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Pennsylvania is a shall-issue state with concealed weapons licenses issued at the county level by the sheriff’s office or if a resident of a city of the first class, with the chief of police of that city.
There is no permit required to purchase firearms and although there is no comprehensive firearms registration, the state police maintain a database of all handgun buyers. Private-party transfers of handguns must be conducted through a licensed dealer or at a county sheriff’s office, and a background check is required. These requirements do not apply to transfers between spouses, parents and children, or grandparents and grandchildren.
Open carry is legal in Pennsylvania for anyone 18 or older who is legally allowed to possess a firearm. 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. You will need a Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms (LCF) or a permit/license from a state with which PA has reciprocity in order to open or conceal carry in a vehicle and to open carry in the city of Philadelphia. Some areas are off-limits, including schools and courthouses.
Concealed carry is legal for residents with an LCF and for non-residents with a license/permit that Pennsylvania honors. Pennsylvania LCFs are issued to residents and non-residents that are at least 21 years old. Non-residents must already have a permit to carry in their home state in order to obtain a Pennsylvania license. There is no training requirement. In terms of reciprocity, Pennsylvania only honors resident CCW licenses from states with which it has a reciprocity agreement.
Pennsylvania is a Castle Doctrine state and has a “stand your ground” law. There is no duty to retreat in your residence or any place where you have a legal right to be if confronted with a deadly weapon or an object that appears to be one. Under the law, the use of force against another person is justifiable if the person who acts in self-defense believes that the use of force is: “immediately necessary for the purpose of protecting himself [or herself] against the use of unlawful force by such other person on the present occasion.”
Use of Force for the Protection of Property
The use of force is justifiable when the actor believes that such force is immediately necessary:
Use of Force in Self-Protection or the Protection of Others
The use of force is justifiable when the actor believes that such force is immediately necessary for the purpose of protecting himself or herself or a third party against the use of unlawful force. Deadly force is only justifiable if an actor believes it is necessary to protect one’s self or a third party against death, serious bodily injury, kidnapping or sexual assault. However, such force is not justified if the actor knows that he or she can avoid the necessity of using such force with complete safety by retreating; except the actor is not obliged to retreat from his or her dwelling or place of work, unless he or she was the initial aggressor or is assailed in the place of work by another person whose place of work the actor knows it to be.
An actor is presumed to have a reasonable belief that deadly force is immediately necessary to protect himself or herself against death, serious bodily injury, kidnapping or sexual intercourse compelled by force or threat if both of the following conditions exist:
[18 Pa. Cons. Stat, §§ 505, 506 & 507]
Constitutional Carry?Does Pennsylvania allow constitutional carry? |
No. Pennsylvania does not allow constitutional carry. |
Open Carry Permitted?Is open carry permitted in Pennsylvania? |
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. |
Gun Permit Licensure?If Pennsylvania requires a license to carry a concealed firearm, how are those licenses issued? |
Pennsylvania is a shall-issue state. |
Minimum Age for Concealed Carry?What is the minimum age in Pennsylvania to get a concealed carry license? |
The minimum age to concealed carry in Pennsylvania is 21 years old. |
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed?Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Pennsylvania with a concealed carry license (or under permitless carry if applicable)? |
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. |
Tasers or Stun Guns?Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Pennsylvania? |
Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm. A person may possess and use an electric or electronic incapacitation device in the exercise of reasonable force in defense of the person or the person's property if the electric or electronic incapacitation device is labeled with or accompanied by clearly written instructions as to its use and the damages involved in its use. |
Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray?Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Pennsylvania? |
Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Pennsylvania. |
MAGAZINE LIMITS FOR HANDGUNS?Does Pennsylvania have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns? |
No. The Allegheny Court of Common Pleas decided against the City of Pittsburgh in Anderson v. City of Pittsburgh. The court found that Pittsburgh's attempt to impose local gun control measures was a clear violation of state preemption law. |
AMMUNITION RESTRICTIONS?Does Pennsylvania have ammunition restrictions? |
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. |
Carry in Vehicle?Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Pennsylvania? |
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. |
Carry at Roadside Rest Areas?Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Pennsylvania? |
