New York is now a shall-issue state since the Supreme Court’s ruling on the NYSRPA v Bruen on June 23rd, 2022, with concealed weapons licenses issued at the local level by the county sheriff or court system.
A permit to purchase, a background check and firearms registration are required to buy a handgun from a private individual in New York. Private sales must be processed by a licensed firearms dealer. It is illegal to possess an unregistered handgun.
New York prohibits the possession of a “loaded” handgun outside of the home or place of business without a license. While no law specifically bans open carry, a pistol license to carry is issued to carry concealed.
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. NY doesn’t recognize permits/licenses from any other states and only residents, part-time residents or anyone who is principally employed or has his or her principal place of business can obtain NYPLs. In August of 2024, New York City Police adopted an emergency rule allowing non-residents to obtain a NYPL. You can read the rule in its entirety here. In addition, a NYPL is not valid in the five counties that make up New York City. No handguns can be taken into the city unless New York City has validated your license. No training is required to obtain a NYPL, except for residents of Westchester county. Some areas are off-limits, including schools and courthouses. There are several types of NYPLs available, but the most commonly issued are the concealed carry and possess on premises licenses. Both licenses can be endorsed with restrictions such as only to be carried during hunting or traveling to or from target practice. In terms of reciprocity, New York does not honor permits from any other states.
Where can I carry with my New York City permit?
Yes
Yes, Constitutional Carry
Yes, Other Restrictions
No
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Important Firearm Laws
red flag law?
New York City has a red flag law. It allows 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.
public access to concealed carry registry?
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.
non-resident permitting?
Yes for part-time NY State residents or anyone who is principally employed or has his or her principal place of business within New York City. In August of 2024, New York City Police adopted an emergency rule allowing non-residents to obtain a NYPL. You can read the rule in its entirety here.
duty to inform officer you're carrying?
No. There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in New York City unless the officer asks.
brandishing?
No definition of brandishing was found in New York City law. However, a person is guilty of menacing in the second degree when he or she intentionally places or attempts to place another person in reasonable fear of physical injury, serious physical injury or death by displaying a deadly weapon, dangerous instrument or what appears to be a pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, machine gun or other firearm.
A person is guilty of disorderly conduct when, with intent to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof he engages in fighting or in violent, tumultuous or threatening behavior.
driver's license linked to carry license?
No. Your New York City driver’s license is not linked to your New York City City pistol license. Therefore, a law enforcement officer (LEO) will not be notified that you are a concealed carry license holder immediately when they run your driver’s license. However, LEOs may have access to other databases where they can obtain this information.
preemption?
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.
carry while using alcohol or drugs?
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.
"no weapons allowed" signs enforced?
No. Not mentioned in state statutes.
Carry Basics
weapons other than handguns allowed?
No. An NYCPL does not permit the carrying of weapons other than handguns.
open carry permitted?
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 license licensure?
New York is now shall-issue.
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.
magazine limits 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:
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.
minimum age for concealed carry?
You must be 21 to carry concealed in NYC.
constitutional carry?
No. New York City does not allow constitutional carry.
byrna's?
No
non-lethal weapons?
STUN GUNS and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a license as of 4/2019.
PEPPER SPRAY- Legal for self-defense purposes but highly regulated. Restrictions include:
BEAR SPRAY- NOT legal for personal defense in New York.
BLUDGEONS AND BATONS- Expandable batons are illegal to carry or possess in New York. Classified as "dangerous weapons," possession of batons or collapsible batons can lead to criminal charges.
Items such as blackjacks, nunchucks, and slingshots are also prohibited under New York law.
BRASS KNUCKLES- Illegal under New York law. Brass knuckles are classified as "prohibited weapons," and their possession, manufacture, or sale is strictly banned. Violations can lead to serious criminal charges.
Handgun Purchase & Possession
waiting period?
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.
minimum age to possess and transport?
