Do I need a permit to carry in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Pennsylvania requires a carry permit. The minimum age is 21.

Does Pennsylvania honor out-of-state permits?

No. Pennsylvania does not honor a non-resident permit. Carrying on one there is illegal. Pennsylvania has a resident-only rule. It honors an out-of-state permit only when the holder lives in the state that issued it.

Where can I check Pennsylvania's official rules?

Check Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Reciprocity Overview. The controlling law is 18 Pa. C.S. § 6109(k).

Carry laws · 2026

Pennsylvania concealed carry laws, backed by the statute

At a glance

Carry rule: Shall-issue permit
Minimum age: 21
Non-resident permit valid here?: No
Statute: 18 Pa. C.S. § 6109(k)

Carrying in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a shall-issue state. Adults 21 and older who meet the requirements can get a permit.

If you pass the background check, finish any required training, and pay the fees, the state must issue your permit.

No training requirement; permits are typically issued or denied within 45 days.

Source: 18 Pa. C.S. § 6109(k). Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Reciprocity Overview. Reviewed Q3 2026.

Does a non-resident permit work in Pennsylvania?

A non-resident permit is a carry permit issued by a state you do not live in.

No. Pennsylvania does not honor a non-resident permit. Carrying on it there is illegal, even if Pennsylvania honors some other permits.

Pennsylvania has a resident-only rule. It honors an out-of-state permit only when the holder lives in the state that issued it. See our reciprocity guide for how this trap works.

Getting Pennsylvania's own permit

Apply through Pennsylvania and meet the listed requirements. If you qualify, the state must issue the permit.

Common questions

Do I need a permit to carry in Pennsylvania?: Yes. Pennsylvania requires a carry permit. The minimum age is 21.
Does Pennsylvania honor out-of-state permits?: No. Pennsylvania does not honor a non-resident permit. Carrying on one there is illegal. Pennsylvania has a resident-only rule. It honors an out-of-state permit only when the holder lives in the state that issued it.
Where can I check Pennsylvania's official rules?: Check Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Reciprocity Overview. The controlling law is 18 Pa. C.S. § 6109(k).

Not sure where you stand?

Check your state's rules in 30 seconds. Free, no signup.

Check your state's rules →

Sources and verification

PA: 18 Pa. C.S. § 6109(k). Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Reciprocity Overview.

Recognition and carry-law data compiled from each state's statutes and official Attorney General, State Police, or Department of Public Safety reciprocity pages. Reviewed quarterly. Last reviewed: Q3 2026. We review and update this information about once a quarter. Laws change between reviews, so verify with the destination state before you travel or apply. Read how we verify our information, including our public corrections log.