Yes, with a LCF or permit from a state with which PA has reciprocity. |
Carry in State/National Parks, State/National Forests and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)?Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in Pennsylvania? |
Yes, with a LCF or permit from a state with which PA has reciprocity. [34 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 2525 & 58 PA Cons. Stat. § 135.41] |
Carry in Bars/Restaurants That Serve Alcohol?Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Pennsylvania? |
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. |
Carry/Possess at a hotel?Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Pennsylvania? |
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. |
Store in a Vehicle in an Employee Parking Lot?Does Pennsylvania have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot? |
Not addressed in Pennsylvania state law. |
Duty to Inform Officer You're Carrying?Do you have a duty to inform a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Pennsylvania? |
There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Pennsylvania unless the officer asks. |
DRIVER'S LICENSE LINKED TO Carry License?Is my Pennsylvania driver’s license linked to my Pennsylvania carry license? |
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 Weapons Allowed" Signs Enforced?Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in Pennsylvania? If yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense. |
No. Pennsylvania does not recognize "No Weapons" signs. |
Preemption?Does Pennsylvania have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e. Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)? |
Yes. The authority to regulate firearms is reserved to the state, except local municipalities may regulate the discharge of firearms within the cities boundaries. This has been reinforced by the Allegheny Court of Common Pleas decision against the City of Pittsburgh in Anderson v. City of Pittsburgh. The court found that Pittsburgh's attempt to impose local gun control measures was a clear violation of state preemption law. |
Red Flag Law?Does Pennsylvania have a red flag law? |
Pennsylvania does not have a red flag law. |
Brandishing?Does Pennsylvania state law define brandishing? |
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. |
Carry While Using Alcohol or Drugs?Does Pennsylvania have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or drugs? |
Not addressed in state statutes. As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgement, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences. |
NON-RESIDENT PERMITTING?Does Pennsylvania issue concealed carry licenses to non-residents? |
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. |
PUBLIC ACCESS TO CONCEALED CARRY REGISTRY?Does Pennsylvania allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law? |
No. The Pennsylvania concealed carry registry is not accessible to the public. |
Purchase Permits?Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Pennsylvania? |
No. Pennsylvania does not require a special permit at time of handgun purchase. |
Background Checks for Private Gun Sales? Exceptions?Are background checks required for private gun sales in Pennsylvania? Are there exceptions? |
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. |
Pennsylvania license Exempts from Background Check?Does my current Pennsylvania concealed carry license exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm? |
No. |
Waiting Period?Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Pennsylvania? |
No. The state of Pennsylvania does not require a waiting time for handgun purchases. |
Handgun Registration?Do handguns need to be registered in Pennsylvania? |
No. Handgun registration is not required in Pennsylvania. |
Minimum Age to Possess and Transport?What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Pennsylvania? |
18 years old is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Pennsylvania. |
Possess a handgun on my private property without a license?Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a license? |
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. |
Pennsylvania Gun Laws: What You Need to Know
USCCA — March 11, 2019
Basic Concealed Carry Laws: Pennsylvania
USCCA — August 2, 2020
Which states' permits does Pennsylvania honor?
Pennsylvania recognizes concealed carry licenses issued by states for which they have reciprocity agreements without applying for a separate Pennsylvania concealed carry license – if the concealed carry license holder is a resident of that state and 21 years of age or older. Residents must have a Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms (LCF) in order to carry in the state.
Which states honor permits from Pennsylvania?
Note: Firearms must be carried in accordance with the laws of the state you are visiting. Be sure to check the laws of the other state before traveling there with your firearms.
Pennsylvania offers resident and non-resident licenses. If indicated with “Resident only” below, that state only honors Pennsylvania resident licenses (and not those issued to non-residents).
*PC-18 = permitless carry if at least 18 years old
*PC-21 = permitless carry if at least 21 years old
Permitless carry includes constitutional carry states as well as states where an individual must meet certain qualifications, e.g., no DUIs in the last 10 years, in order to legally carry (Tennessee). Each state determines the requirements and any limitations on the carry of firearms. Check each state’s page for more information and any restrictions that may apply.
