New York's pistol permit system requires that every handgun you own be individually listed on your license by make, model, caliber, and serial number. Unlike many other states where a single carry license covers any handgun you legally possess, New York law ties each specific firearm to your permit.[1] Whenever you acquire a new handgun or dispose of an existing one, you must file an amendment with your county licensing authority to update your permit.
Adding a Firearm to Your Permit
When you purchase or otherwise acquire a new handgun, you must add it to your pistol permit before you can lawfully take possession. The process generally works as follows:
- Purchase from a dealer (FFL): The dealer will complete the sale paperwork, including a NICS background check through the New York State Police. The dealer provides you with a receipt or bill of sale listing the firearm's make, model, caliber, and serial number, as well as the dealer's name, address, phone number, FFL number, and New York State dealer license number.[2]
- File an amendment: Submit the dealer receipt and an amendment form to your county licensing authority. Some counties accept amendments by mail; others require in-person filing.
- Wait for approval: The licensing officer reviews and approves the amendment, adding the firearm to your permit. In many counties, you cannot take possession of the handgun until the amendment is approved and the firearm is listed on your updated permit.
The exact sequence varies by county. Some counties issue a purchase authorization (sometimes called a "purchase coupon" or "amendment slip") before you go to the dealer, while others allow you to complete the purchase first and file the amendment afterward. Check with your county licensing authority for local procedures.[3]
Private Transfers
Private sales and transfers of handguns must be facilitated through a licensed firearms dealer under General Business Law 898. The dealer conducts a NICS background check on the buyer, and the transaction is documented the same way as a dealer sale.[4] After the transfer, the buyer must file an amendment to add the handgun to their permit, and the seller must file an amendment to remove it from theirs.
Removing a Firearm from Your Permit
When you sell, trade, gift, or otherwise dispose of a handgun, you must notify your county licensing authority and file an amendment to remove the firearm from your permit. You will need to provide:
- The make, model, caliber, and serial number of the firearm being removed
- The reason for removal (sold, traded, transferred, destroyed, or surrendered)
- If sold or transferred, documentation of the transaction (the buyer's name and, in some counties, their permit number)
If a firearm listed on your permit is lost or stolen, you must report it to local law enforcement immediately and notify your county licensing authority to remove it from your permit.
Fees and Processing
Amendment fees are set by each county and are generally modest. For example, Onondaga County charges $3 per amendment (exact change, cash only, for mailed submissions), while Westchester County charges $25 to add or remove a gun, change an employer, or change an address.[5] Processing times for amendments are typically faster than initial applications -- often a few days to a few weeks, depending on county workload.
Keeping Your Permit Current
Your permit must accurately reflect every handgun you possess at all times. Possessing a handgun that is not listed on your permit -- or failing to remove a firearm you no longer possess -- can create legal complications, including potential criminal charges. When you recertify your permit through the NYSP portal, you will be asked to confirm or update the list of firearms on your license. Ensure your records are current before recertifying.[6]