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] After Bruen invalidated the proper-cause standard, the CCIA imposed a good moral character requirement and other licensing rules. The Second Circuit issued its operative post-Rahimi decision on October 24, 2024, and the U.S. Supreme Court declined review in April 2025, leaving that framework in effect.[2]
The "Good Moral Character" Standard
Every concealed-carry applicant must satisfy the statutory good moral character standard, defined as the essential character, temperament, and judgment necessary to be entrusted with a weapon and to use it without endangering oneself or others.[3] Licensing officers evaluate the application, references, investigation results, and other lawfully available information.
The Second Circuit enjoined the CCIA's social-media account disclosure requirement. The public appellate baseline is the October 24, 2024 Antonyuk opinion, followed by the Supreme Court's April 7, 2025 denial of certiorari. Applicants should use the current form issued by their licensing authority. The site does not rely on the previously stated March 31, 2026 finality date because that exact claim was not supported by the official public records available for this audit.
Training Requirements
Before issuance or renewal of a carry-concealed license under PL 400.00(2)(f), an applicant must complete the firearms-safety course whose curriculum is approved by DCJS and the State Police superintendent. 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, 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 proficiency at the level set by agency rules
- Written exam -- applicants must score 80% or higher on a written test administered at the conclusion of the classroom portion
The course must be conducted by a duly authorized instructor approved by DCJS. DCJS and the State Police superintendent jointly approve the curriculum. State guidance allows a licensing officer to give credit for qualifying training completed within the previous five years.[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 names and contact information for at least four character references. Confirm any additional local reference rules with the licensing authority.
- Schedule and complete fingerprinting through IdentoGO
- Submit your training completion certificate
- Undergo the investigation conducted by the duly constituted police authorities for the locality where the application is made
The licensing officer generally must act within six months of presentment, but may give written notice of a delay for good cause specific to the applicant.[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
Carry-concealed licenses issued outside New York City, Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties are generally recertified with the State Police every three years. Those four jurisdictions use their own renewal systems. Recertification is separate from the PL 400.00(19) training rule. The statute does not impose a two-hour refresher within six months after every recertification. It requires qualifying training before issuance or renewal, with a transition rule requiring certain existing licensees to complete it at their first renewal after the provision took effect.[9]
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]