Pennsylvania concealed carry & gun laws.

Open carry in Pennsylvania

Open carry is legal for 18+ statewide without a permit EXCEPT in Philadelphia, which requires a License to Carry Firearms (LTCF) for ANY firearm carry — open or concealed — within city limits. This is the most consequential city-specific carve-out in PA.

Vehicle carry

A loaded firearm in a vehicle requires a License to Carry Firearms (LTCF) per 18 Pa. C.S. § 6106. Without LTCF, the firearm must be unloaded in a vehicle. Philadelphia: any firearm in a vehicle within city limits requires LTCF.

Where you can't carry — sensitive places

These are the statutory locations where Pennsylvania prohibits carry regardless of permit status. Federal facility bans (post offices, federal courthouses, etc.) apply on top of these.

• K-12 schools and school property
• Higher-education campuses (varies by institution)
• Courthouses
• State Capitol building
• Federal facilities (federal law)
• Mental health facilities
• Detention facilities
• Posted government buildings
• Bars and restaurants when posted by the proprietor

City-specific rules

These are major local-government carve-outs that override the statewide default. Always verify before carrying in the named cities.

• Philadelphia. Requires LTCF for ANY firearm carry within city limits, open or concealed, including transport in vehicles. Non-residents apply with PA State Police; residents apply with the Philadelphia Police Department gun permits unit.
• Pittsburgh. Has attempted local firearm ordinances; most have been struck down under PA preemption. Verify current status before carrying.

Self-defense law

• Castle doctrine: Pennsylvania recognizes castle doctrine — no duty to retreat in your home (and typically vehicle/workplace).
• Stand your ground: Pennsylvania has a stand-your-ground law — no duty to retreat in any place you are lawfully present, when meeting the use-of-force criteria.
• Duty to inform on traffic stops: Not required by statute.

Reciprocity — your Pennsylvania permit elsewhere

A Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms (LTCF) is honored in approximately 36 states. See the full list and travel-route planning on our Can I Carry tool.

Reciprocity — other states' permits in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania honors permits from states with substantially similar standards. Verify the current PSP reciprocity list.

How to get a Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms (LTCF)

See our Pennsylvania permit guide for full process details: required class, fingerprinting, application form, fee, and processing time.