Pennsylvania is a shall-issue state with a License to Carry Firearms (LCF) issued at the county level by the local sheriff’s office, or chief of police in large cities. Any resident of Pennsylvania at least 21 years old can apply for a License to Carry Firearms (LCF).
Is there a waiting period to buy a gun in Pennsylvania?
No. There is no waiting period to buy a gun in Pennsylvania.
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Pennsylvania?
No. A permit is not required to purchase a firearm in Pennsylvania.
Do you need to register handguns in Pennsylvania?
No. Handguns, rifles and shotguns do not have to be registered in Pennsylvania.
Who is eligible to obtain a License to Carry Firearms (LCF) in Pennsylvania?
Any Pennsylvania resident at least 21 years of age can apply for a License to Carry Firearms (LCF).
Is firearms training a requirement in Pennsylvania for a License to Carry Firearms (LCF)?
No. There is no firearms-training requirement in Pennsylvania to obtain a License to Carry Firearms (LCF).
What are the requirements to obtain a License to Carry Firearms (LCF) in Pennsylvania?
Applicants for a Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms (LCF) must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be a legal resident of Pennsylvania
- Meet federal law requirements
What are the steps to obtain a License to Carry Firearms (LCF) in Pennsylvania?
- Download or get an application at your local county sheriff’s office
- Take the completed the application to your local sheriff’s office or the chief of police with a state-approved ID, references from two people that are not family members, and the fee. You will be photographed. If your background check clears quickly, you may be able to leave with your license. If your background check takes longer, you will be notified by mail within 45 days if your application has been approved.
How much does a Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms (LCF) cost?
The fee for a Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms is $20, payable by cash only.
Does Pennsylvania recognize concealed carry pistol permits from other states?
Yes. Pennsylvania honors concealed-carry licenses from states with which Pennsylvania has a reciprocity agreement.
Is Pennsylvania a Constitutional Carry state?
No. Pennsylvania is not a Constitutional Carry state.
Is Pennsylvania an Open Carry state?
Yes. Open carry is legal in Pennsylvania for any person 18 years old or older who is legally allowed to possess a firearm.
Is Pennsylvania a Stand Your Ground state?
Yes. Pennsylvania is a Stand Your Ground state. There is no duty to retreat before defending yourself.
Are AR-style and other semi-auto rifles legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Magazine-fed semi-auto rifles are legal to buy and possess in Pennsylvania.
Are standard-capacity magazines allowed in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Standard-capacity magazines are legal in Pennsylvania.
Does Pennsylvania have gun-storage laws?
No. Pennsylvania does not have a gun-storage law.
Is Pennsylvania a Red Flag state?
No. Pennsylvania does not have a red-flag law.
