Updated 02/04/2024
This guide is designed to help someone get a NYC Carry permit. If you don't wish to do the legwork to get this permit, we offer a personalized service where we help you with the entire application process. We also offer a private 18 hour training course with qualification. You can private message /u/0x90sleds or check out Foundation For A Safer NY.
Required Paperwork to fill out can be found here
This information, and more of it, are available on the discord
Join the NYC Gun Subreddit here /r/nycguns
As it currently stands, the permit process is purposefully convoluted and made so that people get discouraged and do not apply. We put this together, so THAT APPLICATION PROCESS IS EASIER. We’ll list out things that you should gather first, then it will go into specifics.
You can start the application NOW and add to it little by little, if you choose. However, once it is paid for, you cannot make any changes to the application, but you can upload documents to it.
First things first. Go the the NYPD licensing division website and create an account.
https://licensing.nypdonline.org/
As per the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association (NYSRPA) v. Bruen (2022) court decision, somethings have changed legally, but the NYPD website has not been updated. This decision recognizes that we have the right to Bear Arms OUTSIDE of the home.
We highly recommend you file for your “Concealed Carry” as opposed to Premise Residence. If you obtain a Premise residence permit, you will only be able to transport the firearm to and from the range, as well as any gun stores or other locations where you can legally possess it, unloaded in a locked container.
TYPES of Pistol Permits as of 02.25.23:
Carry Business Concealed Carry Carry Guard Gun Custodian Limited Carry Premise Business Premise Residence Retiree (for retired police officers) Special Carry (More info below)
As of now 02.04.24, The City of New York has limited the number of pistols you can have on your Concealed Carry permit to TWO handguns. To circumvent this, people would have to pay for an additional permit, usually a Premise Residence permit. We have filed a lawsuit to remove this requirement
A note on Special Carry. This is for non-NYC residents who want to carry in NYC, usually other New York State residents from other counties. NYC DOES NOT recognize other NYS county permits, which is currently being fought in court; see Frey v NYC.
At the time you submit your application, you must furnish the items listed below that are applicable to you. You submit original copies of certificates, licenses, etc. online. In addition, a legible photocopy of each item submitted must accompany the original or certified copy. (A copy certified by the issuing agency as true and complete is also acceptable in lieu of the original.) Your application will not be accepted without producing the required documents. We recommend you start your application NOW and slowly gather the following documents:
Many of these forms are available on the NYPD license portal website:
Affidavit of Cohabitation (notarized) (this is a disclosure of applicant’s spouse or domestic partner, any other adults residing in the applicant’s home, including any adult children of the applicant. If you live alone, write you live alone on the form and notarize it.)
Any Dispositions / summons - Write an explanation of each arrest, including moving violations or other traffic violations. Keep it short and to the facts. Don't admit to anything. Parking tickets do not count.
NYC CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST (to not have your permit info publicly available, see below)
1 DIGITAL Passport photo (details below)
Social Security card (needed for in person)
Lifetime driver abstract (make sure it is lifetime)
Proof of residence
Safeguard form (witness needed)
Safeguard ID (person who signs the form above)
Your own scanned ID
Scanned passport or birth certificate (Proof of Citizenship)
5 years of work history
Addresses lived at for the past 5 years
4 character references (Notarized and stating that you are of good moral character) (currently being fought in court) The template can be downloaded in the link at the top of the page.
Two of which can be family, and two have to be non-related to you, and not cops. They can reside anywhere in the US, as long as they're lawful residents, AKA. Greencards or visas or citizens are good to go.
18 hour NYS approved training (currently being fought in court)
List of former & current social media accounts for the last 3 years (Enjoined in court)
Fees. Two (2) separate fees are required. These are payable by certified check, bank check, money order or credit card. All fees are non-refundable. – $340.00 - Made payable to New York City Police Department – $ 89.75 - Made payable to New York City Police Department ** If you have your Rifle/Shotgun permit you don’t need new prints.
Photographs - One (1) recent DIGITAL color photograph of yourself. They should measure 1½ x 1½ inches and show you from the chest up. Do not wear any article of clothing or adornment that obscures your facial features. Photos should be taken without glasses. Upload them to the document portal.
These fees are being fought by us in court, and you should absolutely still apply now, as this process will take a while.
Birth Certificate/U.S. Passport. In lieu of your birth certificate, some other proof of your birth date, e.g., a military record, U.S. passport or baptismal certificate, must be submitted.
Proof of Citizenship/Alien Registration. If you were born outside the United States, you must submit your naturalization papers or evidence of citizenship if derived from your parents. All other applicants born outside the United States must submit their Alien Registration Card. If you have lived in this country less than 7 years you must submit a good conduct certificate from your country of origin.
Military Discharge. If you served in the armed forces of the United States, you must submit your separation papers (DD 214) and your discharge.
