This evening I started trying to research getting a non-resident carry license for when I travel to PA to visit family (I'm originally from Athens in Bradford County). This is turning out to be a bit more complicated than I expected.

Apparently the process is subjectively controlled by the county sheriffs. I just got done checking about a half dozen PA sheriff's department websites. So far, the ones I've checked either do not issue carry licenses to non-residents, or you have to be there in person (I live in SC, not a neighboring state).

Also, they seem to require references who are NOT related to you. Heck, I graduated high school and left for the USAF in 1977. About all that I know there is family. The couple of people I'm in touch with from high school live out of state!

I have possessed a South Carolina Concealed Weapon Permit for a number of years. Not trying to knock my home state, but the process down here is easy, objective, and consistent.

Anyway, instead of trying to dig through 67 sheriff department websites, I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask here if someone knows of a non-resident friendly sheriff who would allow the process by mail.

Thanks.

It looks like each sheriff makes his own rules. For example, the Bradford County sheriff requires references to be residents of that county.

Down here, the permit system is run by the state, the processes are standardized, and there are no arbitrary denials.