Understanding the laws regulating the lawful carrying and use of firearms is a must for the responsible person. The Sheriff’s Office, as an issuing authority is required to follow strict guidelines set forth in the Pennsylvania State Police’s County Sheriffs and the Chiefs of a City of the First Class Operational Manual governing the issuance of licenses to carry firearms. From time of application the Sheriff’s Office has up to 45 days in which to approve, or deny the application.
This site is for Delaware County residents only. Pennsylvania License To Carry Firearms Permits are to be obtained only in your county of residence. Note: Owning property in Delaware County does not necessarily establish residency
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IMPORTANT NOTE: Upon submitting an application through this site, you will be responsible for associated fees. If denied, you will receive a $14.00 refund. This reflects an administrative costs of $6 that will be kept by the sheriff’s office and the state provided for and the $5.00 dollar service fee to be kept by Permitium.
To Apply for a License to Carry Permit at the Delaware County Sheriff's Office, the applicant must:
Individuals who are 21 years of age or older and are NOT Pennsylvania residents may apply for a license by submitting a completed Application for a Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms along with the required fee. A Pennsylvania license cannot be issued to a resident of another state who does not possess a current unrestricted license or permit, or similar document to carry a firearm issued by their home state if a license is provided for by the laws of that state, as published annually in the Federal Register by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms of the Department of the Treasury.
The sheriff has 45 days to conduct an investigation to determine an individual's eligibility to be issued a license. Included in the investigation is a background check conducted on the individual through the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS) to determine if the records indicate the individual is prohibited by law. In accordance with 18 PA C.S. §6109, a sheriff may deny an individual the right to a License to Carry Firearms if there is reason to believe that the character and reputation of the individual are such that they would be likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety.
If the PICS check is approved and the subject is of good character, the sheriff may issue a License to Carry Firearms. The issuance of a License to Carry Firearms allows individuals to carry a firearm concealed on or about their person, or in a vehicle throughout this Commonwealth. The license is valid for a period of five (5) years unless sooner revoked.
NOTE: A license to carry firearms is NOT a license to purchase. Individuals who purchase a firearm from a licensed dealer are required to have a background check conducted regardless of whether they have a license to carry firearms or not.
Are there exceptions to carrying a firearm without a Pennsylvania License to Carry?
A License to Carry Firearms is issued to carry a firearm concealed on one’s person or in a vehicle within this Commonwealth. Any person who carries a firearm concealed on or about his person except in his place of abode or fixed place of business without a valid and lawfully issued license commits a felony of the third degree.
A person who is otherwise eligible to possess a valid license under this chapter but carries a firearm in any vehicle or any person who carries a firearm concealed on or about his person, except in his place of abode or fixed place of business, without a valid and lawfully issued license and has not committed any other criminal violation commits a misdemeanor of the first degree.
Listed below are exceptions as outlined in 18 Pa.C.S. § 6106. (2) (b) Exceptions:
(Note that before an exception would be granted under numbers 9 and 10, the person must obtain a valid Sportsman’s Firearm Permit from the county treasurer.)
For more information about carrying firearms in Pennsylvania, please reference the Pennsylvia State Police website.
Please visit the PA Attorney General's Website at: https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/resources/concealed-carry-reciprocity/ for states that have agreements with PA regarding concealed carry. Also it is important to note, some states have ammunition requirements, magazine restrictions, etc. Know before you go!
Delaware County Sheriff's Office
201 W. Front St.
Courthouse
Media, PA 19063
Phone: 610-891-4296
Fax: 610-891-1765
Permitium Software
Email: help@permitium.com
Phone: 855-642-2453