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New York City

Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws

Updated: 2019-09-05
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Carry allowed with my New York City permit?
No
Yes
Yes, With Restrictions
Yes, Permitless Carry
Yes, Selected State

Summary of New York City Gun Laws

New York City (NYC) is a may-issue jurisdiction with concealed weapons permits issued by the NYPD License Division.

A permit to purchase, a background check and firearms registration are required to buy a handgun in New York City, and one may not purchase a handgun more than once every 90 days. It is illegal to possess an unregistered handgun. 

New York City has its own rules for purchasing and carrying firearms. A valid city handgun license is required to own a handgun, and a city permit is needed in order to own a rifle or shotgun. In terms of reciprocity, New York does not honor permits from any other states.

The minimum age to obtain a New York City Pistol License (NYCPL) is 21 years old, and permits are valid throughout NY State. New York City does not honor any non-NY permits, and an NYC Endorsement is required for a New York State Permit/License to Carry to be valid within New York City. Pistol licenses are issued to residents and part-time residents or anyone who is principally employed or has his or her principal place of business in the state. Some areas are off-limits even with a city handgun license, including schools and courthouses.

New York City Gun Laws Quick Links
Reciprocity | Permit Information | Permit Application | Permit Renewal | LEOs & RLEOs | Location Restrictions | Recent Updates
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New York City Gun Laws at a Glance

Open Carry/ Concealed Carry Basics

Constitutional Carry?

Does New York City allow constitutional carry?

No. New York City does not allow constitutional carry.
Open Carry Permitted?

Is open carry permitted in New York City?

Although open carry is not directly mentioned, New York City prohibits the possession of a “loaded” handgun outside of the home or place of business without a carry license. The term “loaded” includes any firearm possessed by a person who also possesses any ammunition which may be discharged by the firearm, whether the firearm is loaded or unloaded.
Gun Permit Licensure?

If New York City requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued?

New York City observes a may-issue permit policy.
Minimum Age for Concealed Carry?

What is the minimum age in New York City to get a concealed carry permit?

You must be 21 to carry concealed in NYC.
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed?

Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in New York City with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)?

No. An NYCPL does not permit the carrying of weapons other than handguns.
Tasers or Stun Guns?

Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in New York City?

Yes. Based on a U.S. District Court ruling, stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit as of 4/2019.
Non-Resident Permitting?

Does New York City issue concealed carry permits to non-residents?

Yes for part-time NY State residents or anyone who is principally employed or has his or her principal place of business in the state.
Public Access to Concealed Carry Registry?

Does New York City allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?

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.

Carry Locations

Carry in Vehicle?

Can you carry a concealed firearm in a vehicle in New York City?

Yes, with a NYCPL only. If you travel through New York City, you are required to follow the state law. You must have a New York state pistol license with the firearm and ammo in separate locked boxes and placed in the trunk. Transport within NYC must be continuous and uninterrupted. You are not permitted to stop in the city.

If you don't have a NYCPL 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.

[N.Y. Penal Law § 400.00(6)(b)]
Carry at Roadside Rest Areas?

Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in New York City?

No. You may not carry in roadside rest areas in New York City.

[17 CRR-NY IV C 156.12]
Carry in State/National Parks, State/National Forests and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)?

Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in New York City?

No. It is illegal to carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in New York City.

[Section 190(p)(1) Dept. Lands]
Carry in Restaurants That Serve Alcohol?

Can you carry a firearm in restaurants that serve alcohol in New York City?

Yes, with a NYPL only, in the restaurant area only, unless posted.
Store in a Vehicle in an Employee Parking Lot?

Does New York City have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot?

Not addressed in New York state law.

Additional Related State Laws

Must Notify Officer You're Carrying?

Are you required to notify a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in New York City?

No. You are under no obligation to inform law enforcement unless they ask if you have any weapons.

[NY Pen. Law § 400.00(8)] 
Magazine Limits for Handguns?

Does New York City have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?

No more than 7 to 10 rounds. It's complicated, with U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny in Erie County & the 2nd Circuit of the United States Court of Appeals rulings striking down the component that had made it illegal for individuals to load more than 7 rounds of ammunition into a magazine capable of holding 10 rounds. However, the law hasn't been changed.

