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New York pistol permits are issued at the county level, and each county has its own procedures, forms, and timelines. Start by visiting your county’s pistol permit division website or contacting the local Sheriff’s office or county court. For example:
Erie County: Erie County Clerk’s Office – Pistol Permit Division
Monroe County: Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
Albany County: Albany County Court
🔍 Tip: Requirements vary! Some counties require character references, while others mandate in-person interviews or additional paperwork.
Most counties require you to pick up or download a pistol permit application packet. It typically includes:
Application form (NYS Firearms License – PPB-3)
Mental health release form
Background check authorization
Fingerprint instructions
Instruction sheet
Some counties include a checklist or a sworn affidavit to confirm you're not prohibited from owning a firearm under federal or state law.
Most NYS counties require at least 4 character references who:
Are not related to you
Have known you for a set number of years (usually 3-5)
Live within the same county (in many cases)
Your references will usually have to fill out forms and may be contacted by the issuing authority.
As of 2022 (NY SAFE Act amendments), New York requires a state-approved pistol safety course. This includes:
16 hours of classroom instruction
2 hours of live-fire range time
Topics include safe handling, storage, state/federal laws, and conflict de-escalation
Courses must be completed with a state-certified instructor. Many local gun shops (like us at AT Guns and Gear LLC) can direct you to nearby classes.
You’ll need to schedule fingerprinting through L1 Identity Solutions/IdentoGO or an approved provider.
Fingerprints are electronically submitted to the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) and the FBI
Expect a fee (typically around $100)
Bring valid ID
Once you’ve completed the packet, character references, safety course, and fingerprints, submit everything to your local licensing authority. Be prepared to:
Pay a filing fee (varies by county, ~$10 to $20)
Provide multiple passport-sized photos
Verify U.S. citizenship or legal residency
Provide proof of residency (utility bill, lease, etc.)
After submission, your application will undergo:
Background check
Mental health database check
Possible interview with an officer or judge
Approval timelines vary by county. In some counties, it takes 3 to 12 months to receive a decision. Delays may happen based on volume or issues with references/background.
If approved, you’ll be issued a New York State Pistol License, which may be:
Restricted (target/hunting only)
Unrestricted (carry concealed – rare and requires justifiable need)
Premises license (specific to your home or business)
Your permit must be carried whenever you are in possession of your handgun. You must also register each pistol you own on your license.
Renewal: Some counties require renewal every 3-5 years
Address/Name Changes: Must be reported immediately
Permit Updates: New purchases, transfers, or disposals must be logged
Felony or domestic violence convictions
Orders of protection
Certain mental health adjudications
Substance abuse issues
Always be honest on your application—falsifying information is a crime.
Getting a pistol permit in NYS takes time, patience, and paperwork—but with the right guidance, it’s a manageable process. If you’re unsure where to start, contact AT Guns and Gear LLC. We’re happy to help walk you through local requirements, recommend safety courses, and assist with paperwork.
Hamburg, NY
📞 716-259-2850
📧 Tim@atgunsandgear.com
🌐 www.atgunsandgear.com