Step-by-step guide
NYC (NYPD) Concealed Carry Guide
How to apply for a Concealed Carry Handgun License in New York City, step by step: documents, the online application, forms, fingerprints and the interview.
Where You Can Carry — See the Map
NYPD portal notice: The NYPD licensing portal says applications left "In Progress" had to be submitted by Oct 16, 2026. Submitted applications and active licenses are not affected. New applications can start once the new system is available. The steps below describe the previous portal and may change. (Source: NYPD licensing portal)
Read This First
Disclaimer: I am neither a lawyer nor affiliated with the NYPD. However, I established this website to assist my fellow 2A613 community members in navigating the complex and challenging process of obtaining a CCW in NYC. I have successfully guided many individuals through the application process and have realized the need for additional resources to help those seeking Non-Resident CCW permits in other states. My goal is to provide valuable information to the klal and expand this website's resources further to help more people. Please note that all the information on this website is based on my personal experience and what I have found helpful in guiding others through this process. While I encourage honesty, I also recommend consulting with an attorney if you have any concerns or need assistance.
The application will take around 15-30 minutes to wrap up. But, if you take a moment to read through ALL the instructions and requirements, you'll glide through this whole experience in no time.
To make your life even easier, I recommend giving this site a thorough read, including the FAQ section. It'll answer all your burning questions and nip any concerns in the bud.
Live Outside New York?
Non-residents can apply. The NYPD accepts concealed carry applications from people who live outside New York State. This changed after lawsuits over licenses for non-residents. After a settlement in February 2026, New York State's official FAQ now says: “No. New York law does not require residency or in-state employment to apply for a firearm license.” A license from another New York county is not valid in New York City, so to carry in the city you apply to the NYPD. In the settlement, Chautauqua, Steuben, Tioga and Orange counties also agreed to take applications from people who live out of state; a license from those counties is not valid in New York City. For more information click here
For non-residents of the state of New York, you file using the Concealed carry application from the drop-down menu. Everything else on this page applies to you too, with these differences:
Your local police form: After submitting your application, you will be receiving an email from the NYPD with a form to have your local Police Dept. fill out and sign. (This form will come with instructions, basically confirming that your CCW from your home state is valid etc.). (What the NYPD asks for now.)
The trip to 1PP: You will be required to come to NYC to do your fingerprinting at 1 Police Plaza (1PP). There are no alternatives at this time. Bring everything listed under The Fingerprinting Appointment AND the Concealed Carry Permit from your Home State. (What the NYPD asks for now.)
DMV abstract: You will need the DMV Lifetime Abstract for every state where you have lived in the last 5 years (38 RCNY 5-03(a)(12)).
Fee: The Concealed Carry fee is $340.00 (plus $6.80 for the credit card service fee).
Character references: on the notary part of the sample letter, use your own state: "State of [State]".
Cut Your Wait Time for Approval
Numerous individuals have reported substantially reduced waiting periods by completing both the Rifle/Shotgun Application and the Concealed Carry Application, which are concurrently processed at the Queens Rifle/Shotgun office, as opposed to One Police Plaza (1PP), where the processing time extends to a minimum of six months or more before any attention is given to the application. Furthermore, it takes a considerable amount of time to secure appointments for fingerprinting and the assignment of an investigator to review the application.
Additionally, I have observed that, when submitting an application with all the requisite documentation, including the 18-hour training certificate (please check the FAQ section for when to do it), the processing of the application occurs at an expedited pace. Conversely, applications lacking the necessary documents are relegated to the backlog and processed at a later date.
After submitting each application, you should receive two emails: a payment confirmation from NYC PAY and an application-receipt confirmation from the NYPD.
If you don't see them, check your Spam or Junk folder.
Fingerprinting: the NYPD portal says new applicants do not need to contact the License Division to schedule it. The License Division will contact you to schedule your fingerprinting appointment.
Step 1: Get Your Documents Ready
Scan the documents below and save them to your computer, so you will have them ready when prompted to upload them.