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;
  • Contains more than 7 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 7 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. There are also grandfather provisions for devices that have the capacity of, or that can be converted to accept, 8-10 rounds, so long as they were lawfully possessed prior to January 15, 2013, and do not actually contain more than seven rounds of ammunition.

[NY Pen. Code § 265.00(23)]

[NY Pen. Code § 265.02(8)]
Ammunition Restrictions?

Does New York City have ammunition restrictions?

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.
"No Weapons Allowed" Signs Enforced?

Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in New York City? If yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense.

No. Not mentioned in state statutes.
Preemption?

Does New York City have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e. Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)?

Yes. There is partial preemption primarily for handgun licensing. New York laws confer power upon local governments to adopt laws that relate to, among other things, the “protection, order, conduct, safety, health and well-being of persons or property.” However, local laws may not conflict with the state constitution or general laws. Some counties, New York City, Albany, Rochester and Buffalo have enacted magazine limits and more restrictive gun laws for long guns.

[NY Pen. Law § 400.00(6)]
Red Flag Law?

Does New York City have a red flag law?

Not currently. However, an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) law was signed by the Governor on February 25, 2019 and will go into effect in about 180 days. It will allow police, district attorneys, family or household members, or 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.
Carry while using alcohol or prescription medication?

Does New York City have laws regarding carrying a firearm while using alcohol or prescription medication?

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.

Handgun Purchase & Possession

Purchase Permits?

Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in New York City?

Yes. Pistol permits are prerequisites to purchase handguns and long guns.
Background Checks for Private Gun Sales?

Are background checks required for private gun sales in New York City?

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.
Waiting Period?

Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in New York City?

Although there is no specific waiting period prior to the purchase of a firearm in New York, all handgun purchasers must obtain a NYPL, and such licenses may take up to 6 months to process.
Handgun Registration?

Do handguns need to be registered in New York City?

Yes. New York City requires every handgun to be registered.
Minimum Age to Possess and Transport?

What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in New York City?

You must be 21 years old to possess or transport a handgun in New York City.

[NY Pen. Law § 400.00(1)(a)]

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State Constitutional Provision
A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms cannot be infringed. -Article 2, Section 4 of the New York Civil Rights Law"
NEW YORK HAS NO STATE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS.

New York City Concealed Carry Reciprocity With Other States

Which states' permits does New York City honor?

New York does not honor any other states' Permit/License. An NYC Endorsement is required for a New York State Permit/License to carry to be valid within New York City. 

Other States' Reciprocity With New York City

Which states honor permits from New York City?

Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Montana
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Virginia

Alabama (New York City permits not recognized)

Note: Firearms must be carried in accordance with the laws of the state you are visiting. Be sure to check the laws of the other state before traveling there with your firearms.

States That Have Restricted Reciprocity with New York City

Michigan (resident permits only)

Permitless Carry States

Anyone who can legally possess a firearm may carry it concealed in permitless carry states without a permit/license. Check each state’s page for more information and any restrictions that may apply.

Arizona (if at least 21 years old)
Alaska (if at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (if at least 21 years old)
Kansas (if at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (if at least 21 years old)
Maine (if at least 21 years old)
Mississippi (if at least 21 years old)
Missouri (if at least 19 years old)
New Hampshire (if at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (if at least 18 years old)
Vermont (if at least 18 years old)
West Virginia (if at least 21 years old)

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New York City  Concealed Carry Permit Information

Requirements:

An applicant must:

  • Show proper cause exists for the issuance of a carry license, including, for example, target shooting, hunting or self-defense;
  • Be at least 21 years of age;
  • Be of good moral character;
  • Have no prior conviction for a felony or other serious offense;
  • Have no prior conviction for a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence;
  • Disclose whether he or she is or has been the subject or recipient of an order of protection or a temporary order of protection;
  • Not have had a license revoked or be under a suspension or ineligibility order;
  • Disclose any history of mental illness;
  • Be free from any disability or condition that may affect the ability to safely possess or use a handgun;
  • Reside or maintain a principal place of business within the confines of New York City;
  • Not have good cause that exists for the denial of the license; and
  • Meet federal law requirements.
Fees:

Initial Permits and renewals $340 
Fingerprint fees are $87
Valid For:

3 years
Processing Time:

Up to 6 months 
Application:
Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permits:

Part-time NY City residents or anyone who is principally employed or has his or her principal place of business within New York City can apply using the same process are residents.
Name/Address Changes:

Complete an Address/Employment Change Report within 10 days. 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. See the form for detailed information regarding the various permit types.
Lost/Stolen Permits:

Contact the Handgun Section of the NYPD License Division at (646) 610-5560.

