Pennsylvania Gun Laws

Shall-issue concealed carry. No magazine limit. Castle doctrine and stand your ground.

Last reviewed against official sources on 2026-09-25. Official state source.

Pennsylvania requires a shall-issue permit for concealed carry. The state recognizes both castle doctrine and stand your ground. No magazine limits or assault weapon bans exist at the state level. Background checks required for all handgun sales.

Key facts

• Concealed Carry: Shall-issue permit required (18 Pa.C.S. § 6109)
• Open Carry: Permitted without a permit except in vehicles and Philadelphia
• Permit to Purchase: Not required
• Assault Weapon Ban: No ban
• Magazine Limit: No limit
• Waiting Period: None
• Universal Background Check: Required for handgun sales; not required for long gun private sales (18 Pa.C.S. § 6111)
• Red Flag Law (ERPO): No state ERPO law
• Castle Doctrine: Yes (18 Pa.C.S. § 505(b)(2.1))
• Stand Your Ground: Yes — if the attacker displays or uses a weapon (18 Pa.C.S. § 505(b)(2.3))
• Concealed Carry Reciprocity: Reciprocity with ~29 states, for residents of those states 21+ (Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General — Reciprocity)

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to carry concealed in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Pennsylvania requires a shall-issue License to Carry Firearms (LTCF). Open carry is generally allowed without a permit except in Philadelphia and vehicles.

Does Pennsylvania require background checks for private sales?

Pennsylvania requires background checks for all handgun sales, including private sales. Long gun private sales do not require a background check.

Does Pennsylvania have a waiting period?

No. Pennsylvania does not impose a waiting period for firearm purchases.

Does Pennsylvania have a red flag law?

No. Pennsylvania has not enacted an extreme risk protection order law.

Does Pennsylvania recognize concealed carry permits from other states?

Only from about 29 states Pennsylvania has a reciprocity agreement with, and only for residents of those states who are 21 or older — a non-resident permit doesn't count if you've since moved. Check the Pennsylvania Attorney General's current reciprocity list before carrying here.

Not legal advice. Laws change; verify with official sources.