Welcome to the York County Sheriff's Office's Licensing Division.
Reminder on Firearms Responsibility
From Sheriff Rich Keuerleber
As an applicant for a license to carry a firearm, it is my duty to remind you that carrying a firearm requires tremendous care and responsibility. It is my position that irresponsible behavior, criminal or otherwise, will result in the permanent revocation of your license. Also, I am asking every firearms license holder to exercise good firearms care and safety as it relates to carrying and storage of firearms.
Please consider the following as it relates to your firearms license:
- Be familiar with the operation, safe handling, and laws related to your firearm. Although it is not the law, it is recommended that you take a firearms safety course offered by a competent instructor. Otherwise the firearm may represent a threat to yourself, your family, and your fellow citizens.
- Overt and unnecessary display of your firearm in public places can cause alarm to the public and may result in revocation of your permit.
- Possessing a firearm presents an additional risk of it getting into the wrong hands. Practice safe storage and seek quality firearms training.
- Your firearms license is for Pennsylvania only. There are states that accept Pennsylvania Licenses. Information on reciprocity can be obtained from the PA Attorney General’s Office.
- Do not carry your firearm when consuming alcoholic beverages or taking prescription medications that may affect your abilities and/or judgment.
- A firearms license does not confer any law enforcement powers or authority. Acting in that manner will result in revocation of your license in addition to any criminal/civil penalties.
- Carrying a firearm does create the possibility of it being taken and used against you and your family. Seek quality training.
- Arrests for certain enumerated offenses or a Protection From Abuse Order is grounds for revocation of your permit. Your license will be revoked, whether the firearm was involved in the incident or not. State law requires that you notify us if you become ineligible to maintain your license to carry a firearm.
- If you are carrying a firearm and come into contact with a Law Enforcement Officer, follow all instructions you are given. Do not make any sudden moves, keep your hands visible, and notify the officer immediately that you have a firearms license and a firearm on your person.
These are a few of the many considerations you should keep in mind. Please use common sense and basic handgun safety considerations at all times. Again, carrying a firearm requires responsibility.
Cordially,
Mission
Our mission is to accept, conduct background checks and determine eligibility of License to Carry Firearms and License to Sell Firearms applications for the residents of York County.
In order to accomplish our mission in an efficient and effective manner, we have provided links to the various forms required to assist you in submitting your application.
License to Carry Firearms
If you are either a resident of York County or an out-of-state resident, please utilize the "LICENSE TO CARRY FIREARMS" link below for the new online process or click on our forms section for a application that can be mailed to the Sheriff's Office.
To complete the Firearms Licensing through the York County Sheriff's Office click on the link below.
The York County Sheriff’s Office will issue new and renewal Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms by appointment at our new satellite location.
Our office will be contacting all applicants to schedule an appointment. When you arrive at the satellite office, we ask that you maintain social distancing. A face covering or mask will be required to enter the premises.
Our office will continue to accept and process LTCF applications via mail.
The York County Sheriff’s Office is taking the necessary pro-active measures to balance the health and safety of the citizens of York County. We thank you for your patience during these challenging times.
REQUIREMENTS:
All applicants must be at least 21 years of age.
All applicants must complete the Application for a Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms.
Pennsylvania residents must possess a valid Pennsylvania Driver's License or Identification Card.
Out of state residents are required to accompany their application with a full color copy of their domicile state valid Driver's License and Concealed Weapons Permit.
Firearm Licenses are valid for five years from the date of issue.
Hours:
York County Judicial Center:
Dropping off Applications: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Picking up Licenses: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- You can submit Applications online by clicking here or you can click here to download and print an application to mail in. Both pages of the application must be submitted to our office. You can submit them as a single double-sided piece of paper, or you can submit them as two separate pieces of paper.
- You must fill out all the information requested from number 1 thru 33 with the exception of #2 and #8 on the front page. Sign and date the application when finished.
- Please note, social security numbers are voluntary. However, if there is a record found and we do not have the ability to identify you from that record, your license will not be approved.
- Non-Pennsylvania residents must have a concealed weapons permit issued by their domicile state and a valid Driver's License. You are required to accompany your application with a copy of your domicile state concealed weapons permit and driver's license.
- We may contact references and employers as part of the background process. Applications will be denied if contact information is incomplete or inaccurate.
- Return the completed application along with $20.00 dollars, check, or money order. Your application will not be processed without these funds! Checks are to be made payable to: Sheriff of York County. Mail application and payment to the address at the bottom of this page.
- Processing time is typically less than 1 week. However, under state law the background checks can take up to 45 days. Once your application is approved our office will contact you. We will notify you via email or phone. Request for email or phone call are to be submitted on the form available by clicking HERE. Due to the large volume of applications, only one phone call attempt will be made. Therefore, you will be required to have a working answering machine. If we do not get an answering machine, no other phone call attempts will be made. When checking your email, we recommend that you also check your spam folder.
- Licenses must be picked up in person, with your valid drivers license or your state ID as indicated above. Your license will be held for 30 (thirty) days. After that time period, it will be removed from our system and you will have to reapply.
York County Sheriff's Office
License to Carry Office
45 North George St.
York, Pa 17401
(Note- If your license is expired use the "New" License to Carry Application option)
Once your application is approved you will be contacted to complete the process.
Out-of-State residents must accompany their applications with a colored photo of both their Driver's License and License to Carry Firearms from the state in which they currently reside.
License to Sell Firearms
You MUST Have a Valid Pennsylvania Drivers License or Identification Card.
You MUST provide a copy of a valid Federal Firearms License (FFL). The copy must contain the printed name, signature, and date in original ink. (NO COPIES OF THE NAMES, SIGNATURE, AND/OR DATE WILL BE ACCEPTED)
License to Sell Firearms are valid for three years from the date of issue.
Hours for license applications: Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Picking up completed Applications:
License to Sell Firearms will be sent to the business address via certified mail.
- You must fill out all the information requested from number 1 thru 39. Block 28 will be completed as applicable. Sign and date the application when finished.
- You must personally deliver the Application to our office. Your completed application MUST be accompanied by a copy of your FFL and a valid Pennsylvania Driver's License or Identification Card.
- There is a processing and license fee of $57.00. Our office accepts checks or money orders. Cash and Credit / Debit cards are not accepted.
- Processing time is usually one (1) week. Once the license has been approved and signed by the Sheriff, the License to Sell Firearms will be sent to the business' address via certified mail.
- Applications are available by clicking HERE. The form is required to be double sided. Applications with the back side on a separate sheet of paper will be rejected.
York County Sheriff's Office
York County Judicial Center
45 N. George St., 1st Floor
York, Pa. 17401
If you are a resident of York County, own a firearms dealership and possess a valid Federal Firearms License (FFL), please utilize the "LICENSE TO SELL FIREARMS" drop-down box at the left (or click here) in order to be directed to the applicable application.
Out-of-State residents are not eligible for a License to Sell Firearms.
Reciprocity
Click on the following links to view the current Reciprocity Agreements
