PENNSYLVANIA 

FIREARM PURCHASE REQUIREMENTS

FBI Links:

ATF Domestic Violence Q&A's:

Military Personnel

Active military personnel permanently stationed in Pennsylvania are treated as Pennsylvania residents for the purchase of a handgun.

• Identification and residency are established by the following:
  • a military photo I.D. issued by the United States Department of Defense
  • proof that Pennsylvania is the permanent duty station via current military assignment orders

What do I need to bring to purchase a firearm?

You need one (1) form of I.D.

• One must be a government issued State photo I.D. with current address
  • an original, not a copy
  • must be obtained at least 30 days prior to attempted purchase

The state police run a program called PICS (Pennsylvania Instant Check System) for background checks to determine if the individual is eligible to acquire/purchase a firearm or still be considered eligible to possess a "License to Carry a Concealed Firearm."

ATF Links:

FBI General Information, Statistics, and Links:

Do a background check on yourself:

FBI Records/Freedom of Information/Privacy Act

The Privacy Act allows U.S. citizens and lawfully admitted aliens to request information on themselves or another living person.

The link below allows you to request your Criminal History, Police History, Mental Health Record, and/or RAP sheet.

More Information:

For additional information call your local police department or visit:

What do I need to bring to purchase an "assault firearm?" 

An "assault firearm" is defined as any semi-automatic center-fire rifle or pistol that expels single or multiple projectiles by action of an explosion of a combustible material and is equipped with a magazine which will hold more than 20 rounds of ammunition or designed by the manufacturer to accommodate a silencer or equipped with a folding stock.

In Pennsylvania an "assault firearm" is treated the same as any other long rifle. There are no special requirements for purchase.