Firearms in Philadelphia, PA: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in Philadelphia or are thinking about moving there, firearms are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Philadelphia has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of firearms, and some of them might surprise you.
Local Firearms Preemption
18 Pa.C.S.A. section 6120 preempts local firearm regulation, blocking most Philadelphia gun ordinances. The city has repeatedly sued for home-rule authority over firearms but state preemption has consistently been upheld by Pennsylvania courts.
Key details: Preemption statute: 18 Pa.C.S.A. section 6120. Local registration: Not allowed. Litigation status: Ongoing as of 2026. Attorney fees: Awarded against city.
State firearm violations are graded as misdemeanors or felonies under Title 18; Philadelphia cannot impose its own registration penalties and pays attorney fees when sued under section 6120 enforcement provisions.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Philadelphia gives residents more flexibility on local firearms preemption.
Concealed Carry
18 Pa.C.S.A. section 6106 requires a License to Carry Firearms (LTCF) to carry concealed in Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania State Police and Philadelphia Police License Section issue LTCFs on a shall-issue basis after background and character review.
Key details: Permit issuer: Philadelphia Police License Section. Statute: 18 Pa.C.S.A. 6106, 6109. Permitless carry: Not allowed. Minimum age: 21 years old.
Carrying concealed without an LTCF is a third-degree felony under 18 Pa.C.S.A. section 6106, punishable by up to seven years prison and fines up to fifteen thousand dollars per offense.
Open Carry
Pennsylvania allows open carry without a license in most counties, but Philadelphia is a city of the first class where 18 Pa.C.S.A. section 6108 bars open carry without a License to Carry Firearms. State preemption otherwise blocks added Philadelphia restrictions.
Key details: Statute: 18 Pa.C.S.A. section 6108. City class: First class, Philadelphia only. Permit required: LTCF for any street carry. Home/business carry: Allowed without permit.
Carrying a firearm openly on Philadelphia streets without an LTCF violates 18 Pa.C.S.A. section 6108 and is a first-degree misdemeanor with up to five years prison and ten thousand dollars in fines.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Philadelphia actively enforces its open carry requirements.
Firearms in Vehicles
18 Pa.C.S.A. section 6106 makes carrying any firearm in a vehicle in Pennsylvania a third-degree felony unless the driver holds a Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms. Unloaded long guns and stored weapons being transported between lawful uses are exceptions.
Key details: Statute: 18 Pa.C.S.A. section 6106. Permit needed: LTCF for handguns. Transport exception: Section 6106.1 routes. Long-gun definition: Per 18 Pa.C.S.A. 6102.
Vehicle carry without an LTCF is a third-degree felony under 18 Pa.C.S.A. section 6106, with up to seven years prison and fifteen thousand dollars fines, even for first-time offenders.
The Bottom Line
Philadelphia's firearms rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Philadelphia is broadly strict or permissive.
Keep in mind that Philadelphia can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.