New York State and City Firearms Licenses

How to obtain a NYS firearms permit

 A firearms license is a state license however issued under the authority of county licensing officers. The most common types of firearm licenses are:

• Carry concealed
• Possess on Premises
• Possess/Carry During Employment

How much does it cost?

The cost varies by county.

How long will the process take?

You should expect it to take a minimum of four months from the time of application until a license is either granted or denied.

Eligibility

To be eligible to have a firearms license you:

• Must be a New York State resident
• Must be 21 years old
• Have no prior felony or serious offense convictions
• Be of good moral character
• Have a legally recognized reason for wanting to possess or carry a firearm
• Be ready to open the business for which the license is being applied

Apply

You must apply in the county in which you live or are principally employed.

• In Upstate New York apply to the County Court through the office of the court clerk, county clerk or sheriff.
• In New York City, Nassau County and most of Suffolk County apply to the police commissioner.
• In eastern towns of Suffolk County apply to the Sheriff.

To complete the State of New York Pistol/Revolver License Application (PPB3), you will need to provide:

Personal information such as your:

• Full Name
• Date of Birth
• Social Security Number
• Address
• Physical Description
• Criminal History
• Mental Health History
• Character References
• You will also need to provide a form of identification

Privacy

The NYSAFE Act protects the privacy of pistol license holder:

• If you do not want your information released publicly, you can notify your County Clerk.
• You must complete a NYS Firearms License Request for Public Records Exemption form

To complete the Request for Public Records Exemption form:

1. In the first section:
   • Enter your name, date of birth, address and the county in which you are applying.
   • If you hold a firearms license, provide your license number.
2. In the second section:
   • Check the box that best describes the reason your information should not be publicly disclosed.
   • Sign and date the form.
3. Submit the form by taking it to your local licensing office.