New York City stands alone in New York State by requiring a permit for the mere possession of rifles and shotguns. While most of the state allows residents to possess non-semiautomatic long guns without any license or permit, NYC Administrative Code Sections 10-302 and 10-303 make it unlawful for any person to possess any rifle or shotgun within the five boroughs unless that person holds a valid rifle/shotgun permit issued by the NYPD.[1] The implementing regulations appear in Title 38 of the Rules of the City of New York, Chapter 3.[2]
Who Needs the Permit
Any person who wishes to possess a rifle or shotgun at a residence, business, or any other location within New York City must obtain the permit before taking possession of the firearm. This applies to long guns of all types, including bolt-action rifles, lever-action rifles, pump-action shotguns, and break-action firearms. The permit is also required before purchasing a rifle or shotgun from any dealer within the city. It is likewise unlawful for any dealer to sell or transfer a rifle or shotgun to a person who does not hold a valid NYC rifle/shotgun permit.[3]
Eligibility Requirements
Under Section 10-303 of the NYC Administrative Code, no person shall be denied a rifle/shotgun permit unless the applicant:
- Is under the age of twenty-one;
- Is not of good moral character;
- Has been convicted of a felony, a serious offense as defined in Penal Law Section 265.00(17), a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, or a misdemeanor assault within ten years of the application;
- Has been convicted of any three misdemeanors;
- Has not disclosed any history of mental illness or confinement to a hospital or institution for mental illness; or
- Is not currently free from any mental disorder, defect, or disease that would make it unsafe for the person to possess a firearm.[4]
Application Process
Since January 1, 2018, the NYPD License Division has accepted only online applications for rifle/shotgun permits through its licensing portal at licensing.nypdonline.org.[5] Paper applications are no longer accepted. The application is processed by the License Division's Rifle/Shotgun Section, which can be reached at (718) 520-9300.[6]
Upon completion of the investigation, the Police Commissioner must issue the permit or notify the applicant of denial within thirty days of submission. If the Commissioner determines additional time is needed, the period may be extended to a maximum of sixty days.[7]
Permit Duration and Registration
NYC rifle/shotgun permits are valid for three years and must be renewed before expiration. Permit holders are responsible for ensuring that all rifles and shotguns in their possession are individually registered with the Rifle/Shotgun Section of the License Division. Failure to register a firearm is grounds for suspension of the permit and mandatory surrender of the firearm(s).[8]
Statewide Context
This NYC-specific requirement is layered on top of the state's 2022 semiautomatic rifle license requirement, which applies statewide. Since September 4, 2022, all New Yorkers must obtain a separate state-level license to purchase or take ownership of any semiautomatic rifle, with a minimum age of 21.[9] For NYC residents, this means they must hold both the city rifle/shotgun permit and, for semiautomatic rifles, the state semiautomatic rifle license.
See also: NYC vs. Rest of State: Key Licensing Differences
See also: NYPD License Division: Application Process and Fees