In comparison to many other jurisdictions, New York City’s handgun license application process is lengthy (between 3 and 6 months, with wait times up to 8 to 10 months not uncommon), as well as rather expensive. Although not particularly challenging, it is tedious and takes a lot of time. Your patience will be put to the test, and there is a ton of paperwork to complete.
Now, obtaining a long arms permit (for shotguns and rifles) follows the same procedure as obtaining a handgun permit. Long arms permits usually take anywhere from 9-12 months. While the Pistol Licensing Division is located in Manhattan’s 1 Police Plaza, the Rifle and Shotgun Licensing Office is in Queens.
Applying for either permit can only be done online now. The link is here.
Trooper answers questions on pistol permit recertification
For Handgun Permits
A letter identifying the officer assigned to handle your application should arrive within one to three months of your application. This letter asks you to schedule your interview and requests any additional documentation. It looks like this.
Reference Letters Currently, I have been informed that you must provide three letters of recommendation from individuals who have known you for at least two years. You should claim in the letter that you have “good moral character.” ” The more detailed and personal it is, the better. This is a basic sample of a Reference Letter (PDF).
The Interview It’s really no big deal. Look presentable, and be prepared. One person was questioned along these lines (my experience was similar):
Why do you want a gun? A: For target shooting and home defense.
Where will you keep the weapon locked up, unloaded, and with a trigger lock?
Where will you keep the ammunition? A different locked container or safe, please.
Have you ever owned a gun? If so, please be prepared to provide details.
Your roommate has already signed an “I live alone” affidavit, so yes, they are aware that you are requesting this permit. ”.
A: Yes, I will transport the weapon to and from the shooting range without making any stops.
How will you transport the gun to and from the range? A: With the trigger locked, the gun will be in a locked box. Ammunition in a separate container. I’ll carry the pistol and the ammunition in such a way as to conceal their presence on my person.
Q: Have you ever been assaulted? A: Yes or No. Provide details and dates if answer is yes.
A: Yes or No to the question, “Has your home ever been robbed?” Provide details and dates if answer is yes.
When someone has broken into my home and made it clear they intend to kill me or someone else there, I am allowed to use deadly force.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that whenever you are traveling or storing a firearm, it needs to be unloaded and secured with a trigger lock in a locked container or safe, with the ammunition kept separate.
Wait for the approval or denial letter. Hopefully, you will receive your approval letter after another one to three months. To pick up your purchase authorization, you now have 30 days. You must submit an appeal under Article 78 if your request is rejected. At this point, I strongly suggest obtaining a lawyer. You have four months from the denial date to file an appeal.
Bring the original letter with you to 1 Police Plaza on Mondays through Thursdays between the hours of 9:00am and 12:00pm to pick up the license and purchase authorization. After being photographed, you’ll receive your license and one Purchase Authorization. You currently have 30 days to buy a handgun from a licensed FFL. You are now legal to rent/shoot guns in NYC.
Purchase a Firearm You can buy a firearm from any FFL, but out-of-state purchases need to be transferred to an FFL in New York City. Any new firearm you purchase MUST BE New York compliant. Used guns should be marked by the shipper as such. A receipt, the BATFE form, and the Purchase Authorization form should all be completed by the FFL.
In the City of New York, one handgun, pistol, or revolver may be purchased every 90 days. To obtain a “purchase Authorization” that you can use to obtain possession of a new handgun at the time of purchase, you must electronically complete and submit the Purchase Authorization Request Form to the NYPD. The most crucial thing to keep in mind when completing the form is that the caliber you enter MUST MATCH THE CAPACITY OF THE HANDGUNS YOU BUY. As long as the caliber listed on the Purchase Authorization Request Form is the same, you may purchase a different brand and model. However, if at all possible, it is always preferable to purchase the handgun brand and model that you listed on the Purchase Authorization Request Form.
