Step-by-step guide
Rockland County Application Guide
Quick GlanceThe Rockland County pistol license process: typed forms, an appointment at the County Clerk, fingerprints, references, then a judge's approval.
Where You Can Carry — See the Map
The Rockland County Clerk accepts pistol license applications and issues the licenses under the direction of the Rockland County Court judges. This guide follows the Clerk's official instructions and adds tips from users on the chats and online forums. Those tips are labeled as experience, not official rules.
A Rockland County license is good for the whole State of New York except New York City. The state application form itself says no license issued from it is valid in New York City.
Checked Nov 2, 2026 from the official pages: Rockland County Clerk pistol licenses page and the Pistol License Application Procedures (PDF).
Step 1: Check If You Qualify and Get the Forms
The County Clerk's requirements:
You live in Rockland County.
You are at least 21 when you apply.
For Carry Concealed, you complete the 18-hour training course. For Possess on Premises, the Clerk says no course is required.
Every adult in your home signs a notarized consent form saying they do not object.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, include a copy of your Alien Registration (green) card.
Download the forms from the Clerk's page: the Instructions, the fillable Pistol License Application (PDF) (the state form, which also lets you apply for the Semi-Automatic Rifle License), the Disclosure form, the Opt-Out form, a Consent form for each adult at home, both health-information release forms (the regular one and the Montefiore Nyack Hospital one), and the Fingerprint form.
All pistol documents must be typed. Fill in the application on the computer, then print it.
Step 2: Sign, Notarize and Get Your References
Print two completed copies of the application.
Sign both copies with original signatures and have them notarized. Notaries are available at the County Clerk's Office.
Have your four character references sign both copies. They must live in Rockland County, must not be related to you by blood or marriage, and must have known you at least 2 years. A married couple can both be references. Spell their names correctly.
For each past arrest, get an original Certificate of Disposition. The Clerk warns that not disclosing any charge, even one that was dismissed, sealed or a Youthful Offender case, is enough to deny the application.
Step 3: Submit at the County Clerk
Book an appointment. Pistol appointments are required every day. Book a County Clerk appointment.
Bring your driver's license (the address must match your application), a neatly printed self-addressed stamped #10 envelope, and every form from Steps 1 and 2. Do not bend or fold the application. Illegible, incomplete, soiled or folded applications are rejected.
Your photo is taken at the Clerk's Office (included in the fee).
Pay the $150 application fee, non-refundable, in cash or by credit card. A 2.25% convenience fee is added to card payments (Clerk's Instructions).
The Clerk reviews your application, marks it "Cleared for Fingerprinting", and gives you a receipt and fingerprint instructions.
Step 4: Fingerprints and Training
Bring your completed application and receipt to your fingerprint appointment. The Sheriff takes the fingerprints and runs the background check (Clerk's checklist).
Take the 18-hour course: 16 hours in the classroom plus 2 hours of live-fire training, as New York law requires for a carry license (Penal Law § 400.00(19)). Your instructor completes the county's Instructor Certification of Completion of Training form.
After You Apply
After the background and fingerprint checks, your application goes to a judge for approval. The Clerk says the whole process may take about 6 months.
The Clerk asks that all questions during the process be sent by email (the address is on the Clerk's page).
To buy a handgun after approval, it must be added to your license. You can apply for an amendment online at PayIt Rockland, or use the Amendment to License form (PDF) and the Clerk's outside drop box.
New York licenses do not expire, but you must recertify every 3 years with the NYS Police recertification site.
Tips from Others' Experience
From users on the chats and online forums (paraphrased). These are personal experiences, not official rules, and may change.
The hardest part is finding four references who live in Rockland and have known you for 2 years, especially if you moved here recently (2025). Some built those friendships through a club, a gym or a community group, or asked classmates from the 18-hour course (December 2025).
After you list your references, each one gets a form by mail to sign, notarize and send back. Slow references were the most common reason for delays (2023 to 2024).
Reported waits from submitting at the Clerk to the license: about 3 months (November 2023 to February 2024), and 5 to 9 months for others (2023 to 2024). One applicant's receipt was marked with an estimate of 8 to 12 months (2024).
Some applicants had a short meeting with the judge, about 5 minutes. They were asked if anything on the application had changed, whether they knew the sensitive locations, and what they learned in the course (March 2024).
The license comes by mail. Nobody calls you when it is approved (2023).
The Clerk's pistol staff were described as helpful with questions (2025 and 2026).
Once you have your county license, if you also want to carry in New York City you need the NYPD Special Carry License. Read our NYC (NYPD) Special Carry Guide, or apply with 2A613's White Glove Services.
Contact and Hours
Pistol License Office, Rockland County Clerk's Office
1 South Main Street, Suite 100, New City, NY 10956
(In the Courthouse, rear parking lot of 11 New Hempstead Road)
Phone: 845-638-5075 (pistol appointments), main line 845-638-5070
| Mon - Thu | 7 AM - 6 PM |
| Fri | 7 AM - 5 PM |
| Sat, Sun | Closed |
Pistol application appointments: Monday to Thursday, 8 AM to 4 PM (Clerk's Instructions).
For more information click here
Want to carry in other states too? See Out of State Non-Resident Permits.
Disclaimer: All information on this page was gathered from official state websites and other public sources and is provided for general information only. It is not legal advice. Gun laws and reciprocity agreements change often and without notice, and 2a613.com cannot guarantee that this information is complete, accurate or current. 2a613.com, its owners and contributors are not responsible or liable for any mistakes, omissions or outdated information, or for any action taken based on this page. Before you carry in or travel through any state, confirm the current law directly with that state's Attorney General or State Police, and consult a licensed attorney when in doubt. You alone are responsible for knowing and following the laws wherever you are.
New to the terms? See the 2A Glossary.
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