Firearm Laws in New York

New York State Flag
F
  • -- Highly restrictive carry laws
  • -- Strict firearm restrictions
  • -- Mandatory registration
  • -- Restrictive purchase process
  • - Limited self-defense laws
  • - Stringent transport rules

Conceal Carry F

New York requires a Concealed Carry License (NY Penal Law § 400.00), which is "may-issue" and hard to obtain. Applicants must show "proper cause," complete 16 hours of training plus 2 hours live-fire, pass a background check, and submit fingerprints. Carry is banned in "sensitive places" like schools and parks (NY Penal Law § 265.01-e). Private property requires consent. Violations can lead to felony charges (3-7 years).

Costs: License fees vary ($20-$100), plus $90 for fingerprints and $200-$400 for training. Total: $310-$590.

Processing Time: Up to 6 months, varies by county.

Renewal: Licenses last 5 years, cost $10-$50, with retraining required.

Reciprocity: New York honors no out-of-state permits; few states recognize NY licenses.

Sources: [1] [2]

Open Carry F

New York bans open carry of handguns in public (NY Penal Law § 265.01). Long guns can be carried unloaded in rural areas for hunting. Violations are felonies (3-7 years).

Sources: [1]

Firearm Types and Restrictions F

New York bans assault weapons (NY Penal Law § 265.00(22)), large-capacity magazines (>10 rounds, NY Penal Law § 265.02(8)), and silencers (NY Penal Law § 265.02(2)). Machine guns and short-barreled rifles/shotguns are heavily restricted. Ghost guns must be serialized (NY Penal Law § 265.07). Violations are felonies (3-15 years).

Costs: Serialization costs $50-$100.

Sources: [1] [2]

Interstate Travel D

New York follows FOPA (18 U.S.C. § 926A), but transport is strict—firearms must be unloaded, locked, and ammo separate (NY Penal Law § 265.20). No deviations allowed. Violations can lead to felony charges (3-7 years).

Sources: [1]

Purchasing F

New York requires a Pistol Permit for handguns (NY Penal Law § 400.00), background checks, and a 7-day wait for rifles/shotguns. Private sales need a dealer and background check (NY Penal Law § 265.00(22)). Violations are felonies (3-7 years).

Costs: Permit: $10-$100, fingerprints: $90.

Processing Time: 6-12 months.

Sources: [1]

Registration F

New York requires registration of handguns and assault weapons (NY Penal Law § 400.00). Ghost guns must be serialized (NY Penal Law § 265.07). Lost/stolen guns must be reported within 24 hours (NY Penal Law § 400.10). Violations are felonies (3-7 years).

Costs: Registration fees vary ($10-$50).

Sources: [1]

Storage and Safety F

New York requires firearms to be stored locked or inaccessible to minors (NY Penal Law § 265.45). Violations involving child access can lead to felony charges (3-7 years).

Sources: [1]

Castle Doctrine D

New York has a limited Castle Doctrine (NY Penal Law § 35.15). Deadly force in the home is allowed only if retreat isn’t safe. Outside, retreat is required if possible. Excessive force can lead to manslaughter (5-15 years).

Sources: [1]