New York City Firearm Licensing Standards Amendments

Online comments: 28

• Joe. R

  Hello and good day,

  ss.15(J) Arbitrarily amends the rule to to alter the expiration date of a permit from three years from the issuance of the permit to “every three years on the permittee’s birthday”. This change could effectively make the term of a permit 2 years and 1 day, if a permittee has a birthday early in the year. This artificially decreases the length and increases the cost to keep a license. No reasonable justification for this change is outlined, and it should be seriously reconsidered prior to the draft of the final rule.

  ss19(b)(4) and ss19(b)(5) lay out regulations for non-resident carry applications. Requiring other out of state law enforcement agencies to do background investigatory work prior to the issuance of a permit is an undue burden on the applicant and the already overworked agency. Agencies will be unlikely to complete this work, when it is an unusual request that they do not have procedures for, and will be requested without the payment of a fee. I do not believe that agencies will reasonably carry out this work on behalf of the NYPD, which will deny applicants their constitutional rights in accordance with the Bruen decision. Additionally, the current wording implies that an applicant must have been a resident of their jurisdiction for at least five years. This is arbitrary and should be removed. NICS and the NYPD’s existing investigatory methods have proven successful, and creating an additional burden for other agencies should be seriously reconsidered prior to the draft of the final rule, and I recommend it be removed entirely.

  ss27(g)(3)(a) Arbitrarily limits a non-resident license to one firearm, when all other carry licenses allow two firearms registered to them. All carry licenses should allow permit the same number of firearm registrations. There is no legitimate reason for this change outlined, and two should be the bare minimum, as one firearm may be at a gunsmith at any time. This change should be seriously reconsidered prior to the draft of the final rule.

  I would also like to clarify that ss27(a), the clause limiting the acquisition of a firearm to one in every ninety day period, does not apply to non-residents, who a non-resident permit, as those permittees would not be governed by NY State and NY City for that matter, and instead would be subject to their home state’s licensing regime.
  Naturally, non-residents would acquire firearms in their home states, but if those states allow for more frequent purchases than 1-in-90, then legal home-state purchases at a frequency greater than allowed for NYC residents would *not* be grounds for revoking a lawful permit. For the avoidance of doubt, a final rule should include language specifically waiving these and other relevant requirements for permittees who are non-resident permit holders.

  Thank you for your consideration of my comments.

  Comment added November 2, 2024 6:28pm

• Yu Lau

  The 90 day rule should be removed. It is nothing more than intentional bad faith inconvenience by NYPD and the city against lawful gun owners. It does nothing to prevent criminal’s access to illegal firearms and commit their crimes.

  Comment added November 2, 2024 6:55pm

• Gurminder Singh

  Will it be possible to add the FDE color or flat dark earth color to the approved colors for firearms, its an extremely popular color all throughout the nation and I think it should be made available to the residents of NYC as well.

  Comment added November 2, 2024 7:11pm

• GP

  Waiting period of 90 days is unconstitutional, I believe it was struck down in another state.
  We need one license, “limited ,for premises only”, or full license, carry. Both can require training, but for carry is 18 hours with shooting.
  No need for Waiting for approval, and have gun information on a back,new card, etc.. have a barcode ,or a chip with information connected to NYPD portal . All guns will be listed on portal for confirmation of ownership.
  Revamp 1PP ,issuing department, faster turnaround, better customer support. One person who takes care of a process or departmental, but access to individual at every stage.

  Comment added November 3, 2024 8:33am

• Jonathan Zapata

  Out of state applicants must be made to rely on their local PD’s extended investigative efforts to get a license. There is no standard process for this so this could effectively bar some applicants entirely if their PD does not conduct investigations on behalf of NYC procedure.

  Comment added November 3, 2024 12:00pm

• Joseph

  all looks fair except the fact that you have to do a separate background check if you lived in another state in the last 5 years, and also to have to fill out a form in the jurisdiction of non resident permits for out of state applicants? In other words you are trying your best to deter new applicants for a constitutional right. This will most certainly be challenged in court if you attempt to finalize such a clause.

