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’ve provided a summary of basic concealed carry laws in New York. Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in the Empire State below.

Can You Carry a Gun in New York?

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. New York doesn’t recognize permits/licenses from any other states.

New York Concealed Carry Permit

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. Only residents, part-time residents or anyone who is principally employed or has his or her principal place of business in NY can obtain an NYPL.

Since there are seven types of pistol licenses available, the complexity of the application process varies. It also varies based on the county that issues the license. For instance, applicants for a carry license and those seeking a premise license for use in connection with their employment must complete a Letter of Necessity. Applicants are also required to supply four personal references from persons who are not related to them.

New York City: A Special Case

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. The cost for an initial New York City Pistol License or a renewal is $340. Fingerprint fees are $89.75. Licenses are valid for three years.

Gun Purchase and Handgun Registration Requirements

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). 

Moving to New York City With Guns

If a person moves into New York City, he or she cannot bring his or her gun without a special NYPD commissioner permit. Therefore, if you are moving into the city, you will need to find a storage facility for your firearms or a family member to whom you can temporarily transfer ownership. Once you obtain your NYCPL, you could register your firearm and utilize a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) to bring it into New York City.

Does New York Have Ammunition and Magazine Restrictions?

Magazines with a capacity of or that can be readily restored or converted to accept more than 10 rounds of ammunition are illegal in New York City. In addition, a magazine that contains more than seven rounds of ammunition is also prohibited. Lastly, any device obtained after January 15, 2013, that has a capacity of, or can be readily restored or converted to accept, more than seven rounds of ammunition is illegal. Armor-piercing ammunition and any bullets containing an explosive substance designed to explode or detonate upon impact are prohibited.

Less-Lethal Self-Defense Weapons

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.

Can You Carry a Knife in New York City?

The circumstances surrounding the carrying of a knife is what makes its possession illegal. New York City administrative code asserts that any knife carried openly is illegal unless it is being used for or transported immediately to or from a place where it is used for hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, picnicking, or any employment, trade or occupation customarily requiring the use of such knife. The following are circumstances that make carrying a knife illegal:

  • Possessing a knife which has a blade length of 4 inches or more in any public place, street or park
  • Openly carrying a knife in a public place, street or park with an exposed or unexposed blade, unless such person is actually using such knife for a lawful purpose as defined

In addition, the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority rules prohibit any weapon, dangerous instrument or any other item intended for use as a weapon from being carried in or on any facility or conveyance.

Where Can One Carry Concealed in New York?

Understanding where you can and cannot carry a firearm is crucial for staying compliant with New York’s gun laws. The state has specific locations where carrying a concealed handgun is allowed and places where it is strictly prohibited, even for permit holders. Familiarize yourself with these regulations to ensure you are always carrying legally and responsibly.

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
  • Any public transportation (i.e. buses, trains, subway, ferries, etc.)
  • Times Square
  • Zoos
  • Homeless Shelters
  • 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
  • Restaurants that serve alcohol
  • 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

Can You Carry a Gun in Your Car in New York?

Carry in a vehicle is not allowed without a permit. You must have a New York state pistol license. The firearm and ammo must be in separate locked boxes and placed in the trunk.  If you travel through New York City, you are required to follow the state law. Transport within New York City must be continuous and uninterrupted. You are not permitted to stop in the city.

Ready to Learn More About New York Gun Laws?

It is your responsibility as a gun owner to know and understand the laws regarding your concealed carry rights. The USCCA’s Concealed Carry Reciprocity & Gun Laws Map has been designed to help inform and educate armed citizens like you. To learn more about New York’s concealed carry permit application process, concealed carry restrictions and training requirements, visit the New York gun laws page now…