New York is considered a "shall-issue" state with regard to a concealed carry permit. The state of New York considers a concealed carry permit to be a concealed carry license, specifically the New York Pistol License (NYPL).
You may receive an NYPL by applying to your local county's sheriff where they have the option of allowed a concealed carry license or not. It's required by applicants to show "proper cause" as justification for the issuance of an NYPL.
New York requires the following for obtaining a handgun:
- Permit for purchase
- Background check
- Firearm registration
All three must be completed if you want to purchase a handgun within the state of New York for both a private individual or dealer. It's considered illegal to possess or use an unregistered handgun.
You must have a NYPL to possess a loaded handgun outside your residence or business. This is for both open carry and concealed carry.
To conceal carry you must be at least 21 years old with the legal ability to own or possess a firearm.
New York does NOT recognize any other states permits or licenses related to concealed carry. You must be a resident to obtain a NYPL.
New York Gun Laws Quick Facts
Constitutional Carry? | ❌ No - New York is not considered a constitutional carry state. |
Open Carry Permitted? | ❌ No - New York doesn't allow for the open carrying of a handgun. There is legal argument that open carry isn't directly mentioned in their statutes, but the overall assessment of the opinions by attorney generals is that open carrying of a handgun is illegal. |
Carry In Vehicle? | ✅ Yes - New York does allow concealed carry on your person with a NYPL, so long as you're following the code established with the NYPL. Without a license you can transport a handgun only if that gun is fully unloaded, separated from ammunition, put in a locked container, and stored away from all passengers. |
Carry In State Park? | ❌ No - New York does NOT allow for concealed carry within their state parks. |
Carry In Restaurants? | ❌ No - A new law was passed on July 1st, 2022 which banned any individual from carrying a firearm into a restaurant or bar that serves alcohol. |
No Weapon Sign Enforced? | ❌ No - We could not find any specific code giving no weapons signs the force of law. |
Must Notify Officer? | ❌ No - We could not find any specific law indicating duty to inform for individuals. However, if asked you must answer truthfully and provide a permit and valid photo ID. |
New York CCW Reciprocity List
States Honoring CCW
*Restricted Reciprocity with New York
States NOT Honoring CCW
Honors These States CCW Permits
Any concealed carry permit from another state won't be accepted in New York. The only exception is a New York City pistol license, which is accepted throughout the whole state.
How Reciprocity Works In New York
New York does not have any reciprocal relationships with other states CCW.
New York: Where Is CCW Allowed?
Places Allowed
- Forestry lands, owned and maintained by the State University of New York College of environmental science and forestry
- All areas of the state – except those listed as Off-Limits.
Places Not Allowed
- Courthouses
- Government buildings – in certain cities and counties
- New York airports
- Building or grounds, used for educational purposes, of any school, college, or university
- Within the city of New York unless a special permit granting validity is issued by the police commissioner of that city
- At any facility operated or licensed by the Office of Mental Health
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.
New York: Conceal Carry Laws
Open Carry
No, there are no laws in New York statutes that mention open carry. Technically you could say it is legal by default. You may get away with it in some rural counties but if you try to open carry in town you will get a whole lot of problems. You could also raise the argument that a license is issued to conceal carry, hence the weapon must be concealed. To carry any firearm in New York you need a New York license.
Carry In Vehicle
Yes, New York does allow concealed carry on your person with a NYPL, so long as you're following the code established with the NYPL. Without a license you can transport a handgun only if that gun is fully unloaded, separated from ammunition, put in a locked container, and stored away from all passengers.
Carry In State Parks
No, it is illegal to carry in the following areas:
- State Parks: NO – Section 190 Dept. Lands
- State/National Forests: NO – Section 190 Dept. lands
- State Wildlife Management Areas: NO – Section 190 Dept. lands
- Road Side Rest Areas: NO – 17 CRR-NY IV C 156.12
Carry In Restaurants
No, on July 1st, 2022 a new law was passed which specifically mentions that no individual (regardless of permit or license) may carry a firearm into any restaurant or bar that serves alcohol.
Constitutional Carry
No, New York is not considered a constitutional carry state.
No Weapon Signs Enforced
No, we have not been able to find any statutes on gun signs in New York.
Must Notify Officer
No, there is no legal requirement to inform law enforcement you are carrying a handgun. However, the law does state you must carry your pistol license at all times when you have a handgun on your person and you must display the license to an officer if he requests to see your license.
N.Y. Pen. Law § 400.00
Additional Resources
New York Concealed Carry Laws
New York Open Carry Laws
New York Gun Permit Laws