  Comment added November 3, 2024 1:51pm

• C.C

  In reviewing the proposed changes, Imposing a restriction on one firearm per person rather than permit further infringes on my 2A rights especially since the original rule allowed a firearm purchase every 90 days per license.

  NYC should fall in line with all surrounding counties like Nassau and Suffolk county where there are no restrictions on the number of firearms allowed to be purchased with no color restrictions, same day registration and acquisition of a new permit in order to claim possession of a recently purchased firearm at an FFL.

  Especially since a license holder has completed a costly, exhaustive and lengthy process in order to obtain such permit to posses firearms.

  Further punishing and restricting NYC residents of their 2A rights only exposes the NYPD to further litigation and a Bruin 2.0 decision. NYC should also honor NYS issued CCW licenses.

  Comment added November 3, 2024 11:16pm

• DE

  Please amend the rule so that NYS CCW permits are honored in NYC, at a minimum from the immediately surrounding counties.

  Comment added November 4, 2024 3:13pm

• Justin S.

  I find this proposed rule change personally preposterous. Us non-city folk that reside in NY went through the same background check and applications as NYPD barring a driving abstract and cohabitation form. You all have the ability to grab our records from our county including finger prints yet you want us all to pay almost $500 to be able to carry in NYC and wait another 6 months, part of our state, while non-residents can now carry in your city.

  While I understand the public safety aspect of this, we are still New Yorkers. Not to mention, NYC owns the two major airports in the state which do not recognize county permit (depending on the port authority officer).

  It is very unfair and disheartening to know that the city is more interested in money grabbing than ensuring New Yorkers can defend themselves or even just drive through the city without disarming (which is the only reasonable way to get to upstate from LI and vice versa).

  I have extensive family in the city and roots going back there.

  I beg the NYPD to please consider amending the rule further to allow non-NYC members to carry in the city or otherwise pass through without disarming. The uptick in crime such as slashings, gun violence and other forms of violence should be enough to recognize our permits.

  Your fellow New Yorker.

  Comment added November 4, 2024 3:16pm

• Michael Kouloumbis

  More gun control laws, long waits, costly fees, gun features, and other restrictions only affect law-abiding people who go through legal avenues to obtain firearms, and ammunition. Criminals obtain their firearms through illegal channels and will never be deterred by state, local and federal laws, or to register their guns, not use high capacity magazines, or not use banned guns by the N.Y. SAFE Act or any law. That’s why more Laws, and gun free zones have virtually no impact on criminals. There are presently in the United States more than 20,000 gun laws on the books at local, state and federal levels, how are adding more laws to that number is going to stop criminals.

  Comment added November 4, 2024 4:54pm

• Chris Doumas

  With all due respect. “Shall” is not a word of option, rather, it is a mandate. NYS and in particular, NYC have made a mockery of the Constitution and the second amendment. The provisions set forth by the CCIA and our illustrious Gov. Hochul have only created proverbial ring of fire for all law abiding citizens. One step in the wrong direction and good people are turned into criminals – it’s not right. I don’t oppose common sense and safe gun ownership but I do oppose the entirety of the CCIA.

  Comment added November 4, 2024 7:06pm

• Lawrence White

  1 firearm in 90 day rule is unconstitutional and needs to be completely struck down along with the standard magazine capacity ban and the long wait periods for the license to arrive in the mail after each firearm purchase in order to pick up the firearm from the ffl.

