Pennsylvania Concealed Carry Laws & Information

We try to stay as up to date as possible, but always check with local law enforcement to be sure about which states honor your states permit.

The following states have permitless carry. This means that if you can legally possess a firearm in that state you can carry it concealed without a permit/license. You still have to abide by all conceaeled carry laws in that state. Please note that the last three states only allow residents to carry without a permit/license. Alaska, Arizona, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, Vermont, West Virginia, Idaho (Residents Only), North Dakota (Residents Only), Wyoming (Residents Only).

Information compiled from various state government and private sites from around the web.

Reciprocity: How This State Honors Other States Permits & Licenses

Pennsylvania recognises permits from the following states:

Alaska, Arizona*,Arkansas, Colorado, Florida*, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi*, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota**, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah*, Virginia*, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

*Pennsylvania Honors Non-Resident Permits/Licenses From the States they Honor Except for Arizona, Florida, Mississippi, Utah and Virginia. They have agreements that specifically states “Legal Resident of AZ, FL, MS, UT and VA. You can see the agreements here. AZ, FL, MS, UT and VA Permit/Licenses issued to non-residents are no longer valid in PA.

**North Dakota - PA only honors the ND Class 1 Permit. (Must be at least 21 Years of Age)

Title 18 § 18-6109 (k) Reciprocity

(1) The Attorney General shall have the power and duty to enter into reciprocity agreements with other states providing for the mutual recognition of a license to carry a firearm issued by the Commonwealth and a license or permit to carry a firearm issued by the other state. To carry out this duty, the Attorney General is authorized to negotiate reciprocity agreements and grant recognition of a license or permit to carry a firearm issued by another state.

(2) The Attorney General shall report to the General Assembly within 180 days of the effective date of this paragraph and annually thereafter concerning the agreements which have been consummated under this subsection

Title 18 § 6106. Firearms not to be carried without a license

(b) Exceptions. The provisions of subsection (a) shall not apply to:

(15) Any person who possesses a valid and lawfully issued license or permit to carry a firearm which has been issued under the laws of another state, regardless of whether a reciprocity agreement exists between the Commonwealth and the state under section 6109(k), provided:

(i) The state provides a reciprocal privilege for individuals licensed to carry firearms under section 6109.
(ii) The Attorney General has determined that the firearm laws of the state are similar to the firearm laws of this Commonwealth.

To view the signed agreements that Pennsylvania has, click here.

How to Apply for a Pennsylvania Concealed Carry Permit

Last February 25, 2014 there was a video of Rep. Mark Keller (86th Dist) wherein he held a Firearms Seminar in his district and had Attorneys and Local Sheriff present the laws on Carrying Firearms in Pennsylvania. It is over an hour long but worth the watch if you live in Pennsylvania. Seminar. Columbia Co. Dist. Attorney Leipold and Sheriff Chamberlain Seminar on PA Firearm Laws. 11/12/13. PA State Rep. Keith Gillespie hosts Attorney Matthew Menges to provide an Overview on Pennsylvania's Concealed Carry Laws.

Pennsylvania Superior Court has ruled that PA Residents must have a PA issued Permit to carry in Pennsylvania. See Decision here.

It is very simple to obtain a Pennsylvania Concealed Carry Permit/License. Just take your Pennsylvania Drivers License or State ID. Names, Addresses and Phone numbers of two references and your check book and go to the Sheriff’s Office in the county you reside. Tell them you want to apply for a Permit/License to Carry a Concealed Weapon. Fill out the application and pay the fee. PA Code PA Code 18 Pa.C.S. § 6109 states the total for all costs is to be $20. The Sheriff has 45 days to issue the permit/license or deny it.

Concealed Carry Permit/License is valid for 5 years.

Some Sheriff’s require another form of ID along with Drivers License. Some have Residency Requirement periods up to 90 days. Some require References to be residents of the county you apply in. Some have put other stipulations on issuing Licenses to Carry. Check with your local Sheriff’s Office for more information. On Applications most Sheriffs have their own header giving the office and address. Check with your local Sheriff or check online to obtain the form supplied by your county Sheriff.

