• Concealed firearms in Pennsylvania require licensing.pistol image by pershing from Fotolia.com
  
  The right to carry a firearm is available to all Americans. However, each state creates its own rules and regulations for how an individual may carry said weapon. The state of Pennsylvania requires both concealed and sportsman firearm licenses in order to carry a weapon, depending on the use of the weapon. You are permitted to have a firearm in your home or business without a license but not outside of this location.
  
  

Applying for a Concealed License

• According to the Pennsylvania State Police, residents 21 years or older can submit an application to the sheriff of the county where they reside or with the chief of police if they reside in a "first class" city. Visitors may apply for a license to carry a firearm if they possess a current license from their home state. A license lasts for five years unless revoked. Carrying a firearm without a valid license is a felony of the third degree in Pennsylvania.
  
  

Background Check

• After applying for a license, the sheriff will conduct an investigation to "determine an individual's eligibility" within 45 days. The Pennsylvania State Police states that this investigation includes a background check through the Pennsylvania Instant Check System. The sheriff decides whether to issue a license based on the character and reputation of the individual in regard to public safety. The Pennsylvania State Police specifies that a license to carry firearms is not the same as a license to purchase. To purchase a firearm, you must still go through a background check from a licensed dealer after you receive a firearm carry license.
  
  

Exceptions

• Members of a police force or military force are permitted to carry a firearm without license when on duty. An exception is also made for individuals at or traveling to a location for target shooting. A license is not required for transporting an unloaded, securely packaged firearm following a purchase, sell, appraisal or when in the process of moving the weapon from another home or business. Other exceptions are made for guards protecting money, employees of the United States with authorization, and individuals with a Sportsman's Firearm Permit.
  
  

Sportsman's Firearm Permit

• At the age of 18 or older, an individual with a hunting, trapping or fishing license may apply for a sportsman's firearm permit. This permit allows individuals to carry a firearm for the purpose of hunting, furtaking, fishing or training hunting dogs. This permit does not allow an individual to carry a concealed firearm.
  
  

Firearm Reciprocity Agreement

• The Pennsylvania Attorney General's office states that Pennsylvania recognizes firearm carry licenses from 17 states. These states recognize a Pennsylvania license in return. The following states have entered a written agreement with Pennsylvania: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming. As such, a carry license from any of these states is valid in Pennsylvania.