Firearm dealers must keep records of sales of handguns and certain other firearms and provide those to the Firearms Division of the Pennsylvania State Police for its permanent database of handgun sales
Requirements to hold a firearm license
More information on Federal Firearm Licensees (FFL), as well as what each license type can do, can be found on our FFL home page.
We also have a very helpful
FFL search tool if you want to search by postal code, state, business name, or even license number.
Does Pennsylvania Require a Background Check to purchase a Firearm?
Yes, Pennsylvania has a state law that requires a background check prior to the sale of a firearm.
applies to sales through licensed dealers and private sellers except for sales of long guns through private sellers
Owning a firearm in Pennsylvania
Does Pennsylvania have a Gun Free Zone law?
Yes, Pennsylvania has a defined list of gun free zones:
school property
court facility including courtrooms, judge's chambers, jury deliberation rooms, witness rooms, attorney conference rooms, office court clerks, and prisoner holding cells and any adjoining corridors
on public streets or public property during a proclaimed emergency without concealed carry license
Does Pennsylvania Require a Safety Course to own a Firearm?
You are not required to take a safety course in order to own a firearm in Pennsylvania.