Overview
These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) were issued on August 27, 2022 and provide information on New York State’s newly enacted firearms laws. These FAQs are not intended to be exhaustive, nor do they constitute legal advice.
Please review the FAQs to learn more about how to obtain a firearm license, including new requirements for an in-person interview, firearm safety training, and additional resources for hunters, gun owners, and retailers.
Do I need a license to possess a pistol or revolver in New York State?
Yes. You are still required to have a license to possess a pistol or revolver. Nothing in the recent United States Supreme Court decision changes this fact.
What are the most common types of licenses for a pistol or revolver in New York State?
The two most common licenses for a pistol or revolver are a license to “have and possess” and a license to “have and carry concealed.”
A “have and possess” license is commonly referred to as a “premises license,” which authorizes the license holder to possess a firearm at a certain location such as their home or place of business.
A “have and carry concealed” license is commonly referred to as a “concealed carry license,” which authorizes the license holder to carry a pistol or revolver on their person.
Are the terms “license” or “permit” the same?
Yes. The terms license and permit are used interchangeably.
What are the new requirements to obtain a concealed carry license?
The new requirements to obtain a concealed carry license are:
- proof of completion of a firearms safety training course;
- four character references;
- disclosure of applicant’s spouse or domestic partner, any other adults residing in the applicant’s home, including any adult children of the applicant, and
- an in-person interview of the applicant with the licensing officer/designee.
For more information, please visit the State Police’s Firearm webpage or contact your county/local licensing officer.
Am I required to show a need for self-defense to get a pistol or revolver license?
No. You are not required to show a need for self-defense to get a pistol or revolver license.
Are retired law enforcement officers required to apply for a concealed carry license?
Yes. Retired law enforcement officials will need to apply for a concealed carry license.
How and when do I apply for a firearm license?
You can apply for a firearm license to your county/local licensing officer at any time. Please visit State Police’s Firearms webpage for more information on how to apply for a pistol or revolver license.
Recertification/Renewal
What is the difference between renewal and recertification of my pistol or revolver license?
A pistol or revolver license issued by New York City or Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk counties expires and needs to be renewed every 3 years.
A pistol or revolver license issued outside of those areas does not expire, but the license holder must recertify with the New York State Police every 3 years for a concealed carry license and every 5 years for other types of licenses.
How does the new law impact the recertification due date of my pistol or revolver license?
If you have a New York State concealed carry license, you are now required to submit your recertification to the New York State Police every 3 years after issuance instead of 5 years.
The new law does not change the recertification requirements for a premises license, which must be recertified every 5 years.
How does the new law impact the renewal of my pistol or revolver license?
A concealed carry pistol or revolver license issued by New York City, Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk counties now expires every 3 years.
Find additional information on pistol renewal and recertification.
Training
Who is required to take the new firearm safety training course?
Any individual who seeks to obtain a concealed carry license for a pistol or revolver will be required to take the 16-hour classroom and 2-hour live-fire firearm safety training course. This will be required for concealed carry licenses issued on or after September 1, 2022.
Individuals renewing their license in New York City or Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk counties must complete the training.
Where will I take the required firearm safety training course? How much will it cost?
The firearm safety training course will be provided by authorized instructors, in accordance with training standards published by the New York State Police and the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). Training costs and locations will be set by the instructor.
When will I need to take the firearm safety training course?
Proof of completion of the firearm safety training course is required to obtain a concealed carry license on or after September 1, 2022.
Local licensing officers have the discretion to determine whether a portion or all of the firearms training requirement is satisfied for those applicants who completed a firearm safety course in the previous 5 years.
Do I need to take the firearm safety training course if I already have a concealed carry license that was issued outside of New York City or Westchester, Nassau, or Suffolk counties?
No. Existing concealed carry pistol or revolver license holders with licenses that were issued outside of New York City or Westchester, Nassau, or Suffolk counties are not required to take the firearm safety training course.
If I am renewing my concealed carry license in a jurisdiction where it has an expiration date, (i.e., New York City, and Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk counties) will I need to take the firearm safety training course before renewing?
Yes. An individual seeking to renew a concealed carry license on or after September 1, 2022, will need to complete the firearm safety training course.
Local licensing officers have the discretion to determine whether a portion or all of the firearms training requirement is satisfied for those applicants who completed a firearm safety course in the previous 5 years.
If I have an existing concealed carry license that was issued outside of New York City or Westchester, Nassau, or Suffolk counties and I am recertifying it with the New York State Police, will I need to take the firearm safety training course before recertifying?
No. The firearm safety training course is not required to recertify your concealed carry license with the State Police.
Are active or retired law enforcement or former military personnel exempt from having to take the firearm safety training course?
The firearm safety training requirements apply to all applicants for a concealed carry license. This includes retired law enforcement and former military personnel.
