A New York firearm bill of sale is completed and signed as proof of purchase by the buyer and seller in the private sale of a gun. Unlicensed, private vendors are legally required to perform a background check on all buyers completed through a federally licensed dealer before transferring a firearm. Transfers between direct family members don’t require background checks. In New York City, a license must be presented by buyers for all firearm purchases. In the rest of the state, a license is only required for the purchase of handguns.

Concealed Carry Laws

Statute – § 400.00 and § 400.01

In New York state, all individuals are legally required to have a valid license to carry a concealed handgun. Out-of-state concealed carry licenses are not recognized. To obtain a concealed carry license, individuals will need to complete a State of New York Pistol/Revolver License Application (PPB-3) and indicate that they are applying for a “Carry Concealed” license. The completed application form must then be submitted to the police or sheriff’s department for the county in which the person is a resident or has a place of business. In NYC, licenses are issued by the NYPD using the NYC Handgun License Application. Some counties will require that applicants complete a gun safety training course prior to application. To be eligible for a license, individuals must fulfill the following criteria.

• Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age;
• Not be the subject of a protective court order;
• Show accepted cause for the issuance of a license;
• Not be a convicted felon;
• Be a legal U.S. resident;
• Not be convicted of domestic violence; and
• Not be mentally incompetent.