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Firearms Information


The Pennsylvania State Police Firearms Division is part of the Bureau of Records and Identification and is charged with maintaining records related to firearms licensing and transfers. 

The Firearms Division also operates the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS), which is used by firearms dealers to verify an applicant’s eligibility to legally purchase a firearm in just a few minute's time.

 

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]herefore, 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.  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). 

 
 
 

Gun Shows, Auctions, and Raffles:

The PSP Firearms Division would ask that all gun shows, auctions, raffles and sales be reported to the PICS Unit, preferably at least 30 days in advance of the event. This advance notice allows us to plan for additional staffing as needed, in order to serve you with the utmost efficiency.  Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at 717-705-8843.

 

Information:

  • Information For Pennsylvania Firearm Purchasers & Basic Firearm Safety - A guide on basic firearm safety and information for Pennsylvania Firearm Purchasers. This information Includes: Basic Firearm Safety, Children and Firearms, Commonly asked questions about firearms and the Uniform Firearms Act, and the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS).   Download/View:  Page 1 and/or  Page 2 
  • Licensed Firearm Dealers and Sheriffs - Information for Licensed Firearm Dealers and Sheriffs
  • Carrying Firearms in Pennsylvania - Frequently asked questions on carrying firearms. Information concerning who can apply for a Pennsylvania License to carry may also be found by contacting your respective County Sheriff.   
  • Locking Devices for Firearms - Information on Pennsylvania Law concerning the use of Locking Devices for firearms. 
  • Submit a Pennsylvania Instant Check System Challenge - Steps needed to challenge a PICS Decision.
  • Forms - List of forms available.                                             

 

Firearms Annual Reports:

 

 Firearms Annual Reports

 
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Pennsylvania_State_Police_2016_Firearms_Annual_Report
Pennsylvania_State_Police_2015_Firearms Annual_Report
Pennsylvania_State_Police_2014_Firearms_Annual_Report
Pennsylvania_State_Police_2013_Firearms_Annual_Report
Pennsylvania_State_Police_2012_Firearms_Annual_Report
Pennsylvania_State_Police_2011_Firearms_Annual_Report
Pennsylvania_State_Police_2010_Firearms_Annual_Report
Pennsylvania_State_Police_2009_Firearms_Annual_Report
Pennsylvania_State_Police_2008_Firearms_Annual_Report
Pennsylvania_State_Police_2007_Firearms_Annual_Report
Pennsylvania_State_Police_2006_Firearms_Annual_Report
Pennsylvania_State_Police_2005_Firearms_Annual_Report
Pennsylvania_State_Police_2004_Firearms_Annual_Report
Pennsylvania_State_Police_2003_Firearms_Annual_Report
Pennsylvania_State_Police_2002_Firearms_Annual_Report
Pennsylvania_State_Police_2001_Firearms_Annual_Report
Pennsylvania_State_Police_2000_Firearms_Annual_Report
Pennsylvania_State_Police_1999_Firearms_Annual_Report