Pennsylvania Gun Laws

Pennsylvania Gun Laws

  Open Carry: Outside of Philadelphia, there is no law preventing open carry. However Opiate Emergency declaration might now restrict open carry in public. Title 18 of state statutes states that "No person shall carry a firearm upon the public streets or upon any public property during an emergency proclaimed by a State or municipal governmental executive,"
  Duty to Notify Law Enforcement: Not required by law to notify the officer upon official contact or when ID requested.
  State Parks: Concealed Carry is legal in accordance with state laws that regulate the right to carry
  Restaurants Serving Alcohol: No restrictions
  Firearms at Colleges: No general firearms prohibition that applies to colleges and universities in PA. The law allows each institution to decide what rules to implement. However, many state universities lifted complete bans they once had in place. Instead, permit those with License to Carry Firearms to carry, at least in some places on campus.
  Firearms at K-12 Schools: PA prohibits possession of a firearm (including handguns and long guns) “in the buildings of, on the grounds of, or in any conveyance providing transportation to or from any school grounds except universities.
  Church Carry: Churches act like any other private property and may restrict
on a church by church basis
  Hotels: No legal restriction - Reference article on page 67
  Secure Storage Requirements: Firearms must be securely stored any time they are not in the owner's immediate control.
  Magazine Capacity Limitations: No restrictions
  Suppressor Ownership: Legal if all NFA requirements are met.
  Vehicle Possession Without Recognized Permit: Firearms prohibited in vehicle without valid permit unless: You possess a valid license for that firearm issued by any state or you possess a license or permit to carry from a state which the attorney general has determined has similar firearm laws to PA regardless of reciprocity status (18 PA.C.S.A. 6106)
  Firearm Law Uniformity: Firearm laws uniform throughout state except in Philadelphia.
  Permit Training Requirements: None
  Non-Resident Permits: Non-residents may apply if they have a permit from their home state or if you are from Vermont. Specific county sheriffs may have additional restrictions or may not issue non-resident permits at all.
  Constitutional Carry: No
  Duty to Retreat: No duty to retreat if . . . (he) believes it is immediately necessary to do so to protect himself against death, serious bodily injury, kidnapping, or sexual intercourse by force or threat.” See 18 Pa.C.S. § 505(b)(2.3)
  Places Off Limits: The law sets forth several places where your license does not allow you to carry a handgun. Under the law, you may not carry a concealed handgun into the following places: • Court facilities • Detention facilities • Correctional Facilities • Mental Hospitals • School buildings, grounds or transportation • Airport terminals or airplanes beyond screening checkpoint or other restricted areas •Federal Property. Possession of a concealed firearm is allowed in automobiles, watercrafts, commercial vehicles, state parks, restaurants, hotels and casinos. 18 Pa.C.S. §5122, 18 Pa.C.S. §6106, 18 Pa.C.S. §6109, 18 U.S.C. §930(a)
  State Contact Info: Pennsylvania State Police
1800 Elmerton Ave
Harrisburg, PA 17110
717-783-5599
www.psp.pa.gov
  Permit Issuing Authority: You must apply to the sheriff in the county where you reside
  Length of Permit Validity: 5 Years
  Permit Application Process: Both NEW and RENEWAL Applicants need ONLY do the following:
1. Appear in-person with a valid and accurate PA Drivers' License or PA Photo ID Card.
2. Completely fill out an application (References are NOT required for Renewals ONLY.)
3. Upon approval, payment of $20.00 in the form of CASH ONLY is required.
  :
Disclaimer:
While Concealed Carry Inc strives to maintain legal reference information updated on this website; you as the reader and gun owner are responsible to do any and all necessary research and consult with a local attorney before making any decisions. Concealed Carry Inc is not liable for any misinformation, inaccuracies, or actions taken based on this information. We are not attorneys and this information is not legal advice. If you see any information you feel is outdated or incorrect please contact us.

Legal Summaries for all 50 states are available free on our site and mobile app.