Applying for a Handgun License
Obtain a handgun license application. You can get the application from the License Division office, located at 1 Police Plaza, Room 110, New York, New York 10038. Alternately, you can download/print it off the Internet here: http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/downloads/pdf/permits/HandGunLicenseApplicationFormsComplete.pdf. You must be at least 21 years of age to apply for a handgun license or rifle/shotgun permit.
Pick up a rifle/shotgun application. If you want a rifle or shotgun, then you will need to complete a different application. You can download the application and instructions here: http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/downloads/pdf/permits/rifle_shotgun_permit_application_rev_10_16.pdf. The process for applying for a rifle or shotgun permit will be slightly different than the process described in this article. For example, your application fee will be less ($140) and you will need to submit four color photographs (rather than two). You will also register the rifle or shotgun using a different form than the one you will use to register a handgun. Because this article will deal with buying a handgun, you should follow the directions provided with your rifle/shotgun application if you are buying one of those firearms.
Identify the type of license you want. There are several licenses available. Some restrict your ability to carry the gun, whereas others are unrestricted. If you are buying a gun for your business, profession, or employment, then you can ask to talk with an application reviewer. This person will help you analyze which license you should apply for. The different permits are: Premises license. This restricted license is issued for your business or residence. You may only possess the gun on the premises. You may also transport the gun and ammunition in separate locked containers to and from an authorized range or hunting location. Carry business license. This unrestricted license allows you to carry a gun concealed on your person. It is only valid for the business name listed on the license and can’t be transferred without permission of the License Division. Limited carry business license. This restricted license allows you to carry the handgun within certain specified limitations. At all other times the gun must be stored at the business address identified on the front of the license. Special carry license. This business license requires a valid basic county license. Carry guard license. This license is appropriate for security guards and allows them to carry the gun only while on active employment for the company whose name appears on the license.
Complete the application. You should type the application form using a typewriter or fill out the application on the Internet before saving and printing it. The License Division will not accept applications that have been handwritten. Section A will require you to enter personal information such as your name, address, Social Security Number, contact information, date of birth, physical characteristics and description, and your employment information. Section B asks about your criminal history, your history involving drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, mental illness, and disabilities, if applicable. Enter your residence and employment history for the past five years. The License Division will refer to this information when they run your background check for the handgun license.
Complete the Letter of Necessity. If you plan to carry the handgun for business, then you need to complete this section. This part of the application will require you to provide detailed explanations regarding your reasons for carrying a handgun in New York City. You also need to present proof of business ownership and business address. A detailed list of documents is included in the cover sheet for the application.
Sign in front of a notary public. You will be required to sign and date all sections of the application in front of a notary public, which you can find at most large banks or at a government office. Be sure to bring sufficient personal identification with you, such as a valid state-issued ID or a passport. You will have to pay a small fee to have the document notarized.
Gather required documents. You need to submit certain supporting documents along with the application. Your application will not be processed without these documents. Gather the following and make an additional copy of each to present to the License Division: Two recent color photographs of yourself. The photos should be passport sized (1.5 inches by 1.5 inches) and show you from the chest up. Don’t wear anything that obscures your face. A certified copy of your birth certificate. Alternately, you could present some other proof of your date of birth, such as a U.S. passport, baptismal certificate, or a military record. Proof of citizenship. Those born outside the U.S. must submit naturalization papers or other proof of citizenship derived from your parents. Everyone else must submit their Alien Registration Card. Furthermore, if you have lived in the U.S. less than seven years, you must get a good conduct certificate (or equivalent) from your country of origin and have two letters of reference that certify your good character. Military papers. If you were in the military, then submit your separation papers (DD 214) and your discharge. Proof of residency. There are many forms of proof, including a tax bill for your real estate, lease, or ownership shares in a condominium or cooperative. You might also have to show a New York state driver’s license, utility bill, or state income tax return. Your original Social Security Card.
Obtain information about any arrest. You will need to provide information about a criminal arrest, indictment, or summons (apart from parking violations). You must provide this information even if the state dismissed the case or if the record was sealed. For example, you will need the following: A certificate of disposition showing the offense and the disposition. You can get the certificate by visiting the court clerk for the county where the case was filed. You will need your full name, date of arrest, and picture ID. Call ahead to ask how much it costs. A detailed statement about the circumstances surrounding the arrest, indictment, or summons. You need a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities if you were convicted (or pleaded guilty to) a felony or other serious offense. If you ever had a protective order (restraining order) issued against you or on your behalf against someone else, then you need to include the following information: the court that issued it, the name of the other party and their relationship to you, the other party’s contact information (address and phone), and the reason for the protective order.
