New York Concealed Carry Permit Information

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Concealed Permit:
May Issue to Residents Only
The determination whether to grant the license is completely within the discretion of the licensing officer. However, the licensing officer must state specifically and concisely in writing the reasons for a denial. A denial can only be overturned in court if the denial is shown to be arbitrary and capricious.

Issuing Authority:
Licensing Officer of the City or County where the applicant resides, is principally employed, or where his principal place of business as a merchant or storekeeper is located.

NICS check: Yes

Cost: A license fee is fixed by the board of supervisors in each county, with a $10.00 limit prescribed by state law. The Division of Criminal Justice Services sets the fingerprinting fee. The fee for each amendment to the license is $3.00 ($5.00 in Suffolk County). In New York City and Nassau County, the City Council and Board of Supervisors, respectively, set the license fees without regard to the state law limitation.

Featured New York Firearm Instructors:

Requirements:

Westchester County may require the applicant to successfully complete a firearms safety course and test in addition to meeting the other requirements. Other counties also require a safety course for license issuance.

A license may be granted to an applicant who is of good moral character, who is over 21 years of age, who has not been convicted of a serious offense, who states if and when he has ever been treated for mental illness, who is not subject to a protective court order and to whom no good cause exists for the denial of the license. The age requirement shall not apply to persons honorably discharged from the military. (Persons between age 18 and 21 may possess a handgun at an indoor or outdoor pistol range located in or on premises owned or occupied by a duly incorporated organization organized for conservation purposes or to foster proficiency in small arms. A person between the ages of 18 and 21 may also possess a handgun at a target pistol shooting competition under the auspices of or approved by the NRA and while under immediate supervision).

Applications for licenses must be acted upon within 6 months after presentment. If there is a delay, there must be written notice to the applicant stating the reasons.

If issued, a license is valid until revoked, except in New York City where a license shall expire not more than 3 years after the date of issuance, and in Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester Counties where a license shall expire not more than 5 years after the date of issuance.

An applicant for a license to carry outside the home must be required to show, in addition to the requirement for possession, that proper cause exists for the issuance of a carry license, including, for example, target shooting, hunting, or self-defense.

Informing Law Enforcement of Carry:

Automobile carry:
A loaded handgun may be carried in a vehicle by a properly licensed individual. (Loaded means a firearm with ammunition loaded in magazine or chamber or any firearm which is possessed by one who at the same time possesses a quantity of ammunition which may be used to discharge such a firearm.) Possession of any loaded rifle or shotgun in a vehicle is illegal.

It is unlawful for any person to carry, possess or transport a handgun in or through the state unless he has a valid New York license. More details on this click here.

Places off-limits when carrying:
It is a crime to possess any rifle, shotgun or handgun in or upon a building or grounds, used for educational purposes, of any school, college or university. It is lawful, however, to possess a rifle, shotgun or handgun in or upon the forestry lands, wherever located, owned and maintained by the State University of New York College of environmental science and forestry, without the written authorization of such educational institution.

Deadly Force / Castle Doctrine:
New York is a Castle Doctrine state but has no stand-your-ground law.


Open Carry:
Prohibited in all public areas.

Localities with Varying Laws:
Contact your local county.

 

Forms:

 

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  • Danimperial101

    NY will issue to residents and non residents, it is up to the county judge what he will issue and to who he will issue

    • dp

      Is there any resource on what counties will entertain that idea? Many require residency.

      • Apo

        Hi im apo As a new Yorker I have my pistol permits for 2 yrs now I’m looking to get a full carry license in NY for better job somebody let me know what I should do

        • SMH

          APPLY FOR ONE! 

        • Serenityinfire

          What county? I used to live in Nassau County and they are just like NYC. Only friends, family, rich, and famous stand a chance at an unrestricted carry.

          • http://twitter.com/RandomWickednes RandomWickedness

            I’m looking into one right now as the gang banger across the street brandished a gun at me, pointed it at my face and threatened to kill me the other day, but it’s an insane maze of bueracratic nonsense.

            There are THREE categories for police / retired police, but not one for concealed / self-defense. What the hell is this nonsense?

