New York Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws

No. New York does not recognize constitutional carry.

Although open carry is not directly mentioned, New York State prohibits any state resident without a NY Pistol License, over the age of 21, from possessing a handgun without a valid license.

Yes. Based on a U.S. District Court ruling, stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a license as of 4/2019.

Yes. Armor-piercing ammunition and any bullets containing an explosive substance designed to explode or detonate upon impact are prohibited. An ammunition seller or firearms dealer may not transfer any ammunition to anyone other than a licensed dealer unless he or she conducts a check against records maintained in the state’s electronic database and receives a number identifying the transaction and signifying that the transferee is not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing the firearm or ammunition. The ammunition seller or gun dealer must also check a valid driver’s license or other photo identification of the prospective purchaser prior to transfer.

There is now a law that requires a background check and fee for all ammunition purchases.

[N.Y. Penal Law §§ 265.00(18) and 265.01(7) and 265.01(8)]

Yes. No more than 10 rounds. 

New York prohibits the manufacture, transportation, disposal and possession of any large capacity ammunition feeding device, which New York law defines as a magazine, belt, drum, feed strip or similar device that:

• Has a capacity of, or that can be readily restored or converted to accept more than 10 rounds of ammunition; or
• Is obtained after January 15, 2013 and has a capacity of, or can be readily restored or converted to accept more than 10 rounds of ammunition.

There are exceptions for attached tubular devices designed to accept, and capable of operating only with, .22 caliber rimfire ammunition or a feeding device that is a curio or relic. 

[NY Pen. Law § 265.00(23)][NY Pen. Law § 265.02(8)]

Yes, based upon the terms of a NYPL only. It is legal to transport a legal firearm through New York under Federal interstate transportation law 18 USC § 926A provided the handgun is unloaded, with neither the firearm nor any ammunition readily accessible from the passenger compartment. In the case of a vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver’s compartment, the firearm or ammunition shall be contained in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console. If you don't have a NYPL and happen to stop at a motel overnight, then you are in violation of the law and subject to arrest if found with a firearm.

Although a state license to carry a handgun is generally invalid in New York City, a license is valid if the firearm covered by the license:

• Has been purchased from a licensed dealer within the city of New York and is being transported out of the city immediately from the dealer by the licensee in a locked container during a continuous and uninterrupted trip; or
• Is being transported by the licensee in a locked container and the trip through the city of New York is continuous and uninterrupted.

[N.Y. Pen. Law § 400.00(6)(b)]

No. You may not carry concealed weapons in these areas.

[Section 190(p)(1) Dept. Lands]

New York statutes don't specifically address firearms at hotels. Please note that each hotel develops their own policies and the individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about it's concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information.

There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in New York unless the officer asks.

[N.Y. Pen. Law § 400.00(8)] 

No. However, on July 1, 2022, Gov. Hochul signed legislation that made "no carry" the default for private property, unless deemed permissible by property owners. Property owners who do decide to allow concealed carry will have to post signage saying concealed carry is allowed on the premises. According to Section 265.01-D, an individual is guilty of criminal possession if he or she enters into or remains on or in private property where the owner or lessee does not have clear and conspicuous signage indicating that carrying firearms is permitted.

New York has a red flag law. It  allows police, district attorneys, family or household members, and school administrators or their designees to petition a court to have an order of protection issued to a person to remove their firearms, suspend any firearm license, and prevent them from purchasing, possessing or attempting to purchase or possess a firearm, rifle or shotgun.

[N.Y. Civil Practice Law & Rules Article 63-A]

Not addressed in state statutes.

As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgement, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.

Yes, although gun owners may request that their application information be exempt from public disclosure. However, local and state law enforcement shall have access to such database in the performance of their duties.

Although there is no specific waiting period prior to the purchase of a firearm in New York, all handgun purchasers must obtain a NYPL or permit to possess, and such licenses/permits may take up to 6 months to process. In addition, Bill A02690 took effect on September 12, 2019, requiring that firearm sales be suspended for a maximum of 30 days in those cases where the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) issues a "delayed" result, allowing time for the background check to be completed.

No. A pistol license and background check are required to possess a handgun in New York State.

