The NYPD License Division is the sole authority for processing and issuing all firearms licenses and permits within the five boroughs of New York City. Located at One Police Plaza, Room 110A, in Lower Manhattan, the Division handles handgun license applications, rifle/shotgun permit applications, renewals, and related administrative functions.[1] The Division's office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
Online Application Requirement
Since January 1, 2018, the NYPD License Division has accepted only online applications. Paper applications are no longer processed. All applicants must submit their application through the NYPD Permitting and Licensing portal at licensing.nypdonline.org.[2] All in-person visits to the License Division are by appointment only and must be requested by email in advance.
Application Steps for Handgun Licenses
The handgun license application process involves several stages:
- Online submission: The applicant creates an account on the NYPD licensing portal and completes the application form, selecting the desired license type (Premises Residence, Premises Business, Carry Business, or other applicable type).[3]
- Required documentation: Applicants must upload supporting documents including proof of identity, proof of residence or business address, birth certificate or passport, and two recent passport-style photographs. Naturalized citizens must provide naturalization certificates. Non-citizens with legal resident status must provide their Alien Registration Card and, if it is less than seven years old, a Good Conduct Certificate along with two notarized letters attesting to good character.[4]
- Fee payment: The application fee of $340 must be paid at the time of submission. Fees may be paid by credit card or money order (Postal or U.S. Bank) made payable to the N.Y.C. Police Department. Cash, personal checks, and certified checks are not accepted.[5]
- Fingerprinting: Applicants must be fingerprinted at the License Division. A separate fingerprinting fee of approximately $89.75 is charged in addition to the application fee.[6]
- Background investigation: The NYPD conducts a thorough background investigation, including criminal history checks, mental health records review, and personal reference interviews.[7]
- In-person interview: Most applicants are required to appear for an in-person interview at One Police Plaza.
- Determination: The License Division issues the license or notifies the applicant of denial. For carry license applications, the CCIA's "good moral character" standard applies, and applicants must complete 16 hours of classroom training plus 2 hours of live-fire instruction before approval.[8]
Rifle/Shotgun Permit Application
The process for obtaining a rifle/shotgun permit follows a similar pattern but is handled by the License Division's Rifle/Shotgun Section, reachable at (718) 520-9300. Applications are submitted through the same online portal. The Commissioner must issue the permit or deny the application within thirty days, extendable to sixty days if additional investigation is needed.[9]
Fee Schedule
The following fees apply to NYC firearms licensing as of 2025:
- Handgun license application: $340
- Handgun license renewal: $340 (every 3 years)[10]
- Fingerprinting fee: approximately $89.75
- Rifle/shotgun permit application: $140[11]
Renewal fees are payable by credit card or money order (Postal or U.S. Bank). The License Division does not accept cash, personal checks, or certified checks for any transaction.
Processing Timeline
NYC handgun license applications have historically taken several months to process, though no statutory maximum is specified for handgun applications in the same way one exists for rifle/shotgun permits. Applicants should expect significant wait times due to the volume of applications and the depth of the background investigation conducted by the License Division.