Pennsylvania Gun Laws

Pennsylvania, a “Shall Issue” state, allows for concealed carry permits for both residents and non-residents, provided they meet the legal requirements. However, residents must be at least 21 years old to apply. In your residence or business, there is no requirement for a permit to carry a firearm. Let’s delve into the details of Pennsylvania’s gun laws and concealed carry reciprocity.

Constitutional Carry?

Pennsylvania does not recognize constitutional carry, meaning a permit is required for concealed carry.

Open Carry Permitted?

Yes, individuals who are 18 years or older and legally allowed to own a firearm can openly carry without a license, except when traveling in a vehicle or Philadelphia.

Carry In Vehicle?

Yes, Pennsylvania allows concealed carry in a vehicle if you have an LCF (License to Carry Firearms) permit or a permit from a reciprocal state.

Carry In State Park?

Yes, concealed carry is permitted within state parks if you have an LCF or a reciprocal permit.

Carry In Restaurants?

Yes, you can concealed carry into a restaurant or bar as long as you possess a Pennsylvania LCF or a permit from a reciprocal state.

No Weapon Sign Enforced?

No, there are no specific codes in Pennsylvania gun laws enforcing no weapons signs.

Must Notify Officer?

No, there is no duty to inform law enforcement officers about carrying a firearm, but if asked by an officer, you must provide a truthful answer.

Pennsylvania Gun Laws Non-Resident:

Non-residents of Pennsylvania who are legally able to own firearms may generally purchase rifles and shotguns in PA without a permit or license. Handgun purchases and concealed carry require reciprocity or following the more restrictive process for PA residents.

Pennsylvania CCW Reciprocity List

States Honoring CCW

1. Alabama
2. Alaska*
3. Arizona*
4. Arkansas
5. Colorado*
6. Florida*
7. Georgia
8. Idaho
9. Indiana*
10. Iowa*
11. Kansas*
12. Kentucky*
13. Louisiana
14. Maine*
15. Michigan*
16. Mississippi
17. Missouri*
18. Montana
19. New Hampshire
20. North Carolina
21. North Dakota
22. Ohio
23. Oklahoma*
24. South Dakota
25. Tennessee*
26. Texas*
27. Utah*
28. Vermont
29. Virginia
30. West Virginia*
31. Wisconsin
32. Wyoming*

States NOT Honoring CCW

1. California
2. Connecticut
3. Delaware
4. Hawaii
5. Illinois
6. Maryland
7. Massachusetts
8. Minnesota
9. Nebraska
10. Nevada
11. New Jersey
12. New Mexico
13. New York
14. Oregon
15. Rhode Island
16. South Carolina
17. Washington
18. Washington D.C

Honors These States CCW Permits

1. Alaska
2. Arizona
3. Arkansas
4. Colorado
5. Florida
6. Georgia
7. Indiana
8. Iowa
9. Kansas
10. Kentucky
11. Louisiana
12. Maine
13. Michigan
14. Mississippi
15. Missouri
16. Montana
17. New Hampshire
18. North Carolina
19. North Dakota
20. Ohio
21. Oklahoma
22. South Dakota
23. Tennessee
24. Texas
25. Utah
26. Virginia
27. West Virginia
28. Wisconsin
29. Wyoming

How Reciprocity Works In Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has reciprocity agreements with 19 states, and you can find these agreements on the attorney general’s website. Non-resident CCW licenses are honored from the states on Pennsylvania’s reciprocity list, except those from Arizona, Florida, Mississippi, Utah, and Virginia. If you are a legal resident of these states, Pennsylvania will only honor the ND class 1 permit from North Dakota provided the holder is at least 21 years old.

Where Is CCW Allowed In Pennsylvania?

Places Allowed

• State parks
• State and national forests
• Roadside rest areas
• Vehicle
• All areas of the state not listed as Off-Limits

Places Not Allowed

• Philadelphia city parks
• City of Philadelphia-owned buildings
• Court Houses (Areas Off Limits Must Be Posted)
• Elementary and Secondary Education Schools
• Detention facilities and correctional institutions
• School bus
• Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.

Pennsylvania: Concealed Carry Laws

Open Carry

Yes, open carry is legal without a permit if a person is 18 or older and legally allowed to possess a firearm.

Carry-In Vehicle

Any person who carries a concealed firearm on or about his person, except in his place of abode or fixed place of business, without a valid CCW license, commits a felony of the third degree. There are exceptions listed on the state website. Additionally, federal law allows transportation of an unloaded firearm, where neither the firearm nor ammunition is readily accessible. With a license, you can carry a loaded concealed handgun in a vehicle.

Carry-In State Parks

Yes, it is legal to carry in state parks, national forests, state game management units, and roadside rest areas.

Carry-In Restaurants

Yes, you can carry in restaurants that serve alcohol as long as they don’t have “NO GUN” signs posted.

Constitutional Carry

No, Pennsylvania is not a constitutional carry state.

No Weapon Signs Enforced

No, “No Weapons” signs are not mentioned in Pennsylvania gun laws and do not carry legal penalties unless they are posted in areas explicitly mentioned as off-limits.

Must Notify Officer

No, there is nothing in Pennsylvania gun laws that requires you to inform a law enforcement officer you have a firearm when approached on official business. However, you are legally required to carry your permit at all times while in actual possession of a concealed handgun.

Conclusion

Pennsylvania’s concealed carry reciprocity makes it easier for legal gun owners to carry their firearms across state lines. While Pennsylvania is not a constitutional carry state, its “Shall Issue” policy and reciprocity agreements provide options for responsible individuals to exercise their Second Amendment rights. Understanding the state’s gun laws and reciprocity agreements is crucial for responsible gun owners to ensure they stay within the legal boundaries when carrying concealed weapons.

FAQs

How old do I have to be to get a concealed carry permit in Pennsylvania?

To obtain a concealed carry permit in Pennsylvania, you must be at least 21 years old.

Are there any places where concealed carry is prohibited in Pennsylvania?

Yes, concealed carry is prohibited in Philadelphia city parks, city-owned buildings, courthouses (unless areas are posted off-limits), elementary and secondary education schools, detention facilities, and correctional institutions.

Is Pennsylvania a constitutional carry state?

No, Pennsylvania does not recognize constitutional carry, meaning a permit is required for concealed carry.

Do I need to inform a law enforcement officer if I have a firearm in Pennsylvania?

No, there is no duty to inform law enforcement officers about carrying a firearm unless asked directly by the officer.

What are the gun laws in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania gun laws require background checks for all firearm sales by licensed dealers, prohibit possession by felons and certain other offenders, impose a waiting period for handgun purchases, and give local municipalities some authority to regulate firearms. A permit is needed for concealed carry.

Are Pennsylvania gun laws strict?

Pennsylvania has relatively moderate gun laws compared to many other states. They require background checks and have some restrictions, but overall they are less restrictive than states like California, New York, New Jersey, etc. Open carry of firearms does not require a license.

How strict are Pennsylvania gun laws?

Pennsylvania’s firearms regulations are generally middle-of-the-road in terms of strictness. They are not as loose as constitutional carry states that require no permit but also are not considered very restrictive like states that have assault weapon bans, magazine capacity limits, and discretionary concealed carry permits.