Firearms in Philadelphia, PA (2026)
4 verified firearms rules for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Pennsylvania preempts most Philadelphia firearm regulations
Few RestrictionsConcealed 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.
Concealed carry needs a Pennsylvania License to Carry
Some RestrictionsOpen 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.
Open carry needs a Pennsylvania License inside Philadelphia
Heavy RestrictionsFirearms 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.
Loaded firearms in vehicles need an LTCF in Philadelphia
Some RestrictionsLooking for Philadelphia County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Philadelphia city rules.
Firearms in Philadelphia County →