New York City Concealed Carry Permit Application Process

How to Apply for a New York City Concealed Carry Permit

Step 1:

Determine the type of license for which you would like to submit an application.
Step 2:

You must first register/create a profile using your email address.
Step 3:

Upload the necessary documents and submit completed application. Documents include:

  • Passport-style photo;
  • New York State driver’s license;
  • Social Security card;
  • Proof of date of birth;
  • Proof of residence;
  • Acknowledgement of Person Agreeing to Safeguard Firearms form;
  • Affidavit of Co-Habitant form;
  • Affidavit of Familiarity with Rules and Laws;
  • Law Enforcement Firearm Removal Inquiry;
  • “Good guy” letter;
  • If you are applying for a Special Carry license, upload the front and back of your county license; and
  • If you have more than 4 guns, you must upload a photo of your safe open and closed.
Step 4:

After submission, additional documents must be uploaded. Finalize and submit your application.
Step 5:

NYPD License Division will contact you to schedule a date and time for you to come to NYPD License Division to pay applicable fees and be fingerprinted. You must bring with you originals of all uploaded documents.
Step 6:

After your application and all required documents/forms have been received and reviewed, you will be scheduled for an in-person interview.
Step 7:

Within approximately 6 months of receipt of your handgun application and all required documents/forms, you will receive a letter informing you whether your application was approved.

New York City has five types of pistol licenses available. As of July 16, 2019 Bill A7752 was passed resulting in NYPL 400(6) being amended to allow a licensee to 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.

There types of NYC licenses including the following:

Premises License - This is a restricted type of license issued for your residence or business. The licensee may possess a handgun ONLY on the premises of the address indicated on the front of the license. Licensees may also 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.

Carry Business License - This license permits the carrying of a handgun concealed on the person valid for the business name, address and handguns listed on the license. 

Limited Carry Business License - The licensee may only carry the handgun indicated on the license in accordance with the specific limitations listed on the license. At all other times, the handgun must be safeguarded within the confines of the address listed on the front of the license stored unloaded in a locked safe.

Special Carry License - This license is valid for the business name, address and handguns listed on the license, only while the licensee has in his possession a valid carry county license issued according to the provisions of article 400 of the N.Y.S. Penal law. 

Carry Guard License - Applications for this type of license must be made with the documentation provided by a company's gun custodian. It is issued only for the handgun listed on the license and only carried while the licensee is actively engaged in employment for the company whose name appears on the license and/or while licensee is in transit directly to or from residence and place of employment. At all other times, the handgun must be stored unloaded in a locked container, at either the address on the license or at the employee's legal residence.

Firearms Training Requirements in New York City

There are no training requirements for New York City handgun licenses. However, the USCCA recommends that anyone who makes the choice to carry a concealed firearm obtain as much training as possible in order to be a responsibly armed American.

Find A USCCA class near you

New York City Concealed Carry Permit Renewal Process

How to Renew a New York City Concealed Carry Permit

Step 1:

Do not submit a renewal application until you receive a renewal processing letter in the mail. The letter will contain a PIN #, list of required documents and a payment authorization form.
Step 2:

If you have not previously registered online, that will be your first step. Follow the online instructions.
Step 3:

Once your registration is complete you can complete and submit your application
Step 4:

After submitting your on-line renewal application, you must mail the appropriate renewal fee to the address listed on the “Payment Authorization” form. The License Division will not review your submitted renewal application until your renewal fee has been received.
Step 5:

The License Division may also request any additional documents/forms needed to process your application. As soon as a decision is made regarding your renewal application, you will be notified.

