Frequently Asked Questions

Course Question

  • You must be at least 21 years old to apply for a pistol permit in NYS, which includes completing this course. There are no specific prerequisites for taking the course itself, but permit applicants must meet additional NYS eligibility requirements, such as background checks and residency.

  • Yes, the course includes a written test requiring a score of 80% or higher to pass. The range day also involves a qualification component to demonstrate proficiency in safe handling and shooting. Both are mandatory to complete the course and apply for a permit.

  • No, you are not required to own or bring a firearm to the course. Instructors typically provide firearms and ammunition for the range day, but confirm with your course provider. You do not need to own a firearm to apply for a permit either.

  • New York State concealed carry permits are not recognized by all states, as NYS does not have broad reciprocity agreements.

    Check out this reciprocity map for specific states that honor NYS permits.

    Remember to always verify other states’ laws before carrying.

  • Out-of-state residents may take the course, but NYS concealed carry permits are generally issued to residents. Non-residents should check with the licensing authority for eligibility. Note that out-of-state gun rights are limited in NY, though exemptions exist for certified training, competitions and more.

  • Processing times vary by county and jurisdiction. In some areas, it may take several months, while in NYC, it can take over a year for a handgun permit. Contact your local licensing authority for specific timelines.

  • Visit the NYPD’s online licensing portal at  to create an account.

  • In New York State, a recertification and a renewal for a pistol license are two different things, and they can be confusing. Here’s a simple breakdown:

    • Recertification: This is something you have to do with the state to keep your pistol license valid. It’s like telling the state, “I still have my license, and I’m still allowed to have it.” If you have a concealed carry permit, you do this every three years. For other types of licenses, it’s every five years. It’s a quick check to make sure everything is up to date with the New York State Police.

    • Renewal: This is a bigger process that happens at the county level, where you actually reapply for your license. Depending on your county, you might need to take a training course, get new fingerprints, take a new photo, and pay a fee. Some counties ask for this every three or six years. It’s more involved because they’re double-checking your background and making sure you still qualify for the license.

    Check with your local county for more information.

    • If your pistol or revolver license was issued in New York City, Westchester, Nassau, or Suffolk counties, it expires every 3 years, and you’ll need to renew it. Renewal often involves steps like taking a training course, submitting new fingerprints, a new photo, and paying a fee.

    • If your license was issued outside of those areas, it doesn’t expire, but you still need to recertify with the New York State Police to keep it valid. For a concealed carry license, you recertify every 3 years. For other types of licenses, you recertify every 5 years. Recertification is a quick check-in to make sure your information is up to date.

  • Yes, New York State has the same basic rules for pistol licenses everywhere, but each county can add extra requirements. They can’t make the rules less strict than the state’s.

    The Westchester County Pistol License Safety and Information Handbook is a great resource of information.

Am I Eligible to Possess a Firearm?

  • If a court has declared that you are severely mentally incapacitated ("mental defective") or you have been involuntarily committed to a mental health facility, you can not legally possess a firearm or ammunition under 18 U.S. Code §922(g)(4).

    This could also prevent you from getting a concealed carry permit, depending on your mental health history.

  • If you illegally use or are addicted to any controlled substance, like marijuana or other drugs listed in the Controlled Substances Act, you cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition under 18 U.S. Code § 922(g)(3). This applies even in states where certain drugs are legal, if their use violates federal law.

  • If you've been convicted of a crime that could result in more than one year in prison (usually a felony), you cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition under 18 U.S. Code § 922(g)(1). This also means you cannot get a concealed carry permit or own a firearm.

  • If you're not a U.S. citizen and are in the country illegally or on a nonimmigrant visa, you cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition, except in specific cases like certain government officials or visa holders with valid hunting licenses (as outlined in 18 U.S. Code § 922(y)(2)). Additionally, non-residents or undocumented immigrants typically cannot get a concealed carry permit in New York State.

  • If you were discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions, 18 U.S. Code § 922(g)(6) prohibits you from possessing firearms or ammunition. This disqualifies you from applying for a concealed carry permit or owning a firearm.

  • Yes, under 18 U.S. Code § 922(g)(8), you are prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition if you are subject to a court-issued restraining order that:

    • Was issued after a hearing you had notice of and could participate in;

    • Restrains you from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or their child, or causing them fear of bodily injury; and

    • Either finds you pose a credible threat to their safety or explicitly prohibits the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force that could cause bodily injury.
      Such an order disqualifies you from obtaining a concealed carry permit while it is active.

  • If you've been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence in any court, you cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition under 18 U.S. Code § 922(g)(9). This conviction permanently prevents you from getting a concealed carry permit or owning a firearm.

  • If you’re uncertain whether you are prohibited under 18 U.S. Code § 922(g), consult a qualified attorney familiar with federal and NYS firearm laws. You can also contact your local NYS pistol permit office or the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services for guidance before enrolling in the course.

  • The restrictions in 18 U.S. Code § 922(g) are federal and apply alongside New York State laws. When applying for a NYS concealed carry permit, background checks, including the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), will flag any federal prohibitions. Additionally, NYS has its own rules, like requiring character references and reviewing mental health history, which can further limit eligibility.

  • If you're a fugitive from justice, meaning you've fled to avoid prosecution or imprisonment, you cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition under 18 U.S. Code § 922(g)(2). You also cannot take the course or apply for a concealed carry permit until your legal status is cleared.