Frequently Asked Questions

No, you can apply for a Concealed Carry License without a Premise License.

No. You can apply for any license. No need to have a Premise license to obtain a Concealed Carry License.

Most of the sensitive-place list still stands, but private property open to the public is no longer off-limits by default.

It seems that the only place I can legally conceal carry is the middle lane of the BQE between exits 7 and 8...

Update (as of November 2026): Short answer: most of the sensitive-place list in New York Penal Law 265.01-e still stands, for example government buildings, health care facilities, places of worship, schools, public transit, parks, Times Square and places that serve alcohol. The Supreme Court declined to hear Antonyuk v. James on April 7, 2025. In Christian v. James (2d Cir., May 18, 2026), the federal appeals court struck down the rule that banned carrying on private property open to the public unless the owner allows it, so stores and offices are no longer off-limits by default (the owner can still say no). The same ruling upheld the ban in public parks. A Supreme Court petition in that case is pending. On June 25, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court decided Wolford v. Lopez (6-3), striking down Hawaii's ban on carrying on private property open to the public without the owner's consent: the same kind of rule Christian struck down in New York. Places of worship now have an exception for the people responsible for security there. See the sensitive locations section of the NYC guide, and ask an attorney before you rely on any of this.

Good point. Almost the entire CCIA is unconstitutional. It was a slap in the face to the SCOTUS and to every citizen in the state. Many of these new laws are being actively challenged in the courts. The New York State Jewish Gun Club (NYSJGC) in particular is fighting for the right to carry in a place of worship and religious observances. This takes time. And it will eventually get smacked down. Until then, consult an attorney, join the fight and donate to the NYSJGC and other 2nd Amendment organizations who are fighting for our rights.

That is your own decision: pick a gun that fits your hand and budget, and a quality holster.

This is a decision you will need to make on your own. Just like a car, you will do your research to get one that fits your budget and has the certain features that you like. A gun needs to fit in your hand properly with a firm grip. You need to be able to control the recoil, choose a size that matches these criteria and that you can conceal properly, etc. Find a gun range/shop, engage in a conversation with the owner/employee. They should allow you to hold it and rent one to try out in the range. (This applies outside of New York City. In NYC you can't possess a handgun without a license, and doing it can be a crime. Don't handle or rent guns until you're licensed, or until the NYPD has given you written authorization (for example, to purchase, or to shoot at a qualified range under supervision while your application is pending). Other states allow you to go to a gun range and shoot without a gun license).

You can find many YouTube channels on gun reviews. Be aware that many of them are paid by the manufacturers to promote their guns. But it will give you a basic idea of the pros and cons etc. This also applies for what type of holster to get. It takes a couple of trials and errors until you find the 'right' one. Every body type is different. It also depends where you will be placing it, appendix, side, etc.

We arrange special classes in Boro Park for 2A613 members, and there are other options too.

EXCITING NEWS! DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND! We arrange special classes in Boro Park for the 2A613 members. Click here for our latest classes.

The NYS Jewish Gun Club offers classes in Rockland County (Monsey area).

Another excellent option is EDC Training in Lawrence (5-Towns area) - you can mention to Hudi the instructor that I sent you.

Reach out to me through Contact Us - there are instances that I have knowledge of a special class that is not advertised that might be in your neighborhood.

Some investigators play by their own rules; this guide is based on experience, so follow what your investigator asks.

Unfortunately, it seems that some investigators at the NYPD Gun Licensing Unit play by their own set of rules. Either because they are ill-informed or they enjoy stomping on our 2nd Amendment rights or both. As I wrote in the "Read This First" section of the NYC guide, this is all based on my experience and what I have heard from others who went through the application process. Please feel free to send me a message through Contact Us with any suggestions or if you noticed any discrepancies.

No. Since the Bruen ruling (June 2022), no special reason is needed.

No. Anyone can get a license, no special reason needed. Prior to June of 2022, New York State and a handful of other states had 'may issue' licensing for guns. The SCOTUS in the NYSRPA vs. Bruen case ruled that the 2nd Amendment is not a privilege, it's a right to every citizen in the USA, effectively stating that every citizen that wants to carry a gun for self-defense the state must give them a license as long as they are not a prohibited person.

No special reason is needed since Bruen (June 2022), but you still have to meet New York's other requirements: good moral character, character references, the 16+2 hour class, the background check and the interview.

No. Paid "expediting" is a scam: no one can push your application to the top.