Here are the steps to getting a Purchase Authorization: 1. Submit your online request for purchase authorization. Currently takes around 30-60 days. 2. The recipient has 30 days from the date it was MAILED (not received) to pick up the authorization after receiving PA request approval via email or regular mail. 3. After receiving it, you must proceed to 1PP to pick up the PA. M-Tr ONLY from 9am-12pm. 4. You have 30 days after picking up the PA to buy the actual weapon. 5. You have 72 hours (not calendar days or business days, but 72 hours – which may include weekends and holidays) from the time the firearm is purchased (even if it is on the day the PA expires) to bring it to 1PP to be inspected. Inspections are performed from 12pm to 2pm on any working day (M-F, excluding holidays). Bring bill of sale, etc etc etc. 6. You’re all done. Wait another 90 days, submit the following one, and in the meantime, go shooting.
Gun Inspection Bring the receipt (2 copies – you keep the original, they get the other), Purchase Authorization, and your firearm to 1 Police Plaza, Monday through Thursday, between the hours of 12 noon and 3 pm (if you’re quick, you can pick up your PA in the morning, buy a gun in the afternoon, and get back for inspection that same day). Inform the checkpoint that you are carrying a gun and that it is securely fastened. Then go for your gun inspection. Your gun will be inspected, and the serial # recorded. After that, they will add the make, model, caliber, and serial number of the firearm to the gun license and hand it to you. I’d say every other time I’ve added a new gun to my license, there’s been some kind of typo, so make sure you double-check the information, especially the serial number. Even if it was a mistake or a typo on their part, you risk arrest if the serial number on your gun doesn’t match the one on your license. The only calibers for which you can now buy ammunition are those that are listed on your license.
If you ever want to enter NY State on a Premises License and leave the five boroughs, be sure to ask for the Hunting Authorization card when you pick up your license. Read the booklet that the NYPD provides you with when you receive your pistol permit as well. Understanding the law is important because it will not help you if you end up in trouble.
Go Shooting Now go shoot it to your heart’s content. But first, read the manual of arms to learn how to handle and maintain your weapon properly. Learn the fundamentals of gun safety and put them into practice. I highly recommend taking some quality instruction in shooting fundamentals and/or self defense.
For Long Arms (Rifles & Shotguns)
A permit holder is required to register any rifles and shotguns they own with the police department. There is no charge for registering firearms. You can register a rifle or shotgun by filling out the PD 641-121 registration form and sending the two top copies (Green) to the following address: License Division, Rifle/Shotgun Section, Room B11, 120-55 Queens Blvd. , Kew Gardens, N. Y. 11424.
You should anticipate having to wait 9–12 months after electronically submitting the rifle/shotgun application and mailing the payment form before learning whether you have been granted the permit.
No additional documentation or a face-to-face interview are required beyond what is needed to submit the application electronically. NYPD will get in touch with you directly if they need anything else on an “exception” basis.
One rifle or shotgun may only be purchased by an individual in NYC every ninety days.
NONE OF THIS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED LEGAL ADVICE. You must educate yourself about the gun laws in New York. Owners of handguns should read the pamphlet provided by the NYPD when your pistol permit was issued.
If you want help applying for these permits, or you want a free consultation as to whether you can qualify for a carry permit call my friend Arnold. Tell him Glenn sent you!
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FAQ
What disqualifies you from getting a pistol permit in New York State?
Past illegal behavior, such as misdemeanor convictions for weapon possession and menacing (putting another person in fear of death or serious injury), may disqualify applicants. Following this procedure, applicants who are turned down for a permit may appeal.
How long is the wait for a pistol permit in NY?
You should plan on waiting at least four months from the time of application until a license is either granted or denied. The cost of a license varies by county.
Can you take a pistol permit class online in NY?
An online course is not accepted. For a pistol license, there are two options: Premise License Only and Concealed Carry. You must successfully complete the Basic Pistol Safety Course in order to submit an application for the premises license.
Can you appeal a pistol permit denial in NY?
The applicant has the right to appeal if for some reason their application is rejected.