You must be 21 years old to possess or transport a handgun in New York City.
possess a handgun on my private property without a license?
Yes. A concealed carry license is not required for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm in the person's home or place of business.
purchase permits?
Yes. Pistol permits are prerequisites to purchase handguns and long guns. To buy a gun in New York City, you must first obtain a New York City Pistol License. After you have been interviewed and approved, you can then purchase a handgun from any licensed handgun dealer. After you have purchased your new handgun, you will be required to return to the License Division with your new handgun to have the handgun's make, model, and serial number recorded on your license.
new york city license exempts from background check?
No.
handgun registration?
Yes. New York City requires every handgun to be registered.
background checks for private gun sales? exceptions?
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 law enforcement in New York City or Nassau or Suffolk counties (whichever is appropriate).
There is an exception for transfers between immediate family members.
Top Gun Laws & Concealed Carry Permit Information For New York City Residents
Concealed Carry Basics Faq
wear a covid mask & carry?
There is no known statute in New York City making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed. One state law referring to loitering in public places while congregating with other masked individuals was identified, however it does not address wearing a mask while legally carrying a concealed firearm.
what are the knife laws in new york city?
The circumstances surrounding the carrying of the 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 which make carrying a knife illegal:
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.
It is illegal to sell folding knives with a blade length of 4 or more inches that when opened are locked in an open position and cannot be closed without depressing or moving a release mechanism.
[NYC Admin. Code 10-133, 10-134 & NY MTA Rules Section 1050.8]
Residency Changes:
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 NYC. You can apply for your license to the NYPD License Division once you have established your residence or business in the city.
Moving from NYC and have a NYC resident pistol 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 NYC 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 city.
Lost/Stolen Licenses:
Contact the Handgun Section of the NYPD License Division at (646) 610-5560.
Requirements:
An applicant must:
*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 City.
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 License types.
Fees:
Initial Licenses and renewals $340 Fingerprint fees are $89.75
Non-Resident Concealed Carry Licenses:
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. In August of 2024, New York City Police adopted an emergency rule allowing non-residents to obtain a NYPL. You can read the rule in its entirety here.
Valid For:
3 years
Processing Time:
Up to 6 months
Application:
Link to Register/Create a profile.Link to Application Instructions.
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:
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.
carry in state/national parks, state/national forests and wildlife management areas (wmas)?
No. It is illegal to carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in New York City.
carry at roadside rest areas?
No. You may not carry in roadside rest areas in New York City.
store in a vehicle in an employee parking lot?
carry in vehicle?
Yes, based upon the terms of 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.
Although a NY state license to carry a handgun is generally invalid in New York City, a license is valid if the firearm covered by the license:
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.
carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol?
No. On July 1st, 2022, Gov. Hochul signed legislation banning the carrying of firearms in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol.
carry/possess at a hotel?
New York City 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.
Use of Deadly Force
Deadly force can only be used if the actor reasonably believes that:
[N.Y. Pen. Law §§ 35.10, 35.15, 35.20 and 35.25]
Self-Defense
New York has a self-defense law based on the Castle Doctrine. In NY, citizens have the duty to retreat from attackers if they feel they can safely do so.
Use of Physical Force
A person may use physical force in self-defense, defense of a third person, in defense of premises, or in order to prevent larceny of or criminal mischief to property.
A person may use physical force when the person reasonably believes it to be necessary to prevent or terminate the commission or attempted commission of a crime involving damage to premises, or to prevent or terminate the commission of a criminal trespass, larceny or of criminal mischief with respect to property. Any degree of physical force other than deadly physical force can be used.
New York City Gun Law Updates
DateDetails
2025-04-08
Added non-lethal weapons to Carry Basics section.
2025-03-31
Added Byrna Section under Carry Basics.
2024-08-12
Updated NYC police emergency rule for non-resident permitting.
2021-05-18
Added info on driver's license link to permit in At A Glance table
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