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ALERT! In observance of the holiday: County of Berks offices and buildings will close to the public from 12 PM, December 24, 2024, through December 25, 2024 (reopening 8 AM, December 26, 2024) and 12 PM, December 31, 2024, through January 1, 2025 (reopening 8 AM, January 2, 2025).

Please note – 24/7 operations at the county courthouse and services center will remain operational.

Firearm License Unit

Firearm License Unit

ATTENTION:

Firearm licensing through the Berks County Sheriff's Office can now be completed online by using the link below.

Apply Online Today! CLICK HERE

(Note: If your current license is expired use the "NEW License to Carry Application" option)

The Berks County Sheriff's Office is responsible for processing all applications for a Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms. This license allows a person to carry a concealed weapon on his or her person or in a motor vehicle. The licenses are issued to persons who qualify, based on a background investigation conducted by the Firearm License Unit, within 45 days of the filing of the application. The license is valid for a period of 5 years. The license may be revoked at any time for reasons of misuse, criminal activity or a person whose character or reputation shows they are likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety.

Applications may also be obtained by sending a self addressed envelope to the Berks County Sheriff's Office, Firearm Licenses Unit, 633 Court Street, Reading, Pa 19601. Telephone: 610-478-6240 Ext 3265.

The Firearm License Unit also issues licenses for firearms dealers and precious metals dealers in Berks County. These applications may also be obtained in the above stated manner.

Currently the states of ALASKA, ARKANSAS, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, KENTUCKY, MICHIGAN, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NORTH CAROLINA, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH DAKOTA, TENNESSEE, TEXAS, WEST VIRGINIA & WYOMING have reciprocity (will honor) the Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms.

Check the PA Attorney General Web Site for updates and to read the reciprocity agreements.

Map of Reciprocity States

Out of State Applicants

The Berks County Sheriff’s Office is now accepting applications for those who reside outside of Pennsylvania.  The below documents MUST be submitted with your license to carry application, whether submitted online or via mail. Once approval is obtained you will be contacted to schedule an appointment for you to obtain your License to Carry. 
 
Out of State applications are now being accepted online via Permitium or via US Mail. 

Required Documents:

  1. Paper application
  2. Check or money order for $20.00
  3. Photocopy of the front and back of your Driver’s License
  4. Photocopy of the front and back of your License to Carry from the state you reside in.  Please note there cannot be any restrictions listed on your current License to Carry.


Forms

**When submitting a paper application you must also send a photocopy of the front AND back of your drivers license/photo identification. **

**Fee for applying for a License to Carry is $20.00.  A check or money order must be sent in with your application.**

Applications will only be accepted via US Mail or through the online process.

Once your permit is approved you will be contacted/prompted to set up an appointment to complete the process. 

Completed applications can be mailed along with payment to:

Berks County Sheriff's Office
633 Court Street, 3rd Floor
Reading, Pa 19601

FAQs

Pennsylvania Concealed Carry License Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Yes, your license is valid for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia.
Your license to carry firearms is valid for five (5) years.
Within 30 - 60 days of the expiration of your license to carry firearms, a Renewal Reminder will be mailed to your home address.  It is imperative that you keep your address current so that you may receive the reminder.
You can come to the Berks County Sheriff's Office with a valid Pennsylvania Driver's License or Identification Card with your updated address, OR you can email a photo of your updated license to Sheriff@berkspa.gov. If emailing, please reference that you would like your address updated in the subject line or body of the email. Once received, we will mail you your new, updated License to Carry Firearms. 
There is no fee to change your address on your license to carry firearms.
Yes.
Currently, the states of Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming have reciprocity (will honor) the Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms.
 
Check the PA Attorney General Website for updates and to read the reciprocity agreements.
 
Immediately tell the officer that you are carrying a weapon and that you are licensed to do so while your hands are visible to the officer. Follow the officer's instructions completely. For safety reasons, the officer may secure your weapon while they verify your license to carry firearms.

Sheriff's Office Badge

Dear Berks County Gun Dealer,

 As you know, the Uniform Firearms Act of 1995 (Act 17, 1995), as amended, still requires any and all Berks County individuals and organizations that sell firearms to apply and be issued a License to Sell Firearms from the Sheriff.

To apply for a new three-year license, you need to fill out the attached application, include a copy of your Federal Firearm License, and submit a check made payable to Sheriff Eric J. Weaknecht for $62.00 ($57.00 for the license and $5.00 for certified mail).  These three items should be sent to:

BERKS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
FIREARMS SECTION
633 COURT ST., 3RD FLOOR
READING, PA  19601

The processing of your application will not exceed 45 days.  If you have any questions, you may call our office at 610-478-6240 x3265.  Thank you for your patience and understanding in this matter.

Sincerely,

Eric J. Weaknecht
Sheriff of Berks County