Buying a Handgun in New York:
Step-by-Step

In New York, you cannot legally purchase or possess a handgun without first obtaining a pistol permit under Penal Law 400.00^[1]. Possessing a handgun without a valid license is a Class E felony under PL 265.01-b, punishable by up to four years in prison^[2]. This guide covers the complete process from application to pickup.

Step 1: Complete the Firearms Safety Training Course

If you seek a carry-concealed license under PL 400.00(2)(f), you must complete the required firearms-safety course with a DCJS-approved instructor before the license can be issued or renewed^[3]. The course consists of:

• 16 hours of in-person classroom instruction
• 2 hours of supervised live-fire range training
• A written examination (80% passing score required)

Confirm accepted instructors and submission timing with the licensing authority before enrolling. Training costs and locations are set by individual instructors. Keep the completion certificate for any license category that requires the course.

Step 2: Submit Your Pistol Permit Application

Outside NYC: Contact your county licensing officer (typically the county court judge or county clerk's office) to obtain and file the PPB-3 application form^[4]. You will need:

• For a carry-concealed application under PL 400.00(2)(f), names and contact information for at least four character references. Confirm any additional local reference rules with the licensing authority.
• Proof of training course completion
• Two passport-style photographs
• Fingerprint submission and any related fee required by the licensing authority
• The current application fee published by the licensing authority

If you have not been a resident of New York for at least three consecutive years, some counties require additional references. Check with your county clerk's office or the court for specific local requirements, as procedures and supplemental documentation can differ significantly from county to county.

Inside NYC: Submit your application online through the NYPD License Division portal^[5]. NYPD currently lists a $340 handgun-license application fee, plus a separate fingerprint fee.^[11] You will select the license type you are applying for, such as a premises, carry, guard, gun-custodian, or special license^[6]. NYC also requires fingerprinting, passport photos, and a thorough questionnaire about your background, employment history, and reasons for seeking the license.

Step 3: Complete the Background Investigation

The licensing officer will conduct an investigation into your background, including criminal history, mental health records, and character references. Your references may be contacted and interviewed. The licensing officer may also review any history of domestic incidents, protection orders, or substance abuse treatment. This investigation takes time -- processing periods vary from a few months in some upstate counties to over a year in NYC and the surrounding downstate region. State law allows up to 6 months for processing under PL 400.00, though many counties aim to complete it sooner.

Step 4: Receive Your License

Once approved, you will receive your pistol permit. Common license types outside NYC include^[7]:

• Premises license -- Possess a handgun at your home or place of business only
• Carry license -- Concealed carry on your person. New applicants must complete the CCIA course unless a statutory exception applies.
• Target/hunting license -- Limited to specific activities

Step 5: Select and Purchase Your Handgun

With your license in hand, visit a federally licensed firearms dealer. The dealer will:

1. Before delivery, verify a New York license valid to possess or carry the handgun, or proof that the recipient is lawfully exempt
2. Have you complete ATF Form 4473 (federal background check form)
3. Submit a NICS background check request through the New York State Police^[8]
4. If the check returns "proceed," process the sale
5. Provide a gun locking device and a safety warning label with the firearm^[9]

If the NICS check is delayed, the dealer cannot transfer the firearm until approval is received or 30 calendar days have elapsed without a denial. Ammunition purchases also require a background check under the CCIA.

Step 6: Add the Handgun to Your Permit

Every handgun you acquire must be listed on your pistol permit. Follow your county's specific procedure for adding firearms -- some counties require you to bring the handgun to the clerk's office for inspection within a set number of days (often 48 to 72 hours), while others allow you to submit the information by mail or online. Until the handgun is officially added to your permit, carrying or transporting it may be restricted. Keep a copy of your purchase receipt and the make, model, caliber, and serial number readily available.

Step 7: Recertify on Schedule

Outside New York City, Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties, carry licenses generally recertify with the State Police every 3 years and other affected license types generally recertify every 5 years^[10]. Recertification is done online through the State Police portal and does not require a fee at the state level. In Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk counties, and in NYC, licenses expire and must be renewed (with a fee). Failure to complete required State Police recertification acts as a revocation under PL 400.00. Local renewal requirements and consequences are administered by the licensing authority.

Key Reminders

• Except for transfers between qualifying immediate-family members, private-party handgun transfers must go through a licensed dealer for a background check under GBL 898. The dealer fee may not exceed $10 per transaction.
• Never possess a handgun not listed on your permit -- each pistol or revolver must be registered to your license
• A premises license does not authorize concealed carry outside your home or business
• Store your handgun in compliance with PL 265.45, especially if minors or prohibited persons live in your household

See also: Buying a Rifle or Shotgun in New York