LTCF Application (Columbia County) Experience

[S&WOwner]

The experience was very pleasant - everyone was very polite.

1. Downloaded application from County Sheriff Office website (Application for PA License to Carry Firearms).

2. Filled it out and dropped it off at County Sheriff Office (can't mail) with $20 (cash - will only accept cash or check).

A. Deputy looked it over.
B. Told me to have both references call the office (provided phone number).
C. Said it could take up to 45 days but check back in a week.

3. I contacted my "references" and they called the same day.

4. I called the Sheriff 7 days later - application approved - come pick it up.

5. Arrived at Sheriff Office

A. Signed (electronic signature pad)
B. Took my picture
C. Handed me my LTCF

6. Start to finish: 7 days

[Curmudgeon]

Glad everything went smoothly for you.

[Mr.C]

Yep Columbia County sheriff's office is pretty good.Always nice when you go in.Both my wife and I had ours in about 2 weeks.

[RBELARDI]

I dont undersdtand why all the technology for all the counties isnt the same . . . It takes me 20 minutes max in Lackawanna County . . .

Walk in
Fill out the app
Wait 10 min
Smile for the camera
Pay $20
Walk out . . .

[S&WOwner]

...I dont undersdtand why all the technology for all the counties isnt the same...

The only real delay would be the character references. I understand it is up to the individual County. Other counties mail out the references and that builds in a delay (depending on how quick the replies are). While other's (like yours) don't even check the references (I guess). The neat thing in Columbia - is it is merely a phone call for the references. The other delay is the background check. I know that can be done in a few minutes (took 3 minutes for my gun purchase).

At any rate - I agree - it doesn't really make sense why everyone does it differently.

But, like Mr.C said - the Columbia office personnel are very nice. After I picked up my license - I asked the Deputy a few questions about protocol and he was super friendly.

[minionman24]

I have to agree with you and your positive experience at Columbia County. I applied for and received my LTCF permit last summer and it really couldn't have been any easier.

Apparently just a few years ago it was much less... professional and easy. Some friends that got their license a year or two before I did look pretty much homemade by comparison.

[CBennett]

I dont undersdtand why all the technology for all the counties isnt the same . . . It takes me 20 minutes max in Lackawanna County . . .

Walk in
Fill out the app
Wait 10 min
Smile for the camera
Pay $20
Walk out . . .

^^ this thats all I had to do also. 20-25 minutes tops

[jeeprunner]

All I gotta say is whoever that lady is working at the sherrifs office is, is super arrogant..
Asked a few questions and she looked at me and answered my questions like Im supposed to know.. and god forbid they give you a call and say "hey were done come pick it up"
Ya know since I have to do all the other work....
Since im paying the 20.00 for the licence cant they give at least 1 courtesy??
Columbia county sheriffs office....do the work for us....
Lol should be thier motto....
Any other county surrounding us is an in and out proccess.
Why is columbia county so SLOW!!!!
Lol
End rant.........lol