How to Register a Gun

No directive in place commands a resident of the state of Pennsylvania to obtain a permit to secure a firearm or to register said firearm upon purchase. Although the state legislature prohibits any firearm registration system (per Statutes of Pennsylvania C.S. §18-6111-4), it is mandated upon purchase that the buyer must withstand a Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS) evaluation as to determine whether they will be approved to take possession of a handgun. This requirement is unnecessary for private sales of long guns such as rifles or shotguns. Open carry of long guns is permitted in the state without any formal licensure, except in the confines of The City of Philadelphia.

How to Obtain a License to Carry Firearms

To carry a concealed weapon, one must be at least 21 and have acquired a Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms. The license will allow for concealed carry in many areas within the state and many recognizing reciprocity-states that honor the license. The process of application for a license can be carried out in person by attending your local county sheriff’s office facility with the following gathered documents:

• A completed and endorsed Pennsylvania Application for a License to Carry Firearms (Form SP-4-127).
• Two valid reference individuals with corresponding contact information that is not related by blood to the applicant.
• A valid driver’s license or identification card with a current address.
• Two forms of proof of residency (acceptable examples are on page 2 of the application).
• One 2″ x 2″ color passport-style photo with no visible headgear or glasses.
• One identification fingerprint card of the applicant (to be taken upon application submission).
• Payment in the form of a money order for $20 made payable to “The City of Philadelphia” valid for at least one year from the date of issue.

Allow for 45 days of processing time before notification of acceptance or denial. Should the application be approved, you must pick up the license in person with a valid form of photo identification.

Firearm Bill of Sale (Preview)