State Laws · PA
Pennsylvania Gun Laws
Effective as of Current through 2025 legislative session (Pennsylvania Uniform Firearms Act). Laws change — you should check for updates or consult with a licensed firearms trainer in your state before acting on this information.
Concealed Carry
Pennsylvania requires a License to Carry Firearms (LTCF) for concealed carry, issued by the county sheriff. Pennsylvania is a shall-issue state. The LTCF is valid for five years and costs $19. The process is typically straightforward with no training requirement.
Key statute: 18 Pa.C.S. § 6109 — governs licenses to carry firearms. § 6106 — defines the offense of carrying a firearm without a license.
Open Carry
Open carry of a firearm is legal without a permit in most of Pennsylvania for anyone who can legally possess a firearm. The exception is Philadelphia, where an LTCF is required to openly carry a firearm in public. This Philadelphia exception is established under 18 Pa.C.S. § 6108.
Who Cannot Carry
Persons prohibited from possessing firearms under 18 Pa.C.S. § 6105 include: convicted felons, persons convicted of specified misdemeanors (including misdemeanor DUI third or subsequent offense), fugitives from justice, persons adjudicated as mentally incompetent or involuntarily committed, persons subject to active protection from abuse orders, persons convicted of driving under the influence three or more times within a five-year period, and illegal aliens.
Prohibited Locations
Pennsylvania prohibits firearms in: courthouses (at the discretion of the county), federal buildings, and school property (18 Pa.C.S. § 912). Pennsylvania's preemption statute (18 Pa.C.S. § 6120) prevents municipalities from enacting firearms ordinances more restrictive than state law, with the exception of discharge regulations.
Purchase Requirements
All handgun purchases require a background check through the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS), operated by the Pennsylvania State Police — this applies to both dealer and private sales. Long gun private sales between unlicensed individuals do not require a background check. There is no waiting period and no state firearms registry. Pennsylvania does not have an assault weapons ban or a magazine capacity restriction.
Citations
18 Pa.C.S. Chapter 61 (firearms and other dangerous articles); Pennsylvania Uniform Firearms Act.
Look up statutes at Pennsylvania General Assembly →Legal disclaimer
This summary is for informational purposes only. Firearms laws change frequently. Always verify current statutes and consult a qualified attorney before making legal decisions.
Sources & official resources
Federal firearms laws
ATF.gov — Laws: Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives →Pennsylvania statutes
Pennsylvania General Assembly →This link goes to Pennsylvania's legislative website. To find specific firearms statutes, search for terms like "concealed carry," "firearms," or "weapons permit" in the site's search function.