Pennsylvania Statewide Rule
Pennsylvania Concealed Carry License Requirements
Key Facts
- License Required
- License to Carry Firearms required for concealed and vehicle carry
- Issued County
- Issued by county sheriff under 18 Pa.C.S. Section 6109
- Shall Issue
- Shall-issue with 45-day decision deadline
- Reciprocity Managed
- Reciprocity managed by the Attorney General
- Philadelphia Carry
- Philadelphia carry without LTCF is criminalized under Section 6108
Summary
Pennsylvania is a shall-issue state requiring a License to Carry Firearms (LTCF) issued by the county sheriff for concealed carry or carry in a vehicle, with statewide rules under 18 Pa.C.S. Section 6109.
§ 6109. Licenses. (a) Purpose of license.-A license to carry a firearm shall be for the purpose of carrying a firearm concealed on or about one's person or in a vehicle throughout this Commonwealth.
Full Breakdown
Under 18 Pa.C.S. Section 6109, Pennsylvania residents must obtain a License to Carry Firearms from their county sheriff (or Philadelphia chief of police) to carry a concealed firearm or transport a loaded firearm in a vehicle. The state operates as shall-issue: the sheriff must issue the license within 45 days unless the applicant is disqualified by criminal history, mental health adjudication, or character grounds. Pennsylvania honors LTCFs from states with which it has reciprocity agreements administered by the Attorney General. Philadelphia retains some procedural authority over license processing but cannot impose substantive restrictions beyond Section 6109.
Violations & Penalties
Carrying concealed without a valid LTCF is generally a third-degree felony under Section 6106, with separate offenses for vehicle transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to carry openly in Pennsylvania?
Will Pennsylvania honor my out-of-state concealed permit?
Sources
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