In Pennsylvania, it is relatively easy for most people to purchase a firearm legally. As long as the individual has no disqualifying criminal record or mental health history, they can walk into a federally licensed firearm dealer and legally complete a purchase. This straightforward process gives many gun owners a false sense of security about what they can and cannot do with their new firearm.
Unfortunately, many responsible gun owners end up in legal trouble simply because they are unaware of a critical law: In Pennsylvania, you cannot carry a firearm on your person or in your vehicle without a valid license to carry a firearm, often referred to as a concealed carry permit.
As a criminal defense attorney with over two decades of experience, including years as a former prosecutor, I have had to defend countless individuals who never imagined they would be arrested for a firearms offense. Their only mistake was not understanding Pennsylvania’s concealed carry laws.
This article will explain how Pennsylvania’s concealed carry laws work, why so many people unintentionally violate them, and what you can do to protect your rights as a gun owner.
Who Can Legally Purchase a Firearm in Pennsylvania?
To legally purchase a firearm in Pennsylvania, an individual must be at least 18 years old to buy a long gun and 21 years old to buy a handgun. They must pass a background check through the Pennsylvania Instant Check System, or PICS. This system checks for prior criminal convictions, active warrants, mental health commitments, protection from abuse orders, and other disqualifiers.
Once approved, the purchaser can legally take possession of the firearm. At this point, many people assume that they can lawfully carry their firearm with them wherever they go. This assumption can lead to serious legal consequences.
The Law on Carrying Firearms in Pennsylvania
Under Pennsylvania law, carrying a concealed firearm on your person or in your vehicle without a valid license to carry a firearm is illegal. Even if the firearm is legally owned, carrying it in a purse, backpack, waistband, glove compartment, center console, or under a seat without a license is a criminal offense.
The statute governing this issue is 18 Pa. C.S.A. § 6106, which states that it is unlawful to carry a firearm in a vehicle or concealed on or about one’s person without a valid license issued by the county sheriff or Philadelphia Police Commissioner. A violation of this law is considered a felony of the third degree, which carries potential penalties including imprisonment and a permanent criminal record.
What Counts as Concealed?
Concealed does not just mean hidden under clothing. In Pennsylvania, the law defines a concealed firearm broadly. If a firearm is not in plain sight and is readily accessible, it may be considered concealed under the law. This includes firearms placed under car seats, inside the glove box, in a backpack, or even partially covered by clothing.
Some individuals mistakenly believe that storing a firearm in a vehicle, as long as it is not loaded or is locked away, is legal. While there are exceptions for transporting firearms to and from lawful places such as a shooting range, hunting ground, or gunsmith, the general rule is clear: unless you have a valid concealed carry license, you are at risk of violating the law.
Common Misunderstandings That Lead to Arrest
Many first-time offenders charged under Pennsylvania’s concealed carry law are otherwise law-abiding citizens. They often make these common mistakes:
1. Carrying a firearm for protection without a permit
Some people carry their firearm in a bag, waistband, or vehicle simply for personal safety. They may not realize this is illegal without a license to carry.
2. Assuming purchase equals carry rights
Purchasing a firearm legally does not grant the right to carry it concealed. These are two separate legal issues governed by different statutes.
3. Transporting firearms improperly
Individuals who take their firearms to the range, camping, or other locations may inadvertently carry them in ways that violate the law if they do not have a valid permit.
4. Out-of-state permit confusion
Some people believe that a concealed carry permit from another state gives them the right to carry in Pennsylvania. While Pennsylvania has reciprocity agreements with certain states, many out-of-state permits are not recognized. Relying on an invalid permit can still result in arrest.
Consequences of Violating Concealed Carry Laws
The legal consequences for carrying without a valid license can be severe, even for a first offense. Charges may include:
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Felony or misdemeanor firearm possession charges
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Arrest and potential jail time
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Loss of firearm rights
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Permanent criminal record
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Immigration consequences for non-citizens
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Impact on professional licenses or security clearances
For someone with no prior criminal history, being arrested and prosecuted for simply carrying a firearm in a car can be confusing, frustrating, and life-altering.
How PKN Law Can Help
At PKN Law, we believe that protecting your Second Amendment rights also means ensuring that you understand your responsibilities under Pennsylvania law. Our firm has decades of experience representing clients in state and federal firearm cases, including those charged under 18 Pa. C.S.A. § 6106.
As a former prosecutor, I know how the Commonwealth will build its case. I use that knowledge to craft the most effective defense strategies for my clients, whether they are facing their first-ever charge or a repeat offense.
Our team is committed to helping individuals avoid criminal consequences for what are often honest mistakes. We also assist clients with:
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Understanding lawful transportation of firearms
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Applying for concealed carry permits
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Challenging unlawful searches or seizures
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Expunging firearm-related records where eligible
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Asserting constitutional defenses when appropriate
Know the Law, Protect Your Rights
It is critically important for every Pennsylvania gun owner to understand that purchasing a firearm is not the same as having the right to carry it in public or in a vehicle. If you carry without a license, even unintentionally, you could be facing serious criminal charges.
Do not let confusion about the law put your future in jeopardy. Whether you have already been charged or simply have questions about your firearm rights in Pennsylvania, our office is here to provide trusted legal guidance.
Contact PKN Law today at (412) 454-5582 or visit patricknightingale.com to schedule a consultation.