[N.Y. Penal Law § 400.00(2)]

Yes. For firearms transfers between private parties, a licensed dealer must conduct a background check, provide documentation of the check to the New York State Police and keep a record of the transaction. New York law requires anyone who intends to transfer a lawfully possessed handgun to first notify in writing the state police or local law enforcement.

There is an exception for transfers between immediate family members. 

Yes, all handguns need to be registered. There is no registration for long guns. Handguns are identified on a person's NY Pistol license by caliber, make, model, manufacturer’s name and serial number. The license also indicates if the handgun may be carried on the person or possessed in a particular location. A license holder may apply at any time to their local licensing officer to amend their license to add newly purchased handguns or remove handguns they have sold.

New York law requires that a NICS background check be completed by a licensed firearms dealer before the sale, exchange or disposal of any firearm, unless the transaction is between members of an immediate family.

Before taking possession of a firearm you must supply the dealer with a purchase document. These can be obtained from the County Police Pistol License section. Before issuing a purchase document they will require a bill of sale from the dealer which includes the make, model, type, caliber and serial number of the firearm, plus confirmation the purchaser has passed a NCIS background check.

Upon completion of the background check by the licensed dealer, the dealer must finalize a document that confirms that such a check was performed. All dealers must maintain transaction records on their premises and the records must be open at all reasonable hours for inspection by law enforcement. A dealer may charge a fee of up to $10.00 per transaction.

Purchase documents are valid for 20 days. The firearm must be presented to the state licensing unit within that period for inspection so it can be entered into the database.

Complete an Address/Employment Change Report within 10 days. A $3 fee will be charged. Submit the form along with a recent utility bill for the current address. Failure to report an address change within 10 days may result in the suspension/revocation of your license. Take the documents to:

License Division— Renewal Unit Rm 152One Police PlazaNew York, N.Y. 10038

Moving to New York and interested in applying for a resident license? How soon can you apply?New York issues licenses to residents, part-time residents and anyone who is principally employed or has his principal place of business in the state. You can apply for your license to the county sheriff or court system where you or your business is located once you have established your residence or business in that county.

Moving from New York and have a New York resident license? Does that license transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your New York license remains valid?If a person with a New York pistol license establishes residency in another state, the pistol license expires upon the establishment of residence in the other state. Business licenses expire if employment is terminated or the business relocates outside of the state.

An applicant must:

• Be 21 years of age or older except there is no minimum age for honorably discharged members of the U.S. military;
• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident;
• Not have been admitted to the United States under a non-immigrant visa;
• Be of good moral character; 
• Reside or maintain a principal place of business within the county in which the application is filed;
• Some counties may require successful completion of a firearms safety course;
• Not have been convicted anywhere of a felony or a serious offense;
• Not be a fugitive from justice;
• Not be subject to a protective court order;
• Not be an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance as defined in section 21 U.S.C. 802;
• Be free from any mental disorders, defects or diseases that would impair his or her ability to safely possess or use a firearm;
• Not have had a license revoked or not be under a suspension or ineligibility order;
• Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence;
• Not have been involuntarily committed to a facility under the jurisdiction of an office of the department of mental hygiene;
• In the county of Westchester, have successfully completed a firearms safety course and test as evidenced by a certificate of completion issued in his or her name and endorsed and affirmed under the penalties of perjury by a duly authorized instructor;
• Not have had a guardian appointed for him or her pursuant to any provision of state law, based on a determination that as a result of marked subnormal intelligence, mental illness, incapacity, condition or disease, he or she lacks the mental capacity to contract or manage his or her own affairs;
• Not have good cause that exists for the denial of the license; and
• Meet federal law requirements.

*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of New York.

3 years

Part-time NY State residents or anyone who is principally employed or has his principal place of business in the state may apply to the licensing officer where such place of business is located. The process is the same as for residents.

New York State has seven types of restricted pistol licenses available. The application process may differ depending on the type of license and the issuing county. A licensee may transport their handguns and ammunition in separate locked containers, directly to another residence or place of business where the licensee is authorized to possess the handgun, to and from an authorized range, shooting competition or hunting location. Transport within NYC must be continuous and uninterrupted.