Requirements: |
An applicant must:
*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Pennsylvania. |
Fees: |
Initial License and Renewals $20 |
Valid For: |
5 years |
Processing Time: |
45 days |
Application: |
|
Non-Resident Concealed Carry Licenses: |
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 license. The process is similar to that for residents. *Please note that a Pennsylvania non-resident LCF is typically valid for 5 years, but is tied to your resident license. Therefore, if your resident permit expires or is revoked, your LCF is no longer valid. [18 Pa. Cons. Stat, § 6109(e)(ix) and (i)] |
Name/Address Changes: |
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. |
Lost/Stolen Licenses: |
Go to your county/city sheriff’s office to have your Pennsylvania LCF replaced. You will need a valid driver’s license or state ID and $5.00. It will be issued for the balance of your time after a PICS check is completed. If your expiration is within 60 days, you can renew with an application. |
Residency Changes: |
Moving to Pennsylvania and interested in applying for a resident license? How soon can you apply? 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? |
How to Apply for a Pennsylvania Concealed Carry License
Step 1: |
Download the application or go to your county sheriff’s office to obtain an application. Some counties, such as Lancaster, offer online applications (for residents only). Non-residents should verify that a county sheriff's office processes out-of-state licenses and the procedure they follow. Some counties require that applications be submitted in person and not all counties process out-of-state licenses. |
Step 2: |
Complete the application. The applicant must:
Take the completed application to your county sheriff’s office or the chief of police. Pay the fee. Your photo will be taken. |
Step 3: |
If your background check clears quickly, you may be able to leave with your license. Otherwise, you will be notified by mail within 45 days if your application has been approved. |
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.” |
Pennsylvania law does not require applicants for a LCF to undergo firearms safety training or otherwise demonstrate knowledge of firearms safety. However, the USCCA recommends that anyone who makes the choice to carry a concealed firearm obtain as much training as possible in order to be a responsibly armed American.
Find a USCCA Certified Instructor or Firearms Training Class Near You
How to Renew a Pennsylvania Concealed Carry License
Step 1: |
Renewals can be accepted up to 60 days in advance of your license expiring. Applicants with expired licenses more than 60 days old will be considered new applicants. You have the following two types of licenses to choose from:
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Step 2: |
You may need to schedule an appointment with the sheriffs office to renew your handgun license, the procedure will vary between counties. Download the application or go to your county sheriff’s office to obtain an application. The application requires you to provide two references that are not family members. |
Step 3: |
You will be required to take the following;
Pay the fee. |
Step 4: |
If your background check clears quickly, you may be able to leave with your license. Otherwise, you will be notified by mail if your application has been approved. |
Law enforcement officers (LEOs) and Retired LEOs (RLEOs) may choose to carry under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), often referred to as HR 218. Under 18 U.S. Code §§ 926B & 926C, qualified LEOs and qualified retired LEOs, or those separated from service in good standing, can carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States, regardless of state or local laws, with some exceptions. For details check out our Federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) page.
Title 37 Pa. Code CH. 221 establishes requirements for RLEOs to carry concealed weapons under LEOSA and authorizes the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission to oversee training and certification of instructors for the retired law enforcement identification program. Qualified RLEOs must contact the law enforcement agency from which they separated/retired to obtain an identification card and must qualify with a Retired Law Enforcement Identification Act (RLEIA) firearms instructor annually on the type(s) of weapons (semi-automatic and/or revolver) they carry concealed. Once a qualification card has been issued, the retired officer must take the card to the County Sheriff’s Office so a background check can be completed and a confirmation number issued. A qualification card is not valid without a confirmation number.