  Comment added November 4, 2024 7:08pm

• JOHN K LEE MD

  No one gun per 90 day. This is unconstitutional and we paid for those permits. We will fight this to the Supreme Court of the United States

  Comment added November 4, 2024 7:52pm

• Michael Pasquale

  Restricting law-abiding citizens’ access to means of self-defense while failing to prevent criminals from obtaining and using illegal firearms is illogical and counterproductive. There is no empirical evidence to suggest that allowing individuals to make frequent firearm purchases poses a danger to public safety. Additionally, there is no justifiable reason for imposing restrictions on the color options available for firearms. Personal preferences vary, and some individuals may prefer brighter colors for enhanced visibility and safety when carrying a concealed weapon, while others may opt for more discreet colors based on their attire.

  Comment added November 5, 2024 3:25am

• MS

  The proposed changes 90 Day rule and limitations to my CCW are unconsttutional and in violation of my rights. It is all but impossible to get through on all of your phone lines to ask important questions and obtain the status of a pending application. I have my CCW, however, have been waiting for approval of my Premise Permit since 1/20/24 and are approaching the 11 month mark. I was called by my investigator (3) weeks ago and was told to keep watch for an E mail and have received nothing to date. I will now will be sending a Registered certified letter.

  Comment added November 5, 2024 6:34am

• Kevin

  The 90 day rule is unconstitutional and i want you guys to ask criminals how much they care about your licensing and restrictions. You hurt law abiding citizens who follow these crazy rules while criminals can just get what they want because guess what… they dont give 2 about your laws. Theyre criminals. Wake up

  Comment added November 5, 2024 12:11pm

• Jose M.

  ss27(a), the clause limiting the acquisition of a firearm to one in every ninety day period, should be removed. There is no legitimate reason to impose this limit on lawful gun owners who jump through so many obstacles to acquire a license.

  ss27(g)(3)(a) Arbitrarily limits a non-resident license to one firearm. What is the point of this? Owners should be able to carry any gun they lawfully posses.

  Comment added November 5, 2024 8:41pm

• Nathaniel Mack

  NYC needs to get rid of the 90 day rule immediately it does nothing for safety should be able to buy a fire arm when I want .Recently 1pp ran out of cards that’s part due to purchase authorization because you have to print a new card after a new firearm is purchased.We should be able to register our firearm at the store that way we wouldn’t have to wait to bring our firearm home and I wouldn’t have to buy the firearm send pics and wait for license in the mail then go back to pick it up that’s senseless.340 dollars is way to much for a application fee lets knock that down to about 100 make it more affordable for the people.Also besides online let people ba able to apply on paper at 1pp that way we can knock out the paper work picture and fingerprints all in one that’s will and cut the time to get my license.please stop breaking the law and going over the six month mark it starts from submission of application not from fingerprints make it Easier on people

  Comment added November 11, 2024 7:49am

• J. Jones

  I oppose the following amendments:

  The imposition of a 90-day limit between firearm purchases;

  The restrictive “safe storage” requirements already addressed in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008); and

  One handgun limit for non-New York City residents.

  Comment added November 20, 2024 4:22am

• 7 Daniel

  The NYPD Firearms Licensing Process: A Broken System in Need of Reform

  Imagine needing answers about a critical process, but every attempt to get help feels like shouting into the void. That’s what dealing with the NYPD firearms licensing process often feels like. If you’ve been through it, you probably know the frustration all too well. Let’s talk about it.

  1. No One’s Home—Or So It Feels

  Have you ever tried calling the NYPD licensing division? If you’re lucky enough to get through, you’re greeted with long waits, no clear answers, or, worse, complete indifference.

  And don’t think sending an email helps. The system is a black hole where requests vanish without acknowledgment or response. Need to follow up? Good luck. The process feels like being in a room full of police officers, trying to ask for help, and they all pretend you’re invisible.

  What’s the point of having email notifications if no one is going to respond? It’s a slap in the face to law-abiding citizens trying to navigate an already complicated process.

  2. Wait Times That Make No Sense

  Here’s a head-scratcher:
  • You’re a firearms instructor with years of experience.
  • You’ve trained countless students to safely and responsibly handle firearms.
  • Yet, your application gets put on a waitlist longer than the students you trained.

