Pa. reaches reciprocity agreement with Virginia for concealed carry permit holders
Virginians who hold a permit to carry a concealed handgun will be able to keep it on their persons or in their cars when visiting Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced a reciprocity agreement with Virginia that allows people with Licenses to Carry Firearms to do so in both states.
'Shortly after taking office, I asked my staff to review opportunities to maximize reciprocity agreements with willing states, and ensure all existing and future agreements protect and respect standing law and constitutional rights,' Sunday said. 'Our research of law in both states revealed nothing conflicting that would disallow permit holders to carry in both states.'
The legal staff in Sunday's office reached out to Virginia State Police leaders in early April about renewing a Memorandum of Agreement that provides 'mutual recognition of a license to carry a firearm' issued by Pennsylvania and a license or permit to carry a gun issued by another state.
The permitting process is different in each state. In Pennsylvania, applicants apply through their county sheriff's office and a background check is conducted through the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS). The application process in Virginia goes through the clerk of the circuit court of the county or city where the person lives and requires proof of handgun competency. That could include things like completing a hunter safety course or any National Rifle Association or United States Concealed Carry Association firearms safety or training course.
The agreement, which applies only to handguns, allows a license holder from Virginia to carry a concealed handgun on their person or in a vehicle, in Pennsylvania, and vice versa, with a Pennsylvania license holder able to do the same in Virginia.
It requires permit holders to be at least 21-years-old, carry photo ID, display the permit when asked by law enforcement, and not have a concealed carry permit previously revoked.
According to Virginia State Police Superintendent Colonel Matthew D. Hanley, his state has recognized all out-of-state permits, including from Pennsylvania, since July 2016.
In a May 21 letter to Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, he noted the execution of the agreement serves to expand the rights of Virginians since their concealed carry permits will now be recognized in the Keystone State.
Pennsylvania now has concealed carry reciprocity agreements with 30 states, including Ohio and West Virginia. State police say as of June 2, nearly 1.7 million people have a license to carry permit in Pennsylvania.
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