This is not legal advice.Concealed-carry reciprocity changes frequently and carries serious legal consequences. Verify current law with the destination state's official source before you carry.
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Pennsylvania LTCF Requirements
How to get a Pennsylvania Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms (LTCF): fees, training, fingerprints, processing time, and renewal.
How to apply
- Application fee
- $20 — The statutory application/renewal fee is set by 18 Pa.C.S. § 6109(h); most county sheriffs collect $20 for an original or renewal LTCF (comprising a $5 administrative fee under the Sheriff Fee Act, a $1 Firearms License Validation System fee, and related processing charges).
- Minimum age
- 21
- Training
- Not required — Pennsylvania requires no firearms training course to obtain an LTCF; 18 Pa.C.S. § 6109 imposes no training requirement.
- Fingerprints
- Not required
- Processing time
- 45 days
- Validity / renewal
- 5 years, then renewal
- Residency
- Open to non-residents
- Non-resident permit
- Available
Applications are processed by County Sheriffs (in Philadelphia, the Chief of Police); reciprocity administered by the PA Office of Attorney General.
Steps to get a Pennsylvania LTCF
- Confirm you are eligible. Be at least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and not prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law.
- Submit your application to County Sheriffs (in Philadelphia, the Chief of Police); reciprocity administered by the PA Office of Attorney General. File your Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms (LTCF) application with County Sheriffs (in Philadelphia, the Chief of Police); reciprocity administered by the PA Office of Attorney General. See the official page for forms and instructions.
- Pay the application fee. Pay the LTCF application fee of $20. The statutory application/renewal fee is set by 18 Pa.C.S. § 6109(h); most county sheriffs collect $20 for an original or renewal LTCF (comprising a $5 administrative fee under the Sheriff Fee Act, a $1 Firearms License Validation System fee, and related processing charges).
- Receive your permit and note the renewal date. Once approved (typically 45 days), your LTCF is valid for 5 years, after which it must be renewed.
Last verified 2026-07-09 against Pennsylvania State Police — Carrying Firearms in Pennsylvania.
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Pennsylvania LTCF FAQ
- What are the requirements for a Pennsylvania LTCF?
- Applicants must be at least 21 years old. The application is processed by County Sheriffs (in Philadelphia, the Chief of Police); reciprocity administered by the PA Office of Attorney General.
- Is training required for a Pennsylvania LTCF?
- No formal training is statutorily required to obtain the Pennsylvania LTCF. Pennsylvania requires no firearms training course to obtain an LTCF; 18 Pa.C.S. § 6109 imposes no training requirement.
- How long does it take to get a Pennsylvania LTCF?
- Pennsylvania's stated processing time for the LTCF is 45 days.
- Can non-residents get a Pennsylvania LTCF?
- Yes. Pennsylvania issues a LTCF to qualifying non-residents.
- How much does the Pennsylvania LTCF cost, and how long is it valid?
- The application fee is $20. The statutory application/renewal fee is set by 18 Pa.C.S. § 6109(h); most county sheriffs collect $20 for an original or renewal LTCF (comprising a $5 administrative fee under the Sheriff Fee Act, a $1 Firearms License Validation System fee, and related processing charges). The permit is valid for 5 years before renewal.