Following the U.S. Supreme Court's June 2022 decision in NYSRPA v. Bruen, which struck down New York's longstanding "proper cause" requirement for concealed carry, the state legislature enacted the Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA) in July 2022.[1] The CCIA created a new framework for issuing concealed carry licenses that replaced the discretionary "proper cause" standard with a "good moral character" requirement. The Second Circuit largely upheld the CCIA's core provisions in December 2023, and the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review the case in April 2025, leaving the framework in effect.[2]
The "Good Moral Character" Standard
Under the CCIA, every applicant for a concealed carry license must demonstrate "good moral character" -- defined as possessing the essential character, temperament, and judgment necessary to be entrusted with a weapon and to use it only in a manner that does not endanger oneself or others.[3] The licensing officer evaluates good moral character through the full application package, including character references, background investigation results, and any available information about the applicant's history. The CCIA originally required applicants to disclose social media accounts under PL 400.00(1)(o)(iv), but that provision was struck down as unconstitutional and is now permanently enjoined. On March 31, 2026, New York permanently dropped the requirement following the conclusion of the Antonyuk v. James litigation. The NYPD PPB-3 application form no longer asks for social media handles, and no applicant in New York City or any county is required to disclose social media accounts.[4]
Training Requirements
The CCIA mandates completion of a DCJS/NYSP-approved firearms safety training course before applying. The training has two components:[5]
- Classroom instruction -- 16 hours of in-person training covering safe handling and storage, relevant state and federal firearms laws, situational awareness, conflict de-escalation, the use of deadly force (including the duty to retreat), suicide prevention awareness, and the prohibited and restricted locations established by the CCIA
- Live-fire training -- a minimum of 2 hours of range instruction, during which the applicant must demonstrate safe and proficient handling of a firearm
- Written exam -- applicants must score 80% or higher on a written test administered at the conclusion of the classroom portion
Training certificates are valid for six months. Only instructors approved by the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) or the New York State Police (NYSP) may conduct these courses.[6]
Application Process
The application process for a concealed carry license is the same as the general pistol permit application under PL 400.00, but the applicant specifically requests a carry concealed (unrestricted) license type. Key steps include:
- Complete the PPB-3 application form and submit it to your county licensing officer
- Provide a minimum of four character references -- at least two must be non-family members
- Schedule and complete fingerprinting through IdentoGO
- Submit your training completion certificate
- Undergo a background investigation conducted by the licensing officer's office
The licensing officer has six months to act on the application.[3]
Sensitive and Restricted Locations
Even with an approved concealed carry license, the CCIA designates extensive lists of "sensitive locations" where carrying is prohibited, including government buildings, schools, public transit, parks, bars, entertainment venues, and healthcare facilities. Carrying in a sensitive location is a Class E felony under PL 265.01-e.[7] The CCIA also created "restricted locations" -- broadly defined as any private property where the owner has not explicitly permitted firearms through signage or express consent. However, the Second Circuit struck down the restricted location default rule as applied to businesses open to the public.[8]
Recertification and Renewal Training
Concealed carry licenses must be recertified with the New York State Police every three years. Upon renewal, license holders must also complete a two-hour live-fire refresher course within six months of each renewal cycle, even though the full 16-hour classroom requirement does not repeat.[9] Recertification is completed online through the NYSP firearms portal at no cost for the state filing, though individual counties may charge separate fees.
NYC Applicants
Residents of New York City apply for a concealed carry license through the NYPD License Division, not through a county licensing officer. The CCIA training and good moral character requirements apply equally to NYC applicants, but the application portal, fees, and processing procedures differ. NYC concealed carry applicants should consult the NYPD licensing portal for specific instructions.[10]