Carrying Firearms in Pennsylvania
Who can apply for a Pennsylvania License to Carry?
An individual who is 21 years of age or older may apply for a license to carry firearms by submitting a completed Application for a Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms to the sheriff of the county in which they reside or if a resident of a city of the first class, with the chief of police of that city along with the required fee.
Individuals who are 21 years of age or older and are NOT Pennsylvania residents may apply for a license by submitting a completed Application for a Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms to any Pennsylvania County Sheriff’s office along with the required fee. A Pennsylvania license cannot be issued to a resident of another state who does not possess a current license or permit or similar document to carry a firearm issued by their home state if a license is provided for by the laws of that state, as published annually in the Federal Register by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms of the Department of the Treasury.
The sheriff has 45 days to conduct an investigation to determine an individual's eligibility to be issued a license. Included in the investigation is a background check conducted on the individual through the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS) to determine if the records indicate the individual is prohibited by law. In accordance with 18 PA C.S. §6109, a sheriff may deny an individual the right to a License to Carry Firearms if there is reason to believe that the character and reputation of the individual are such that they would be likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety.
If the PICS check is approved and the subject is of good character, the sheriff may issue a License to Carry Firearms. The issuance of a License to Carry Firearms allows individuals to carry a firearm concealed on or about their person, or in a vehicle throughout this Commonwealth. The license is valid for a period of five (5) years unless sooner revoked.
NOTE: A license to carry firearms is NOT a license to purchase. Individuals who purchase a firearm from a licensed dealer are required to have a background check conducted regardless of whether they have a license to carry firearms or not.
I was under the impression that PA changed the nonresident law so that you have to go in person to apply as it is not legal to do it by mail anymore.
Can you post a link to where one would get the documents you mentioned online?
And yes you must apply in person.
And yes you must apply in person.
Not true. Some Sheriffs will accept an application mailed in, but you must go in person to pick it up, get photographed, etc.
Best to determine this ahead of time. Some Sheriffs will issue 'on the spot' and others will not. Although the process is supposed
to be uniform throughout the state, wiggle room exists.
But there is no statutory requirement to apply in person.
They are issued by county sheriff's. Find the closest PA county to you, go on that county's sheriff's website and follow their directions. In Allegheny County, there is an online form that you fill out. Once you are cleared, they issue you a yellow post card. Bring that in (I believe you have 30 days) to the sheriff's office and they'll take your photo and out the door you go with your LTCF. I believe the current cost is $20 for 5 years.
Hope that helps.
You have to turn in the application in person. You pay at that time. On the App. you give 2 references. They will notify you that you have been approved (hopefully) at which point you have 30 days to go back to the Sheriff.