    • Capgun

       Since whae does NY issue to non-residents??????

    • Gaius

      NYS only issues to residents, not nonresidents

    • Tomd1rx

      ny does NOTissue to non residents ever

  • Joe5speed_1999

    The red / blue key legend above conflicts with the heading red/blue data – please fix.

    • Anonymous

      Not sure what you mean.

    • read before you post

      They are LINKS the legend is on the right

  • Hector

    Is unrestricted the same as full carry”

    • Redlegagent

      Yes, all pistol permits are considered as full (concealed) carry unless a restriction is applied.  The most common restriction is “Hunting and Target only” which means you can only carry at the range or while legally hunting – no where else. A “premises” permit means you can only possess in your home but these permits are usually only seen in NYC etc.

      • Yakker0117

        In NY if you have a “Hunting and Target only” permit you MAY carry TO and FROM the range.  You are not restricted to carry ONLY at the range.

        • Jersdoowop

          Excellent .  You can carry to and from the range. What if you want to stop  for a meal ,is that ok . I have a full carry for PA can i carry from NY york state to PA  on my person. Thanks for any input.. My NYS ccw has restrictions for hunting target and bussiness.

          • Cldgug

            Dont do it…..your gun needs to be locked and placed seperated from your ammo and ammo needs to be locked in NY your PA permit is no good in NY

          • Anonymous

            +1… Good call. Has this changed behind the new reciprocity rules? I have some friends that are cops in NYC that I’ve asked to get their perspective and I haven’t gotten a straight answer

          • Tomd1rx

            NY DOESN’T RECOGNIZE YOUR PA PERMIT, YOU WOULD BE CHARGED WITH A FELONY AND NYS HAS A MANDATOTY JAIL TIME, NO PLEA BARGAIN

          • Jersdoowop

            Thanks for the feed back,but my question was i have a nys ccw with restrictions. Can i carry on my person to PA I have a full carry in PA. 

            Thanks

        • Jersdoowop

          Yes you are right .  I have proff of that. With my ccw restrictions can i carry on my why to PA i have a full carry in PA. And what about on the why home.  Can i stop for a meal .  You can not leave you gun in the car thats the law.  This whole thing just sucks.   Thjank for any input..  Jerry P.

          • Tlester7

            I was told by the NRA instructor that if I am traveling to or from target practice or hunting it is lawful to have the gun on my person. If I must stop for a meal or to get gas etc, the gun must be fully concealed or it is considered “brandishing” and is a reason to revoke my permit.

          • Jersdoowop

            Thanks for feed back.So on my way to PA where i have a full carry i can carry from ny state with my restrictions? Too PA  ?  Thanks Jerry

      • CHIC

        I HAVE A CCW PERMIT FROM SCHUYLER COUNTY.  MY ONLY RESTRICTION IS THAT I CANNOT CARRY IN NYC AND I SHOULD THINK ALL BE AWARE OF THE PERMIT IN NYC IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO GET. 

    • Will

      YES !

  • bbc55

    Hector, it is…..

  • http://twitter.com/EagleLegalCCW Richard Neva

    All right check this out! I live in the draconian state of NY and I have carried for years as a Michigan corrections officer.  When I retired to NY that permit was stripped from me and all my guns were confiscated.  It took a almost two years to get them back!  I received a permit to carry a concealed weapon by  Judge Howie Sullivan but he altered it by saying it was restricted to hunting and target practice!  All my guns were concealed carry guns and I am an excellent shot so the that permit was useless and was altered in a felonious manner by this good ole boy judge.  I guess I was not rich enough or did not chum with him at the local watering hole. 

    • NY Correction Officer

      What possessed you to move to NY? Most of the law enforcement officers I know tell me they’re moving out-of-state when retiring. Taxes here are out-of-sight. As far as pistol permits go; New York is a “shall-issue” state. Virtually impossible to get any type of pistol license in NYS, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester Counties.Outside of NYC and Suffolk County, the county judges serve as the licensing officers and they tend to issue “restricted SPORTMAN’S” permits to civilians. 

