New York Gun Laws

Concealed Carry

New York requires a license to possess and carry handguns. Following the Supreme Court's Bruen decision striking down New York's "proper cause" requirement, the state enacted the Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA) establishing new requirements. Applications are processed at the county level through the licensing officer (typically a judge or police commissioner). The process includes an application, character references, in-person interview, 16 hours of classroom training, 2 hours of live-fire training, and a review of social media accounts.

Key statute: New York Penal Law § 400.00 — governs the licensing of firearms, including requirements for issuance and grounds for denial or revocation.

Open Carry

Open carry is not permitted in New York. All handgun carry requires a concealed carry license.

Who Cannot Carry

Applicants must be at least 21 years old (no exemption for 18-20), a citizen of the United States, of good moral character, not convicted of a felony or serious offense, not subject to a protection order, not involuntarily committed to a mental institution, and not have had a license revoked. The CCIA added requirements for disclosure of social media accounts and in-person interviews.

Prohibited Locations

The CCIA designates extensive sensitive locations where concealed carry is prohibited: government buildings, courts, polling places, public transit, Times Square, parks and public areas, places of worship, libraries, museums, theaters, entertainment venues, hospitals and healthcare facilities, nurseries and preschools, schools and colleges, shelters, bars and restaurants serving alcohol, and all private property unless the owner has posted a sign expressly permitting firearms. Several of these restrictions are subject to ongoing federal litigation.

Purchase Requirements

New York requires a license to possess a handgun (not just to carry). Long gun purchases require a background check through the state system. A semi-automatic rifle license was enacted in 2022 requiring applicants to be 21 (raised from 18). New York has an assault weapons ban, a large-capacity magazine ban (more than 10 rounds), mandatory safe storage requirements, universal background checks for all sales, and a red flag law (Extreme Risk Protection Order).

Citations

New York Penal Law Article 400 (licensing); Concealed Carry Improvement Act (S51001, 2022); New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, 597 U.S. 1 (2022).

Sources & official resources