FIREARMS ARE NOT PERMITTED ON THE PREMISES
Only applicants 21 years of age or older, residing in the county of Philadelphia, may apply for a Pennsylvania license to carry a firearm through the Philadelphia Police Department. Out of county residents must apply in their county of residence.
The following is a list of common errors made by applicants when applying for a License to Carry Firearms:
A VALID Pennsylvania Driver’s License or Non-Drivers ID both Front and Back, along with one (1) acceptable form of proof of residence, all names and addresses must match. NO PO BOXES WILL BE ACCEPTED, (see below for examples).
Applicants, who have had a NAME CHANGE, must attach a copy of legal documents to show the name change. (i.e., Marriage License, Court Orders)
Active Duty Military, must be stationed in Pennsylvania and submit a copy of orders verifying that you are stationed in Pennsylvania, a Valid Driver’s License or Identification Card. Must be currently living in Philadelphia County, PA., and provide proof of residents.
If you were previously a member of the Armed Forces, a copy of your discharge papers (DD-214) must be attached to the application.
Foreign-born applicants who are presently American citizens must attach a copy of either their naturalization papers or a passport
Registered aliens must attach a copy of their current alien registration identification card, i.e., GREEN CARD.
Must attach a copy of current or expired permits with the application.
Below are examples of, but not limited to, acceptable forms for proof of your residency:
JUNK MAIL IS NOT ACCEPTABLE
ALL APPLICANTS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT FALSE STATEMENTS (WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN) WILL BE CAUSE FOR DENIAL AND MAY RESULT IN ARREST.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE SAME PROCEDURES ARE APPLICABLE FOR RENEWALS.
Information for Medical Marijuana Cardholders
It is legal under Pennsylvania law for the holder of a validly issued patient Medical Marijuana Card to possess approved forms of medical marijuana. However, as per the United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE), the possession of medical marijuana remains a violation of federal law, and possession of a valid Medical Marijuana Card and/or the use of medical marijuana makes you an “unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance” who is prohibited by federal law from the purchase or acquisition, possession, or control of a firearm pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3), and 27 C.F.R. § 478.32(a)(3).
The BATFE’s position is set forth in its September 21, 2011, Open Letter to all Federal Firearms Licensees, which states in part that “[t]therefore, any person who uses or is addicted to marijuana, regardless of whether his or her State has passed legislation authorizing marijuana use for medicinal purposes, is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance, and is prohibited by Federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.” Click here for a copy of the Open Letter . Opens in A New Window. Likewise, the mere possession of a Medical Marijuana Card will give rise to an inference that you are an “unlawful user of or addicted to” a controlled substance, pursuant to 27 C.F.R. § 478.11.
Therefore, it is also unlawful for you to apply for, possess or renew a Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearm (LTC), because you are “[a]n individual who is prohibited from possessing or acquiring a firearm under the statutes of the United States.” (Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Chapter 18, Section 6109(e)(1)(xiv).
