Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania’s Gun Laws
The state of Pennsylvania has many laws regulating ownership and purchase of firearms in the state. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions our attorneys receive on this important issue:
Q: How old must I be to legally possess a firearm in the state?
The minimum age for firearm possession in Pennsylvania is 18. However, minor children under the supervision of a parent, grandparent, legal guardian or adult who has the expressed consent of the child’s legal guardian may lawfully possess guns when involved in legal hunting or trapping activities.
Q: Am I required to register my firearms in Pennsylvania?
No. In fact, government agencies and police cannot keep a firearm registry under Pennsylvania law. If you either legally purchase your firearm in the state or bring it lawfully into the state, you do not need to take any further action. However, all firearm transfers must pass through the Pennsylvania Instant Check System.
Q: Do I need a license to carry a concealed firearm in Pennsylvania?
Yes, a License to Carry Firearms is required for anyone who wishes to conceal a firearm or carry a gun in a vehicle. However, you do not need any such license to openly carry a firearm, unless you are in a city with an ordinance against openly carrying without a permit. Philadelphia is one of the cities that do require a permit to carry a gun openly.
Q: Do any other states honor a License to Carry issued in Pennsylvania?
The list of states that honor Pennsylvania’s License to Carry Firearms changes from time to time. As of July 2017, those states are Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
To learn more about gun laws in Pennsylvania, contact an experienced Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer with The Law Offices of David Jay Glassman. You can reach us online or call 215-563-7100.