Pennsylvania Gun Laws
Carry Information
Legal & Resources
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does Pennsylvania have an Assault Weapons Ban? | 🚫 No. Pennsylvania does not have a state-level assault weapons ban. |
| Are background checks required for private gun sales? | ✅ Yes. All private handgun sales require background checks through a licensed dealer or sheriff. |
| Are background checks required through FFL dealers? | ✅ Yes. Federal law mandates background checks through licensed dealers. |
| Is Pennsylvania a Stand Your Ground state? | ✅ Yes. Pennsylvania has Stand-Your-Ground protections with some limitations. |
| What kind of restrictions does Pennsylvania have? |
|
| Does Pennsylvania have any gun storage laws? | ⚠️ No specific state law; child access prevention may apply under negligence statutes. |
| Can you buy firearms in bulk in Pennsylvania? | ✅ Yes. No state restriction on bulk purchases. |
| Does Pennsylvania have a red flag law? | 🚫 No. As of now, Pennsylvania does not have a red flag law. |
| Age to purchase firearms? |
|
| Do I have to register my guns in Pennsylvania? | 🚫 No. There is no state registration of firearms. |
| Do I need a permit to purchase a handgun? | 🚫 No. A permit is not needed to purchase, but background check is mandatory. |
| Does Pennsylvania have a waiting period for firearms? | 🚫 No. No mandatory waiting period, just time to process background checks. |
🚫 No. Pennsylvania does not have a state-level assault weapons ban.
✅ Yes. All private handgun sales require background checks through a licensed dealer or sheriff.
✅ Yes. Federal law mandates background checks through licensed dealers.
✅ Yes. Pennsylvania has Stand-Your-Ground protections with some limitations.
- ℹ️ No permit required to purchase
- ℹ️ Background check required for handgun sales
- ℹ️ No waiting period (but background checks must clear)
- ℹ️ Concealed carry permit required
⚠️ No specific state law; child access prevention may apply under negligence statutes.
✅ Yes. No state restriction on bulk purchases.
🚫 No. As of now, Pennsylvania does not have a red flag law.
- ℹ️ 18+ for long guns,
- ℹ️ 21+ for handguns from dealers.
🚫 No. There is no state registration of firearms.
🚫 No. A permit is not needed to purchase, but background check is mandatory.
🚫 No. No mandatory waiting period, just time to process background checks.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does Pennsylvania allow Open Carry? | ✅ Legal without a permit for those 18+, except in Philadelphia where a permit is required. |
| Does Pennsylvania allow Concealed Carry? | ✅ Legal with a Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms (LTCF). |
| Non‑Lethal Weapons? | ✅ Stun guns and pepper spray are legal for self-defense; no permit required.
|
| Places allowed to carry? | ✅ Most public places and private property (with owner consent). |
| Places not allowed to carry? | 🚫 Schools, courthouses, federal buildings, and posted “no firearms” zones. |
| States honored? | ✅ Pennsylvania honors permits from states with reciprocity agreements (varies). |
| States reciprocate? | ✅ The following states currently recognize Pennsylvania’s LTCF:
|
| Permit duration & renewal? | ℹ️ 5 Years. |
| Can you conceal anything other than a handgun? | 🚫 No. Carry privileges apply only to handguns. |
| Permit Licensure? | ℹ️ Optional. LTCF available, but not required for in-state carry.
|
✅ Legal without a permit for those 18+, except in Philadelphia where a permit is required.
✅ Legal with a Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms (LTCF).
✅ Stun guns and pepper spray are legal for self-defense; no permit required.
✅ Most public places and private property (with owner consent).
🚫 Schools, courthouses, federal buildings, and posted “no firearms” zones.
✅ Pennsylvania honors permits from states with reciprocity agreements (varies).
✅ The following states currently recognize Pennsylvania’s LTCF:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Montana
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
⚠️ Some states have residency or permit-type conditions. Always verify before travel.
ℹ️ 5 Years.
🚫 No. Carry privileges apply only to handguns.
ℹ️ Optional. LTCF available, but not required for in-state carry.
- Concealed carry permits are issued by the your local Sheriff's Department
| Resources | Links |
|---|---|
| Official Licensing & State Info | |
| Hunter Education | |
| Training & Certification | |
| Gun Safety & Education |
Pennsylvania Leadership
- Born: June 20, 1973 (Kansas City, MO)
- Term Started: January 17, 2023
- Previous Role: Former Attorney General of Pennsylvania (2017–2023)
- Born: August 15, 1969 (West Reading, PA)
- Senate Service: Since January 3, 2023
- Committees:
- Environment and Public Works
- Banking Housing and Urban Affairs
- Joint Economic Committee
- Born: August 17, 1965 (Washington, PA)
- Senate Service: Since January 3, 2025
- Committees:
- Armed Services
- Finance
- Foreign Relations