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NEW YORK, NY — Following a landmark 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down New York’s stringent concealed carry restrictions, thousands of New Yorkers have applied for permits to legally carry firearms. However, many applicants report experiencing significant delays, unresponsiveness from the NYPD License Division, and, in some cases, the need to hire legal representation to move the process forward.
According to a report from NY1, Manhattan resident Jason Tsulis faced a lengthy and frustrating process in obtaining his concealed carry license. Tsulis, who regularly practices at a gun range in the Hudson Valley, believes carrying a firearm is essential for personal protection. However, despite his approved application, he experienced unexplained delays in receiving his permit and ultimately had to petition the NYPD in court to get it issued.
Tsulis’ experience is not unique. NY1 reports that many applicants have struggled to get responses from the NYPD License Division, even when their applications exceed the six-month processing limit set by state law. Some have waited nearly a year without updates. Court petitions filed by frustrated applicants include emails describing their experiences:
- “I have not received any communication from an investigator. I am now in the 11th month.”
- “It has been many months, and I have not heard back from the office nor have I received any updated email.”
Before the Supreme Court decision, the NYPD License Division processed hundreds of applications each year. However, since the ruling, the department has been overwhelmed with thousands of new applications. In 2024 alone, NY1 reports that 9,432 applications were filed, with nearly 900 more already submitted in early 2025.
Former NYPD Chief Legal Counsel George Grasso told NY1 that while background checks are necessary, the surge in applications presents a significant challenge for law enforcement. “Some reasonable investigation is still required because we cannot emphasize enough how dangerous firearms are,” Grasso stated.
In addition to processing delays, the NYPD License Division also suffered a privacy breach in October 2024. NY1confirmed that an official mistakenly emailed an applicant a spreadsheet containing the names of over 8,000 firearm permit applicants, including more than 6,000 seeking concealed carry licenses. The NYPD called it a “human error” and said measures were being implemented to prevent future incidents.
Despite these challenges, some applicants, like Tsulis, have managed to obtain their permits. However, carrying in New York City remains highly restricted—firearms are still prohibited in places like the subway, Times Square, and businesses that ban weapons.
While the right to carry in public is now recognized under federal law, NY1’s reporting highlights how the process remains difficult for New Yorkers. Many applicants have found that legal action is often necessary to secure a right that the courts have already affirmed.
Understanding the Permit Process in Restrictive States
For those navigating concealed carry applications in restrictive states, patience and persistence are often required. If delays occur, it may be beneficial to document all communications and, if necessary, seek legal guidance. While firearm ownership is a constitutional right, jurisdictions with strict regulations may require additional legal intervention to ensure fair processing of applications.
