Concealed Carry in Pennsylvania

No. Carrying a firearm concealed on or about the person, or carrying one in any vehicle, without a valid license is a crime. The exceptions are carrying in one's home or fixed place of business, and the other exceptions listed in the statute. It is a third-degree felony, or a first-degree misdemeanor for a person who is otherwise eligible for a license and commits no other crime.

Pennsylvania issues a 'license to carry firearms' (LTCF). Residents apply to the sheriff of the county where they live. Applicants must be 21 or older. A license 'shall be issued' after an investigation of no more than 45 days unless there is good cause to deny. One ground for denial is an applicant whose 'character and reputation' suggest they would be likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety. No training is required by the statute. The fee is $19, which includes a $1.50 renewal processing fee and a $5 administrative fee, plus an additional $1. The license is valid throughout Pennsylvania for five years.

According to the Pennsylvania Attorney General, Pennsylvania honors carry licenses issued to residents of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho (enhanced license only), Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota (Class 1 only), Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah (regular, not provisional), Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. It does not honor licenses from California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont or Washington. Only holders who are residents of the issuing state and at least 21 may carry under reciprocity.

Possessing a weapon, including a firearm, in the buildings or on the grounds of an elementary or secondary school is a first-degree misdemeanor; this covers public, private and parochial schools and school buses. It is a defense if the weapon is possessed for a supervised school activity or another lawful purpose. Knowingly possessing a firearm in a court facility is a third-degree misdemeanor, and counties must provide free lockers for checking firearms at court buildings. In Philadelphia, public streets and property need a license (see open_carry).

A license is required to carry a firearm in any vehicle, loaded or not. Exceptions include: carrying an unloaded firearm in a secure wrapper from the place of purchase to home (and certain other trips listed in § 6106(b)(8)); licensed hunters, trappers and fishers while actually hunting or fishing; and visitors licensed by a state Pennsylvania recognizes. Without a license or an exception, it is a third-degree felony, or a first-degree misdemeanor for an otherwise eligible person.