Burns provides update on Pa.’s concealed carry reciprocity agreements

EBENSBURG, April 17 – Seeking to provide up-to-date information on a frequently asked question, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, is sharing the latest news regarding Pennsylvania’s reciprocity agreements with other states concerning concealed carry handgun licenses.

Burns said that according to state Attorney General Josh Shapiro, a former Democratic colleague of his in the state House, Pennsylvania has entered into updated, written reciprocity agreements with 13 states: Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming.  

Negotiations are ongoing to update out-of-date reciprocity agreements with additional states, to ensure consistency with the Pennsylvania Uniform Firearms Act, Burns said.

“It’s a confusing situation for many law-abiding citizens in the 72nd Legislative District when it comes to understanding in which other states their concealed carry licenses are valid and where they are not,” Burns said. “I’m hoping that by sharing this information, it will provide them with a useful resource to navigate this maze.”

Burns said the current reciprocity status of each state can be easily viewed using a map by visiting www.attorneygeneral.gov, clicking “Resources” on the navigation bar at the top of the page, then clicking “Concealed Carry Agreements” under the “General Resources” tab.

Burns said visiting that page also provides access to a downloadable document that lists:

  • The nine states that do not require a concealed carry license to carry a firearm.

  • The 17 states that do not allow a Pennsylvania resident to carry a concealed firearm in that state without a separate concealed carry permit issued by that state.

  • The 26 states that allow Pennsylvania residents with a Pennsylvania concealed carry license to apply for their concealed carry license.

  • The 23 states that do not allow Pennsylvania residents with a Pennsylvania concealed carry license to apply for that state’s concealed carry license.

  • The 32 states that recognize Pennsylvania concealed carry licenses through reciprocity agreements, statutory reciprocity, or unilateral recognition.

  • The 30 states where Pennsylvania recognizes their concealed carry licenses regardless of reciprocity type, provided the license holder is a resident of that state and at least age 21.