How to Obtain A Non-Resident Pennsylvania Concealed Carry Permit

Take note that you have to have a permit from your home state if your home state issue permits. Unless you are from Vermont which doesn’t issue permits. If your state is too restrictive and won’t issue you a permit you can’t obtain a Non-Resident Pennsylvania Permit/License. Some Sheriff’s will not issue to non residents and/or have other stipulations to issue to non-residents. Check with the Sheriff’s Dept before you appear to apply. Most Pennsylvania Sheriff’s have websites that you can check with that give a lot of information. Some Sheriff’s will let you apply by mail and then pick it up in person.

Completed and Signed Application must be accompanied by the following:

1. A photo copy of a license to carry a firearm (concealed carry permit) from your home state if that state has a concealed carry law. If from IL you should bring your FOID Card.
2. A photo copy of your Driver's License.
3. Names, Addresses and Phone #’s of 2 references.
4. $20.00 fee for five year license and out of state processing.

Places You Can Not Carry Even With a Pennsylvania Concealed Carry Permit

Philadelphia has passed an ordinance (4/4/13) that bans firearms in City Parks. Until the Law is overturned by the courts due to Pennsylvania’s Preemption Law, it is recommended that you avoid carrying in Philadelphia City Parks.

Court Houses (Areas Off Limits Must Be Posted)
Elementary and Secondary Education Schools

Title 18 § 912 Possession of Weapon on School Property

(a) Definition. Notwithstanding the definition of "weapon" in section 907 (relating to possessing instruments of crime), "weapon" for purposes of this section shall include but not be limited to any knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool, nun-chuck stick, firearm, shotgun, rifle and any other tool, instrument or implement capable of inflicting serious bodily injury.

(b) Offense Defined. A person commits a misdemeanor of the first degree if he possesses a weapon in the buildings of, on the grounds of, or in any conveyance providing transportation to or from any elementary or secondary publicly-funded educational institution, any elementary or secondary private school licensed by the Department of Education or any elementary or secondary parochial school.1980 Amendment. Act 167 added section 912.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has ruled on Weapons on School Property. From Handgunlaw.us reading the “Other Lawful Purposes” clause can be used as a defense to a charge of carrying on school property if done legally in all other aspects of firearms possession. A very good explanation of the ruling can be found at a Blog Post by Attorney Josh Prince, of the Prince Law Offices, P.C. You can also read the Courts Decision here.

Title 18 Section § 913 Possession of firearm or other dangerous weapon in court facility

(a) Offense defined. A person commits an offense if he:

(1) knowingly possesses a firearm or other dangerous weapon in a court facility or knowingly causes a firearm or other dangerous weapon to be present in a court facility; or

(2) knowingly possesses a firearm or other dangerous weapon in a court facility with the intent that the firearm or other dangerous weapon be used in the commission of a crime or knowingly causes a firearm or other dangerous weapon to be present in a court facility with the intent that the firearm or other dangerous weapon be used in the commission of a crime.

(b) Grading

(1) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (3), an offense under subsection (a)(1) is a misdemeanor of the third degree.

(2) An offense under subsection (a)(2) is a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(d) Posting of notice. Notice of the provisions of subsections (a) and (e) shall be posted conspicuously at each public entrance to each courthouse or other building containing a court facility and each court facility, and no person shall be convicted of an offense under subsection (a)(1) with respect to a court facility if the notice was not so posted at each public entrance to the courthouse or other building containing a court facility and at the court facility unless the person had actual notice of the provisions of subsection (a).

(e) Facilities for checking firearms or other dangerous weapons. Each county shall make available at or within the building containing a court facility by July 1, 2002, lockers or similar facilities at no charge or cost for the temporary checking of firearms by persons carrying firearms under section 6106(b) or 6109 or for the checking of other dangerous weapons that are not otherwise prohibited by law. Any individual checking a firearm, dangerous weapon or an item deemed to be a dangerous weapon at a court facility must be issued a receipt. Notice of the location of the facility shall be posted as required under subsection (d).

(f) Definitions. As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:

"Court facility" The courtroom of a court of record; a courtroom of a community court; the courtroom of a magisterial district judge; a courtroom of the Philadelphia Municipal Court; a courtroom of the Pittsburgh Magistrates Court; a courtroom of the Traffic Court of Philadelphia; judge's chambers; witness rooms; jury deliberation rooms; attorney conference rooms; prisoner holding cells; offices of court clerks, the district attorney, the sheriff and probation and parole officers; and any adjoining corridors.

