Carrying
18 Pa.C.S. 6106 — a license to carry concealed or in a vehicle, at 21
In Pennsylvania, carrying a firearm in any vehicle, or concealed on or about the person, except in one's home or fixed place of business, without a valid license is a felony of the third degree. A person otherwise eligible for a license who has committed no other criminal violation commits a misdemeanor of the first degree instead.
The license covers carrying concealed and in a vehicle, from age 21. A person 21 years of age or older may apply to the county sheriff, or in a city of the first class to the chief of police, for a license to carry a firearm concealed or in a vehicle. It issues if, after an investigation of not more than 45 days, no good cause to deny it appears, and a refusal comes in writing with its specific reasons.
- Carrying an unloaded firearm in a secure wrapper from the place of purchase to home or business, to a place of repair, when moving, or to and from a vacation home is excepted.
- So is carrying in a vehicle with a valid license issued under the laws of the United States or another state.
- So is driving a vehicle registered to oneself, a spouse or a parent, carrying a firearm licensed to that spouse or parent, if otherwise eligible.
In a city of the first class, carrying a firearm on public streets or public property at any time requires a license or an exemption. A felony of the third degree is punishable by up to seven years and $15,000; a misdemeanor of the first degree by up to five years and $10,000.
Sources for this section (6)
- 18 Pa.C.S. 6106 — Firearms not to be carried without a license
- 18 Pa.C.S. 6109 — Licenses to carry firearms
- 18 Pa.C.S. 6108 — Carrying firearms on public streets or public property in Philadelphia
- 18 Pa.C.S. 1103 — Sentence of imprisonment for felony
- 18 Pa.C.S. 1104 — Sentence of imprisonment for misdemeanors
- 18 Pa.C.S. 1101 — Fines
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.