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Safe Storage at Home
Quick GlanceGun safes and lock boxes, New York's safe storage law, other states' storage laws, kids in the home, and the 4 safety rules.
Your gun safe, New York's safe storage law in plain words, other states' rules, and keeping kids safe at home. Plus the 4 safety rules.
Flying or driving with a gun? That now has its own guide: Traveling with Your Gun.
Gun Safe
At times the NYPD requires you to send them pictures of your safe: one of the entire safe and one with the door open to see the contents inside.
Usually this applies if you own 4 or more guns. Some investigators will request these pictures even if you have only 1 or 2 firearms. It depends on the investigator.
A photo of the whole safe
A photo with the door open, showing what is inside
Your own photos. Not stock photos from the manufacturer or a website
Even if they may not require it, you should invest and get a safe. It is for the safety of yourself and your family.
Today (until January 18, 2027):
At home: if you live with someone under 18, or with someone who may not legally have a gun, any gun that is not on you or under your control must be locked in a safe or locked box, or have a gun lock on it.(*)Source: NYS Penal Law § 265.45 · checked 11/2026
Children under 16: the same rule applies if you know a child under 16 is likely to get to the gun.
In a car: if you leave a gun in a vehicle, take the ammunition out and lock the gun in a safe or locked box, out of sight from outside the car. The glove box does not count.
Starting January 19, 2027: every gun that is not on you or under your control must be locked up or have a gun lock, even if no one else lives with you. Breaking this rule is a “violation,” a petty offense, not a crime.(*)Source: NYS Penal Law § 265.45 (NY Senate), checked November 3, 2026 The car rule stays the same. It is a separate crime if a minor or a prohibited person then gets to the gun.
A "safe storage depository" means a locked safe or container that cannot be opened without the key, keypad or combination, and is fire, impact and tamper resistant. Breaking the law is a class A misdemeanor. Your city or county may have stricter rules.
New York Penal Law 265.45 (and 265.46 until January 19, 2027; 265.51 from January 19, 2027).(*)Sources: NYS Penal Law § 265.45; NYS Penal Law § 265.46; NYS Penal Law § 265.51 · checked 11/2026
For more information click herePlease see Suicide Prevention and Red Flag Laws in our Gun Safety guide: simple steps for your home, crisis numbers, and how red flag laws work.
Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), any time. If someone is in danger right now, call 911.
Other States' Storage Laws
Many states have their own storage laws, and some are stricter than New York's. Two of our neighbors, as examples:
Massachusetts
Every gun must be kept in a locked container, or with a tamper-resistant lock or other safety device engaged, so no one but the owner or another authorized user can use it. A gun you are carrying or have under your control does not count as "stored."
Penalties are higher if someone under 18 could get to the gun.
Connecticut
A gun on premises under your control must be in a securely locked box or container, or kept in a way a reasonable person would believe is secure, unless you carry it or keep it close enough to use as if you were carrying it.
Leaving a pistol or revolver in an unattended car: only in the trunk, a locked safe or a locked glove box. The back of an SUV, hatchback or station wagon does not count as a trunk.
Sources: M.G.L. c. 140 § 131L · Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-37i and § 29-38g · checked 11/2026
Traveling with your gun? The rules for the car and the hotel are in our Traveling with Your Gun guide.
Storage rules depend on your state and sometimes your city, and they change. ⚠️ Do your own research or speak to a local attorney.
This page is general information, not legal advice.
Kids in the Home
The law is the minimum. With children living in your home or visiting, more care is needed:
Every gun that is not on you is locked: a safe, a lock box or a gun lock.
Keep keys and codes private. Children are very good at finding hidden keys and watching you type a code.
Store ammunition locked as well.
When you take your carry gun off, put it straight into the safe, not a drawer, a coat or a bag.
Teach them what to do if they find a gun: Stop. Don't touch. Leave. Tell an adult.
More on talking to children, visitors and guests, and keeping your home safe: see our Gun Safety guide.
The 4 Basic and Very Important Rules for Firearms
Treat every firearm as if it is loaded, every time. Even if you were informed that there are no ammunition/bullets in the gun, and it is unloaded. Inspect, look and verify for yourself. Never assume!
Never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy.
Never place your finger on the trigger unless you are ready to shoot.
Always know what is beyond the target you are shooting/pointing at.
Good luck, keep yourself safe and vigilant and see you at the range. Training and constant practice are a MUST for everyone who owns/carries a firearm.
Looking for legal protection after a self-defense incident? See NY TAC Defense and AOR.
Flying and driving with a gun now have their own guide.
Flying With a FirearmTSA rules, the airline counter, and tips from our own trips.Driving With a FirearmFederal safe passage, and driving through NY, NJ, CT and MA.New to the terms? See the 2A Glossary.
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