Premise Dwelling – Have and possess in his dwelling by a householder. Premise Business – Have and possess in his place of business by a merchant or storekeeper.Bank or Express Messenger – Have and carry concealed while so employed by a messenger employed by a banking institution or express company.Justice of The Supreme Court 1st or 2nd Judicial Dept. or Judge of NYC Civil or Criminal Court – Have and carry concealed by a justice of the supreme court in the first or second judicial departments, or by a judge of the New York City civil court or the New York City criminal court.Employee Of Corrections – Have and carry concealed while so employed by a regular employee of an institution of the state, or of any county, city, town or village, under control of a commissioner of correction of the city or any warden, superintendent or head keeper of any state prison, penitentiary, workhouse, county jail or other institution for the detention of persons convicted or accused of crime or held as witnesses in criminal cases, provided that application is made therefore by such commissioner, warden, superintendent or head keeper.Proper Cause – Have and carry concealed, without regard to employment or place of possession, by any person when proper cause exists for the issuance thereof.Antique Pistols – Have, possess, collect and carry antique pistols which are defined in section 400.00 subd. 2(i)(ii)(1)(2).An unrestricted Pistol license may also be issued which will allow you to carry without restrictions anywhere it is legal to carry your registered handgun unless posted otherwise.

Check with your local authorities for regulations specific to your county.

• Buildings or grounds, used for educational purposes, of any school, college or university [N.Y. Penal Law §§ 265.01-a];
• On the grounds of a residential child care facility [18 CRR-NY 441.19(f)];
• In state parks, except for hunting purposes where permitted [9 CRR-NY 375.1];
• Statue Cruises ferry to Ellis Island & Liberty Island, and the Statue of Liberty Nat'l Monument [NPS Security Standards];
• Public campgrounds, except during the spring and fall hunting seasons [6 CRR-NY 190.7(a)(3)];
• Lake George Battlefield Park [6 CRR-NY 190.7(c)(1)];
• Zoar Valley Multiple-Use Area, except during the small-game and big-game hunting seasons [6 CRR-NY 190.25];
• Specified trails on the Adirondack Mountain Reserve [6 CRR-NY 190.28];
• Courthouses;
• Any facility of the Department of Mental Hygiene, or any residential facility which has an operating certificate issued by the department, except with permission of the director of the facility [14 CRR-NY 45.1];
• Government buildings in certain cities and counties;
• Airports;
• Any public transportation (i.e. buses, trains, subway, ferries, etc.);
• Time Square
• Zoos
• Homeless shelters
• Within the city of New York unless a special permit granting validity is issued by the police commissioner of that city; and
• Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law or state law or regulation.

It is legal to openly carry or conceal any legal knife provided there is no intent for unlawful use against another person. It is illegal to own a switchblade, pilum ballistic knife, metal knuckle knife, cane sword and any knife adapted for use primarily as a weapon in New York. While it is legal for U.S. citizen not previously convicted of any crime to own a gravity knife (as of May 30, 2019), dirk, dagger, dangerous knife, razor or stiletto, it is illegal to carry them with the intent of unlawful use against another. There are knife/weapon limitations and prohibitions for schools, school buses, court facilities, correctional facilities and some airports. New York City has its own laws, which can be viewed on the New York City webpage. A number of other municipalities also have restrictions including Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse.

NY 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. A weapon or dangerous instrument includes, but is not limited to, a firearm, switchblade knife, gravity knife, boxcutter, straight razor or razor blades that are not wrapped or enclosed in a protective covering and sword. Shotguns and rifles that are unloaded and carried in an enclosed case, box or other container which completely conceals the item from view and identification as a weapon are allowed.

[NY Pen. Code §§ 265.00, 265.01, 265.01-A & NY MTA Rules Section 1050.8]

Yes, with a New York Pistol License.

Yes. Interference with lawful taking of wildlife, such as hunting, fishing or trapping, is prohibited. This includes travel, camping, and other acts preparatory to taking, which occur on lands or waters upon which the affected person has the right or privilege to take such wildlife.

[N.Y. Cons. Laws ENV § 11-0110]