Pennsylvania is a shall issue state. Those wishing to obtain a Pennsylvania concealed carry must be 21 years old, or older. Individuals will need to pay various fees, totaling $25 in order to process their application. If denied the issuance of a PA license to carry, $20 will be refunded. Applications should be submitted to a county sheriff, except in Philadelphia, where it must be submitted to the chief of police. Upon issuance, a Pennsylvania license to carry is valid for 5 years. Additionally, the state does issue nonresident permits, though only to those possessing a valid concealed carry permit, or equivalent from their home state. Pennsylvania only accepts resident permits from other states. Those with a Pennsylvania license can carry in 32 other states.
This information was last updated in February 2019.
Table of Contents
Pennsylvania Concealed Carry By The Numbers
Average Cost in Dollars
# of States That Accept PA License
# of Years Valid
Minimum Age
# of Days To Get A Permit
Reciprocity Map for Pennsylvania
Use the tabs below to display states that will accept a Pennsylvania concealed carry permit or those states that Pennsylvania will honor. Click the sections below for a complete listing of states in each category, along with other relevant information.
States That Honor Pennsylvania Concealed Carry
- Alabama
- Alaska – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Arizona – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Arkansas
- Colorado – Resident Permit ONLY
- Florida – Resident Permit ONLY
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Does NOT honor state issued concealed carry permit.
- Michigan
- Mississippi – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Missouri – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Montana
- New Hampshire – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Pennsylvania Will Honor The Following States
- Alabama – Resident Permit ONLY
- Alaska – Resident Permit ONLY
- Arizona – Resident Permit ONLY
- Arkansas – Resident Permit ONLY
- Colorado – Resident Permit ONLY
- Florida – Resident Permit ONLY
- Georgia – Resident Permit ONLY
- Idaho – Enhanced Resident Permit ONLY
- Indiana – Resident Permit ONLY
- Iowa – Resident Permit ONLY
- Kansas – Resident Permit ONLY
- Kentucky – Resident Permit ONLY
- Louisiana – Resident Permit ONLY
- Michigan – Resident Permit ONLY
- Mississippi – Resident Permit ONLY
- Missouri – Resident Permit ONLY
- Montana – Resident Permit ONLY
- New Hampshire – Resident Permit ONLY
- North Carolina – Resident Permit ONLY
- North Dakota – Class 1 Resident Permit ONLY
- Ohio – Resident Permit ONLY
- Oklahoma – Resident Permit ONLY
- South Dakota – Resident Permit ONLY
- Tennessee – Resident Permit ONLY
- Texas – Resident Permit ONLY
- Utah – Resident Permit ONLY
- West Virginia – Resident Permit ONLY
- Wisconsin – Resident Permit ONLY
- Wyoming – Resident Permit ONLY
How To Apply for a Pennsylvania Concealed Carry License
Can I get a concealed carry permit in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is a shall issue state. The state takes into consideration an applicants character and reputation with regard to issuing a concealed permit. Therefore, applicants should be in good standing with the state. In addition, applicants for a PA concealed carry permit should not have a history of alcohol or substance abuse. To see the full list of requirements, see the “Issuance of license” portion of the section below.
Relevant Code(s):
What is the minimum age to obtain a CCW license in PA?
The minimum age to be eligible for a Pennsylvania concealed carry license is 21 years old.
Relevant Code(s):
Who issues a concealed carry permit in Pennsylvania?
Residents of Pennsylvania should apply with the sheriff of the county in which they reside, or the chief of police if in a city proper (e.g. Philadelphia) to obtain a concealed permit.
Relevant Code(s):
How long is a Pennsylvania concealed carry permit good for?
Pennsylvania concealed carry permits are valid for a period of 5 years.
Relevant Code(s):
Does PA issue concealed permits to non-residents?
Pennsylvania does issue nonresident permits. However, applicants must adhere to the same procedure as a resident. Additionally, according to the Pennsylvania Firearms Owners Association, many counties will refuse to process a nonresident permit. Furthermore, according to PA code, applicants must have a concealed permit issued by the authority of their origin state to be eligible.
“A license shall not be issued to any of the following: […] A resident of another state who does not possess a current license or permit or similar document to carry a firearm issued by that state if a license is provided for by the laws of that state […]“
Relevant Code(s):
How long does it take to process a concealed carry application?
According to Pennsylvania state code, the issuing authority will issue, or refuse to issue, a license to carry within 45 days to application submission. If the request is refused, the sheriff will notify the applicant in writing of such determination.
“[…] shall be issued if, after an investigation not to exceed 45 days, it appears that the applicant is an individual concerning whom no good cause exists to deny the license.“
Relevant Code(s):
How much does a concealed carry permit cost?
The total fee for an initial license to carry is $25. This fee is broken down as follows; $19 fee for general processing, $1 will be remitted by the sheriff to the Firearms License Validation System account, $5 will remain as an administrative fee (sheriff fee act). If the application for a Pennsylvania concealed carry permit is refused, the applicant will be refunded $20.
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What are the accepted forms of competency training?
Pennsylvania does not require any form of training to acquire a concealed carry permit. Nothing in PA code requires proof of competency, or firearm safety training as part of the packet submission for a concealed permit.
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Restrictions on Carrying A Firearm in Pennsylvania
Is Pennsylvania an Open Carry State?
Pennsylvania is an open carry state, except in vehicles and within the limits of Philladelphia.
“No person shall carry a firearm, rifle or shotgun at any time upon the public streets or upon any public property in a city of the first class unless such person is licensed to carry a firearm; […]“
“[…] any person who carries a firearm in any vehicle or any person who carries a firearm concealed on or about his person, except in his place of abode or fixed place of business, without a valid and lawfully issued license under this chapter commits a felony“
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Can I Conceal Carry in a Vehicle?
Only individuals with a Pennsylvania concealed carry permit are allowed to carry a concealed firearm in a vehicle. Anyone who carries a firearm in their vehicle without a valid permit, or corresponding valid permit issued by another state, is guilty of a felony.
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Can I Conceal Carry in State Parks?
Individuals with a valid license to carry is permitted to carry in Pennsylvania state parks.
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Am I Allowed To Conceal Carry In Restaurants?
Nothing in Pennsylvania code prevents a person from carrying a handgun into an establishment that serves alcohol. Therefore, it is legal for a licensed individual to conceal carry into a restaurant.
Relevant Code(s):
N/A
Can I Conceal Carry in a Church?
Nothing in Pennsylvania code lists places of worship as areas where concealed carry is expressly forbidden. Therefore, those with a valid license to carry are permitted to carry a concealed handgun within churches. To avoid any complications, it is recommended that you observe any posted signage prohibiting firearms on the property.
Relevant Code(s):
N/A
Can I Conceal Carry in a Bank?
Pennsylvania does not expressly forbid the carrying of firearms openly or concealed within financial institutions. Furthermore, nothing in the code indicates that any security measures taken by a bank would make it illegal to carry concealed on the property. Therefore, those with a valid license to carry a concealed firearm can carry into a bank. As always, it is recommended that you observe any posted signage, to avoid conflict.
Relevant Code(s):
N/A
Can I Conceal Carry in a Hospital?
The carrying of concealed weapons is not expressly prohibited by Pennsylvania law. Those with a valid permit can carry a concealed weapon on hospital grounds. However, to avoid unnecessary complications, it is recommended that you observe any posted signage.
Relevant Code(s):
N/A
The content of this page is for informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for legal council, or intended as legal advice. It is recommended that you inquire with the state about the validity of the information contained herein.