Title 18 § 5122. Weapons or Implements for Escape

(a) Offenses Defined

(1) A person commits a misdemeanor of the first degree if he unlawfully introduces within a detention facility, correctional institution or mental hospital, or unlawfully provides an inmate thereof with any weapon, tool, implement, or other thing which may be used for escape.

There is no definition of a Mental Hospital in PA law. Be aware that many hospitals may have a mental ward. Always use caution.

PA Admin Code Title 49 Chapter 61
Use of Public Areas Outside the Capitol Complex—Statement of Policy

§ 61.1. Additional Jurisdiction Over Properties

The public areas of One Penn Center, 2601 North Third Street, Harrisburg, under the jurisdiction of the Department of State and subject to this chapter, include the interior offices of the Department of State, Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, Bureau of Enforcement and Investigation, State Athletic Commission and leased offices and facilities related thereto.

§ 61.3. Firearms and Weapons
The possession of firearms or other prohibited offensive weapons as defined in 18 Pa.C.S. § 908(c) (relating to prohibited offense weapons), while on the leased premises of the Department with the exception of State or Federal officers, in connection with the performance of an official duty, is prohibited. This prohibition does not apply to attorneys listed as counsel of record in connection with the offering of an exhibit in any administrative proceeding, if the counsel of record who intends to offer the item as an exhibit, has obtained written authorization from a hearing examiner to do so.

Title 34 § 2525 (a) General rule. It is lawful for a law enforcement officer or any person who possesses a valid license to carry a firearm issued under 18 Pa.C.S. § 6109 (relating to licenses) to be in possession of a loaded or unloaded firearm while engaged in any activity regulated by this title.

You can read an article by the McShane Law of Harrisburg PA on Places Off Limits in Pennsylvania It gives a great overview of the law. McShane Firm LLC.

“No Gun Signs” Do not Have the Force of Law

“No Firearm” signs in Pennsylvania have no force of law unless they are posted on property that is specifically mentioned in State Law as being off limits to those with a Permit/License to Carry. If you are in a place not specifically mentioned in the law that is posted and they ask you to leave, you must leave. If you refuse to leave then you are breaking the law and can be charged. Even if the property is not posted and you are asked to leave you must leave. Always be aware of the possibility that responding Police Officers who may have been called without your knowledge and may not know the laws on trespass etc. could arrest you even if you are within the law.

Must Inform the Officer Immediately on Contact By Law?

The answer is "No'.

Title 18 § 6122. Proof of License and Exception

(a) General Rule. When carrying a firearm concealed on or about one's person or in a vehicle, an individual licensed to carry a firearm shall, upon lawful demand of a law enforcement officer, produce the license for inspection. Failure to produce such license either at the time of arrest or at the preliminary hearing shall create a rebuttable presumption of nonlicensure.

Carry In State Parks//WMA/Road Side Rest Areas & St. /Nat. Forests

Carry is Allowed in these Areas:

State Parks: YES; Title 17 Part I. Subpart B, § 11.215 (Concealed Carry Only)
State/National Forests: YES; Title 34 Chpt 25 Subchpt. B § 2525
State WMA’s: YES; Title 58 Chpt. 135 § 135.41
Road Side Rest Areas: YES

RV/Car Carry Without a Pennsylvania Concealed Carry Permit

From the PA State Police FAQs

There are exceptions in carrying a firearm without a Pennsylvania License to Carry

A License to Carry Firearms is issued to carry a firearm concealed on one’s person or in a vehicle within this Commonwealth. Any person who carries a firearm concealed on or about his person except in his place of abode or fixed place of business without a valid and lawfully issued license commits a felony of the third degree.

A person who is otherwise eligible to possess a valid license under this chapter but carries a firearm in any vehicle or any person who carries a firearm concealed on or about his person, except in his place of abode or fixed place of business, without a valid and lawfully issued license and has not committed any other criminal violation commits a misdemeanor of the first degree.

Title 18 § 6106 Firearms not to be Carried Without a License

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), any person who carries a firearm in any vehicle or any person who carries a firearm concealed on or about his person, except in his place of abode or fixed place of business, without a valid and lawfully issued license under this chapter commits a felony of the third degree.

