Seeking CCW license in Lower Merion, Montgomery County

[gol117]

To All,

Please excuse me if some of this ground has been covered before. It just seems that it is a bit more tricky in Montgomery County than some other parts of the state to get a permit, and I am focusing on Lower Merion Township in particular.

First of all, let me state that I have no criminal record. There is no reason (I can think of ) why I should not be able to get a permit. I am a completely normal (I think), law abiding citizen (I know). On the other hand, I don't want to have a refusal because I understand that this could lead to future refusal. So I want to get this right!

From what I have seen on the site, I could just get a Florida permit, which seems a whole lot less nuanced, and the current law (and the current Attorney General) say that even though I am a resident of PA, that is all I need to carry. So the first question is why even bother to get a PA license?

Assuming I need a PA license, do I go to the Township seat (Narberth for Lower Merion) or do I go to the county seat (Norristown)? Will I need my doctor's permission? Will I need references? Will I need to list my guns? Are there any of those things I should refuse to do for the sake of principal??

Incidentally, when I checked under Montgomery County in ths site, I saw that it said "No" for Montgomery County under NR permits. What does this mean? Sounds ominous.

Any help is much appreciated!!!

[Pa. Patriot]

It will be easier to get your PA permit.
It will be cheaper to get your PA permit
It will be faster to get your PA permit.

"NR" means Non Resident. (Inapplicable)

Doctors? List guns? Heavens NO.

PA is "shall issue". You will be given a permit if you
a) fill out the form correctly
b) pay the fee
c) Pass the background check.
Period

Place of application:

An individual who is 21 years of
age or older may apply to a sheriff for a license to carry a
firearm concealed on or about his person or in a vehicle within
this Commonwealth. If the applicant is a resident of this
Commonwealth, he shall make application with the sheriff of the
county in which he resides or, if a resident of a city of the
first class, with the chief of police of that city.

Source: Title.18 Ch.61 § 6109. Licenses.

[XD45]

http://sheriff.montcopa.org/sheriff/...,3,Q,15450.asp

there is the sheriffs website about it... seemed somewhat straight forward till i read "Local Police check card must be signed by your local police department (New Applicants)" "I never heard of a local police check card before".. i'm sure some people from your county will chime in soon enough though. But I am curious about what that check card is..

[toml]

Pick up the paperwork at the county courthouse in Norristown. There is the application and a 'police check' card. Fill out the appropriate sections of both, and then take the police check card to your local police station. They have a section to fill out and then return the form to you (some right on the spot, some take a while to do it). Then take both back to the courhouse. You have the option of bringing photos and getting a paper card, or paying a bit more to have them take the picture and give you a laminated card. I suggest the latter.

(The Montco form does ask for references, however as far as I am aware, they are not typically contacted.)

[Boomer]

Information.....

Gun Permits:

This section issues a "license to carry firearm" to those residents of Montgomery County who are 21 years of age or older and show cause to carry a firearm concealed on or about one's person or in a vehicle in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Applications can be picked up at the Sheriff's Office, or Local Police Department if available. For more information Click here


Montgomery County
Sheriff's Department
Court House, 1st Floor
P.O. Box 311
Norristown, PA 19404

Office Hours
(610) 278-3331
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.



This link will take you to the page with lmore information.

http://www2.montcopa.org/Sheriff/cwp...,41609.asp#gun


From that page......

- You will need to COME IN - IN PERSON to the Court House in Norristown with the following:

1. Pennsylvania Drivers License and/or Pennsylvania I.D. Card with your Montgomery County address.

2. If renewing, applicant must remember to supply names, addresses and telephone numbers of two (2) references (not immediate family.)

3. Local Police check card must be signed by your local police department (New Applicants).

4. $25.00 or $46.00 cash, check or money order (No Credit/Debit cards accepted.)

5. Foreign-born applicants who are U.S. Citizens must supply Passport or Naturalization Paperwork.

6. Foreign-born applicants who are not U.S. Citizens must provide proof of immigration status.


Anyone else from Montgomery county ? What is number 3. above ?
Also on number 2. they say IF renewing... on the PA form renew or new application requires referances.




. Welcome to PAFOA !!!!



.
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[toml]

The Police Check Card is a simple form you take to the police department in your township/borough of residence. You state your name, address, how long you have been a resident, etc.

It's basically for them to say whether they have had any dealings with you. Most times it just gets filled out "not known to us" and signed and returned. In my township, the detectives handle filling it out, and it takes about a week.

[Boomer]

Thanks Tom

[gol117]

Thanks for all the responses.

I am starting to feel easier about the process. Just didn't want to screw it up. This is straightforward. Thank you, Second Amendment!

[MarcS]

I grew up in LM and that's where my parents live so that's where i got my permit through. Go to the police station in Ardmore. They'll give you the police check card and application. Fill out the police check card right there and hand it back to them. LMPD will send it to the sheriff when they complete the investigation.

In about a week or so, call the sheriffs office and ask them if they've got your police check card yet. If so, bring in your completed application and you'll be in and out in about a half hour.

[ladyhawke]

Start out with a trip to the Norristown Courthouse. Do not give the completed application to the LMPD. Just give them the Police Check card. Return to police station and pick up the police check card and hand carry everything to the sherrif's dept. You will walk in with a pile of paperwork and a check, and walk out with your CCW, assuming that the PICS comes back clean.

Renewal is even simpler.

And another thing ... if you go around behind the back of the courthouse, you will have an easier time of getting either metered or free parking on one of the side streets. Beats the heck out of the garage parking fees. You'll be there for less than 1/2 hour usually, at least that's been my experience.

And check out the 9-11 memorial while you're there.