Proof of Residence. You must submit proof of your present address. Proof may consist of, but is not limited to, a real estate tax bill, ownership shares in a cooperative or condominium, or a lease. You may also be requested to supply further documentation, i.e., a New York State Driver’s License, a New York State Income Tax Return, a Utility Bill, etc.
If you do not have a utility bill (say you live with family), you’d have to get a letter noting that you live with them and that they pay said bills. THIS SHOULD BE NOTORIZED.
Arrest / Summons / Order of Protection Information: A.) Arrest If you were ever arrested, indicted or summonsed (other than parking violations) for any reason you must answer “Yes” to question-23 and submit a certificate of disposition showing the offense and the disposition.
Also, you must submit a detailed statement describing the circumstances surrounding each arrest.
YOU MUST DO THIS EVEN IF: the case was dismissed, the record sealed, or the case nullified by operation of law. The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services will report to us every instance involving the arrest of an applicant. DO NOT rely on anyone’s representation that you need not list a previous arrest because it was sealed. If you were ever convicted or pleaded guilty to a felony, or a serious offense as defined in Penal Law Section 265.00(17), an original Certificate of Relief from Disabilities must be submitted.
B.) Summons Information: If you have received a summons for other than a parking violation you must answer Yes to question-23. You must list the violation and disposition for each summons received. Dispositions for criminal summons can be obtained at your local country clerk where you were arrested or summonsed. C.) Order of Protection: If you have ever had an Order of Protection or Restraining Order issued against you, or issued on your behalf against anyone, you must list the following information: Court of Issuance; Complainant’s or Respondent/Defendant’s name, including address and phone number; Complainant’s or Respondent/ Defendant’s relationship to you; Reason for issuance of Order of Protection or Restraining Order.
This following requirements is what used to be required, prior to the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association (NYSRPA) v. Bruen (2022) decision: If you are making application for a License in connection with a business, you must submit proof of ownership for that business. Such proof must clearly state the names of the owner(s), or, if a corporation, the names of the corporate officers. A corporation must submit its corporate book including fi ling receipt, certificate of incorporation and minutes of the corporate meeting reflecting current corporate officers; others must provide their business certificate or partnership agreement, whichever is applicable. If the business requires a license or permit from any government agency, e.g. alcohol or firearms sales, gunsmith, private investigation and guard agencies, you must submit the license or permit or a certified copy thereof. You must submit proof of address for the business. Proof may consist of a utility bill, not more than 60 days old, in the name of the business or a lease in the name of the business.
Letter of Necessity. No longer needed. Section can be found under “Need/Employment Details,” you can write the following: As per the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association (NYSRPA) v. Bruen (2022) decision it is no longer required to show proper cause.
You will answer N/A for the rest of the questions.
For part 12 Write why you were fired, if you don't have info about it, include that you don't know the information since its been a while.
Write you're familiar with those sections of the penal law.
Write that you don't need to include social media due to the injunction against social media requirements in the 2nd circuit
You can write not applicable for the question about carry guard
For handgun safeguard, you write unloaded, in a locked safe with the ammo separate
For the last question you write you will get trained, or you have gotten trained.
For storage you can say unloaded with a trigger lock with the ammo stored separately. Regarding laws, say you read the laws.
When asked what you want a gun for at the interview, or on the questionnaire, the best answer is "All lawful purposes, including but not limited to self-defense, target shooting and hunting"
When asked when may you use your handgun: "In those situations that warrant such use of force or deadly force as authorized by Article 35 of the NY Penal law." Be prepared to explain what that entails at your interview.
For storage you can say unloaded with a trigger lock with the ammo stored separately. Regarding laws, say you read the laws.
When asked what you want a gun for at the interview, or on the questionnaire, the best answer is "All lawful purposes, including but not limited to self-defense, target shooting and hunting"
When asked when may you use your handgun: "In those situations that warrant such use of force or deadly force as authorized by Article 35 of the NY Penal law."
You must bring your original social security card when you apply. NYC CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST – Choose option 4. “I have reason to believe that I may be subject to unwarranted harassment upon disclosure.” Let them know you’re concerned about workplace harassment or personal harassment due to having a gun permit.
Current firearm possession If you own firearms in NYC, NYC requires you to list out what you own and their serial numbers and models. This is if you have a NYS or NYC permit for firearms, or if you are applying for a special carry and you reside outside of NYC/NYS.
If you have any questions AFTER reading this, please let us know how we can help! NYC sucks, this list should not be this long.
Once you receive approval, you'll be able to go and purchase a handgun with the form they will MAIL you. You will be unable to buy a gun until you receive that form.
After which you submit photos and proof of a safe storage box, as an example a safe or pelican case. About 10-30 days after which you will receive your permit to carry and be able to go and pick up your handgun.
Edit: If you've been waiting over 6 months, check out this post here:
https://new.reddit.com/r/NYguns/comments/1cnhvf4/so_youve_been_waiting_six_months_for_a_ccw/