Local licensing officers have the discretion to determine whether a portion or all of the firearms training requirement is satisfied for those applicants who completed a firearm safety course in the previous 5 years.
Further, local licensing officers may satisfy the training requirement for active or retired military personnel or law enforcement officers who received firearm training, in excess of the standards set forth for the firearm safety training course, as a component of their service or profession (e.g., the New York State Basic Course for Police Officers).
If I only want a firearm in my residence and do not want to carry concealed, do I still have to take the firearm safety training?
No. Premises license holders are not required to take the firearm safety training course. The firearm safety training course requirement applies to concealed carry licenses.
Semi-Automatic Rifle License
How do I apply for a Semi-Automatic Rifle License?
Starting September 4, 2022, you may apply for a Semi-Automatic Rifle License through your county/local licensing officer. Existing firearm license holders can add a Semi-Automatic Rifle to their firearm license through their local licensing officer.
A Semi-Automatic Rifle License is required to purchase or take ownership of a semiautomatic rifle on or after September 4, 2022.
Do I need a Semi-Automatic Rifle License to keep a semi-automatic rifle I currently own?
Any person that lawfully possesses a semi-automatic rifle prior to September 4, 2022, will not be required to obtain the Semi-Automatic Rifle License.
The Semi-Automatic Rifle License is only required for persons acquiring a semiautomatic rifle on or after September 4, 2022.
Has the age requirement changed to acquire and/or possess a semiautomatic rifle?
Yes. Starting on September 4, 2022, the minimum age to purchase or take ownership of a semi-automatic rifle is 21 years old. If you are younger than 21 years old, and lawfully acquired a semi-automatic rifle prior to September 4, 2022, you may continue to possess that rifle.
Restrictions on Carrying Firearms in Certain Locations
Are individuals who have a premises license now able to carry a concealed pistol or revolver outside their home?
No. You would need to obtain a concealed carry license. You cannot legally carry a concealed pistol or revolver outside of your home in New York State if you only have a premises license, which only allows you to possess a pistol or revolver in your home or place of business.
What are the places, under the new law, where I cannot bring a firearm, rifle, or shotgun?
Effective September 1, 2022, the possession of a firearm, rifle, or shotgun is prohibited in sensitive locations. Under the law, the following are considered sensitive locations:
- Any location owned or under control of federal, state, or local government for the purpose of government administration, including courts;
- Any location providing health, behavioral health, or chemical dependence care or services;
- Places of worship except for those persons responsible for security at such place of worship;
- Libraries, public playgrounds, public parks, and zoos, ; provided that for the purpose of this section a “public park” shall not include (i) any privately held land within a public park not dedicated to public use or (ii) the forest preserve as defined in subdivision six of section 9-0101 of the environmental conservation law;
- NYS Office of Children and Family Service licensed or funded facilities (childcare facilities);
- Nursery schools, preschools, summer camps, provided that for the purposes of this section, nothing shall prohibit the activity permitted under subdivisions seven-c, seven-d, and seven-e of section 265.20 of this article where such activity occurs at a summer camp in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations;
- NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities licensed or funded facilities;
- NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports licensed or funded facilities;
- NYS Office of Mental Health licensed or funded facilities;
- NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance licensed or funded facilities;
- Homeless shelters, family shelters, domestic violence shelters;
- NYS Department of Health licensed or funded residential facilities;
- Colleges, universities, private schools, public schools, and other educational institutions;
- Public transportation and transit facilities;
- Bars and restaurants serving alcohol, and on-premises cannabis consumption locations;
- Theaters, stadiums, racetracks, museums, amusem*nt parks, performance venues, concert halls, exhibit halls, conference centers, banquet halls, gaming facilities, video lottery terminal facilities as licensed by the gaming commission;
- Polling places;
- Public sidewalks and other public areas that are restricted from general public access for a limited time or special event;
- Gatherings of people to collectively express their constitutional rights to assemble or protest; and
- Times Square (with boundaries determined by New York City).
If I have a concealed carry license, can I carry my pistol or revolver to sensitive locations?
No. Subject to exceptions for certain individuals (see next FAQ), Penal Law §265.01-e prohibits bringing any pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun or any other firearm to a sensitive location – even if you have a concealed carry license.
Are there any exceptions to this rule? Is anyone exempt from the prohibition of possession of firearms, rifles, or shotguns in sensitive locations?
