So You Wanna Be a Licensed Gun-Slinger in Pennsylvania, Huh? Hold Your Horses (and Maybe Your Wampum) for the Lowdown on License Costs
Ever feel like taming the wild west of your own backyard (except, you know, with proper safety precautions and within the confines of the law)? Well, if you're in Pennsylvania and toying with the idea of packing some heat, you're gonna need a License to Carry Firearms, or LTC for short. But before you start blasting away at imaginary outlaws in your living room (please don't!), there's a tiny little detail to consider: how much this whole licensing rodeo costs.
How Much Is A Gun License In Pennsylvania |
The Price of Packing Heat: Not Exactly a King's Ransom (But Maybe a Queen's Purse of Loose Change?)
Thankfully, acquiring your LTC in Pennsylvania won't break the bank. In fact, you're looking at a cool $20 – that's about the same amount you'd spend on a fancy coffee and a bagel (priorities, people!). Yes, you read that right, just a measly Andrew Jackson will grant you the legal permission to carry a firearm concealed on your person.
Now, that price tag might seem too good to be true, but fear not, penny-pinching pistoleros. There's no hidden membership fee, no annual subscription to a secret gun club (although that does sound kind of cool). That $20 covers the entire application process.
But wait, you might be saying (with a dramatic pause, of course), isn't there some kind of background check involved? Surely that costs something! Well, fret not, my fine friend. The good news is that the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS) background check, which is mandatory for any firearm purchase or transfer, is a separate fee of only $2. That's right, two whole dollars! For that price, you can ensure you're not accidentally sharing the shooting range with a wanted fugitive.
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So, to recap: $20 for the LTC and $2 for the PICS check. That's it! You're practically a licensed gunslinger already (almost... there are a few other steps involved, but we won't get bogged down in the details today).
Frequently Asked Questions for the Aspiring Pennsylvania Gun Owner (or Just Curious Bystander)
How to apply for a License to Carry Firearms in Pennsylvania?
Head on down to your local sheriff's office and pick up an application. Fill it out, pay your $20, and get ready for some background checks and fingerprinting.
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How long does it take to get a LTC in Pennsylvania?
Processing times can vary, but generally, it takes anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
How long is a Pennsylvania LTC valid for?
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Your LTC is good for five years, after which you'll need to renew it.
Is there any training required to get a LTC in Pennsylvania?
Nope! No mandatory training courses are required for a Pennsylvania LTC. However, taking a firearms safety course is always a wise decision.
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Can I carry a gun without a LTC in Pennsylvania?
Nope. Open carry (carrying a firearm unconcealed) is not permitted in Pennsylvania without a LTC.
There you have it, folks! The not-so-secret cost of becoming a licensed gun carrier in the great state of Pennsylvania. Now, go forth and, you know, use your newfound knowledge responsibly.