How to Get a Gun License in NYC?
Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Criteria
To get a gun license in NYC, you must meet the eligibility criteria set by the New York City Police Department (NYPD). You must be at least 21 years old and a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. You must also not have any felony convictions, domestic violence convictions, or mental health issues that prevent you from owning a gun.
Step 2: Determine Which Type of License You Need
There are two types of gun licenses in NYC: Pistol License and Rifle and Shotgun License. Pistol Licenses are issued for handguns, while Rifle and Shotgun Licenses are issued for rifles and shotguns. If you want to own a handgun, you will need to apply for a Pistol License.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
To apply for a gun license in NYC, you will need to gather the following documents:
- Proof of identity, such as a driver’s license or passport
- Proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency, such as a birth certificate or green card
- Background check letter from the NYPD or FBI
- Application fee, which is currently $340 for a Pistol License and $140 for a Rifle and Shotgun License
- Photographs, two passport-style photos
- Medical certification, a letter from your doctor stating that you are mentally fit to own a gun
Step 4: Fill Out the Application
You can fill out the application online or by hand. The application must be notarized. You can get a notary at a bank, lawyer’s office, or other official establishment.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Once you have filled out the application, you must submit it to the NYPD’s Licensing Division. You can submit the application in person or by mail. If you submit it in person, you will need to make an appointment and bring all the required documents. If you submit it by mail, you will need to make sure that all the documents are included and that the application is signed and notarized.
Step 6: Pass the Background Check
The NYPD will conduct a background check on you to ensure that you are eligible to own a gun. The background check will include a review of your criminal history, mental health records, and other relevant information. If you have any issues that prevent you from owning a gun, your application will be denied.
Step 7: Take the Firearm Safety Course
If your application is approved, you will need to take a firearm safety course, which is required by the NYPD. The course will teach you how to safely handle and use a gun. You can find a list of approved courses on the NYPD’s website.
Step 8: Get the License
Once you have completed the firearm safety course, you will be issued a gun license. The license will be valid for five years. You will need to renew it before it expires.
Additional Requirements
There are some additional requirements that you must meet to own a gun in NYC:
- You must keep your gun in a safe and secure location, such as a gun safe or locked cabinet.
- You must store your gun with the action open.
- You must have your gun in a locked container when it is not in use.
- You must keep your gun away from children and unauthorized individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a gun license in NYC? The process typically takes several months to a year.
- Can I own a gun if I have a misdemeanor conviction? No, if you have a misdemeanor conviction, you are not eligible to own a gun.
- Can I own a gun if I have a mental health issue? No, if you have a mental health issue, you are not eligible to own a gun.
Conclusion
Getting a gun license in NYC requires a thorough process that involves meeting eligibility criteria, gathering required documents, filling out an application, passing a background check, taking a firearm safety course, and meeting additional requirements. If you are eligible and meet all the requirements, you can own a gun in NYC.
