BackgroundOn June 23, 2022, in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen, the United States Supreme Court struck down a New York handgun-licensing law that required applicants for conceal carry gun permits to show “proper cause.”
On July 1, 2022, New York State enacted legislation in response to the Bruen decision. The state legislation adds specific eligibility requirements to the concealed carry permitting process and restricts the carrying of licensed firearms in a specified list of “sensitive locations.”
General QuestionsQ: When does the state legislation, Chapter 371 of the Laws of 2022, officially take effect?
A: The state legislation takes effect on September 1. 2022. A copy of the new State law can be found HERE by searching for Bill No. S5 1001 from 2022.
Additionally, New York State’s Division of Criminal Justice Services published a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page that may help answer your questions. DCJS FAQs
New York City has also published a list of FAQs which may be helpful to consult: NYC FAQs
Q: Do I still need a license to have a gun in New York City?
A: Yes
Q: I currently have a New York City issued license which contains some type of restriction (ie: Premise Residence/Business, Limited Carry), can I now freely carry my gun?
A: No. You are required to abide by the terms of the license that you CURRENTLY possess.
Q: I currently have a New York City issued license which allows me to carry my firearm, can I now “open” carry my gun?
A: No. New York remains a concealed carry state. You may be subject to both criminal and administrative penalties for improperly displaying your firearm. Administrative penalties include the loss of your license to possess a firearm in New York City.
Q: What are the restrictions on where licensed concealed carry holders can bring guns?
A: Concealed carry licensees are NOT permitted to bring guns into certain defined “sensitive places” or “restricted locations.’
For a complete list of sensitive places and restricted locations, as well as exemptions, please refer to the legislation HERE by searching for Bill No. S51001 from 2022.
The prohibition on carrying guns in sensitive and restricted locations does not apply to active police officers, retired police officers, peace officers, armed security guards, and active-duty military personnel. For a complete list of exemptions, please refer HERE by searching for Bill No. S51001 from 2022.
Q: I am applying for a concealed carry license, what additional requirements pertain to my application?
A: Applicants for new and renewal concealed carry licenses will be required to complete a 16-hour state-regulated training course, submit four (4) character references, list all social media accounts used in the previous 3 years, and complete an in-person interview at the License Division.
For more information about the state-regulated training requirements, click HERE
Q: Does the training requirement apply to me?
A: If you are being issued a concealed a concealed carry license on or after September 1, 2022, you must submit proof of completed training. This means that you must complete the training even if you submitted your application BEFORE the September 1, 2022 effective date of the new State law. For additional information please see Questions Q11-Q18 HERE
Q: May I enter a private establishment with my gun?
A: It is a felony for you, as a licensee, to enter or remain on private property with a firearm unless you have received express permission to carry your gun into the property. Private establishments may display signage that allows guns on premises if they choose.
You may be subject to arrest for a class E felony for violating this rule.
Note:There are limited categories of individuals and licensees who may enter onto private property without express consent. Examples include active and retired police officers, peace officers, and armed guards while on duty. For a complete list please refer HERE by searching for Bill No. S51001 from 2022.
Q: If I have a lawful concealed carry permit, what should I do with my gun if I arrive at a sensitive location?
A: It is your responsibility as the license holder to safeguard your firearm. You must be familiar with storage requirements and if you cannot safeguard your firearm while entering a sensitive location, the firearm should be left at home.
Q: I live and/or work in Times Square, what are the rules that pertain to me?
A: Times Square is a sensitive location, meaning that concealed carry license holders are generally not permitted to bring guns into the Times Square zone. (As described in the FAQ above, certain groups, such as police officers, are exempted from the sensitive location restrictions.)
If you reside in Times Square and have a carry permit or you have a premise residence for your home within Times Square, you may continue to maintain your firearm in your home and transport it consistent with the Section 5-35 of Title 38 of the Rules of the City of New York and the Penal Law.
If you have a business within Times Square and maintain a premise business license for it, you may continue to maintain your firearm in your business and transport in and out of the zone consistent with Section 5-35 of Title 38 of the Rules of the City of New York and the Penal Law.
Times Square is defined as the area in Manhattan from 40th Street to 48th Street between 6th Avenue and 9th Avenue, and the area from 48th Street to 53rd Street between 6th Avenue and 8th Avenue, including the streets and sidewalks. For the complete description, please refer to the rules on the NYPD Website
Q: I have more questions, what should I do?
A: Please start by referring to the Frequently Asked Questions provided by:
NYC FAQs
DCJS FAQs
DCJS Minimum Training Standards
If you still have questions remaining, please contact the License Division by e-mail at: LicenseDivisionDesk@nypd.org or by phone at 1(646)610-5560.