Yes, the law exempts the following persons:
- Police officers in New York State, as defined in Criminal Procedure Law § 1.20(34), and those who were employed as police officers in New York State but are retired;
- Retired law enforcement officers who qualify under 18 U.S.C. 926(C)(the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act, or LEOSA);
- Qualified law enforcement officers who are authorized to carry concealed firearms pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 926B, or qualified retired law enforcement officers who are authorized to carry concealed firearms pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 926C;
- Peace officers in New York State, as defined in Criminal Procedure Law § 2.10;
- Armed security guards registered by the NYS Department of State while working;
- Active-duty military personnel;
- Persons licensed under paragraph c, d, or e subdivision 2 of § 400.00 of the Penal Law while in the course of official duties;
- Persons lawfully engaged in hunting activity, including hunter education training;
- Persons operating a program in their home that would otherwise be considered a sensitive location, however, such possession must comply with any rules or regulations (e.g., safe storage); and
- Government employees with agency consent, for the purpose of natural resource protection;
- Persons, while acting in the scope of their official duties, who are employed in the revenue control and security departments of the metropolitan transportation authority, or the New York city transit authority or an affiliate or subsidiary thereof, who are authorized to carry a firearm as part of their employment;
- Persons while lawfully engaged in historical reenactments, educational programming involving historical weapons of warfare, or motion picture or theatrical productions, in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules and regulations;
- Persons, while acting within the scope of their official duties, who are responsible for the storage or display of antique firearms, rifles or shotguns at museums and historic sites;
- Persons while participating in military ceremonies, funerals, and honor guards; or
- Persons while lawfully engaging in learning, practicing, training for, competing in, or traveling into or within the state to learn, practice, train for, or compete n, the sport of biathlon, in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
Is it a crime to enter another person’s property, also known as a “restricted location” under the law, with a firearm, rifle, or shotgun without the owner’s or lessee’s consent?
Subject to exemptions for certain individuals, you can only enter another person’s property with a firearm, rifle, or shotgun when the owner or lessee has specifically posted that it allowed, or the owner or lessee has expressly consented. Consent to carry must be reflected by clear and conspicuous signage or express verbal consent from the owner or lessee. (Penal Law § 265.01-d). Due to a court ruling NYSP is not currently enforcing this provision with respect to possession of a firearm, rifle, or shotgun upon private property that is held open to the public.
Is anyone exempt from the prohibition of possession of firearms, rifles, or shotguns in restricted locations?
Yes, the law exempts the following persons:
- Police officers in New York State, as defined in Criminal Procedure Law § 1.20(34), and those who were employed as police officers in New York State but are retired;
- New York peace officers, as defined in Criminal Procedure Law § 2.10;
- Armed security guards registered by the Department of State while working;
- Qualified law enforcement officers who are authorized to carry concealed firearms pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 926B, or qualified retired law enforcement officers who are authorized to a carry concealed firearms pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 926C
- Active-duty military personnel;
- Persons licensed under paragraph c, d, or e subdivision 2 of § 400.00 of the Penal Law while in the course of their official duties; or
- Persons while lawfully engaged in taking of wildlife or attempts to take wildlife pursuant to a hunting permit or license issued by the department of environmental conservation, or as otherwise authorized pursuant to section 11-0707 and 1100709 of the environmental conservation law;
- Persons, while acting in the scope of their official duties, who are employed in the revenue control and security departments of the metropolitan transportation authority, or the New York city transit authority or an affiliate or subsidiary thereof, who are authorized to carry a firearm as part of their employment.
Can I possess a firearm, rifle or shotgun in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks?
Certain areas of the parks are not considered “sensitive locations” under the law, as the state- owned or managed lands are legally classified as state forest preserve or are generally private lands.
There are areas inside the Adirondack and Catskill Parks, however, that are classified as sensitive locations or restricted locations under the new gun law (e.g., libraries and government administrative facilities) and these specific locations are subject to the sensitive and restricted location restrictions under the law, which are detailed in Question 23. Please review the Department of Environmental Conservation’s FAQs for more information.
Safe Handling and Storage Law
How does the new law impact transporting guns in a vehicle?
Effective September 1, 2022, if you leave your gun unattended in a vehicle, it must be unloaded and locked in a fire, impact, and tamper resistant storage depository that is hidden from view. Glove compartments and glove boxes are not appropriate safe storage depositories. A plastic or aluminum, lockable, hard-sided, gun case or safe will suffice for this purpose.
If an adult remains with the vehicle to ensure security, a case or safe is not required. To prevent theft and ensure safety, it is always recommended that firearms be secured during transport. Local rules for traveling with firearms also apply and may be more restrictive. For example, New York City requires that all guns be unloaded, in a case, and out of sight, even when you are with the vehicle (Penal Law § 265.45).
How am I required to store my guns in my home?
If anyone younger than 18 years old or anyone who is prohibited from possessing a gun resides in the home, all firearms, rifles, and shotguns not in your immediate control must either be:
- secured with a gun locking device (trigger lock or cable lock) that makes them incapable of being accessed or fired by the prohibited individual, or
- locked securely in a safe or secure container that is fire, impact, and tamper resistant and which is locked using a key, keypad, or combination.
