Firearm Licensing: Frequently Asked Questions
Link to Pennsylvania State Police:
License to Carry a Firearm
- How old must you be to obtain a License to Carry a Firearm?
- Is the License to Carry a Firearm issued in Chester County valid in other parts of the Commonwealth?
- Should I notify the Sheriff's Office if my address changes?
- How long is the License to Carry a Firearm valid?
- Is the license valid for just one gun I wish to carry?
- Is the License to Carry a Firearm issued in Pennsylvania good in other states?
- I have some firearms that were given to me by a parent/relative, do I have to register them in my name?
- Do I need a license for target shooting?
Q.
How old must you be to obtain a License to carry a firearm?
A. 21 years of age.
Q.
Is the License to carry a firearm issued in Chester County valid in other parts of the Commonwealth?
A. YES. The License to Carry a Firearm issued in Chester County is valid throughout Pennsylvania, including state parks and the City of Philadelphia. Please keep in mind that there are some areas where it is prohibited to carry a firearm: schools, courts (both county and district), and county properties (parks, and anywhere it may be posted). Starting January 2010, it will be legal to carry in Federal Parks. Please check with the park you are visiting regarding their rules.
Q.
Should I notify the Sheriff's Office if my address changes?
A. YES. You should call the Firearms Unit (344-6984) if your address changes, or send us a change of address card. Your renewal will be sent to you in the mail prior to the expiration date on your license. Please check your license to make sure the address on it is correct.
Q.
How long is the License to carry a firearm valid?
A. The license is valid for five years from the date it is issued.
Q.
Is the license valid for just one gun I wish to carry?
A. NO. The license is good for any weapon you own.
Q.
Is the License to Carry a Firearm issued in Pennsylvania good in other states?
Q.
I have some firearms that were given to me by a parent/relative, do I have to register them in my name?
A. No. Pennsylvania does not require firearms to be registered.
Q. Do I need a license for target shooting?
A. NO. You should transport the weapon(s) to and from the range unloaded. Transport the ammo in a separate area of the vehicle. Put the weapon(s) in the trunk of your vehicle, wrapped up or in a case. The weapon(s) should not be accessible to anyone in the vehicle. You must go directly to and from the range.
Content Last Modified on 6/2/2009 9:09:27 AM