(2) A person who is otherwise eligible to possess a valid license under this chapter but carries a firearm in any vehicle or any person who carries a firearm concealed on or about his person, except in his place of abode or fixed place of business, without a valid and lawfully issued license and has not committed any other criminal violation commits a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(b) Exceptions. The provisions of subsection (a) shall not apply to:

(11) Any person while carrying a firearm in any vehicle, which person possesses a valid and lawfully issued license for that firearm which has been issued under the laws of the United States or any other state.

The Federal Law

§ 926A. Interstate Transportation of Firearms

Notwithstanding any other provision of any law or any rule or regulation of a State or any political subdivision thereof, any person who is not otherwise prohibited by this chapter from transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm shall be entitled to transport a firearm for any lawful purpose from any place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm to any other place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm if, during such transportation the firearm is unloaded, and neither the firearm nor any ammunition being transported is readily accessible or is directly accessible from the passenger compartment of such transporting vehicle: Provided, That in the case of a vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver’s compartment the firearm or ammunition shall be contained in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console.

Open Carry (Without a Valid Permit or License)

Open Carry is legal except a valid permit/license is needed to carry a loaded handgun openly or concealed in a vehicle and for openly carrying in the city of Philadelphia. Places as listed in the “Places Off Limits” above apply to those who open carry. See the “RV/Car Carry Without a Permit” section for carrying in a vehicle.

The state preempts all firearm laws in the state and local authorities can’t have Laws/Ordinances against open carry except cities of the 1st class were given exemptions to some parts of preemption. Philadelphia has laws/ordinances concerning open carry and only those with a valid permit/license to carry can open carry in Philadelphia. Remember that if you enter any property and the owner/responsible person ask you to leave you must leave. Failure to leave can result in Trespass Charges. The Minimum age for Open Carry is 18.

You can read the “Open Carry Guidance Document for Local Law Enforcement” put out by the Chiefs of Police Association in Pennsylvania here.

Open Carry could be forbidden in places where those with a valid permit/license can carry, please continue reading for more.

State Preemption

Title 18 § 6120. Limitation on the Regulation of Firearms and Ammunition

(a) General rule. No county, municipality or township may in any manner regulate the lawful ownership, possession, transfer or transportation of firearms, ammunition or ammunition components when carried or transported for purposes not prohibited by the laws of this Commonwealth.

(a.1) No right of action.

(1) No political subdivision may bring or maintain an action at law or in equity against any firearms or ammunition manufacturer, trade association or dealer for damages, abatement, injunctive relief or any other relief or remedy resulting from or relating to either the lawful design or manufacture of firearms or ammunition or the lawful marketing or sale of firearms or ammunition to the public.

(2) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit a political subdivision from bringing or maintaining an action against a firearms or ammunition manufacturer or dealer for breach of contract or warranty as to firearms or ammunition purchased by the political subdivision.

(b) Definitions. As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:

"Political subdivision". The term shall include any home rule charter municipality, county, city, borough, incorporated town, township or school district.

Laws Regarding Deadly Force

Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes

Crimes and Offenses (Title 18)

Part I. Preliminary Provisions

Chapter 5. General Principles of Justification

§ 501. Definitions
§ 502. Justification a defense
§ 503. Justification generally
§ 504. Execution of public duty
§ 505. Use of force in self-protection
§ 506. Use of force for the protection of other persons
§ 507. Use of force for the protection of property
§ 508. Use of force in law enforcement
§ 509. Use of force by persons with special responsibility for care, discipline or safety of others
§ 510. Justification in property crimes

Laws Regarding Chemical Sprays, Stun Guns, and Higher Capacity Magazines

Title 18, § 908.1 Use or Possession of Electric or Electronic Incapacitation Device

(b) Self defense. 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 pursuant to Chapter 5 (relating to general principles of justification) 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.

Airport Carry and Other Misc. Information

Airport Carry: Carry in Parking Lot/Non Sterile Area of Terminal OK. No Law Stating it is Illegal.