  How is this even possible? Some students get their licenses in four months, while the instructor who taught them might wait years.

  Let’s not even get started on retired law enforcement officers. Why does a retired officer have to wait up to five years for a concealed carry permit while current NYPD personnel get theirs in two weeks? Two weeks!

  This isn’t just inefficiency—it’s cronyism, plain and simple. And let’s be honest, if this isn’t unethical, it’s walking a fine line.

  3. The Elephant in the Room: Favoritism

  No one likes to say it out loud, but we need to talk about it:
  • Why are some applications processed faster than others?
  • Why are certain people seemingly fast-tracked while others—often more qualified—are left to wait indefinitely?

  It’s hard not to see this as favoritism or nepotism. And when retired officers, instructors, and everyday citizens see this happening, it erodes trust in the entire process.

  4. Transparency? What Transparency?

  The NYPD’s firearms licensing system feels like a black box:
  • You submit your application and documents.
  • Then… nothing.
  • No updates, no communication, just an endless wait.

  If you’re lucky, someone might eventually get back to you. But in most cases, you’re left wondering if your application was even reviewed.

  5. Let’s Ask the Tough Questions

  Why isn’t there a clear, fair, and efficient system for licensing?
  • Why do some applicants wait five years while others wait months?
  • Why does the system feel designed to frustrate and discourage lawful gun ownership?
  • And most importantly, why isn’t anyone being held accountable?

  6. What Needs to Change

  Here’s the bottom line: the NYPD firearms licensing process is broken. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Here are some solutions:
  • Dedicated Customer Support: A fully staffed helpline during business hours and timely email responses (48 hours max) are basic expectations for any professional organization.
  • Standardized Processing: Every application should follow the same timeline, with no exceptions based on rank, title, or connections.
  • Transparency: An online tracking system would allow applicants to monitor their status in real-time, reducing uncertainty and stress.
  • Audit the System: Investigate claims of favoritism, cronyism, and delays to ensure fairness for all applicants.

  7. The Bigger Picture

  This isn’t just about firearms licenses or.about the ‘color of guns’; it’s about trust. When citizens feel ignored, delayed, or outright dismissed, it damages their faith in the system.

  The NYPD licensing division needs to remember that they work for the public. Law-abiding citizens deserve a fair, transparent, and efficient process—not one riddled with delays, favoritism, and inefficiencies.

  So, let’s start refocusing on the real issues not ones that are.simply a debate in one’s own mind, and begin asking the hard questions and pushing for change. Because when the system fails those who follow the rules, it’s not just unfair—it’s unacceptable.

  What’s your experience with the NYPD licensing process? Share your story in the comments below. Let’s shine a light on this broken system together.

  Comment added November 20, 2024 5:47am

• Daniel Martiñez

  The proposed rules contain several provisions that raise significant constitutional concerns and practical challenges.

  90-Day Waiting Period:
  The requirement that firearm acquisitions be limited to one every 90 days (ss27(a)) is a clear infringement on Second Amendment rights. Courts have repeatedly affirmed in decisions such as District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) and more recently in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022) that firearm regulations must not place undue burdens on law-abiding citizens exercising their right to bear arms. This arbitrary restriction fails to demonstrate any meaningful connection to public safety and instead imposes an unnecessary barrier to lawful gun ownership.

  Non-Resident Applications:
  Requiring out-of-state applicants to rely on their local law enforcement for investigative efforts (ss19(b)(4) and ss19(b)(5)) is both unreasonable and unconstitutional. This effectively outsources NYC’s licensing obligations to external jurisdictions that lack a formal process for such requests. It may also violate the Full Faith and Credit Clause (Article IV, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution) by subjecting applicants to procedural hurdles that their local authorities are neither obligated nor equipped to handle. Such provisions could result in an effective denial of rights, contrary to the principles established in Bruen.

  I urge the NYPD to reconsider these changes to ensure compliance with constitutional standards and fair treatment of all applicants.

