How do I get a concealed carry permit in Pennsylvania?

Q: How do I get a concealed carry permit in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania regulates concealed carry under the Uniform Firearms Act, 18 Pa. C.S. § 6109 , which makes it one of the easiest "shall-issue" states for residents and many non-residents. 1. Eligibility (§ 6109(e)) - At least 21 years old . - Pennsylvania resident (non-residents from reciprocity states may apply). - No felony conviction; no enumerated disqualifying misdemeanor (§ 6105). - No drug or alcohol conviction in past 10 years. - No active protection-from-abuse order. - Not a habitual drunkard. 2. No Training Required - Pennsylvania does not require a firearms safety or training course — among only a handful of states with no training mandate. 3. Application - Apply in person at the county sheriff's office (or Philadelphia Police Department Gun Permit Unit in Philadelphia). - Submit a one-page application with two character references, photo ID, and fee. 4. Fees - ~$20-$25 (statutory cap; varies slightly by county for processing). 5. Processing - 45 days statutory maximum (§ 6109(e)(1)). 6. Restricted Locations - Court facilities, schools (K-12), federal buildings, and private property where prohibited. - Note: Philadelphia open-carry is restricted; LTCF required even for open carry in the city. 7. Reciprocity - Pennsylvania recognizes permits from ~30 states with bilateral agreements; PA LTCF is honored in ~30 states as well. 8. Renewal - Valid 5 years ; renewal application and fee required. This is legal information, not legal advice.

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Pennsylvania regulates concealed carry under the Uniform Firearms Act, 18 Pa. C.S. § 6109, which makes it one of the easiest "shall-issue" states for residents and many non-residents.

1. Eligibility (§ 6109(e))

At least 21 years old.

Pennsylvania resident (non-residents from reciprocity states may apply).

No felony conviction; no enumerated disqualifying misdemeanor (§ 6105).

No drug or alcohol conviction in past 10 years.

No active protection-from-abuse order.

Not a habitual drunkard.

2. No Training Required

Pennsylvania does not require a firearms safety or training course — among only a handful of states with no training mandate.

3. Application

Apply in person at the county sheriff's office (or Philadelphia Police Department Gun Permit Unit in Philadelphia).

Submit a one-page application with two character references, photo ID, and fee.

4. Fees

~$20-$25 (statutory cap; varies slightly by county for processing).

5. Processing

45 days statutory maximum (§ 6109(e)(1)).

6. Restricted Locations

Court facilities, schools (K-12), federal buildings, and private property where prohibited.

Note: Philadelphia open-carry is restricted; LTCF required even for open carry in the city.

7. Reciprocity

Pennsylvania recognizes permits from ~30 states with bilateral agreements; PA LTCF is honored in ~30 states as well.

8. Renewal

Valid 5 years; renewal application and fee required.

This is legal information, not legal advice.