New York is one of the states with stringent gun laws.

The licensing unit issues permits based on discretion, but you must first meet the New York pistol license law requirements.

New York Gun Permit

New York is a May-issue state for the application of firearms, processed by a county sheriff or a local court.

To purchase handguns in the state, you must obtain a purchase permit.

How To Get A Gun Permit In New York?

Anybody that is twenty-one or more without any prohibition to use firearms can apply for a gun license in New York.

The license is for only concealed carry.

New York Gun Permit Laws

New York prohibits the open carry of firearms in the state, even for gun permit holders. You cannot make use of a gun in places defined as off-limits like:

  • Schools
  • Daycare
  • State parks.
  • Public campgrounds
  • Courthouses
  • Mental home
  • Government buildings
  • Airports

New York prohibits the possession of assault weapons such as machine guns and semi-automatic firearms except for federally licensed individuals in the state.

Also, magazines must not contain more than ten round ammunition. Therefore the state prohibits large-capacity firearms.

Armor-piercing ammunition and explosive bullets are also unlawful in the state.

New York Gun Permit Requirements

To apply for New York gun license, you must meet the gun laws’ requirements, and they are:

  • You must be at least twenty-one years old.
  • You must be a legal citizen of the United States of America.
  • You must be of good moral character.
  • You must give a proper reason for the issuance of the permit.
  • You must be a resident of New York or own a business in the state.
  • In some counties, you must complete a firearm training class, for example, Westchester.
  • You must not be a felony or convicted for any other serious crime.
  • You must not be a fugitive.
  • You must not have any judge protection order in your name.
  • You must not be a narcotic or an addict to hard drugs and controlled substances.
  • You must not be mentally impaired in a way that would affect your possession of a firearm.
  • You must not have a previously revoked license.
  • You must be a convict of any misdemeanor crime that has to do with domestic violence.
  • You must meet all federal laws required for concealed carry permit applications.

Different Types Of Gun Permits In New York

A summary of firearms permits purchase in New York includes the following:

  • State permit to purchase long guns: New York does not issue a state permit to buy long guns.
  • State permits to purchase handguns: New York issues a state permit to purchase handguns.
  • State permit to open carry: New York is a non-permissive state that prohibits the open carry of firearms.
  • State permits to conceal carry long guns: New York does not issue a state permit to conceal handguns.
  • State permits to conceal carry handguns: New York issues a pistol permit to conceal carry handguns in the state.

How Much Does It Cost To Get A Gun License In New York?

Prices for initial and renewal applications in New York cost twenty dollars and ten dollars, respectively, and this varies from county to county.

Gun Permits Application And Renewal Law In New York?

To apply for New York pistol license, you must complete the following processes:

  • Take a firearm training course if necessary.
  • Download the application form.
  • Complete the form and provide four references.
  • Submit two passport photographs.
  • Go to your sheriff county office or local court to submit your application. Also, provide your fingerprints.
  • Undergo the state’s police investigation and an interview by the FBI.
  • A judge, county sheriff, or commissioner of police will either accept or approve the application based on your county of residence.

The New York permit recertification process takes place every five years. The local licensing authority is in charge of the recertification and updating of pistol permits.

Some counties may also have other requirements for renewal permit application. Examples of such counties are Nassau County. Suffolk County, and Westchester County.

You can complete a renewal permit application either online or with paper.

For an online application, download the renewal application form from a portal. For the paper application, visit any police station in the state to pick up the form.

Suppose partial residents do not have a driver’s license or a New York identification card. In that case, a paper renewal application is the only option, and you must attach a driver’s license or any other identification card from another state of residence.

Gun Permit Reciprocity With New York

New York does not have any reciprocity deal with another jurisdiction of the USA.

Other aspects of its reciprocity deal include the following:

States That Recognize New York Pistol Permit

You can possess firearms in these states if you are a permit holder from New York. However, you must comply with the laws and regulations of these states while making use of firearms in their territories. The states include the following:

  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Montana
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Puerto Rico

States That Have Restricted Reciprocity With New York

These states will accept your pistol permit from New York, but you must meet some other requirements provided by their gun laws. They include the following:

  • Alabama
  • Michigan

States That Do Not Require A Pistol Permit For The Possession Of Firearms

These are permitless carry states, and you do not need a license to possess firearms in the states.

However, some of them may have other requirements you must satisfy before you make use of firearms. They include the following:

  • Arizona
  • Alaska
  • Arkansas
  • Idaho
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Maine
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • New Hampshire
  • Oklahoma
  • South Dakota
  • Vermont
  • West Virginia

FAQs About Gun Permits In New York

Some of the most frequently asked questions about gun licenses application in New York includes the following:

Do I Need A Gun Permit To Conceal Carry Firearms In New York?

Yes, you can only open carry in New York if you have a pistol license issued by the state.

For How Long Is New York Concealed Weapon Permit Valid?

New York requires recertification for pistol permits every five years. The license does not expire, and the state does not issue a renewal permit.