Law Enforcement Officers (LEO)/Retired LEOs

Law enforcement officers (LEOs) and Retired LEOs (RLEOs) may choose to carry under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), often referred to as HR 218. Under 18 U.S. Code §§ 926B & 926C, qualified LEOs and qualified retired LEOs, or those separated from service in good standing, can carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States, regardless of state or local laws, with some exceptions. For details check out our Federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) page.

RLEOs who are residents of New York and have been issued retired credentials in accordance with LEOSA may be qualified by a state-certified LEOSA instructor. Residents can check with their County Sheriff’s office regarding firearms qualification as several counties provide this service.

The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office offers RLEO qualification. Requirements include:

  • A copy of valid NEW YORK STATE Pistol Permit or a current LEOSA HR 218 card;
  • A copy of a current “retired” Peace / Police Officer ID card from your former department; and
  • An original, notarized affidavit; to be notarized prior to arriving at the range. 

Rockland County also offers LEOSA firearms qualification.

New York City Location Restrictions

Where Can I Carry a Concealed Firearm in New York City?
  • Carry in restaurants that serve alcohol? Yes.
  • Carry in my vehicle without a permit/license? No. It is illegal to possess a loaded firearm in any motor vehicle without a valid NYPL. 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. You are not permitted to stop in NYC.
  • Carry in roadside rest areas? No.
  • Carry in state/national parks, state/national forests, and WMAs? No.
  • Carry in Forestry Lands owned by State University of New York College of environmental science and forestry? Yes.
  • Carry in places of worship? There is no State statute prohibiting concealed carry in places of worship. However, since places of worship are private property, they may post signs prohibiting firearms.
Where Can't I Carry a Concealed Firearm in New York City?

Places off-limits even with a permit/license
  • Buildings or grounds, used for educational purposes, of any school, college or university;
  • On the grounds of a residential child care facility;
  • In state parks, except for hunting purposes where permitted;
  • Statue Cruises ferry to Ellis Island & Liberty Island, and the Statue of Liberty Nat'l 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 which has an operating certificate issued by the department, except with permission of the director of the facility;
  • At any facility operated or licensed by the Office of Mental Health of the Department of Mental Hygiene;
  • 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; and
  • Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law or state law or regulation.

FAQ: New York City Concealed Carry Questions

What Are the Knife Laws in New York City?

The circumstances surrounding the carrying of the knife is what makes its possession illegal. Under the New York City Administrative Code Sections (b) and (c), here are the circumstances which make carrying a knife illegal: (b.) It shall be unlawful for any person to carry on his or her person or have in such person’s possession, in any public place, street or park any knife which has a blade length of four inches or more. (c.) It shall be unlawful for any person in a public place, street or park, to wear outside of his or her clothing or carry in open view any knife with an exposed or unexposed blade unless such person is actually using such knife for a lawful purpose as set forth in subdivision d of this section.”

Related Information & Links for New York City Gun Laws

New York City Gun Laws Updates:

Date Details
2019-09-05

Update info regarding whether there is Public Access to Concealed Carry Registry in At A Glance table due to the Governor's signing of A07739
2019-08-13

Added anchor links to various sections below the Summary
2019-07-26

Added minimum age to possess and transport a handgun to At A Glance table
2019-07-23

Updated NYCPL transport info for premised licenses in Permit Application Process table
2019-05-24

Added stun gun/Taser info to At A Glance table

2019-05-02

Added permit renewal and name/address change info
2019-04-19

Links checked
2019-04-08

Added Statue of Liberty to Where Can't I Carry section
2019-02-15

Added pages for Federal Gun Laws, Traveling with Firearms & Terminology
2019-02-09

Added ammunition restrictions to At A Glance table
2019-02-06

Added red flag law info to At A Glance table
2019-01-25

Added church info to location restrictions section
2019-01-24

Added FAQ about alcohol or prescription medication
2019-01-10

Mag limit added to At A Glance table
2018-12-13

Added preemption info to At A Glance table
2018-11-30

Added initial CCW law and reciprocity information for NYC

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Permit numbers were obtained from the Crime Prevention Resource Center’s publication entitled, “Concealed Carry Permit Holders Across the United States: 2018.” Numbers include resident and non-resident permits for those states that issue both.

The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. Members and the concealed carry community, and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case. Laws are constantly changing, and as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.

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