New York's Stance On Constitutional Carry: What You Need Know

does ny recognize constitutional carry

New York does not recognize constitutional carry. In fact, New York State Pistol Permits are not issued to out-of-state residents, and the state does not honor licenses or permits from any other state. The minimum age to obtain a New York Pistol License (NYPL) is 21, with the exception of honorably discharged members of the military, who can be any age. In addition, a NYPL is not valid in the five counties that make up New York City. No handguns can be taken into the city unless New York City has validated your license. Some areas are off-limits, including schools and courthouses.

Characteristics Values
Constitutional right to keep and bear arms New York has no state constitutional right to keep and bear arms
Recognition of other states' permits/licenses New York does not recognize permits/licenses from any other states
Pistol licenses from New York City Valid statewide
Concealed carry Legal with a CCW permit or New York Pistol License (NYPL)
Minimum age for NYPL 21, except for honorably discharged members of the military
Validity of NYPL in New York City Not valid in the five counties that make up New York City
Transport of guns through New York City Allowed if unloaded and properly secured
Sensitive locations Times Square, bars, libraries, schools, government buildings, hospitals, etc.
Training requirements 16-hour safety training course, 2-hour live-fire training, and a written test with a score of at least 80%
Background checks Standardized and strengthened
Renewal/Recertification Every three years for a concealed carry license

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New York City requires a license to own any firearm

New York City has strict gun laws and requires a license to own any firearm. The specific type of license is called a New York Pistol License (NYPL), and it allows individuals to carry a pistol or revolver outside of their homes. The minimum age to obtain an NYPL is 21, with the exception of honorably discharged military members, who can be any age. Obtaining an NYPL involves a background check, and applicants must submit current photographs and fingerprints. The license must include the licensee's photograph, as well as specific information about the firearm, such as its caliber, make, model, manufacturer, and serial number.

While New York City requires a license for gun ownership, it is important to note that the city does not recognize concealed carry licenses from other states or even other parts of New York State. This means that even if an individual has a valid NYPL, it may not be valid within the five counties that make up New York City unless specifically validated by the city. Additionally, there are certain sensitive locations where concealed carry is restricted, such as schools, courthouses, and Times Square.

The process for obtaining an NYPL may differ depending on the issuing county, and some counties may have additional requirements. For example, in Westchester County, applicants must complete a firearms safety course and submit a certificate of completion before the license is issued. NYPLs are generally valid until revoked, but they have a fixed duration in New York City, where they are valid for three years.

In recent years, there have been some changes to New York's gun laws. On June 23, 2022, the United States Supreme Court struck down a 100-year-old handgun-licensing law that required applicants for concealed carry gun licenses to show "proper cause." In response, New York State enacted new legislation that added specific eligibility requirements for concealed carry licenses and further restricted the carrying of concealed weapons in certain "sensitive locations." These laws took effect on September 1, 2022, and included enhanced safe storage requirements and background check coordination.

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New York State Pistol Permits are not issued to out-of-state residents

New York State Pistol Permits (NYPL) are not issued to out-of-state residents. Only New York residents, part-time residents, or those with a principal place of business in the state can obtain a NYPL. The minimum age to obtain a NYPL is 21, with the exception of honorably discharged members of the military, who can be of any age.

The application process for a NYPL may differ depending on the type of license and the issuing county. In some counties, such as Westchester, training is required to obtain a NYPL. Additionally, a NYPL is not valid in the five counties that make up New York City. No handguns can be taken into the city unless New York City has validated your license.

New York does not recognize permits or licenses from any other states. The only exception is pistol licenses from New York City, which are valid statewide. An NYC endorsement is required for a New York State Permit/License to be valid within New York City.

In recent years, there have been changes to New York's gun licensing laws. On June 23, 2022, the United States Supreme Court struck down a 100-year-old New York handgun-licensing law that required applicants for concealed carry gun licenses to show "proper cause." In response, New York State enacted new legislation that added specific eligibility requirements for the concealed carry licensing process and restricted the carrying of concealed weapons in certain "sensitive locations." The new legislation also enhanced safe storage requirements, background check coordination, and amended the state's ban on purchasing body armor.

As of September 1, 2022, applicants for concealed carry licenses in New York must meet revised eligibility requirements and complete a state-regulated firearms training course. New disqualifying criminal convictions, such as a conviction for third-degree assault within the prior five years, will preclude an applicant from obtaining a concealed carry license.

