Procedure to Apply For a License to Carry a Concealed Firearm

Applicants must apply in person at the sheriff’s office. The Washington County Sheriff’s office does not issue license to carry permits for out of state residents.

The following items are required to apply:

• Current Pennsylvania drivers license or Pennsylvania photo ID card
  • Address shown must be in Washington County
• The fee is $20 for a five year license
  • CASH ONLY, no debit cards, credit cards, or checks are accepted
• The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of two persons to write on the application as references
  • Those referenced must not be related to you
• Applications are accepted Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 4 PM

Note: Disclosure of your social security number is voluntary and will be used to facilitate a background check. If you choose not to disclose your social security number, the sheriff must still accept the application and forward it to the state police for the required background check. It may take significantly longer to process the background check without your social security number. (Please be advised that your social security number will not appear on the license.

Renewal of a License to Carry a Concealed Firearm

• Renewal may be made 60 days prior to the expiration of the license.
• Must have a current Pennsylvania Drivers License or Pennsylvania Photo ID Card, Address shown must be in Washington County.
• The fee is $ 20.00 for a five year renewal license - CASH ONLY. No debit cards, credit cards or checks are accepted.
• The license will be dated the day you come in to renew.

Note: A License to Carry a Firearm gives no one the right to carry a firearm in or on any property whether private, local, state or federal where possession of a firearm is restricted or posted a firearm is prohibited.

Information on Carrying Firearms

Information on carrying firearms can be found on the PA State Police Web site

Firearm Reciprocity Agreements

For information on states providing mutual recognition of each states license to carry a firearm can be found on the Attorney General Web site , click on Crime, then click on Firearms Reciprocity.


Be sure to check with local authorities outside your home state for a complete listing of restrictions on carrying concealed in that state. Many states restrict carrying in bars, restaurants (where alcohol is served), establishments where packaged alcohol is sold, schools, colleges, universities, churches, parks, sporting events, correctional facilities, courthouses, federal and state government offices/buildings, banks, airport terminals, police stations, polling places, any posted private property restricting the carrying of concealed firearms, ect.


In addition to state restrictions, federal law prohibits carrying on military bases, in national parks, and in the sterile areas of airports. National forests follow laws of the state wherein the forest is located.