Retired Officer Concealed Carry Acknowledgement Form
RLEIA Firearms Instructors
Where Can I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Pennsylvania? |
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Where Can't I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Pennsylvania?Places off-limits even with a permit/license |
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What Are the Knife Laws in Pennsylvania? |
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] |
WEAR A COVID MASK & CARRY?I can legally carry a concealed firearm in Pennsylvania, but can I wear a COVID 19 protective mask while carrying concealed? |
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.” |
CARRY WHILE GUN HUNTING?Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Pennsylvania? |
Yes, with a LCF or permit from a state with which PA has reciprocity. |
CARRY WHILE BOW HUNTING?Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in Pennsylvania? |
Yes, with a LCF or permit from a state with which PA has reciprocity. |
HUNTER HARASSMENT LAW?Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in Pennsylvania? |
Yes. It is unlawful for another person at the location where the activity is taking place to intentionally obstruct or interfere with the lawful taking of wildlife. |
Date | Details |
---|---|
2021-05-19 | Added info on driver's license link to permit in At A Glance table |
2021-04-13 | Added court ruling regarding carry in schools in Location Restrictions section |
2021-03-22 | Updated info about grace period for LCF renewals due to COVID 19 in Summary section |
2020-12-15 | Updated info about grace period for LCF renewals due to COVID 19 in Summary section |
2020-09-21 | Updated info about grace period for LCF renewals due to COVID 19 in Summary section |
2020-09-03 | Added information on Self Defense in the Summary |
2020-06-30 | Added information on wearing a COVID 19 mask while carrying concealed above the Summary |
2020-06-04 | Added info and statutory links for ammunition restrictions in At A Glance table |
2020-05-21 | Updated info about grace period for LCF renewals due to COVID 19 to Summary section |
2020-05-06 | Added info on handguns at hotels in At A Glance table |
2020-04-20 | Added info on handguns on private property in At A Glance table |
2020-04-06 | Added statutory link and details on private gun sales in At A Glance table |
2020-02-25 | Added info on carry in bars to the At A Glance table |
2020-02-20 | Added related blog posts with links |
2020-02-18 | Added info regarding residency changes and resulting impacts on carry permits |
2020-01-30 | Updated the knife laws and added statutory references |
2019-12-04 | Added info on whether a valid state ccw permit exempts a person from needing a background check when purchasing a firearm to the At A Glance table |
2019-11-21 | Added statutory references and links for can’t carry locations |
2019-11-04 | Added brandishing info to At A Glance table |
2019-10-30 | Updated info on the City of Pittsburgh extreme risk protection law in the At A Glance table |
2019-10-30 | Updated info on the City of Pittsburgh high-capacity magazine ban in the At A Glance table |
2019-10-16 | Added Hunter Harassment info to At A Glance table |
2019-10-01 | Added Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray the At A Glance table |
2019-09-09 | Added Carry While Hunting info to At A Glance table |
2019-08-13 | Added anchor links to various sections below the Summary |
2019-07-26 | Added minimum age to possess and transport a handgun to At A Glance table |
2019-05-24 | Added stun gun/Taser info to At A Glance table |
2019-05-21 | Added info into At A Glance table regarding the stay on the City of Pittsburgh ordinances |
2019-05-02 | Added permit renewal and name/address change info |
2019-04-19 | Links checked |
2019-04-10 | Added City of Pittsburgh ERPO law to At A Glance table |
2019-04-02 | Added info on state implementation of Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA) |
2019-03-20 | Clarified info about private handguns sales in the Genl and FAQ sections |
2019-02-20 | Added info to vehicle carry in At A Glance table |
2019-02-15 | Added pages for Federal Gun Laws, Traveling with Firearms & Terminology |
2019-02-09 | Added ammunition restrictions to At A Glance table |
2019-02-06 | Added red flag law info to At A Glance table |
2019-01-25 | Added church carry info to location restrictions section |
2019-01-24 | Added info about alcohol or prescription medication in At A Glance table |
2019-01-10 | Mag limit added to At A Glance table |
Here at the USCCA, it is our mission to provide responsible gun owners with the tools they need to be educated and trained. Our team is constantly working to provide you with the most up-to-date and comprehensive list of self-defense laws available for every state.
If you have any questions that you don’t see answered here — let us know! Just email [email protected] and we will be sure to get your question resolved. Your feedback matters to us, and we appreciate you helping to make this page the best possible resource for responsible gun owners!
Permit numbers were obtained from the Crime Prevention Resource Center’s publication entitled, “Concealed Carry Permit Holders Across the United States.” Numbers include resident and non-resident permits for those states that issue both.
The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. members and the concealed carry community, and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case. Laws are constantly changing, and as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.
If you have any questions regarding USCCA Membership, Delta Defense, handguns laws or the lawful process of carrying concealed, please contact the award-winning Delta Defense Customer Engagement Team.