Don't fall for this false hope. It's a scam and most likely illegal. All applications are done online and there is no lawyer or agent that can push your application to the top and promise an approval. It is all done online so the supervisors can and most likely track every application to see if there is any favoritism occurring.

The only way I know of getting your applications processed and approved quicker, is as I explain in the NYC guide (Cut Your Wait Time for Approval); to apply for the Rifle/Shotgun together with the Concealed Carry, which will then have your applications processed and investigated in their office in Queens, vs being handled by the Gun Unit at 1PP - which they are backlogged for at least 6 months or more before they even decide to look at your application(s).

It does not make a difference which one you submit first, the concealed carry or the rifle/shotgun, as long as both are submitted on the same day.

Also good to know: by law (Penal Law 400.00(4-b)), the licensing officer must act on an application within six months of when it was submitted. A longer delay is allowed only for good cause, with written notice giving the reason. If yours is stuck past that, see our Attorney Letter page.

On the NYPD Licensing Portal, under Submitted.

On the NYPD Licensing Portal. Click on the Submitted and it will show the current status of your application(s). Once it was submitted it will show 'Submitted'. The next stage is 'Investigation'; it will stay in that stage until they either approve or deny your application. Once it's approved it will change to 'Approved'. Once you're approved, you can log in to the portal and under the 'My Licenses' tab, you will see your license(s). Usually, once you are approved, it will show you your license # and it will have the status as 'Pending' until they issue/print out the physical license, at that point it will change to 'Active' with the expiration date.

Ask your LOR; below are sources on both sides.

This is something to ask your LOR. I did see an interesting article that I recommend reading, by Rabbi Yair Hoffman. I also saw that the Tzitz Eliezer says that you cannot daven while wearing a weapon whether at home or in shul. The Yechaves Daas disagrees. The Torah Temeima suggests that the base prohibition only applies if the weapon is unconcealed, but if it is concealed, then it's permitted. The Tzitz Eliezer concurs. Many Rabbonim in Israel ruled that it is definitely allowed and even encouraged.

If you are allowed when there is no Eiruv, - I am not a Rabbi so I cannot paskin, as always, ask your LOR.

Yes, if all your references are non-relatives.

Yes. The Concealed Carry requires 4 notarized character references, and at least 2 of the 4 must not be family. The other applications require only 2, and those can't be relatives. If you use non-relatives for all of them, you can use the same letters for all your applications.

Through the Contact Form.

I can be reached via this CONTACT FORM.

Yes. The NYPD accepts Non-Resident applications (one handgun only).

The NYPD began accepting Non-Resident Applications under an emergency rule in August 2024. The rule became permanent on January 5, 2025. A Non-Resident carry license is limited to one handgun. Our NYC guide has a "Live Outside New York?" box with the steps for Non-Resident Applications.

For more information click here

With a county Concealed Carry license, apply for the NYPD Special Carry.

As long as you have a Concealed Carry from your county (i.e. Nassau, Rockland, etc.), you can apply for the SPECIAL CARRY from the NYPD. You can follow the same Guide as the NYC or Non-Resident NYC Applications.

At most police departments outside NYC; in NYC options are limited.

Most police departments outside NYC offer this service. In NYC, you can go to 1PP in Lower Manhattan.

The only place in Brooklyn that I know of, is the 70th PCT, located at 154 Lawrence Ave. They only do this on Thursday evenings from 5:00pm - 7:00pm. You can only pay with a money order, and the PAY TO THE ORDER OF should be left BLANK. They charge $25.00 for the initial card and $1.00 for each additional card. As of late, because of the lack of personnel in the NYPD, this option is not reliable.

Florida: for out-of-state applicants, Florida does not accept electronic or vendor-printed fingerprints. Your prints must be taken by a law enforcement agency (a police department) on the original card Florida mails you. See our Florida guide.

You can also schedule an appointment in Midtown Manhattan at IdentoGo - this office prints your fingerprints onto a standard card, which I have been informed that Connecticut accepts. The link to schedule an appointment is here.

When applying for Florida or Connecticut they mail you the cards, bring them with you. Otherwise, you can purchase blank cards on Amazon.

USCCA and U.S. LawShield are not sold to New York residents.

USCCA and U.S. LawShield memberships aren't sold to New York residents (USCCA also isn't sold in New Jersey). New York's insurance regulator fined the NRA's Carry Guard self-defense insurance program for breaking state insurance law.

Unlike most self-defense plans on the market, the Attorneys On Retainer Program is NOT backed by any insurance company. The Self-Protection Plans are administered by a law firm. This means the AOR are not required to adhere to the same restrictions and limitations that other insurance-backed programs must follow.

