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] After submission, the division contacts the applicant to schedule fingerprinting and fee payment, and it later schedules an interview when required.
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 applicable premises, carry, guard, gun-custodian, or special license category.[3]
- Required documentation: Applicants must upload supporting documents including valid state or federal photo identification, proof of residence, and proof of date of birth, which the checklist accepts as a birth certificate, U.S. passport, or U.S. military record. The portal instructions also require a passport-size photo. Naturalized citizens must provide naturalization certificates. Non-citizens with legal resident status must provide their Alien Registration Card and, if they have resided in the country for less than seven years, a certificate of good conduct or equivalent from their country of origin through its consulate. The checklist also requires two notarized character reference letters from lawful U.S. residents who are not relatives.[4]
- Fee payment: The application fee is $340. After submission, the NYPD License Division contacts the applicant to schedule payment of applicable fees and fingerprinting. 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 $88.25 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: $88.25
- 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
Under Penal Law Section 400.00(4-b), the licensing officer must act on a handgun license application within six months of presentment unless the applicant receives written notice specifically stating the reasons for a delay. A delay must be for good cause with respect to the applicant. Applicants should expect significant wait times due to the volume of applications and the depth of the background investigation conducted by the License Division.
Verification
1 of 1 factual claims on this page were matched to their source text as of 2026-10-16.
Show the claims
| Claim | Type | Status | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penal Law Section 400.00Source text: # § 400.00 Licensing and other provisions relating to firearms 1. Eligibility. No license shall be issued or renewed pursuant to this section except by the lic | STAT | verified against source | None | 2026-10-16 |