Training Valid for: No set time period. No training required in PA

Time Period to Establish Residency: Upon obtaining a Pennsylvania Drivers License/ID

Minimum Age for Permit/License: 21 Years Old

Permit/License Info Public Information: NO

State Reciprocity/How They Honor Other States Statute: 18 § 6109

State Fire arm Laws: 18 § 6101 thru 18 § 6142

State Deadly Force Laws: 18 § 501 thru 18 § 510

State Knife Laws: 18 § § 907, 18 § 908, 18 § 912 & 18 § 913

Chemical/Electric Weapons Laws: 18 § 907 & 18 § 908.1

Body Armor Laws: 18 § 907c & 18 § 908.1

Does Your Permit Cover Other Weapons Besides Firearms? NO; 18 § 6109

Is carrying of a Concealed Firearm with Permit/License for Defensive Purposes Only While Hunting Legal? YES; PA Hunting & Trapping Digest & PA Statutes Sec. 2525.

What Pennsylvania Considers A Loaded Firearm?

Title 18 § 6102

Definitions of "Loaded." A firearm is loaded if the firing chamber, the nondetachable magazine or, in the case of a revolver, any of the chambers of the cylinder contain ammunition capable of being fired. In the case of a firearm which utilizes a detachable magazine, the term shall mean a magazine suitable for use in said firearm which magazine contains such ammunition and has been inserted in the firearm or is in the same container or, where the container has multiple compartments, the same compartment thereof as the firearm. If the magazine is inserted into a pouch, holder, holster or other protective device that provides for a complete and secure enclosure of the ammunition, then the pouch, holder, holster or other protective device shall be deemed to be a separate compartment.

State Emergency Powers

Title 18 § 6107. Prohibited Conduct During Emergency

(a) General rule. No person shall carry a firearm upon the public streets or upon any public property during an emergency proclaimed by a State or municipal governmental executive unless that person is:

(1) Actively engaged in a defense of that person's life or property from peril or threat.
(2) Licensed to carry firearms under section 6109 (relating to licenses) or is exempt from licensing under section 6106(b) (relating to firearms not to be carried without a license).

(b) Seizure, Taking and Confiscation. Except as otherwise provided under subsection (a) and notwithstanding the provisions of 35 Pa.C.S. Ch. 73 (relating to Commonwealth services) or any other provision of law to the contrary, no firearm, accessory or ammunition may be seized, taken or confiscated during an emergency unless the seizure, taking or confiscation would be authorized absent the emergency.

(c) Definitions. As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:

"Accessory" Any scope, sight, bipod, sling, light, magazine, clip or other related item that is attached to or necessary for the operation of a firearm.
"Firearm" The term includes any weapon that is designed to or may readily be converted to expel any projectile by the action of an explosive or the frame or receiver of any weapon.

PA Administrative Code Title 4 Chapter 3

§ 3.25. Specific Responsibilities

(z) Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency shall have the following responsibilities:

(3) Emergency response activities. Emergency response activities shall include the following:

(i) Deploy emergency response team representatives to the Harrisburg and three Area Emergency Operations Centers of the Commonwealth, as requested by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, for the coordination of State Police emergency response activities.

(ii) Collect and report, to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, information on major or significant disaster effects and problems including, particularly, facts relating to human deaths and injuries, loss of electric power, highway traffic disruption, maintenance of law and order and unusual occurrences or dangers.

(iii) Collect and maintain, in disaster situations, official Statewide records of dead and missing persons, to include periodic reporting of summary statistics to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.

(iv) Supply, to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, as requested by means of the Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network and other State Police facilities, assistance in the dissemination of essential disaster information and instructions.

(v) Supply, as requested, police assistance in State, county and local emergency operations.

(vi) Assist in the establishment and operation of emergency mortuary facilities and services including, particularly, aid in identification of the dead.

(vii) Implement, upon request, suspension of the sale of firearms, explosives and combustibles.

The Federal Law can apply if the state is receiving monetary and/or other assistance from the Federal Government. See US Code 42-5207 for Federal Law as it applies to States of Emergencies. The state quoted code may also not be all of the law on Emergency Powers held by the state. You should read the entire code on Emergency Powers etc for this state by following the link to the state code.

Minimum Age for Possessing and Transporting of Handguns

Pennsylvania: 18 Years Old

Title 18 § 6110.1. This is the minimum age for possessing and transporting a handgun unloaded and secured in a vehicle without any type of permit/license to carry firearms.

In some states, Possession and Transportation can be very restrictive in that you can only possess and transport a handgun to and from a Shooting Range, Gun Shop, property you own or other places you can legally possess a handgun. Some states do not have this restriction.