County-by-County Licensing Differences

Penal Law Section 400.00 supplies New York's statewide licensing framework, but applications are administered by the licensing officer in the applicable city or county. The filing office, local instructions, appointment process, and some fees therefore depend on the jurisdiction.^[1]

Where an Application Is Filed

Under Section 400.00(3), a pistol, revolver, or semiautomatic-rifle application is made to the licensing officer in the city or county where the applicant resides, is principally employed, or has a principal place of business as a merchant or storekeeper. A gunsmith or firearms-dealer application is made to the licensing officer where the business is located.^[1]

Approved applications are generally filed with the county clerk. New York City and the counties of Nassau and Suffolk use the place designated by the applicable police or licensing authority. The local office may perform intake and administration even when a judge or another official is the statutory licensing officer.^[1]

Statewide Rules and the Westchester Difference

Most eligibility requirements in Section 400.00(1) apply statewide. Westchester County has an additional statutory firearms-safety-course and test requirement. Section 400.00(4-c) requires the licensing officer to provide the safety-course booklet and obtain a qualifying completion certificate before issuing the license. Carry-concealed applicants are also subject to the training requirements in Section 400.00(19), unless an applicable statutory rule provides otherwise.^[1]

Six-Month Processing Rule

Section 400.00(4-b) generally requires the licensing officer to act within six months after presentment of the application to the appropriate authority. A delay is permitted only upon written notice that specifically states the reasons, and only for good cause with respect to that applicant. The eventual grant or denial must be made under the statutory procedure.^[1]

Fees

Section 400.00(14) establishes the license and amendment fees for most of the state. Outside New York City, Nassau County, and Westchester County, the statutory license fee is between $3 and $10 as set by the county legislature. The amendment fee is $3, except that Suffolk County's amendment fee is $5. The statute also lists $5 fees for a duplicate license and for processing a transfer between counties.^[1]

New York City sets its fees through the City Council. Nassau and Westchester counties set their fees through their county legislatures. Fingerprinting, photographs, training, and vendor charges are separate from the license fees listed in Section 400.00 and can vary. Applicants should obtain the current total directly from the filing authority before paying or scheduling services.^[1]

Expiration, Renewal, and Recertification

New York City pistol and revolver licenses expire no more than three years after issuance. Licenses in Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties expire no more than five years after issuance. Elsewhere in the state, a license that has not been revoked or cancelled remains effective, but the holder must complete the applicable recertification process.^[1]

New York State Police explains that New York City, Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester licensees do not recertify through the State Police portal. Other licensees generally recertify with the State Police every three years for a carry-concealed license and every five years for other pistol or revolver licenses.^[2]

Check the Applicable Filing Authority

Use the instructions of the city or county licensing authority that receives the application. Confirm its current forms, submission method, fingerprinting process, supporting documents, local charges, and appointment rules. The New York State Police firearms page provides statewide information, but it does not replace the applicable local filing instructions.^[3]