Pennsylvania State Laws
| Open Carry: | No permit required to open carry in public but you must have a permit to open carry in a vehicle. Philadelphia's open carry ban was struck down by a court in 2025. |
| 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. |
| Magazine Capacity Limitations: | No restrictions |
| Suppressor Ownership: | Ownership & Hunting Legal. |
| Vehicle Possession Without Recognized Permit: | In the absence of a valid license to carry firearms, one can now carry a loaded firearm, in one’s vehicle, provided the firearm is not concealed on his/her person and is not in Philadelphia |
| Firearm Law Uniformity: | Firearm laws uniform throughout state except in Philadelphia. |
| Permit Training Requirements: | None |
| Permit Issuing Authority: | You must apply to the sheriff in the county where you reside |
| State Contact Info: |
Pennsylvania State Police 1800 Elmerton Ave Harrisburg, PA 17110 717-783-5599 www.psp.pa.gov |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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) |
| 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) |
| Constitutional Carry: | No |
| Hotels: | No legal restriction - Reference article on page 67 |
| Church Carry: |
Churches act like any other private property and may restrict on a church by church basis |
| Secure Storage Requirements: | Firearms must be securely stored any time they are not in the owner's immediate control. |
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