NY Concealed Carry Permits Attorney

Obtaining a license to carry a concealed handgun in New York City is the most challenging firearms licensing process in the United States. The NYPD License Division applies strict scrutiny to every application. Processing typically takes 6-18 months due to substantial administrative backlogs, and even qualified applicants face significant hurdles. Application errors or an inadvertent violation after obtaining a license can result in revocation and even criminal charges.

At The Law Offices of Mehdi Essmidi, we focus on helping New Yorkers obtain and maintain their concealed carry licenses. With extensive experience in the NYPD License Division’s procedures and NYC firearms law, we provide the strategic legal guidance you need to fight for your carry license and avoid the pitfalls that trap many applicants. Contact us today for a free consultation.

NYC Gun Licenses

New York City’s pistol license system is unique. Unlike jurisdictions, where a single license covers both home possession and public carry, NYC issues different types of pistol licenses with privileges and restrictions.

Types of Carry Licenses in NYC

Carry Business License

• What it is: A class of concealed-carry license issued by the NYPD under Rule § 5-01(b) for individuals allowing concealed carry of a handgun on the person.

• Purpose: Typically used by individuals whose business or professional activities involve elevated security risk (for example, jewelers, cash couriers, and professionals who transport valuables).

• Authority: Permits the licensee to carry a handgun concealed in public.

Special Carry License

• What it is: A city-issued endorsement for people who already hold a valid State carry license from outside NYC.

• Purpose: Grants permission to carry on the person within the five boroughs. An upstate or suburban license does not automatically authorize carry in NYC.

• Key point: It’s not a standalone NYC resident license—it’s an add-on authorization.

Premises License

• What it is: A license to possess a handgun only at a specific residence or business address within NYC.

• Purpose: Home or on-site possession only; no public carry permitted.

• Transport: Strictly limited to approved activities (range, gunsmith, relocation, etc.) with the gun unloaded and locked.

Eligibility Requirements for a NYC Concealed Carry License

The NYPD License Division follows specific requirements for evaluating carry license applications:

• You must be at least 21 years old.
• You must have either a residence or a place of business within New York City. This does not constitute a residence requirement.
• You must not have any felony conviction in any jurisdiction. Federal felons are barred by federal law.
• Felonies, certain specified misdemeanors (including DV-related offenses), and any offense defined as a ‘serious offense’ under New York law disqualify.
• You must not have been involuntarily committed to a mental institution or had a finding that you’re a danger to yourself or others.
• You must not currently be subject to an order of protection (including temporary orders). Some orders of protection include a revocation of the right to possess and carry a firearm.
• You must satisfy New York’s ‘good moral character’ requirement—defined by statute—and provide items the law and NYPD rules require (references, training proof, and an in-person interview).
• You must have completed a NYC-approved firearms safety course that covers safe handling, storage, New York and NYC firearms laws, and legal use of deadly force. You must submit proof of completion with your application.

The NYC Carry License Application Process

The process for obtaining a carry license in NYC involves the following steps:

• Step 1: Online Application Submission
• Step 2: Document Compilation
• Step 3: Fee Payment and Fingerprinting
• Step 4: Background Investigation
• Step 5: In-Person Interview
• Step 6: Decision

Location Restrictions in NYC

Even with an NYC carry license, you cannot carry in CCIA ‘sensitive locations,’ for instance:

• Government buildings
• Schools
• Public transit
• Times Square
• Places of worship (subject to limited exceptions)
• Entertainment venues
• Bars/restaurants serving alcohol
• Health-care facilities
• Parks/playgrounds

Transportation and Storage Requirements

How you transport and store your firearm is heavily regulated in NYC:

Transport Rules: When you’re not actively carrying pursuant to your license, your firearm must be unloaded and locked in a container separate from ammunition.

Home Storage: NYC law requires that firearms be stored securely when not in your immediate possession. If anyone under 18 resides in or regularly visits your home, safe storage is mandatory.

Vehicle Storage: If you must leave your firearm in your car, it must be locked in a secure container out of sight.

Common Reasons for Application Denials

The NYPD License Division denies a significant percentage of carry license applications. Common reasons for denial include:

Good Moral Character Concerns: Denial based on criminal history, financial issues, employment matters, Scoff law suspensions history, and negative references.

Application Errors or Omissions: Incomplete or inconsistent application information, undisclosed arrests, or omissions in the application can lead to denials.

Poor Interview Performance: Being evasive or unprepared during the licensing interview often results in denial.

Challenging NYC Carry License Denials and Revocations

When the NYPD License Division denies your application or revokes your license, you receive written notification stating the grounds for the adverse decision. This letter should also inform you of your right to appeal. Deadlines:

Administrative appeal: Under Title 38 this appeal of a disapproval must be submitted within 90 days in writing.

Article 78: Generally, must be filed within four months from the final determination.

NYPD: Your NYPD notice may also include an internal appeal deadline—follow the notice, but do not miss the state or Article 78 deadlines.

Changes to New York’s Licensing Process

In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court decided New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, a landmark case that struck down New York’s long-standing “proper cause” requirement for concealed carry licenses.

The Court held that this standard violated the Second Amendment, recognizing an individual’s right to carry a firearm in public for self-defense.

“Proper cause” forced applicants to show a special need beyond ordinary self-defense. Since Bruen, applicants no longer have to demonstrate a unique reason to carry, yet they must meet the statutory eligibility and training requirements instead.

 Why Legal Representation Matters for NYC Carry Applications

Having an experienced gun license attorney guide you through this process provides critical advantages:

Pre-Application Screening: Before you even apply, we review your background to identify potential issues that could result in denial.

Application Preparation: We help you prepare an application that’s thorough, accurate, and presents your case in the strongest possible light.

Interview Preparation: We coach you on what to expect during your licensing interview, how to answer difficult questions, and how to present yourself credibly and persuasively.

Problem-Solving: If issues arise during your application process—requests for additional documentation, concerns raised by investigators, delays that seem unreasonable—we intervene on your behalf, increasing your chances of your application moving forward.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you have questions about obtaining or maintaining your New York concealed carry permit, our experienced legal team is here to help. We offer personalized guidance tailored to your case, ensuring you understand the application process, eligibility requirements, and your rights under New York law. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eligibility requirements for a New York concealed carry permit?

New York requires applicants to be 21+, pass background checks, satisfy the statute’s good moral character standard, complete 16 hours classroom + 2 hours live-fire training, and meet other items in § 400.00.

How does the New York firearm license application process work?

The firearms license application process involves submitting detailed personal information, undergoing background checks, and attending an in-person interview. The application process is different in New York City and other areas of New York State. Working with a law firm that handles firearms-related matters can help you ensure compliance with local laws and improve your chances of approval.

Can I carry a concealed weapon for self-defense in New York?

Under New York law, carrying a concealed weapon for self-defense requires a valid gun license. The right to bear arms is subject to strict legal requirements, and unauthorized possession can lead to criminal charges. To protect your Second Amendment rights, it’s important to understand the limits of New York’s possession laws and seek legal assistance before carrying firearms in public.

What is considered “proper cause” when applying for a gun license?

New York no longer requires ‘proper cause.’ Applicants must meet statutory eligibility, pass background checks, and complete required training.

 What is the difference between a pistol permit and a gun license in New York City?

In New York, ‘license’ and ‘permit’ are used interchangeably. In NYC, the NYPD License Division issues handgun licenses (premises and carry). A premises license authorizes home/business possession with limited transport; a carry license authorizes concealed carry subject to sensitive/restricted-location laws.