    • Peter Hanson

      By him some heavy drinks during lunch break.

    • Redlegagent

      NYS does not recognize permits from other states so the fact that you were a CO in Michigan is irrelevent I’m afraid for the purpose of obtaining a permit.  The NYS Supreme Court recognizes the “right” of County Judges (issuing authorities) to apply restrictions.  You do have the right to request the restriction be removed.  How this is done varies from county to county.  Once an unrestricted permit is issued, if the county judge retires or is replaced, usually the new judge will not apply restrictions to the existing permit without a good reason. I would find out how to apply to remove your restriction and use the fact that you were a CO as justification – it may take a while though so be prepared to wait it out.  What have you got to lose??

    • Redlegagent

      NYS does not recognize permits from other states so the fact that you were a CO in Michigan is irrelevent I’m afraid for the purpose of obtaining a permit.  The NYS Supreme Court recognizes the “right” of County Judges (issuing authorities) to apply restrictions.  You do have the right to request the restriction be removed.  How this is done varies from county to county.  Once an unrestricted permit is issued, if the county judge retires or is replaced, usually the new judge will not apply restrictions to the existing permit without a good reason. I would find out how to apply to remove your restriction and use the fact that you were a CO as justification – it may take a while though so be prepared to wait it out.  What have you got to lose??

    • Dj686g

      Removing restrictions can be difficult in NY, apply to get them removed if you have a good excuse.

  • Jpeluso3

    Get use to it . Like you said if your not a good old boy your screwed. Only his friends will get concealed carry.The problem in New York is DA and Judges hied behind the law.I don’t know how they ever passed the Bar they still can’t understand that the bad guys will always have guns.

  • james

    the red indicator above is not right red means not honor but it says “states that honor ny pemit”

    • read before you post

      your not reading it right. Those aren’t the color code, the color code is on the right, those are 2 different links. 

  • The big cat

    Does anyone in the Rochester/Buffalo/Syracuse area know where I can purchase a hand gun on my badge. I am a C O for the State of NY.

    585 993-8254

    Thanks

    • Rmh6776

      Buffalo gun center , on Harlem rd, in the town of Cheektowaga

  • Joe

    NY needs to start honoring Reciprocity with other states and it will be returned!!  Although not as bad as some other states, they are still infringing on our rights!

    • William Antico

      That’s 100% Correct ! State like NY that infringe on the 2nd amendment, I call “The People’s Republic of …” such as New York. When a state doesn’t comply with the rights garenteed to us by the constitution, then are they really acting as U.S. States ? New Jersey is as bad, so is California, and Illinois is even worse.

    • Jersdoowop

      Right on. Jerry P.  

    • Tomd1rx

      NYS DICTATORIAL DEMOCRATS

  • Gaius

    There are different counties in NYS that are somewhat considered “shall, or may issue” carry counties.
    NYC, Westchester, Putnam, Nassau, Suffolk are all restricted target issue for  the most part. I have a friend who lives in Orange who got a restricted hunting/ target, and after a year they made it an unrestricted license.
    Can anyone tell me, If they know, what counties issue unrestricted carry right off the bat? I believe that Dutchess county is of that mindset. Any others?

    Thanks

    • garry

      I think that it mostly depends on the Judge.  If the Judge that reviews the application want to put restrictions he will.  I know that columbia county and probably most other counties are unrestricted permits. 

    • Import2nrz

      Putnam does as well.

  • Paul

    When I went to hand my application in yesterday in buffalo,Ny, I was handed a packet that asked about any previous mental illness, if I’ve ever been evaluated, If I’ve been treated by a psychologist or psychiatrist. I answered no to all the questions..signed the form and continued with completing the application process. After I returned home..I began thinking about a few of the questions that were asked..and realized that I had a evaluation done about 9 years ago but was not diagnosed with any mental illness. This took place at ecmc hospital in buffalo..due to a bad relationship breakup. My question is..will that be held against me if I did not list it?.. should I go back to the pistol permit department and let them know that I had forgotten about that incident?…I want to be completely honest..and don’t want to blow my chance of getting my permit. I don’t want them to think im trying to hide anything..any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

    Newbie from buffalo, ny.

