration is within 60 days, you can renew with an application.

Moving to Pennsylvania and interested in applying for a resident license? How soon can you apply?Pennsylvania issues licenses to residents and permit holders from other states. You can apply for your resident license to the sheriff of your county once you have been a resident of the county for at least 90 days.

Moving from Pennsylvania and have a Pennsylvania resident license? Does that license transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Pennsylvania license remains valid?If a person with a Pennsylvania resident license to carry firearms establishes residency in another state, the license may expire upon the establishment of residence in the other state. Contact your local issuing authority for details.

Initial License and Renewals $20

45 days

Law enforcement must issue a license “if, after an investigation not to exceed 45 days, it appears that the applicant is an individual concerning whom no good cause exists to deny the license.” 

• Carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol? Yes.
• Carry in my vehicle without a permit/license? No.
• Carry in roadside rest areas? Yes.
• Carry in state/national parks, state/national forests, and WMAs? Yes.
• Carry in places of worship? There is no State statute prohibiting concealed carry in places of worship. However, since places of worship are private property, they may post signs prohibiting firearms.

There is no known statute in Pennsylvania making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed. In addition, the Pennsylvania State Police have indicated, “There is no prohibition in Pennsylvania on license to carry permit holders wearing a mask during the ongoing COVID-19 mitigation efforts.”

Yes, with a LCF or permit from a state with which PA has reciprocity.

It is legal to openly carry or conceal any type of knife in Pennsylvania. Knives are prohibited on the grounds of any K-12 school and in courthouse buildings. Municipalities such as Philadelphia, which prohibits cutting weapons in public places, may have additional restrictions.

[18 Pa. Cons. Stat. §§ 907, 908, 912 and 913]