Can Non-Residents Apply For New York Firearm Permits?

New York issues pistol permits to part-time residents of the state, anyone that has a business place in the state or an employee.

The process is similar to that of residents of the state.

How Can I Change The Name And Address On My New York Pistol License?

To change the name or address on a pistol permit, make sure that you complete the report form at least ten days after effecting the change. This will cost three dollars.

For a change of address, submit the form with any utility bill receipt from your new address.

If you fail to report a change of address or name within the ten days, it may lead to a suspension or forfeiture of your New York pistol permit.

Submit all the documents to the licensing department of the New York police plaza.

What Can I Do If I Lost My New York Permit Or It Gets Stolen?

For stolen or missing gun permits, you must report to the closest police location of where the theft occurred or where you lose the license. You will get a complaint number.

After that, notify the licensing department of the police unit immediately and visit the office to obtain a replacement permit.

The cost of a replacement license is five dollars.

How Soon Can I Apply For New York Gun Permit After Moving To The State?

New York issues gun licenses to residents of the state, part-time residents, business owners, and those employed in the state.

As soon as you establish residency in New York, you can apply for the pistol permit.

Can I Make Use Of New York Gun Permit After Moving To Another State In The Country?

Upon relocating out of New York, you cannot make use of your gun license, and it automatically expires.

Also, licenses issued based on business or employment reasons become invalid upon the termination of employment or relocation of the business away from the state.

Do I Need An New York Gun Permit To Open Carry In The State?

No, New York prohibits the open carry of firearms in the state.

It is a non-permissive state, and nobody, not even pistol permit holders, can open carry in the state.

What Is The Minimum Age Requirement To Apply For New York Gun Permit?

You must be at least twenty-one years old to apply for a gun permit license in New York.

Do I need A Permit To Purchase Firearms In New York?

You must obtain a purchase permit to buy handguns in New York. This is not compulsory for the purchase of long guns.

Does My Firearm Permit Exempt Me From Completing A Criminal Record Background Check Before Buying Firearms In New York?

No, with or without a pistol permit in New York, you must complete a criminal record check before you can purchase a pistol permit.

Do I Need An New York Permit To Possess Firearms In My Private Property?

No, you do not need a permit to possess firearms in dwelling places of personal businesses in New York.

Do I Need To Complete A Firearm Training Before Applying For New York Pistol Permit?

New York does not require the completion of firearm training to apply for pistol permits in the state.

However, some counties mandate firearm training before the application of gun licenses.

What Is The Processing Period For Firearm Permits In New York?

You will get your pistol permit in at least six months, but this varies depending on your county of residence.

Does New York Have Ammunition And Firearm Restrictions?

Yes, assault weapons in the state are limited to federally licensed individuals. The state also prohibits large-capacity firearms that can take more than ten round ammunition.

The use of armor-piercing and explosive bullets are also illegal in New York.

Is New York A Preemption Gun Law State?

New York has partial preemption gun laws with the state government allowing local municipalities to enact ordinances for the regulation and control of firearms for safety purposes.

Can I Conceal Carry While Hunting In New York?

Yes, as long as you have a gun license, you can conceal carry while hunting in the state, but it is prohibited to conceal carry during bow hunting.

What Is The Age Limit To Possess Firearms In New York?

You must be at least twenty-one years old to possess firearms in New York.

Relevant Gun Permit Laws And Legislature In New York

New York gun laws relating to the possession of firearms in the state and use of gun license include the following:

Possession Of Firearms In Private Vehicles

To carry firearms in your private vehicle, you must have a New York gun license. However, federal laws in interstate transportation allow the possession of an unloaded firearm through the state. In this case, the gun must not be accessible from the passenger side of the vehicle.

Private vehicles that do not have a compartment, lock the firearm away in a case but not the glove compartment of the car.

Note that an out of state license is only valid in New York for the transportation of firearms through the state if you buy the gun from a licensed dealer in New York and you are transporting it out of the state in its case where the trip is uninterrupted.

[N.Y. Pen. Law § 400.00(6)(b)]

Possession Of Firearms In Roadside Areas Of The State

According to the gun statute, [17 CRR-NY IV C 156.12], you cannot possess firearms in the state’s roadside areas.

Possession Of Firearms In State Parks, Forests, And Wildlife Management Areas

It is a prohibition to possess firearms in these parts of the state, even if you are a permit holder in New York.

[Section 190(p)(1) Dept. Lands]

Possession Of Firearms In Restaurant And Bar Areas Of The State

There is no prohibition for the concealed carry of firearms in restaurant and bar areas of the state if you are a gun licensee. The only exception is if there is a post prohibiting such.

Possession Of Firearms In Hotels

New York does not have a gun statute against the possession of firearms in Hotels. Hotels can develop private policies to regulate the concealed carry of weapons on their premises, and you can visit their website for more information about this.

Additional Resources

New York Gun Laws
New York Concealed Carry Laws
New York Open Carry Laws

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