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 in 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 CCW Reciprocity List
States Honoring CCW
- Alabama
- Alaska*
- Arizona*
- Arkansas
- Colorado*
- Florida*
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana*
- Iowa*
- Kansas*
- Kentucky*
- Louisiana
- Maine*
- Michigan*
- Mississippi
- Missouri*
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma*
- South Dakota
- Tennessee*
- Texas*
- Utah*
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia*
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming*
States NOT Honoring CCW
- California
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Washington
- Washington D.C
Honors These States CCW Permits
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- 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, with the exception of 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 require 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.
How many states have reciprocity agreements with Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has reciprocity agreements with 19 states, allowing for non-resident CCW licenses from these states to be
