Carrying a firearm for self-defense comes with a lot of responsibility. Knowing the laws where you carry is just one important task you must undertake as an armed American. To help with that, we will be providing you with a summary of basic carry laws for several states. Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in New York State below.

Getting a Concealed Carry Permit

New York prohibits the possession of a “loaded” handgun outside of the home or place of business without a permit. While no law specifically bans open carry, a pistol license to carry is issued to concealed carry. An applicant must show that “proper cause” exists for the issuance of a carry license.

Concealed carry is only legal with a New York Pistol License (NYPL). The minimum age is 21, with the exception of honorably discharged members of the military, who can be any age. There are several types of NYPLs available, but the most commonly issued are the concealed carry and possess on premises licenses. NY doesn’t recognize permits/licenses from any other states. Only residents, part-time residents or anyone who is principally employed or has his or her principal place of business can obtain an NYPL.

An NYPL is not valid in the five counties that make up New York City (NYC). No handguns can be taken into NYC unless the city has validated the person’s license.

Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit. The possession of “self-defense sprays” by persons who are not felons, have not been convicted of an assault and are at least 18 years old for the protection of a person or property and otherwise lawful use is legal.

A concealed carry permit or a permit to possess a pistol or revolver is required to purchase a handgun. Private party transfers of handguns must be conducted through a licensed dealer who must conduct a background check. The individual must also provide documentation of the check to the New York State Police and keep a record of the transaction. A purchaser must be at least 21 years old to buy a handgun. All handguns must be registered. Although there is no specific waiting period prior to the purchase of a firearm in New York, all handgun purchasers must obtain an NYPL or permit to possess (such licenses/permits may take six months or more to process). Armor-piercing ammunition and any bullets containing an explosive substance designed to explode or detonate upon impact are prohibited.

Where Can One Carry Concealed in New York?

A concealed handgun can be carried in a vehicle based upon the terms of an NYPL only. Carry in a vehicle is not allowed without a permit.

Locations where a person with an NYPL can carry a concealed handgun include:

  • Restaurants that serve alcohol (unless posted)

Locations where concealed carry is prohibited, even for NYPL permit holders, include:

  • Buildings or grounds used for educational purposes of any school, college or university
  • On the grounds of a residential child care facility
  • State parks, except for hunting purposes where permitted
  • Statue Cruises’ ferry service to Ellis Island and Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty National Monument
  • Public campgrounds (except during the spring and fall hunting seasons)
  • Lake George Battlefield Park
  • Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area (except during the small-game and big-game hunting seasons)
  • Specified trails on the Adirondack Mountain Reserve
  • Courthouses
  • Any facility of the Department of Mental Hygiene or any residential facility that has an operating certificate issued by the department (except with permission of the director of the facility)
  • Government buildings in certain cities and counties
  • Airports
  • Within the city of New York (unless a special permit granting validity is issued by the police commissioner of that city)
  • Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal or state law or regulation

Visit the USCCA New York gun laws page now…