New York CCW Guide

This page provides information for individuals applying for their CCW in New York City, New York State, Rockland County, or out-of-state. Please scroll down to find the section relevant to your situation and follow the step-by-step guide provided.

State & City:

Online Application Overview

• Estimated time to complete: 20–30 minutes.

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Required Documents and IDs

Prepare scanned copies of the following documents (accepted formats: PDF, JPG, JPEG, BMP, TIF, PNG; file size must be under 5 MB).
Important: File names cannot include special characters (e.g., è, é, ñ, &, *, #).

1. Recent Passport Photo ID (of yourself).
2. Government-Issued ID (e.g., valid driver’s license).
3. Proof of Citizenship (e.g., valid passport or birth certificate).
4. Social Security Card.
5. 18-Hour Training Certificate
6. Character References (signed and notarized):
   • Concealed Carry: 4 references required.
   • Premise or Rifle/Shotgun License: 2 references required.
7. Proof of Address (recent utility bill such as gas, electric, cable, or tax bill).
8. Affidavit of Cohabit (notarized):
   • Include one for every individual over 18 living in your home.
   • If living alone, write: “I live alone” and sign it.
9. Safeguard ID: A copy of the Government ID of your designated Safeguard.
10. Lifetime Abstract of your DMV Record:
    • Cost: $7.00 (available online via NYS DMV).
    • Get your DMV record here.

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Additional Information Required

1. Residential Address History: For the past 5 years.
2. Employment History: For the past 5 years.
3. Social Media Accounts: List all former and current accounts from the past 3 years (currently under legal challenge).
4. Other Gun Permits/Licenses: Include non-resident permits/licenses from other states, if applicable.
5. Physical Details: Height, weight, hair color, and eye color.

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Provide explanations and supporting documentation for the following situations:

1. Dispositions/Summons:
   • Write an explanation for each arrest, including moving violations.
   • Keep it factual and concise. (Parking tickets do not count).
2. Arrests:
   • If you were arrested, indicted, or summonsed (excluding parking violations), you must:
     • Answer “Yes” to the relevant application question.
     • Submit a certificate of disposition showing the offense and outcome.
     • Provide a detailed statement explaining the circumstances of each arrest.
   • Note: This applies even if the case was dismissed, sealed, or nullified by law. The NY Division of Criminal Justice Services will report all arrests.
3. Summons Information:
   • List each violation and its disposition.
   • Obtain criminal summons dispositions from your local county clerk.
4. Order of Protection:
   • Provide the following details for any Restraining Order issued against you or on your behalf:
     • Court of issuance.
     • Name, address, and phone number of the complainant or respondent/defendant.
     • Their relationship to you.
     • Reason for issuance of the order.

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Fees

1. Application Fee: $340.00
   • Pay via credit card for instant confirmation (recommended).
   • Payment by check can take up to 10 business days to process.
2. Fingerprinting Fee: $89.75
   • Paid at 1 Police Plaza by appointment (scheduled via email).
   • Appointments may take 1–6 months or more to schedule.
   • Tip: Faster appointments (within 30 days) are available through the Rifle/Shotgun application process, processed at their Queens office.
3. Rifle/Shotgun Application Fee: $140.

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Online Application Process

1. Go to NYC Licensing Website.
2. Register or Log In:
   • Enter your email address and Social Security number to create an account.
3. Under Applications, select START NEW.
4. Answer “No” if not renewing an existing license, then press START.
5. From the dropdown menu, select Concealed Carry.
6. Complete the application. Be prepared to:
   • Upload all required documents.
   • Answer “Yes” or “No” to various questions.

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Common Application Questions and Suggested Responses

1. Gun Storage: “In a locked, secured safe, unloaded, with a trigger lock, and ammo stored separately.”
2. Use of Firearm: “When unable to retreat to a safe location, facing deadly force, and in fear of imminent death or serious bodily harm to myself or my loved ones.”
3. Familiarity with Laws: “I have read and understand Penal Law 35/265/400 and reviewed them during my 18-hour training class.”
4. Confidentiality Request: Choose Option 4: “I have reason to believe that I may be subject to unwarranted harassment upon disclosure.”

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Final Steps

1. Upload all required documents. Use the “Upload Additional Documents” button for any items not listed individually.
2. Verify your email address (check spam/junk folders if needed).

