CARRY STATUS
CONCEALED101NORTHEAST REGION · PA
Pennsylvania
Concealed Carry Guide
Pennsylvania generally requires a license to carry firearms for concealed carry and for carrying in a vehicle, subject to statutory exceptions.
Before you rely on this guide
This is a plain-language starting point, not legal advice. Eligibility, restricted locations, local rules, court orders, and reciprocity can change. Confirm the current law with the official agencies linked on this page.
AT A GLANCE
Pennsylvania carry overview
STATE PERMIT
Available
ISSUING AUTHORITY
County sheriff; Philadelphia Police Commissioner in Philadelphia
LAST REVIEWED
August 16, 2026
01
PERMIT AND CARRY STATUS
What the statewide framework says
Pennsylvania generally requires a license to carry firearms for concealed carry and for carrying in a vehicle, subject to statutory exceptions.
02
TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Training before an application
Pennsylvania does not impose a statewide training-course requirement for the license. Responsible legal, safety, and live-fire instruction is still recommended.
Practical next step: Ask the issuing authority whether your instructor, course format, certificate, and live-fire qualification satisfy the current application rules before paying for a class.
Browse training in Pennsylvania →03
NONRESIDENTS AND TRAVEL
Crossing a state line changes the rules
A nonresident generally must hold a carry license from the person's home state before applying to a Pennsylvania sheriff. Confirm the sheriff's current procedure.
Reciprocity caution: Recognition of a permit does not make every rule identical. Vehicle carry, notice signs, prohibited places, duty to inform, alcohol-related locations, and magazine or firearm restrictions may differ.
VERIFY WITH PRIMARY SOURCES
Official Pennsylvania references
Use these sources for current application forms, eligibility language, statutory changes, and agency notices.