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New York City Pistol Licenses are valid statewide

New York does not recognize any other states' permits or licenses. An NYC endorsement is required for a New York State Permit/License to carry to be valid within New York City. In August 2024, the New York City Police adopted an emergency rule allowing non-residents to obtain a New York Pistol License (NYPL). However, this does not apply to the five counties that constitute New York City.

To obtain a concealed carry license in New York, applicants must meet eligibility requirements and complete a state-regulated firearms training course. The minimum age to obtain a NYPL is 21, with the exception of honorably discharged members of the military, who can be any age. An NYPL is valid for life, but the holder must recertify with the New York State Police every three years for a concealed carry license.

New York has a self-defense law based on the Castle Doctrine, which states that a citizen has the duty to retreat from attackers if they feel they can safely do so. Additionally, a person may use physical force in self-defense, defense of a third person, defense of premises, or to prevent larceny or criminal mischief to property.

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New York does not honor permits/licenses from any other states

New York does not honor permits or licenses from any other state. This means that if you are caught with a gun in New York without a valid New York State pistol permit, you may be arrested and charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, which is a misdemeanor. This is true even if you have a permit from another state.

New York State Assemblyman Phil Steck has stated that "the laws that exist do not need to be changed," and that because each state has different regulations, it does not make sense to recognize out-of-state permits in New York.

While New York does not honor other states' permits, there are 28 states that do honor New York pistol permits, according to the U.S. Concealed Carry Association. These states may have restricted reciprocity, meaning they recognize New York's pistol permits under certain regulations.

New York City has its own specific requirements for carrying a firearm. A New York State Pistol License is required to possess a loaded handgun outside of the home or place of business. Additionally, a New York Pistol License (NYPL) is not valid in the five counties that make up New York City. No handguns can be taken into the city unless New York City has validated your license. An NYC endorsement is also required for a New York State Permit/License to be valid within New York City.

As of 2022, there have been some changes to New York's gun laws. On June 23, 2022, the United States Supreme Court struck down a 100-year-old New York handgun-licensing law that required applicants for concealed carry gun licenses to show "proper cause." In response, New York State enacted new legislation that added specific eligibility requirements to the concealed carry licensing process and restricted the carrying of concealed weapons in certain "sensitive locations." The new legislation also enhanced safe storage requirements, background check coordination, and amended the state's ban on purchasing body armor to include hard body armor. As of September 1, 2022, applicants for concealed carry licenses are required to meet revised eligibility requirements and complete a state-regulated firearms training course.

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New York requires a license to possess a pistol or revolver

New York does not have a state constitutional right to keep and bear arms. The state does not recognize any other states' permits or licenses for carrying a firearm. A license or permit is required to possess a pistol or revolver in New York. The two most common types of licenses for a pistol or revolver are a license to "have and possess" and a license to "have and carry concealed". The minimum age to obtain a license is 21 years, with the exception of honorably discharged members of the military, who can be of any age.

A “have and possess” license is commonly referred to as a “premises license”, which authorizes the holder to possess a firearm at a certain location such as their home or place of business. A “have and carry concealed” license is commonly referred to as a “concealed carry license”, which authorizes the holder to carry a pistol or revolver on their person. Concealed carry is only legal with a New York Pistol License (NYPL) or a CCW permit. A NYPL is not valid in the five counties that constitute New York City. No handguns can be taken into the city unless New York City has validated your license.

To obtain a concealed carry license, an applicant must meet specific eligibility requirements and complete a state-regulated firearms training course. The new requirements to obtain a concealed carry license include proof of completion of a firearms safety training course and disclosure of the applicant's spouse or domestic partner, as well as any other adults residing in the applicant's home, including any adult children. An in-person interview is also required.

In addition, there are restrictions on where license holders can bring guns. Concealed carry licensees are not permitted to bring guns into certain "sensitive locations", including Times Square, schools, and courthouses.

Frequently asked questions

No, New York does not recognize constitutional carry. A license is required to possess a pistol or revolver in New York State.

The two most common licenses for a pistol or revolver in New York State are a license to "have and possess" and a license to "have and carry concealed".

As of September 1, 2022, applicants for concealed carry licenses are required to meet revised eligibility requirements and complete a state-regulated firearms training course. The eligibility requirements include a 16-hour classroom and a 2-hour live-fire firearm safety training course, four character references, a list of social media accounts for the last three years, and an in-person interview.

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