Rockland County:

1. Download All Application Documents

Prepare the following documents to complete on your computer:

• Application
• Disclosure Form
• Opt-Out Form
• HIPAA Forms:
  • Authorization to Release of Health Information
  • Montefiore Nyack Hospital Authorization
• Consent Forms:
  • For each adult over 18 in your home OR
  • Consent Form B if no adults reside with you
• Fingerprint Form

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2. Complete and Print Documents

• Two Copies of the Application
  • Ensure applications are not bent or folded.
  • Page 3: Disclose any prior arrests, including youth offender cases, dismissed, or sealed records.
    • For prior arrests:
      • Visit the town where the arrest occurred.
      • Request a certified Certificate of Disposition and include the details on page 3.
• One Copy of Each of the Following:
  • Disclosure Form
  • Opt-Out Form
  • HIPAA Forms (both Authorization forms)
  • Fingerprint Form
• Household Consent Form:
  • Complete one for each adult (over 18) living in your home.
  • If no adults live with you, complete Consent Form B instead.

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3. Sign and Notarize

• Application Signatures:
  • Get original signatures from your references on both copies at the bottom of page 1.
• Disclosure Form, Opt-Out Form, and HIPAA Forms:
  • Sign these forms.
• At a Notary:
  • DO NOT sign the application or forms in advance.
  • Sign and notarize the last page of both copies of the application.
  • Have household members sign and notarize their Household Consent Forms OR Consent Form B.

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4. Schedule a Safety Class

• Complete an 18-hour safety class to obtain your certificate.
  • Recommended class: Tactical Rabbi
• Note: This class must be completed before your fingerprinting appointment at the Sheriff’s Office.

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5. Submit Completed Application at the County Clerk’s Office

• Make an Appointment: Rockland County Clerk
• Prepare to Bring:
  • Driver’s License
  • Two Copies of your signed and notarized application (not bent or folded)
  • Signed Disclosure Form
  • Signed Opt-Out Form
  • Signed HIPAA Forms (both Authorization forms)
  • Signed and notarized Household Consent Forms (or Consent Form B)
  • Fingerprint Form
  • Self-addressed envelope
  • 18-hour class certificate (if already completed)
  • For Non-U.S. Citizens: Valid Alien Registration Card
  • Payment:
    • Non-refundable $150 in cash or credit card
    • Note: Credit card payments incur a 2.25% processing fee.
• At the Appointment:
  • Your photo will be taken.
  • Paperwork will be reviewed and marked “CLEARED FOR FINGERPRINTING.”
  • You will receive your paperwork back and be instructed to contact the Sheriff’s Department for fingerprinting.

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6. Get Fingerprinted

• Schedule Fingerprinting:
  • Call the Sheriff’s Department at (845) 638-5400.
  • They will place you on a list and notify you when an appointment becomes available.
• Bring to Appointment:
  • All paperwork, including the 18-hour course certificate.
• After Fingerprinting:
  • Your four references will receive a letter from the Sheriff’s Department.
  • References must notarize the letter and return it by mail.

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7. Getting Your License

• While your background check is conducted, your application will be sent to a judge for review.
• Once approved, your license will arrive by mail.
• Estimated Timeline: Approximately six months.

Out-of-State Application

If you live outside of New Jersey and are not a dual resident, your firearm application will be automatically assigned to one of 18 New Jersey State Police (NJSP) Stations upon submission. You will receive an email confirmation specifying which NJSP Station your application has been assigned to.

Important Guidelines for Out-of-State Applicants

You must contact your state or local police department for the following matters:

1. SBI Numbers
   • The state or local police department where you submitted your application is responsible for addressing issues related to your SBI number.
   • Do not contact the NJSP Firearms Investigation Unit for this issue.
2. Fingerprint Submissions
   • If there are issues with your fingerprint submissions, the state or local police department where you submitted your application must contact the NJSP Firearms Investigation Unit.
   • Do not contact the NJSP Firearms Investigation Unit directly.
3. Application Revisions
   • Any requested revisions to your application, such as updating reference information (e.g., a reference’s email address), must be handled by the state or local police department where you submitted your application.
   • Do not contact the NJSP Firearms Investigation Unit for application changes.
4. Status Updates
   • The state or local police department where you submitted your application is responsible for providing status updates, including any available completion timelines.
   • Before contacting them, check your spam or junk folder for emails from the online firearm systems or firearms coordinator.
   • Do not contact the NJSP Firearms Investigation Unit for application status updates.
5. ORI Numbers
   • Contact your state or local police department to obtain their ORI number.
   • Do not contact the NJSP Firearms Investigation Unit for this information.

Additional Notes

• Your state or local police department should not direct you to contact the NJSP Firearms Investigation Unit for any questions regarding your online firearm application.
• If you contact the NJSP Firearms Investigation Unit for an issue that must be resolved by your state or local police department, you will not receive a reply.

For Residents in a State Police Area

If you live in a State Police jurisdiction and have a question about your application, contact your assigned State Police station firearms investigator.
Click Here for a list of station contacts and ORI numbers.

As the out-of-state resident permit process is subject to change without notice, please refer to This Link for the most up-to-date information.