Submit your application. You must submit a completed application in person to the License Division. Make sure to arrive early, because your application must be processed before the close of business. Hours of operation are 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. It takes about 45 minutes to process the application. Remember to pay your licensing fee. The licensing fee is $340.00 and the fingerprinting fee is $87.00. Fees are non-refundable. Pay the fees with a credit card or bring separate money orders for each fee. Make your money orders payable to "New York City Police Department."
Attending an Interview
Schedule an interview. You will probably have to wait one to three months before you receive a letter identifying the officer who has been assigned to your application. The letter will ask that you schedule an interview. Call during regular business hours to schedule the interview. The officer might also request additional documents. For example, you may have to sign an Affidavit of Familiarity, in which you state that you are familiar with New York’s gun laws. You also might need an affidavit from someone who is living with you, stating they don’t object to you getting a license.
Obtain reference letters. You also might need to supply the officer with three references from people who have known you for the past two years. You should think about who you can get to supply the reference. The reference should agree that you have “good moral character.” The letter should also be signed and notarized.
Attend the interview. You should dress in clean, neat clothes. The key is to look presentable. You will be asked a variety of questions, which will vary depending on who is interviewing. Generally, you can expect to be asked the following: Why do you want a gun? (Sample answer: For home defense.) Where will you store the gun and the ammunition? (Answer: The gun will be stored unloaded in a safe with a trigger lock. The ammo will be stored in a separate safe.) How will you transport the gun? (Answer: In a locked box, unloaded, and with a trigger lock. Ammo will be in a separate container.) Have you owned a gun before? (If yes, supply details—type of gun, if there were any problems, etc.) Have you ever been assaulted or had your home robbed? (If yes, provided details and the dates.) When is it acceptable to use deadly force? (Answer: When someone has broken into your home and demonstrated an intent to kill you or someone else in the home. The answer is not, “When I feel scared.”)
Wait for your approval or denial. You will probably have to wait another one to three months before you hear back. If your application is denied, then find a lawyer who can file an appeal for you. Don’t delay. If you are approved, you must pick up your Purchase Authorization within 30 days.
Completing a Handgun Purchase
Pick up your Purchase Authorization. Take your approval letter and return to the License Division office at 1 Police Plaza, Room 110, New York, New York 10038 to obtain this form. Call the Purchase Order Section at 646-610-5550 for alternate directions on how to obtain the form.
Purchase a handgun in New York state. Once you receive your Purchase Authorization, you have 30 days to buy a handgun from a dealer with a Federal Firearms License (FFL). You can find an FFL dealer by using the locator tool at the National Shooting Sports Foundation website. Make sure that new guns are NY compliant. The FFL should fill out your Purchase Authorization form.
Buy a handgun outside the state. You can also buy from a dealer outside New York state. However, the dealer must transfer the gun to an FFL in the city. Because a non-New York dealer might not know if a gun is New York compliant, you should read up on New York’s gun prohibitions. The National Rifle Association has a good summary of what guns are illegal in New York: https://www.nraila.org/gun-laws/state-gun-laws/new-york/.
Have your gun inspected. After you purchase your gun, you have 72 hours to return to the License Division to have the gun inspected. This 72 hours includes weekends as well, so don’t delay. Make sure the firearm is unloaded with the trigger locked and in a locked case. Also take two copies of the purchase receipt and your completed Purchase Authorization form. The License Division will then update your handgun license with the new handgun information, including the make, model, caliber and serial number of the gun. Double check that the information has been recorded properly and that there are no typos.
Buy more guns. You can buy a new pistol, revolver, or handgun every 90 days. To purchase another gun, you must complete a Purchase Authorization Request Form and submit it to the License Division. They will then send you a Purchase Authorization form, which you take to the FFL dealer. It generally takes about 45-60 days to get approval. You must have all new guns inspected by the License Division just as you did your first gun.
Protect your personal information from public disclosure. If you have a handgun license, you can request that your personal information not be made publicly available by completing an FOIL exemption form. Mail the completed form to Commanding Officer, License Division, 1 Police Plaza, Room 152B, New York, NY 10038, Attention: Records Unit.
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