How to Obtain a Semiautomatic Rifle License

Effective September 4, 2022, New York began requiring a separate license before a person purchases or takes ownership of a rifle within the semiautomatic-rifle category defined by Penal Law Section 400.00. The category generally reaches semiautomatic rifles rather than only feature-defined weapons, but it expressly excludes an assault weapon or disguised gun.^[1]

Who Needs This License

You generally need the license before purchasing or taking ownership of a rifle that falls within the statutory semiautomatic-rifle category on or after September 4, 2022. This includes covered dealer purchases, private transfers, and gifts. The requirement is not limited to feature-defined assault weapons, but an assault weapon or disguised gun is excluded from this licensing category and remains governed by separate restrictions.^[2]

Grandfathering Provision

If you lawfully possessed a semiautomatic rifle before September 4, 2022, you are not required to obtain this license to continue owning that firearm. The grandfathering provision acknowledges prior lawful ownership and does not impose retroactive licensing requirements. However, if you wish to purchase any additional semiautomatic rifle on or after the effective date, you must obtain the license first.^[3]

Eligibility Requirements

• Age: Applicants generally must be at least 21 years old. PL 400.00 waives that age restriction for applicants honorably discharged from the listed United States armed forces or the New York National Guard. People under 21 who do not qualify for the exception may still acquire bolt-action, pump-action, lever-action, and single-shot rifles outside New York City, subject to other applicable law.
• Eligibility: You must satisfy the criteria in PL 400.00. These include no felony or serious-offense conviction and no outstanding arrest warrant based on the alleged commission of a felony or serious offense. Being protected by an order of protection is not itself a disqualifier.
• Good moral character: The same "good moral character" standard used for pistol permits applies
• Training: The statewide 18-hour course applies to carry-concealed licenses, not a semiautomatic-rifle license by itself. Confirm any other applicable safety-course requirement with the licensing authority.

How to Apply

Applications are filed with the city or county licensing officer, as applicable, that handles pistol and revolver license applications. State Police guidance refers applicants to their county or local licensing officer.^[1][2] The process generally involves:

1. Complete the application form accepted by the licensing authority
2. Submit identification and the information required by PL 400.00 and the licensing authority
3. Follow the licensing authority's fingerprinting process and fee instructions
4. Undergo a background check through DCJS and the FBI
5. Wait for processing. The licensing officer generally must act within six months, but may issue written notice of a delay for good cause specific to the applicant.

In some counties, applicants who already hold a valid pistol permit can add the semiautomatic rifle endorsement to their existing license through a streamlined process, rather than filing an entirely new application.^[4]

Key Differences from Pistol Permits

Unlike a pistol or revolver license, a semiautomatic-rifle license does not list each acquired rifle by serial number. The license authorizes the purchase or taking possession of qualifying semiautomatic rifles. It is an acquisition license rather than a carry license, and other possession and location restrictions still apply.^[1]

NYC Residents

NYC residents must obtain their semiautomatic rifle license through the NYPD License Division, which also administers the city's separate rifle and shotgun permit system. Contact the NYPD Rifle/Shotgun Section at (718) 520-9300 for NYC-specific procedures.^[5]