    • Oldbie from New York

      Your prescription for an anti-depressant is not a reason to disclose that you have been treated by a psychologist or psychiatrist, or that you are “mentally defective” unless, if fact, any one of these three statements is true. If you have been treated by a psychologist or psychiatrist, it is on record with the NYS Department of Mental Health (a clear HIPPA violation to access, and invasion of privacy, but we’ll deal with that in another post I’m sure). These types of practitioners have a duty and are bound by law to report patients to NYS Dept. of Mental Health. So, if your regular doctor prescribed anti-depressants to you, you are technically in the clear. A lot of quit-smoking medications are technically anti-depressants, and many have other uses. I’m not judging in any manner but there is an ethical/moral issue of having a handgun or other firearm at your disposal if you are depressed, etc. If you had a single incident 9 years ago, I would not worry about it.

  • GQ

    I was medically discharged for PTSD does this mean I have no shot at a concealed carry permit?

    • JMG

      Which state are you in? Yes, it matters. Although Federal Law states that you may not be judged “mentally defective” it matters which state you are in for enforcement and time frame, etc. Chances are that your discharge will stand in your way of a lot, even though we, as a country, should demand that we get you whatever resources are necessary to help you conquer your PTSD and then say thank you for your service and for keeping us free, that will (sadly) never happen. I’m sorry I don’t have better news, and I hope I’m wrong.

  • Paul

    Ok..Im a newbie here and not sure if this is the appropriate place to post this question, so please bear with me. I went to hand in my application on friday at the pistol permit dept, here in buffalo, ny. before the process was complete, i was handed a packet to review and sign about the following: 
    have you ever had a mental evaluation? have you ever been treated for any mental illness? Have you ever been seen by a psychiatrist or psychologist? I answered no to all questions, signed and handed it in to complete my application process. After I got home..I got thinking about the questions that were asked. Back in 2003 I admitted myself to ecmc after a very bad break-up. Im not sure if i was evaluated…and was released 2 days later…being told that I did not need to be there. I also have been on anti-depressants since 2002 and was not aware that depression was a mental illness. My question here is….should I go back down to the pistol permit department and inform them that I had forgotten to list that incident? is it too late to do so? will that be held against me? Is that grounds enough to denied my application? I have been very careful filling out my application as far as disclosing any past criminal history, and to make sure my references have had no arrest history. I do not want them to think I am hiding anything..and am not %100 sure that this information will even come up. Any thoughts or advice is greatly appreciated,

    • William

      Paul, Is there a medical record of that time you are talking about ? Did you notice on the form if there was a time limit mentioned, such as saying “in the past 10 years” or did it say “ever” ?
      Because remember that New York is a “May Issue” state not a “Shall Issue” state. So if they find the record of you being held for psych evaluation, and you did not tell them or explain it, they could deny you your permit. That doesn’t mean they will, but they could. They may call you and say hey, were you admitted in a hospital way back when for a psych evaluation ? You may just wind up with having to give a  lengthy explaination. If it’s been a month since you turned in your papers, and haven’t yet heard about it, then you have a choice to make. Call up the pistol section and tell them the story, and see what they say, or don’t say anything  at all, and see if they find out about it. If you don’t say anything , and they find it, you could just explain it then. Why did you fail to tell us about this? You forgot all about it, or you were told by the doctors you were not deemed mentally distressed, and that you were diagnosed as being fine. And that’s why you didn’t mention it. So it’s your call. Take care.

  • bill compton

    this is why im moving out of NY there gun laws suck…….there so scared about other states not realizing some if not more people have more guns in the cops

    • William

      I don’t blame you. I’m just wondering what State your looking to move to ? Are gun laws the only criteria you have for moving ? Because if that’s the case, Utah, Arizona, Alaska and Vermont probably have the best gun laws in the country.

