By State Law, the Sheriff of Erie County has the responsibility to process all applications for a license to carry firearms and to issue licenses to all those applicants who qualify, based on a background investigation done by the Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff also licenses all firearms dealers in Erie County. All licenses are processed through Pennsylvania Instant Check System. Once an application for license to carry is filed, the Sheriff has 45 days in which to do the investigation and notify the applicant. The permit is valid for 5 years. The Sheriff has the ability to revoke the license at anytime for misuse.

The Erie County Sheriff issues approximately 2000 Licenses to Carry Firearms a year. We have an estimated 10,000 permits on file.

Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM.

All applicants are required to have a valid Pennsylvania Drivers License and must pay a a fee of $26.00 (cash only) at the time the application is submitted. A photo will be taken at that time.

This office is committed to do everything it can to promote firearm safety. Free booklets of basic firearm safety, children and guns, Pennsylvania Laws relating to firearms are available.

For more information on firearms licensing and safety, phone the Firearms Division at (814) 451-7444.