New York City Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws
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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.
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Never Carry ANYWHERE Without Your USCCA Membership...
Never Carry ANYWHERE Without Your USCCA Membership...
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. |
Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray?Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in New York City? |
Yes. The possession of “self-defense sprays” by persons who are not felons and who have not been convicted of an assault, and who are at least 18 years old for the protection of person or property and otherwise lawful use is legal. There are certain labeling requirements. The active ingredient in any canister of legal pepper spray must be oleo-resin capsicum. The maximum net weight of any canister is 3/4oz. Furthermore, the canister itself may not appear to be anything but pepper spray. Sales require both a seller’s license and the completion by a purchaser of a registration form. New York residents may only purchase defense sprays from licensed Firearms Dealers or licensed Pharmacists in NY state. No more than two sprays may be sold at any one time to a single purchaser. |
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 within New York City. |
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 handgun 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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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:
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. |
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. |
Brandishing?Does New York City state law define brandishing? |
No. 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. |
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 Drugs?Does New York City have laws regarding carrying a firearm 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. |
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. 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. |
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. |
New York City Permit Exempts from Background Check?Does my current New York City concealed carry permit exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm? |
No. |
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. |
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State Constitutional Provision
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?
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
New York City offers resident and non-resident permits. “Resident only” indicates the states below only honor New York City resident permits (and not those issued to non-residents).
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.
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Discover MembershipNew York City Concealed Carry Permit Information
Requirements: |
An applicant must:
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Fees: |
Initial Permits and renewals $340 |
Valid For: |
3 years |
Processing Time: |
Up to 6 months |
Application: |
Link to Register/Create a profile. |
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. |
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Step 2: |
You must first register/create a profile using your email address. |
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Step 3: |
Upload the necessary documents and submit completed application. Documents include:
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Step 4: |
After submission, additional documents must be uploaded. Finalize and submit your application. |
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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. |
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Step 6: |
After your application and all required documents/forms have been received and reviewed, you will be scheduled for an in-person interview. |
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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. |
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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.
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? |
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Where Can't I Carry a Concealed Firearm in New York City?Places off-limits even with a permit/license |
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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 it's 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: (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. 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, sword, shotgun or rifle (except that 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 four 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] |
Related Information & Links for New York City Gun Laws
New York City Gun Laws Updates:
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
| 2019-12-04 | Added info on whether a valid state ccw permit exempts a person from needing a background check when purchasing a firearm to the At A Glance table |
| 2019-11-20 | Added statutory references and links for can’t carry locations |
| 2019-11-04 | Added brandishing info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-10-01 | Added Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray to the At A Glance table |
| 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 carry info to location restrictions section |
| 2019-01-24 | Added info about alcohol or prescription medication in At A Glance table |
| 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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