How to Register for a Concealed Weapon Permit in Pennsylvania
Unlike states such as Arizona which allow any citizen to carry a concealed weapon without a permit or registering the firearm, Pennsylvania requires that gun owners apply for a permit to conceal-carry. Failure to obtain the proper permit before carrying a concealed weapon is a felony which, if convicted, prevents the possibility of obtaining a weapons license. Registering for the permit requires that the applicant pass a background check, be over 21 years of age and not have any previous felony convictions.
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Instructions
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Obtain a "License to Carry Firearms" permit application. For state residents outside of Philadelphia, their county sheriff's office can provide one. For Philadelphia residents, the city police department's Gun Permits and Tracking Unit handles applications. Non-state residents may obtain a non-resident permit.
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Fill out the application completely, including citation of two references by name, address and phone number.
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Provide a recent photo. Specific counties have different requirements on the photo.
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Turn in the filled-out application, photo and the local processing fee. Exact amounts vary by county in which the permit is being applied for. Local counties also have their own protocol on whether the applicant must hand in the application in person or mail it in. Certain counties, including Philadelphia, also conduct a simple interview.
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Wait up to 45 days for the permit to be issued. The responsible entity shall conduct a thorough background check and make its decision. Since Pennsylvania is a "shall issue" state, unless there is specific grounds for disqualification, the permit shall be issued and will last for five years. Certain locations, such as schools and court houses, are exempt from the permit and do not allow concealed weapons on the premises.
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References
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