Carrying concealed in PA

[TrickyDick]

Ok, so my family and I are planning a week long trip to PA next year. I currently live in Maine and cannot find anything that says my permit is honored in PA.

Officially, PA and ME do not have a reciprocity agreement, however on the PA attorney general's website it cites:

"The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania currently has formal written reciprocity agreements with 18 states that recognize a valid license to carry firearms issued by Pennsylvania. Conversely, Pennsylvania recognizes valid firearm carry licenses/permits from those states. In addition to the 18 formal agreements, other forms of reciprocity are applicable.

Categories of Firearms Reciprocity
Under Pennsylvania law, there are six categories of firearms reciprocity status."

Then says:

"Category 4: Pennsylvanians may apply for a license/permit from another state ("Application states").

• Connecticut
• Hawaii
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• New Jersey
• Washington

Category 5: Carry permitted without license/permit.

• Alaska
• Maine
• Vermont

So am I good to go, or should i just apply for a non-resident permit?

 

[JellyJar]

According to handgunlaw.us:
http://handgunlaw.us/states/pennsylvania.pdf

Maine's permits are not honored by PA. I would go ahead and get a non resident permit. That same page gives instructions on how to obtain a non-resident permit.

I would be also worried about driving through NY state despite the FOPA of 1986.

 

[MarkDido]

To New York, FOPA is a suggestion, not a law.

 

[TrickyDick]

As far as NY goes, I was going to keep it locked in a separate case in my trunk, unloaded of course. It's a shield 45, which only has a 7 shot capacity. Regardless though, it's NY; where freedom goes to die.

 

[harrygunner]

Kathleen Kane, from AG to prisoner, reduced Pennsylvania's permit recognition. Still broken. New AG needs to repair her damage.

 

[TrickyDick]

From what I've found, obtaining a non resident permit from PA is pretty much impossible without being there in person.
My other idea is to get a non resident permit from a state with reciprocity with PA.

 

[rodspade]

Category 5: Carry permitted without license/permit.

• Alaska
• Maine
• Vermont

So am I good to go, or should i just apply for a non-resident permit?

I believe this means that Pennsylvanians can carry in Maine without a permit, because Maine does not require it.

My other idea is to get a non resident permit from a state with reciprocity with PA.

Make sure it's from a state for which PA honors non-resident permits.

 

[Neo-Luddite]

You do have to go in person now, but the PA permit is still a bargain at $25.00. Before IL issued any permit at all, PA would issue a permit to residents of non-issue, right-denied states for a form and fee via the mail. While I no longer need it, I made the trip to Centre County just to renew under the new rules. Not that this helps you out, but I have abiding respect for the Commonwealth. They make you show up now to get a photo.

 

[eastbank]

plus if you are a senior its cheaper yet in pa.the permit is good for 5 years. eastbank.

 

[TrickyDick]

I've considered getting a NH non resident permit, since it's closer.

 

[TheVision]

Ok, so my family and I are planning a week long trip to PA next year.

As others have mentioned, you have to apply in person. If you go, call ahead first. Some counties refuse to issue non-resident permits.

Both Centre and Luzerne are pleasant to deal with. County-by-county information can be found on the PA firearm owners association website.

 

[Ks5shooter]

Get your New Hampshire non resident ,it takes two weeks by mail. It is good in PA. Download the form, copy your current ccw,send them a check for 100 bucks(5 year permit) along with form and ccw copy.

http://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/nhsp/ssb/permitslicensing/plupr.html