Also, it's one of the only options available to New Yorkers.

Many of these companies that offer concealed carry insurance say they can provide significant financial assistance in the aftermath of a self-defense shooting. However, because they are backed by insurance companies, they will likely have EXCLUSIONS in their policies that allow them to DENY coverage.

USE COUPON CODE: 2A613 to receive $25.00 OFF at sign up.

Yes, but only 2 character references, and no 18-hour certificate or social media list.

Yes, except you only need TWO Character References (not 4), and you don't need the 18 Hour Course Certificate or the social media list (on the NYPD checklist, the social media list is only for Concealed Carry and Special Carry).

Your proof of address must match where you actually live.

Part of the forms that you have to submit, is the proof of address, which is a recent utility bill (NYPD accepts a current electric, gas, landline or cable/internet bill, but not a cell phone bill, or a lease or co-op/condo document together with a filed NYS tax return showing the same address). It should match the address on your Drivers License. Also, you need to have a Notarized Co-Habitant Affidavit form for each person that is over 18 years old that lives at the same home - in that case, it will be from both your parents and all your siblings that are over 18 y/o. Another thing you should consider is that if, Chas vShalom, you are involved in a self-defense incident and the NYPD and the DA investigate and figure out that you lied on the application by providing a different address for your residence, it will be another felony on the long list of charges against you, which will most likely result in revoking your license and most likely prohibit you from ever applying ANYWHERE in the USA. I'd like to repeat what I mentioned a few times on this site, I am not a lawyer and cannot and will not give any legal advice, I am just pointing out the obvious. The link to change your address at the NYS DMV: Change your address with the NYS DMV

Once you are licensed, NYC's rule says you must report a change of address within 10 calendar days, through the NYPD portal (the contact addresses are on the NYPD portal's Contact Us page).

Put in the NYPD precinct of your home address.

Put in the NYPD Precinct of your home address. For example you live in Boro Park, put in the 66th PCT.

It depends on the county; for the NYPD, before you submit is fastest.

Each county is different. For example, NASSAU County requires that class to be done AFTER submitting your application. The NYPD lets you upload the class certificate after you apply, and you do have time to do it even after your fingerprinting, as long as it is done within a reasonable time frame. But the NYPD says applications are processed fastest when all documents, including the class certificate, are uploaded before you submit.

Usually no: the 1-gun-every-90-days limit is per person, not per license.

Usually no. NYC's rule allows you to buy ONE firearm every 90 days PER PERSON, not per license, no matter how many licenses you hold. The 90 days start from the DATE of purchase. So a Premise License does not let you buy more often.

Under the NYPD's rule (emergency rule August 2024, permanent since January 5, 2025), a Concealed Carry license allows two handguns, and the NYPD can approve more if you show proper safe storage and the waiting periods are met. You can only carry one at a time. A Non-Resident carry license is limited to one handgun. That effectively removes the need to apply for the Premise License - keep in mind, the Premise License cost $340 and it is only good for 3 years - that's over $100 a year.

No passwords. The account-disclosure rule is blocked by court order, but the NYPD document list still asks for a list of accounts.

Checked Oct 28, 2026: On Oct 24, 2024 the Second Circuit (Antonyuk v. James) upheld an injunction that blocked the social media account-disclosure requirement. The codified NYPD application rule (38 RCNY 5-03) does not list it. As of Oct 2026 the NYPD required-documents list for carry licenses still includes the line "List of Current & Former Social Media Accounts for the Last Three (3) Years" (licensing.nypdonline.org/app-instruction/requireddocs). An earlier version of this answer gave a broader, unconfirmed statement, which was removed. This is not legal advice and does not say what to submit. Ask an attorney.

Yes, if they are a US citizen over 21. Your safeguard must live in New York State.

It can be any US Citizen older than 21 years of age. Your safeguard must live in New York State. It can be a spouse, child, parent, friend, neighbor - anyone!

The License Division will contact you to schedule fingerprinting.

Once you have finalized and paid for your application(s) you will receive 2 emails from each application. One, from the NYC PAY portal with a confirmation of receipt of your payment (which hopefully you followed my specific instructions to pay by credit card. If you paid by eCheck, be prepared to wait for 2-6 weeks for the payment to clear on the NYPD side, even if your bank shows that the money was withdrawn).

And the 2nd from the NYPD Portal with a confirmation that your application was Submitted. Look out for those emails. They can sometimes end up in your SPAM/Junk folder.

