A Pennsylvania firearm bill of sale is a written record of a private sale between a seller and a buyer purchasing a firearm. This document includes information on both parties involved in the transaction, the firearm being sold, and the price of said firearm. By signing this bill of sale, the buyer and seller state that they are both legally permitted to take part in this transaction. All private handgun sales must take place at the place of business of a licensed dealer or manufacturer or at a county sheriff’s office (this does not apply to long guns). The seller and buyer must complete a Firearms Transaction Record (ATF Form 4473) and an Application/Record of Sale (Form SP4-113) (only supplied by Pennsylvania State Police – Sample PDF). A copy of the Application form must be sent to the State Police and copies kept for the parties’ records.

Concealed Carry Laws

Statute – § 6106(a) and § 6109

A license to carry a firearm is only necessary if the owner of said firearm intends to conceal the weapon either on their person or in their vehicle. However, the city of Philadelphia requires a license for both open and concealed carry. Long guns may not be transported while loaded, so the license application only applies to handguns. To carry a concealed firearm, the individual must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age and apply for a License to Carry Firearms with the sheriff’s office within their county. To apply for a concealed carry license, a resident must carry out the following steps:

1. Complete the Application for a Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms.
2. Submit the application form to the county sheriff’s office and pay the $20 application fee.
3. Sheriff’s office will perform an investigation to determine the individual’s eligibility for a license, including a background check, which can take up to forty-five (45) days.
4. The sheriff will issue a license to the applicant if the background check deemed them eligible.