Do I need a permit before I buy a firearm? No.
How do I buy or sell a firearm on the internet? For simplicity the best way to buy or sell a firearm is to have it shipped from a federal firearms licensed dealer to another federal firearms licensed dealer. This procedure will comply with all local, state, and federal laws.
If I possess a valid license to carry a firearm, am I required to undergo a Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS) background check to purchase a firearm? Yes.
When traveling on a vacation or trip, can I take a firearm with me in my vehicle?
Possibly. Depending on the state that you are traveling to and through the laws can be quite divergent to the laws in your state. The best answer would be to check their laws before entering those states.
What do I need to do if I want to sell or give a firearm away to a friend? You should go to a licensed firearms dealer who will do a PICS on the intended recipient of the firearm to determine their eligibility.
Can I ship a firearm back to the factory for repairs? Yes, however it is advised that that your local federal firearms licensed dealer handle the shipping for you.
What does a concealed carry permit let me do? It permits you to carry your firearm concealed in the state that it was issued and with exceptions in other states.
Do I need a license to possess a firearm in my home or business? No - convicted felons may not possess (But you need a license to carry outside of home)
If I am a prohibited person, can I have someone buy a firearm for me? No, this would be considered a straw purchase and all parties involved would have committed a felony.
How do I transport a firearm without a carry permit? Firearms must be transported in a securely locked and unloaded fashion in the vehicle trunk or storage compartment unless one possess a valid state permit.
Where may I not carry a firearm in the state of Pennsylvania? Federal buildings, Post Offices, all Courts.
Is it legal for me to carry a firearm on school property? No.
If I have a criminal record from years ago, and I have not committed aprohibited offense since then, is it possible that I may not be able to purchase a firearm or obtain a carry permit? Yes. The Uniform Firearms Act (UFA) does not exempt records from a specific time period in order to acquire a firearm or carry permit. Also, criminal records are not automatically expunged (deleted) after a period of time. In Pennsylvania a court order is required to expunge nonconviction information. Conviction information may not be expunged. It is possible to obtain court ordered relief from a firearm disability, which may grant eligibility to acquire a firearm.
What if I own a firearm, and I am convicted of a crime which prohibits me from possessing firearms? You have 60 days from the date of the imposition of any disability (such as a conviction which prohibits ownership of a firearm) to sell or transfer any firearms you own to a person who is not a member of your household.
What types of identification do I need to purchase a firearm? Dealers may accept any one of the following documents as identification: Valid photo drivers license or ID card or Valid government-issued photo ID card.
Where do I obtain a concealed carry permit? At the sheriff’s office of the county that you reside in.
Where do I obtain a sportsmen’s permit (for hunting and fishing)? At the county treasure’s office in the county that you reside in.
What would prohibit me from lawfully possessing or purchasing a firearm? There are 37 crimes for which a conviction would prohibit a person from lawfully purchasing or possessing a firearm under the UFA. There are 7 conditions which would prohibit this also. Additionally, one condition (3 convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance, within a 5-year period) prohibits sub sequential purchase or receipt by transfer, but not possession of firearms already owned.
Where can I find the complete details of Pennsylvania firearm laws? Refer to Title 18, Chapter 61 of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code.