  Thank you for your time and consideration.

  Comment added November 20, 2024 8:22am

• lawrence tesser

  to be able to add a pistol purchased and added to resident or home county permit which is outside the five boroughs easy and efficiently to a central email with specific steps needed either photos of the firearm , serial number bill of sale etc , send in appropriate info and get a replacement card in the mail with new firearm added to carry legally in the boroughs .

  Comment added November 20, 2024 6:50pm

• Charlie Mills

  CHANGE THE REGISTRATION PROCESS!

  If you were to update your website to ask for accurate info, actually SAVE the info uploaded, and made an area where LICENSE HOLDERS can upload their new firearm documents, receive a “confirmation msg” when done, that would be great.

  Also, when an officer stops a permit holder, they call 1pp to verify validity of permit AND confirm he can carry that firearm he’s caught with. At that point there is NO reason for us to have an ID card updated with new firearms info on it EVERY-TIME we buy a new gun.

  Common sense resolutions can help you save resources and reduce stress for your employees.

  Comment added November 20, 2024 8:52pm

• Labinot Shala

  Concerns Over Unacceptable Delays and Burdens in Firearm Licensing Process

  I am writing to express my concerns regarding the excessive delays and onerous requirements involved in obtaining a firearm permit through the NYPD Firearm Licensing Division. While we understand the need for a thorough vetting process to ensure public safety, the current procedures impose unnecessary burdens on law-abiding citizens and fail to strike a balance between security and efficiency.

  As a family man who values the importance of personal safety, I am deeply concerned about the additional 4–6 week delay between the approval of a permit and its issuance. This period is excessive and serves no meaningful purpose. In a time when random attacks on citizens are becoming alarmingly frequent, such delays could have life-altering consequences. The bureaucracy of the current system is not only inefficient but also unacceptable, especially for those seeking to exercise their Second Amendment rights.

  To address these issues, I respectfully request that the following changes be implemented:
  1. Clarify the Application Process:
  The current application process is unnecessarily convoluted, creating confusion for applicants who are trying to comply with all requirements. Clearer instructions and accessible resources would streamline the process for all involved.
  2. Eliminate Character Reference Letters:
  The requirement for notarized character reference letters is outdated and unnecessary. Many applicants have reported that these references are never contacted, making this an arbitrary and ineffective step. Removing this requirement would save applicants time and reduce administrative redundancy.
  3. Remove DMV Lifetime Abstract Requirement:
  Since the NYPD already has access to DMV records, requiring applicants to provide a lifetime abstract is duplicative and unwarranted. This is another unnecessary hurdle that wastes time and resources for both applicants and the department.
  4. Eliminate Safe Picture and Receipt Requirements:
  Asking applicants to mail pictures of safes and receipts for items purchased years prior is unreasonable. Many individuals do not retain these receipts, and a visual confirmation offers little assurance beyond the applicant’s sworn compliance with safe storage laws.

  Exercising our Second Amendment right should not require navigating a process more complicated than buying a house or adopting a child. The delays and excessive requirements suggest a system that prioritizes bureaucracy over its stated purpose: ensuring that responsible citizens can protect themselves and their families.

  I urge the NYPD Licensing Division to review these concerns seriously and take steps to eliminate unnecessary barriers. Streamlining the process while maintaining its integrity would ensure that law-abiding citizens are treated with fairness and respect.

  Sincerely,
  Labinot Shala

  Comment added November 20, 2024 9:10pm

• Barry Walker

  Hello everyone,

  The time it takes to get approved for a permit in nyc needs to be sped up. It took me 10 months from the time of submission to approval for my CC permit. Another 2 weeks to receive my physical permit after having to bring said approval documents to the FFL and email NYPD is an undue burden.

  Lower the permit fees. NYC permit fees are one of the highest (if not the highest) in the country. This cause an undue burden to those that can’t afford the current $300+ fee. PA cost me $20 for a non resident CC permit and I had it in less than 2 weeks. Florida (at the time last year) was roughly $100 for a non resident CC.

