Pennsylvania Gun Laws - 2026 Complete Guide

Last verified: 2026-01-01 | Not legal advice - verify with your state AG

Legal Permit Required Castle Doctrine Stand Your Ground

⚠️ This is not legal advice. Gun laws change frequently. Always verify current laws with your state attorney general or a licensed firearms attorney before carrying.

Quick Reference: Pennsylvania Gun Laws

Open Carry	Legal
Concealed Carry	Permit Required
Permit Required	Yes - required
Permit Cost	$20
Permit Validity	5 years
Waiting Period	None
Background Check	Required
Castle Doctrine	✓ Yes
Stand Your Ground	✓ Yes
Red Flag Law	✓ No
Magazine Limit	None
Suppressors	Legal (NFA rules apply)
NFA Items	All legal (federal rules apply)

Open Carry Laws in Pennsylvania

Open carry is legal in Pennsylvania for anyone who is legally allowed to possess a firearm. No permit is required to openly carry a holstered handgun or a long gun in public, subject to restricted location laws.

Concealed Carry Laws in Pennsylvania

Concealed carry in Pennsylvania requires a valid permit. Pennsylvania issues License to Carry Firearms (LTCF) through county sheriffs. Must be 21+, no disqualifying record. Very affordable at $20, valid 5 years. One of the most affordable in the country.

Where You Cannot Carry in Pennsylvania

The following locations generally prohibit firearms carry in Pennsylvania. This list is not exhaustive - always verify current law before carrying in any location.

Schools
Courts
Jails
Government Buildings With Signs

Federal law also prohibits carry in federal buildings, national parks ranger stations, and other federal facilities regardless of state law.

Getting a Pennsylvania CCW Permit

Pennsylvania issues License to Carry Firearms (LTCF) through county sheriffs. Must be 21+, no disqualifying record. Very affordable at $20, valid 5 years. One of the most affordable in the country.

Official Pennsylvania Permit Information

CCW Reciprocity for Pennsylvania

States that honor your Pennsylvania permit (29)

AL AK AZ AR CO FL GA ID IN IA KS KY LA ME MS MO MT NE NH ND OH OK SD TN TX UT VA WV WY

Pennsylvania honors permits from (31)

AL AK AZ AR CO FL GA ID IN IA KS KY LA ME MI MS MO MT NE NH ND OH OK SC SD TN TX UT VA WV WY

View Full CCW Reciprocity Map

Reciprocity agreements change frequently. Always verify current reciprocity with the issuing state's law enforcement agency before traveling. Some states have additional requirements beyond permit reciprocity.

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Pennsylvania Gun Law Cheat Sheet - Free PDF

Download our one-page quick reference for Pennsylvania gun laws. Open carry rules, carry restrictions, permit info, and CCW reciprocity at a glance. Keep it in your range bag.

Frequently Asked Questions: Pennsylvania Gun Laws

Can I open carry in Philadelphia?

Open carry requires a LTCF in Philadelphia and other municipalities with populations over 1 million. Statewide preemption applies but Philadelphia has local rules for open carry.

Does Pennsylvania have stand your ground?

Yes. Pennsylvania has castle doctrine and a law removing the duty to retreat in places where you have a legal right to be.

How much does a PA carry license cost?

Pennsylvania's License to Carry Firearms (LTCF) is only $20, one of the most affordable in the country.

Shooting Ranges in Pennsylvania

Find pistol ranges, rifle ranges, and indoor/outdoor shooting facilities in Pennsylvania. Filter by type, features, and location.

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Neighboring State Gun Laws