Basic Pistol Safety - Course Details

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A firearms license is a state license; however it is issued under the authority of county licensing officers.  In New York, applicants must demonstrate some need for a handgun; local officials, typically judges or sheriffs, upon reviewing your application then will decide who can receive a pistol permit and what limitations are placed upon it. 

The most common types of firearm licenses are:

• Carry concealed
• Possess on Premises
• Possess/Carry During Employment

How much does it cost? 

The cost varies by county. 

How long will the process take? 

You should expect it to take a minimum of two to six months (varies by county) from the time of application until a license is either granted or denied. 

Eligibility 

Requirement need to be met in order to be eligible to apply for a Pistol Permit:

Must be 21 years of age

Must be a New York State Resident

Must be a citizen of the United States

Have no prior felony or serious offense convictions

Be of good moral character

Have a legally recognized reason for wanting to possess or carry a firearm

To Apply 

You must apply in the county in which you live or are principally employed. If you would like to apply for a pistol permit in your county, scroll down to to find your country and print the appropriate application.  

• In Upstate New York apply to the County Court through the office of the court clerk, county clerk or sheriff.

               Albany County 

               Columbia County

               Essex County

               Greene County

               Rensselaer County 

               Saratoga County

               Schenectady County

               Warren County                    

               Washington County

• In New York City, Nassau County and most of Suffolk County apply to the police commissioner.
• In eastern towns of Suffolk County apply to the Sheriff.

To complete the State of New York Pistol/Revolver License Application (PPB3), you will need to provide:

• Personal information such as your:
  • Full Name
  • Date of Birth
  • Social Security Number
  • Address
  • Physical Description
  • Criminal History
  • Mental Health History
  • Character References
• You will also need to provide a form of identification

To apply for a pistol permit, you must first complete your application and a background check. Be sure to include: two passport quality photos, photocopies of some form of ID specified in application, and three or four character references, all of which will be forwarded to the Chief Court Clerk of your county. A judge will be assigned and will then hold a hearing to discuss the permit applicants reason and motivations for seeking a permit, the applicant’s ability to handle a firearm, and a review of the background check.

After reviewing the application and listening to the applicant’s justification, a judge may grant an applicant a permit with no restrictions allowing them to carry firearms where guns are permitted. A judge may also issue a permit but place a restriction or set limits in line with stated purpose, such as an on-premises only license.