what ID is required to purchase a handgun in PA?

[vinterkald]

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[Skuggi]

go get your picture id card.

[Guy Fawkes]

If you are 21 shouldn't be a problem. Don't learners permits have pictures and birthdates now?

Guy

[Siggy]

From what I understand you need to have a PA drivers license for at least three months before they will sell you a firearm. A state issued ID card might be the same as a license, but my local dealer recently mentioned that the license has to have been issued at least three months earlier (prior) or they can't sell you a firearm.

But a good rule of thumb is to go ask the dealer and don't rely on forum postings. You will get all kinds of opinions/beliefs/answers...

[lexington86]

You know you have to be 21 to purchase a handgun (18 for rifles/shotguns), right?

(I'm just saying that because you're talking about learner's permits and such, which most people get when they're 16 or so)

[Xringshooter]

From the Pennsylvania State Police form SP4-135 (5-2006) Titled INFORMATION FOR PENNSYLVANIA FIREARM PURCHASERS & BASIC FIREARM SAFETY:

"Q: What types of identification do I need to purchase a firearm?"

"A: Dealers may accept any one of the following documents as identification:
Valid photo drivers license or ID card
Valid government-issued photo ID card"

"Because Pennsylvania is a point of contact (POC) for the National Instant Check System (NICS), operational November 30, 1998, we agree to do the federal firearms background check (Brady check) which requires a photo identification card. Even though the Pennsylvania law provides for non-photo ID for members of religious sects whose tenets forbid or discourage the taking of photographs, it is now required that a photo ID be provided."


My comments: If you are military stationed in PA I would also take proof of where you live (utility bill, rent receipt, etc.) just to satisfy any questions the FFL might have. Also, if from a surrounding state you must comply with your home states' requirements (NJ FOID for example).

You must be 18 to buy a long arm, 21 to buy a handgun, you DO NOT need to have an LTCF to buy a handgun. Even if you possess a valid LTCF this does not exempt you from going through the background check. The exemption (by having a valid license) dealt with the time period when PA had a waiting period. Since the waiting period became null and void after PICS was instituted, the LTCF exemption also became void.

Hope this helps.

[bradjc72]

you need the basic info, and siggy is right about 3 months. You need your drivers license, social security number, home address, work place, references, and then just the knowledge and a good pen to do the rest.

[Penguini66]

Originally Posted by Xringshooter

"A: Dealers may accept any one of the following documents as identification:
Valid photo drivers license or ID card
Valid government-issued photo ID card"

Anybody know if a Passport is a valid photo ID card?

What about a LTCF card. Is it a valid government-issued photo ID card?

I've quit carrying my Drivers license and now carry my Passport instead.

(I got tired of arguing with doormen about scanning my drivers license in their little age checker contraptions. So now, my drivers license lives in my glove box with my registration and proof of insurance.)

[Xringshooter]

When a dealer calls the PICS, it asks for the DL #. If a person is of age but doesn't have a DL the FFL is switched to an operator who takes all the other pertinent data. I think this is why they want the SSN. This alternate way may take longer to do the background check but should work (I have not had to do this yet with any of my customers). If you have a PA DL that is the easiest and quickest way to get through the PICS.

[gf45acp]

I bought my first handgun in Pa, at a dealer, one hour after I got my Pa DL. Is everyone so sure about the 3 months?