In order to obtain a handgun license in New York State, you will need to follow a series of steps.
Here is a step-by-step guide:
Eligibility:
To obtain a handgun license in New York State, you must be at least 21 years old, a resident of New York State, and not be prohibited from possessing firearms under federal, state, or local law.
NY Firearm safety course:
In New York State, you must complete a mandatory in - person 18 hour (16 hours of classroom +2 hours of range qualification) firearms safety course before submitting your handgun license application.
Here is a link for the course.
Complete the application:
During the class, you will be given a New York State application form. Our objective is to guide you in the process of filling out the form accurately and comprehensively. You will need to furnish personal information, employment history, and references. Please note that even though you are applying for a state license, it will be issued by the county where you reside. The county's issuing authority may require additional information to process your application. You will want to access your county's website to download their pistol permit packet.
Here is a link to the county pistol permit bureau .
Purchase a handgun:
To obtain a license, it is essential to purchase a handgun that the county can register to you. The handgun must be obtained from a licensed New York State Firearms dealer. The dealer will hold the handgun until your license has been approved.
Here is a link to a New York State Firearms dealer.
Submit the application:
After filling out the application form and collecting all necessary documents, you will need to submit them to your local issuing authority. Depending on your residency, you will need to submit the application to the county Sheriff's Department, local Police Department or County Clerk's office. It is imperative that you comply with the instructions provided in the pistol permit packet issued by your county, to ensure that the submission process is completed successfully.
Wait for approval:
New York Sate handgun license application process can take several months. You will be notified by email, mail or phone call when your application has been approved or denied.
Obtain your Handgun :
Once your application is approved, you will need to go to the dealer to pickup your handgun and undergo a background check. Bring with you your New York State Pistol Permit, purchase coupon, and driver's license.
Handgun Lessons:
Congratulations! You are now a legal handgun owner in the State of New York. It is always recommended to obtain proper training and learn the appropriate and safe way to handle and shoot a handgun.
Here is a link to beginner handgun instruction.
Dispose of firearms responsibly:
If you decide to dispose of your handgun, it is important to do so in a responsible manner. This may include selling it to a licensed dealer or turning it in to law enforcement for safe disposal.
Store your handgun safely:
It is important to store your handgun safely to prevent unauthorized access. This may include using a secure gun safe or lockbox.
Understand out-of-state travel with a handgun:
It is crucial to understand that after obtaining a handgun license in New York State, transporting the handgun out-of-state could be illegal without a multi-state permit. It is advisable to research and familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations of the state you plan to visit before carrying your handgun outside of New York.
Here is a link to a multi-state handgun permit.
Pistol Permit recertification:
New York State law requires individuals with pistol permits to recertify their permit every three years through the New York State Police. The recertification process typically involves updating personal information and providing details of all firearms owned.
Here is a link to New York State Police recertification.
Overall, responsible gun ownership requires a commitment to safety, training, and compliance with state and local laws. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can obtain a handgun license in New York State and use your firearm in a safe and responsible manner. Keep in mind that the laws and regulations regarding handgun licenses in New York State can change over time, so it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest requirements.
