Effective September 4, 2022, New York became one of the few states to require a separate license for the purchase or acquisition of semiautomatic rifles. This requirement was enacted as part of a package of gun safety legislation signed by Governor Hochul in response to the Bruen decision and high-profile mass shootings. The semiautomatic rifle license is codified in Penal Law Section 400.00 and applies to all semiautomatic rifles that are not classified as assault weapons.[1]
Who Needs This License
You need a semiautomatic rifle license if you want to purchase or take ownership of any semiautomatic rifle on or after September 4, 2022. This includes purchases from dealers, private transfers facilitated through an FFL, and gifts. The license requirement applies to all semiautomatic rifles -- not just those with features commonly associated with assault weapons -- as long as the rifle uses semiautomatic action (fires one round per trigger pull and automatically chambers the next round).[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: You must be at least 21 years of age. Persons aged 18 to 20 may still purchase bolt-action, pump-action, lever-action, and single-shot rifles without this license.
- Background: No felony convictions, no serious offense convictions, no involuntary mental health commitments, and no outstanding warrants or orders of protection
- Good moral character: The same "good moral character" standard used for pistol permits applies
- Training: Completion of a firearms safety course may be required depending on county procedures
How to Apply
Applications are filed with your county licensing officer -- the same authority that handles pistol permit applications. The process generally involves:[1]
- Complete the combined Pistol/Semi-Automatic Rifle License Application form (many counties now use a unified form)
- Submit proof of identity, residency, and citizenship
- Schedule fingerprinting through IdentoGO (approximately $60 non-refundable fee)
- Undergo a background check through DCJS and the FBI
- Wait for processing -- the licensing officer has up to six months to act on the application
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 pistol permits, the semiautomatic rifle license does not require you to register each individual rifle on your license. The license authorizes you to purchase semiautomatic rifles generally, without listing specific firearms by serial number. Additionally, there is no "premises only" restriction -- the license simply authorizes purchase and ownership.[3]
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]