      • Stevesharpunit65

        wyoming is prolly best for ccw now, you dont even need a permit to carry concealed in wyoming now, you can carry open or concealed no prob,

  • Yakker0117

    Other than carrying a great deal of money what are considered good excuses/reasons for having restrictions removed?  For example is an NRA fireoarms instructor a valid reason?  Any others??

    • Fishman777

      the main reason to have the restrictions removed is that they are not legal.
      they are unsupported in statutory law, and you cannot be charged with a crime for carrying outside your restrictions…and each county is different….hunting, fishing, trapping and all sporting activities….at any given time you are going to or coming from something on that list….I now recommend “all lawful purposes” to be included on your app.
      remember the “restrictions” have no support in law….go to the NYSP web sight they mention on there that it is not a crime to violate your restrictions…however they can turn you back to the issuing officer for review….but according to the penal code your license can only be revoked for a crime or serious offense…since the carrying outside of ilegal restrictions constitutes none of the above I rest my case……

      • Jersdoowop

        Good show every thing you said is true.  I have one for you, hope you can help. I have a nys ccw with restrictions . I also have a PA full carry. Can i carry from NY State to PA with my pistol on my person >  Mind you I will be carrying for hicking when i get too PA.  Can i stop for lunch while on  on my way too PA.   Thanks for the help.    Jerry p.  PS they make things so diffacult in some countys of NYS.

  • Johnkvocka

    I have a NYS LTC concealed weapon. If I obtain one in a neighboring state, must I relinquish my NYS LTC?

  • Steve

    I’m curious where I can find written regulations for “hunting and target ” only regulations for licenses issued in Westchester County, NY. 

  • Dale

    I am handing in the first part of the application forms ($10 fee part) friday in Schuyler county. My concern is I have a Disorderly Conduct charge which is non finger printable. Is this going to present an issue with the next part? I just dont want to get my hopes up. I’m 21 and in college but have been a resident of my home town for 16 years… Any insight?

    • Jersdoowop

      I think you will be ok up their. I live in Westchester County no so easy down here.  Regards and good luch.   Jerry

  • Jersdoowop

    with restrictions can i stop for gas mand food on my way up state to go hunting . i have a ccw. with restrictions hunting target and bussiness.  thanksa  jerry p.

  • Jersdoowop

    can i stop in a dinner on my way to my hunting cabin in up state ny i have a ccw with the good old restrictions. Ps you can leave it in the car.  Thanks Jerry p.

  • Dave!

    I have a permit. If I take a friend to go target shooting, is he allowed to shoot my glock if I’m there or is this a revocable offense?

    • Yakker0117

      In NY your friend cannot handle your handgun unless he has a pistol permit from NYSE. The exception is that he/she can shoot your gun if he is between the ages of 18 and 21 AND you are the parent or guardian. Go figure!

      • Glase5550

        bro a 12yr can use a pistol until he-she turns 21. and supervizer will folwler said carry to and from the activity. and make sure you keep it concealed no open carry and never leave handgun unattended, meaning dont leave them in your car . all these laws and regulations are easy to find and understand. your child can only use pistols with your presence only

    • Tomd1rx

      your friend cannot lrgally fire your handgun and you would be in violation and subject to have your permit revoked

    • Oppie1

      Dave,
      Unless that person is under 21 yeard of age that will work, but otherwise you, and they, are screwed.

  • Artie

    I live in Sullivan County. However, my business is in New York City. The nature of my business requires me to carry large sums of money (between $5,000 and $10,000). Can I get a carry permit in Sullivan County and get a validation(or whatever it’s called) from NYC to carry the pistol in the city?

  • Llzols64

    Can I carry concealed in Nassau ny?

  • Jersdoowop

    I have a ny state ccw with restrictions huntine target bussiness.  Whe i go on a hunting trip for a few days . Can i bring my gun into a motel with me?  Thanks Jerry P

  • MARTOMUSA

    I still can’t find anywhere if, having a valid NY State (Nassau County) “carry to a from the range” (in addition to hunting), I am allowed to go to a Manhattan (NYC) range to shoot. Would I get arrested?
    And I do not understand why a NYC resident can come to a Nassau County range with NO problem.
    Please advise. Thank you all.