Applying for a NYS Handgun License

Applying for a

Handgun License in 

New York State

Overview

A Handgun license is a state license however it is issued under the authority of county licensing officers. An applicant must decide what type of license will be sought.

The most common types of firearm licenses are:

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

The cost of a license varies by county, and 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

If applying for a concealed carry license:

• Provide a list of former and current social media accounts for the last three years
• Provide information about the applicant’s spouse or domestic partner, and any other adults residing in the applicant’s home, including any adult children of the applicant

Training

Who is required to take the new firearm safety training course?  

Any individual who seeks to obtain a concealed carry license for a pistol or revolver will be required to take the 16-hour classroom and 2-hour live-fire firearm safety training course. This will be required for concealed carry licenses issued on or after September 1, 2022.  

Individuals renewing their license in New York City or Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk counties must complete the training. 

Where will I take the required firearm safety training course? How much will it cost? 

The firearm safety training course will be provided by authorized instructors, in accordance with training standards published by the New York State Police and the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). Training costs and locations will be set by the instructor.  www.signup4NYS18hr.com

When will I need to take the firearm safety training course? 

Proof of completion of the firearm safety training course is required to obtain a concealed carry license on or after September 1, 2022. 

Local licensing officers have the discretion to determine whether a portion or all of the firearms training requirement is satisfied for those applicants who completed a firearm safety course in the previous 5 years. 

Do I need to take the firearm safety training course if I already have a concealed carry license that was issued outside of New York City or Westchester, Nassau, or Suffolk counties? 

No. Existing concealed carry pistol or revolver license holders with licenses that were issued outside of New York City or Westchester, Nassau, or Suffolk counties are not required to take the firearm safety training course. 

If I am renewing my concealed carry license in a jurisdiction where it has an expiration date, (i.e., New York City, and Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk counties) will I need to take the firearm safety training course before renewing? 

Yes. An individual seeking to renew a concealed carry license on or after September 1, 2022, will need to complete the firearm safety training course.  

Local licensing officers have the discretion to determine whether a portion or all of the firearms training requirement is satisfied for those applicants who completed a firearm safety course in the previous 5 years. 

If I have an existing concealed carry license that was issued outside of New York City or Westchester, Nassau, or Suffolk counties and I am recertifying it with the New York State Police, will I need to take the firearm safety training course before recertifying?

No. The firearm safety training course is not required to recertify your concealed carry license with the State Police. 

Are active or retired law enforcement or former military personnel exempt from having to take the firearm safety training course? 

The firearm safety training requirements apply to all applicants for a concealed carry license. This includes retired law enforcement and former military personnel.  

Local licensing officers have the discretion to determine whether a portion or all of the firearms training requirement is satisfied for those applicants who completed a firearm safety course in the previous 5 years. 

Further, local licensing officers may satisfy the training requirement for active or retired military personnel or law enforcement officers who received firearm training, in excess of the standards set forth for the firearm safety training course, as a component of their service or profession (e.g., the New York State Basic Course for Police Officers). 

If I only want a firearm in my residence and do not want to carry concealed, do I still have to take the firearm safety training?     

No. Premises license holders are not required to take the firearm safety training course. The firearm safety training course requirement applies to concealed carry licenses. 

4 EASY STEPS TO GET YOUR
NEW YORK STATE PISTOL LICENSE

1. Sign up for the NYS 18 Hr Pistol Safety Course at:
   www.signup4NYS18hr.com

2. Complete the New York State Pistol Permit Application packet from your County.

3. Come to Zack’s Sports to buy your handgun. Get a receipt to turn in with your application.

4. Contact your County Clerk’s or Sheriff’s Office to set your processing appointment.