You must be at least 21 years of age to apply for a handgun license or rifle/shotgun permit. [1] X Trustworthy Source State of New York Official website for the State of New York Go to source
The process for applying for a rifle or shotgun permit will be slightly different than the process described in this article. For example, your application fee will be less ($140) and you will need to submit four color photographs (rather than two). [2] X Trustworthy Source State of New York Official website for the State of New York Go to source You will also register the rifle or shotgun using a different form than the one you will use to register a handgun. Because this article will deal with buying a handgun, you should follow the directions provided with your rifle/shotgun application if you are buying one of those firearms.
Premises license. This restricted license is issued for your business or residence. You may only possess the gun on the premises. You may also transport the gun and ammunition in separate locked containers to and from an authorized range or hunting location. Carry business license. This unrestricted license allows you to carry a gun concealed on your person. It is only valid for the business name listed on the license and can’t be transferred without permission of the License Division. Limited carry business license. This restricted license allows you to carry the handgun within certain specified limitations. At all other times the gun must be stored at the business address identified on the front of the license. Special carry license. This business license requires a valid basic county license. Carry guard license. This license is appropriate for security guards and allows them to carry the gun only while on active employment for the company whose name appears on the license.
Section A will require you to enter personal information such as your name, address, Social Security Number, contact information, date of birth, physical characteristics and description, and your employment information. Section B asks about your criminal history, your history involving drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, mental illness, and disabilities, if applicable. Enter your residence and employment history for the past five years. The License Division will refer to this information when they run your background check for the handgun license.
You also need to present proof of business ownership and business address. A detailed list of documents is included in the cover sheet for the application.
Be sure to bring sufficient personal identification with you, such as a valid state-issued ID or a passport. You will have to pay a small fee to have the document notarized.
Two recent color photographs of yourself. The photos should be passport sized (1. 5 inches by 1. 5 inches) and show you from the chest up. Don’t wear anything that obscures your face. A certified copy of your birth certificate. Alternately, you could present some other proof of your date of birth, such as a U. S. passport, baptismal certificate, or a military record. Proof of citizenship. Those born outside the U. S. must submit naturalization papers or other proof of citizenship derived from your parents. Everyone else must submit their Alien Registration Card. Furthermore, if you have lived in the U. S. less than seven years, you must get a good conduct certificate (or equivalent) from your country of origin and have two letters of reference that certify your good character. Military papers. If you were in the military, then submit your separation papers (DD 214) and your discharge. Proof of residency. There are many forms of proof, including a tax bill for your real estate, lease, or ownership shares in a condominium or cooperative. You might also have to show a New York state driver’s license, utility bill, or state income tax return. Your original Social Security Card.
A certificate of disposition showing the offense and the disposition. You can get the certificate by visiting the court clerk for the county where the case was filed. You will need your full name, date of arrest, and picture ID. [7] X Research source Call ahead to ask how much it costs. A detailed statement about the circumstances surrounding the arrest, indictment, or summons. You need a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities if you were convicted (or pleaded guilty to) a felony or other serious offense. If you ever had a protective order (restraining order) issued against you or on your behalf against someone else, then you need to include the following information: the court that issued it, the name of the other party and their relationship to you, the other party’s contact information (address and phone), and the reason for the protective order.
Remember to pay your licensing fee. The licensing fee is $340. 00 and the fingerprinting fee is $87. 00. [9] X Trustworthy Source State of New York Official website for the State of New York Go to source Fees are non-refundable. Pay the fees with a credit card or bring separate money orders for each fee. Make your money orders payable to “New York City Police Department. "
The officer might also request additional documents. [10] X Trustworthy Source State of New York Official website for the State of New York Go to source For example, you may have to sign an Affidavit of Familiarity, in which you state that you are familiar with New York’s gun laws. You also might need an affidavit from someone who is living with you, stating they don’t object to you getting a license.
The letter should also be signed and notarized.
Why do you want a gun? (Sample answer: For home defense. ) Where will you store the gun and the ammunition? (Answer: The gun will be stored unloaded in a safe with a trigger lock. The ammo will be stored in a separate safe. ) How will you transport the gun? (Answer: In a locked box, unloaded, and with a trigger lock. Ammo will be in a separate container. ) Have you owned a gun before? (If yes, supply details—type of gun, if there were any problems, etc. ) Have you ever been assaulted or had your home robbed? (If yes, provided details and the dates. ) When is it acceptable to use deadly force? (Answer: When someone has broken into your home and demonstrated an intent to kill you or someone else in the home. The answer is not, “When I feel scared. ”)
If you are approved, you must pick up your Purchase Authorization within 30 days.
Call the Purchase Order Section at 646-610-5550 for alternate directions on how to obtain the form.
Make sure that new guns are NY compliant. The FFL should fill out your Purchase Authorization form.
The National Rifle Association has a good summary of what guns are illegal in New York: https://www. nraila. org/gun-laws/state-gun-laws/new-york/.
Also take two copies of the purchase receipt and your completed Purchase Authorization form. The License Division will then update your handgun license with the new handgun information, including the make, model, caliber and serial number of the gun. Double check that the information has been recorded properly and that there are no typos.
You must have all new guns inspected by the License Division just as you did your first gun.
Mail the completed form to Commanding Officer, License Division, 1 Police Plaza, Room 152B, New York, NY 10038, Attention: Records Unit.