If you applied for the CONCEALED CARRY or PREMISE or SPECIAL CARRY, the auto-reply email will come from 1PP with their instructions - understand that they haven't updated this message for the longest time. Even though it states that you will be required to bring in ALL THE ORIGINAL documents to the Fingerprinting Appointment, it is not the case. All you need is your original Driver's License, your original Passport OR Birth Certificate (that you used to upload for your Proof of Birth) and your Original Social Security Card and a Credit or Debit card for the $92.00 Fingerprinting fee (a 2% card processing fee applies, for a total of $93.84). (NYPD's website may still show the old $88.25.)

Same applies if you applied for the RIFLE/SHOTGUN. Your email confirmation will come from their QUEENS office.

The NYPD portal now says new applicants do not need to contact the License Division to schedule fingerprinting: the License Division will contact you to schedule your FINGERPRINTING appointment (1PP or Queens).

Once your appointment is scheduled, the confirmation email will include a DATE and TIME and LOCATION for your fingerprinting appointment, along with 1 or 2 or more PDF attachments. It will have the 11-page interview questionnaire PDF form that you are required to fill out and sign and upload to your application(s). - more information on how and where to do this in the NYC guide page of this website. It will also include a list of your 'missing documents or information'. Review that checklist and UPLOAD those items to your application(s) on the NYPD portal. The fingerprinting appointment takes on average 15-20 minutes.

The NYPD investigation starts; it can take from a week to a few months.

Once you are done with the Fingerprinting the NYPD begins their investigation. Usually within a day or two, or a week, the status of your application on the NYPD portal will change from SUBMITTED to INVESTIGATION. They run your prints through the FBI, NYPD, NYSP and other criminal and national databases. They will comb through your application(s), verify your ID and Citizenship and proof of residence, and review your Lifetime DMV Abstract etc. and your Mental Health records from the NYS Office of Mental Health and Hospitals etc.

If you come back clean, and assuming all your Co-Habitant Agreements and Safeguard ID, Character References, etc. were provided, you should expect an approval. This process can take anywhere from a week to a few months. It depends on the investigator, the amount of applications being processed and the weather and the moon location and the price of rice in the Western District of Shushan and if Erev Shabbos falls out on a Friday.

Once you get approved, the status on the NYPD portal will change from INVESTIGATION to APPROVED. Typically, you will not receive an email or a phone call indicating as such from your investigator. At this point a LETTER OF APPROVAL / PURCHASE AUTHORIZATION will be mailed to the address they have on your application. The purchase authorization is valid for 30 days.

You can take that letter once received and go to the gun store to purchase your new firearm. - You will not be able to go home with it just yet. The gun store will run your background check with the NY State Police / NICS and if approved, they will take your payment and have you take pictures of the gun, receipt and box which you need to email to the NYPD within 72 hours, together with your purchase authorization and bill of sale (or submit them through the portal) (the address is on the NYPD portal's Contact Us page). It can take a month or more for them to process this email and MAIL out to you your Concealed Carry License. You must also buy or get a gun lock (safety locking device) with the gun. Only once you receive this card can you finally go to the store and pick up your new gun. MAZEL TOV! Now that you FINALLY made it to the finish line ב"ה it's time to begin training responsibly!

About $604 in application fees alone, and a lot more for the gun, gear and training.

Gun ownership is not cheap, it can cost in the thousands.

Be Prepared to Spend

However, Being Able to Protect Yourself, Is Priceless!

There are many organizations for the 2nd Amendment community. They fight for our rights and offer different types of services. Locally, we have the New York State Jewish Gun Club (NYSJGC). Visit their website. And if you found this guide to be helpful in any way, please show your appreciation and make a donation - (disclaimer: this is not my organization, I am just a proud card-carrying member and want them to succeed). They are currently in litigation and suing the Governor and the NYPD and the NY State Police for the unconstitutional law of banning firearms in Synagogues and Religious Observances.

They are fighting for OUR rights to defend ourselves.

Don't need to remind you of the massacre in a Synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA, the shooting in California, etc. and the rise of Anti-Semitism in the United States and in particular right here in New York, has skyrocketed significantly. We need to be our own first responders. We have fire extinguishers close by because it takes time for the firefighters to come.

As a new (or existing) gun owner, you need to constantly train and keep on training to be proficient and prepared.

They offer training, guidance, reciprocity maps, and much more! (Membership isn't available to NY or NJ residents, but their free reciprocity maps and articles are useful.)

Firearms Policy Coalition

They actively and aggressively file lawsuits in the Federal, State and local courts - fighting for our rights!