  The policy of HAVING to purchase a handgun within 30 days of being approved for a CC permit or have it revoked is unconstitutional. Simply having the permit with no firearm harms no body.

  90 day waiting period between purchasing a handgun (or rifle/shotgun) is also unconstitutional. I do not have to wait 90 days to use my first amendment,5th amendment, 3rd, etc etc etc. the second amendment is not a second class right.

  Update the allowed color options (or do away with them all together). This is an antiquated policy.

  Add more or hire more P.O.s/Det./investigators to the Lic div to handle the load.

  Improve customer service. Answer the phones, reply to emails within a reasonable time frame. 2+ days is not acceptable.

  Forcing ppl to buy a trigger guard is an undue burden, when 99.9 percent of handguns come with a cable lock.

  Allow more than 2 handguns to be “attached” the CC permits. Having a CC permit and still having to pay and go through a premise permit application and process is unnecessary and yet another undue burden to the people. If a person has a CC permit there should be no reason they need a premise permit as well just to be able to own more than 2 firearms.

  Reduce the permit age to 18+. The 18-21 age group is part of “WE THE PEOPLE” as well.

  NYS/NYC/NYPD need to start complying with Bruen and cease to continue to infringe on the people’s 2A rights. The above entities will continue to get sued and will continue to lose. Save the citizens taxpayer dollars. You can allocate that money to guns safety and firearm awareness projects.

  Most of the current laws/policies here only hinder and burden law abiding citizens. Criminals do not care about laws. Especially criminals who are here from law-less countries. Allow us to protect ourselves. We do not live in a Minority report type of society.

  Comment added November 20, 2024 10:54pm

• Jeff

  Please improve the process of purchasing/registering a handgun. It is very inconvenient to have to email the handgun intake dept which is sometimes full and wait weeks without a response. I don’t even know if the submission was even received or not. Then even after confirmation I have to wait weeks to receive my new permit via mail. Please allow pickups at 1PP or something. I will gladly make the trip to pickup my permit. The issuing phone number also needs to have people picking up the phone during business hours as it is sometimes impossible to get someone on the phone.

  Comment added November 20, 2024 11:46pm

• THEODORE J GOODMAN

  Why does it take so long to process my application when I already had a Premise permit in NYC and NYS for over 25 years….

  Comment added November 21, 2024 8:35am

• R. Garcia

  90-day Waiting Period
  The ‘1 gun in 90 days’ rule absolutely must go. It is an infringement on law-abiding citizens and cannot in any way be tied to increased safety of the people of NYC. Once an approved permit holder has a license to carry concealed or holds a premises permit there is no reason to limit the number of handguns that may be purchased — especially after they already have a handgun.

  Purchase Authorization Process
  Having firearms listed/printed on the back of the license is an onerous process for NYPD and should be eliminated immediately as it provides very little value. Records are computerized and NYPD is already able to keep track of which firearms are registered to which license/person. There is no need to spend the time and resources to print a new card every time there is a change to the list of registered handguns. The list can be displayed for the permitholder via the existing online licensing portal/website.

  Color Restrictions
  Search for images on your preferred search engine using the phrase ‘flat dark earth’ and you will find handguns and other firearms. This color is ubiquitous for handguns. There is no reason why this color should not be permitted for NYC permitholders. Restricting it in no way increases safety for the people of NYC.

  There is also unnecessary ambiguity — how dark do “dark gray” and “dark green” need to be in order to be approved? There is currently no objective way to communicate or test this.

  The color restriction should be removed.

  Service
  It is almost impossible to get someone on the phone or get an email reply about the application process or any other question on this already confusing and convoluted process. Efforts should be undertaken to either simplify the application and purchase authorization process or provide additional support/service to applicants and permitholders (or both!).

  Comment added November 21, 2024 9:21am