Larkin Ingrassia Andrews Criminal Defense Attorneys | November 13, 2026 | New York Law
Owning a handgun in New York comes with legal responsibilities that can be difficult to comprehend in full if you have never applied for a firearm license before. While you may know that the Second Amendment protects your right to bear arms, that doesn’t mean you can carry a handgun in New York without following certain rules.
In fact, the state has some of the strictest firearm licensing requirements in the country. There are also differences between the rules in New York City and those that apply elsewhere in the state. Read on to learn more about how handgun permits work and what you should know to protect your rights in the context of a gun charges case.
New York State Handgun Permit Laws
Under New York Penal Law § 400.00, most people must obtain a license before they can legally possess a handgun. The type of license you need depends on how you intend to use the firearm, among other factors.
The two most common handgun licenses in New York State are:
- Premises license: Allows you to possess a handgun at the location specified on your license, subject to rules concerning lawful transportation.
- Concealed carry license: Allows you to carry a concealed handgun in authorized locations, provided you follow the applicable restrictions.
Having a premises license does not automatically give you the right to carry your handgun in public. Likewise, a concealed carry license doesn’t mean you can bring your firearm anywhere you want.
New York City also has separate licensing requirements. In most circumstances, a handgun permit issued elsewhere in the state isn’t enough to carry a firearm within city limits without additional authorization.
How To Apply for a Handgun Permit in New York
The handgun licensing process involves more than filling out a basic application. New York requires applicants to meet certain eligibility standards, and the licensing authority will review their background before making a decision.
Applicants generally must be at least 21 years old, although some exceptions apply. Other requirements depend on the license being requested.
You may need to complete the following steps:
- Submit an application to the appropriate local licensing authority, such as the Orange County Sheriff’s Office
- Provide fingerprints for a background investigation
- Supply character references and other required documentation
- Complete an interview as part of the application process
- Take an approved firearm safety course if applying for a concealed carry license
For concealed carry applicants, New York generally requires classroom instruction and training. Additional requirements may apply depending on where you live as well.
Where Can I Legally Carry a Handgun in New York State?
New York law identifies certain sensitive locations where carrying a handgun is generally prohibited, subject to only rare exceptions.
These restrictions can apply to places such as:
- Government buildings
- Schools
- Courthouses
- Public playgrounds
- Certain public transportation facilities
Violating a location restriction can result in criminal consequences for a defendant even if you have a valid handgun license. For that reason, you should never assume that your permit allows you to carry everywhere in the state.
Contact Larkin Ingrassia Andrews Criminal Defense Attorneys To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Middletown Criminal Defense Attorney
New York’s handgun permit laws can be complicated with all of the various requirements and exceptions in mind, making it wise to seek legal advice before you move forward with the process.
Contact a New York criminal defense lawyer with Larkin Ingrassia Andrews Criminal Defense Attorneys today to schedule a free consultation and learn more so that you can go about things the right way.
We conveniently serve in 3 locations in New York, including Middletown, Newburgh, Kingston, Orange County, and Ulster County, and their surrounding areas:
Larkin Ingrassia Andrews Criminal Defense Attorneys – Middletown
626 E Main St
Middletown, NY 10940
(845) 566 5345
Larkin Ingrassia Andrews Criminal Defense Attorneys – Newburgh
356 Meadow Ave
Newburgh, NY 12550
(845) 566-5345
Larkin Ingrassia Andrews Criminal Defense Attorneys – Kingston
233 Fair St Suite #1
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 566-5345