New York requires a license -- commonly called a "pistol permit" -- to possess any handgun (pistol or revolver) anywhere in the state. Outside New York City, the application process is administered at the county level under Penal Law Section 400.00.[1] Each county designates a licensing officer, typically a county court judge, county clerk, or sheriff, who reviews applications and issues permits. This guide walks through the step-by-step process for residents outside NYC.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Before beginning the application, verify that you meet all statutory eligibility requirements under PL 400.00:[2]
- You must be at least 21 years of age (exception: honorably discharged military veterans may apply at 18 in some counties)
- You must be a resident of the county where you are applying, with a "significant connection" to that county -- not merely owning property there
- You must have no felony convictions or convictions for a "serious offense" as defined by state law
- You must not be subject to an order of protection or have been involuntarily committed to a mental health facility
- You must not be an unlawful user of or addicted to controlled substances
- You must not have had a license revoked or an application denied within the prior year
Step 2: Complete the Required Training
Since the Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA) took effect in September 2022, all pistol permit applicants must complete a state-approved firearms safety training course before applying. The training must include 16 hours of in-person classroom instruction plus a minimum of 2 hours of live-fire range training with a DCJS/NYSP-approved instructor.[3] You must pass a written exam with a score of 80% or higher and demonstrate proficiency during the live-fire portion. Training certificates are valid for six months from the date of completion, so plan your application timeline accordingly.[4]
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
While exact requirements vary by county, you will generally need:
- A completed PPB-3 pistol/revolver license application form (available from your county licensing authority or online)[5]
- Proof of residency (driver's license, utility bills, lease, or mortgage documents)
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency
- Four character references who can attest to your good moral character -- at least two must be non-family members
- Your training completion certificate (dated within the prior six months)
- Passport-style photographs (number varies by county)
Step 4: Submit Your Application and Get Fingerprinted
Submit your completed application to your county licensing officer. You will be required to schedule a fingerprinting appointment through IdentoGO, which charges a non-refundable fee (typically around $60). Your fingerprints are submitted to both the FBI and the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) for a criminal background check.[6] County application fees vary but generally range from $3 to $10 for the application itself, plus the fingerprinting cost.
Step 5: Investigation and Interview
The licensing officer will conduct an investigation into your background, character references, employment history, and criminal record. Some counties require an in-person interview. Under PL 400.00, the licensing officer must act on your application within six months, though processing times vary significantly by county -- from as little as two months in rural counties to six months or longer in suburban counties like Westchester or Suffolk.[1]
Step 6: License Issuance
If approved, your license will be issued with any applicable restrictions. Outside NYC, common license types include premises (home or business only), carry concealed (unrestricted), and sportsman/target (limited to range and hunting use). The specific types and restrictions available depend on your county's practices. Once issued, a duplicate of your application is forwarded to the New York State Police within ten days.[2]
Recertification
All pistol permits in New York must be recertified periodically. Concealed carry permits require recertification every three years; premises permits require recertification every five years. Recertification is done online through the New York State Police portal at no cost. Permits issued in Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties follow their own renewal schedules and are not recertified through NYSP.[7]
See also: County-by-County Licensing Differences