Scanned as a .PDF or an image saved as a .JPG or .JPEG or .BMP or .TIF or .PNG - each file must be less than 5 MB. Can't have a file name containing any special characters: accents, tildes, symbols, etc. (e.g., è, é, ñ, &, *, #).
Passport photo: A recent digital passport photo of yourself - must be 2" x 2" white background - must be a .jpg or .jpeg. Free apps can do it, e.g. Passport ID Photo Maker Studio (Android or iPhone).
Government-issued photo ID (valid driver's license) - check the FAQ section if it's not on your home address.
Proof of Citizenship & Birth (valid passport, birth certificate, green card)
Social Security Card
18 Hour Training Certificate (Please check the FAQ section for when to do it).
Character References, signed and notarized: at least 4 for the Concealed Carry, and at least 2 of them must be non-family members (only 2 for a Premise License or Rifle/Shotgun License). See the Reference Letter Sample. This part can be submitted at a later date. Not required at the time of applying.
Proof of Address (recent utility bill i.e. gas, electric, cable/phone, mortgage, water or tax bill - cannot be a bank statement or cellphone bill). The utility bill / tax bill should be in your name or your co-habitant's name.
Affidavit of Co-habitant (notarized) - must have one for each person living in your home that is over 18 years old. If living alone, check off the "I Live Alone" and sign it - does not need to be notarized if you reside alone.
Safeguard ID: You will need a copy of the Government ID card of the individual that you will designate as your Safeguard. Your safeguard must live in New York State. This part can be submitted at a later date. Not required at the time of applying.
Lifetime Abstract of the NYS DMV - ($7.00 online from the NYS DMV) make sure you order the LIFETIME abstract: Order your lifetime driving record abstract (NYS DMV). No DMV account? See how to get it without a NYS DMV online account.
Renting, with no utility bills in your name?
If you are renting a home or apartment and there are no utilities in your name or your co-habitant's name, the person you are renting from must provide a notarized letter stating that you reside at the address and that no utility bills are in your name. The address, name of landlord and tenant should be included in the notarized letter. A utility bill from the landlord will then be acceptable.
Other information needed to complete the application
Your residential address history for the past 5 years.
Your employment history for the past 5 years.
Other gun permits/licenses from other states (Non-Resident) - (if you have).
Firearms ownership information: Make, Model, Serial #, Caliber type of any firearms you currently own - (if you have).
Your characteristics: height, weight, hair and eye color, ethnicity and name aliases, etc.
Your military history (if applicable).
Other Circumstances (Only When Applicable): arrests, summonses, orders of protection
Any Dispositions / summons - Write an explanation of each arrest, including moving violations or other traffic violations. Keep it short and to the facts. Don't admit to anything. Parking tickets do not count. (For moving violation(s) just write YES, "Refer to my DMV LIFETIME ABSTRACT").
Arrest: If you were ever arrested, indicted or summonsed (other than parking violations) for any reason you must answer "Yes" to that question and submit a certificate of disposition showing the offense and the disposition. Also, you must submit a detailed statement describing the circumstances surrounding each arrest. YOU MUST DO THIS EVEN IF: the case was dismissed, the record sealed, or the case nullified by operation of law. The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services will report to us every instance involving the arrest of an applicant. DO NOT rely on anyone's representation that you need not list a previous arrest because it was sealed. If you were ever convicted or pleaded guilty to a felony, or a serious offense as defined in Penal Law Section 265.00(17), an original Certificate of Relief from Disabilities must be submitted.
Summons Information: If you have received a summons for anything other than a parking violation you must answer Yes to that question. You must list the violation and disposition for each summons received. Dispositions for criminal summons can be obtained at your local county clerk where you were arrested or summoned.
Order of Protection: If you have ever had an Order of Protection or Restraining Order issued against you, or issued on your behalf against anyone, you must list the following information: Court of Issuance; Complainant's or Respondent/Defendant's name, including address and phone number; Complainant's or Respondent/ Defendant's relationship to you; Reason for issuance of Order of Protection or Restraining Order.
Step 2: Apply Online
Do this only once you have everything ready. You will need to go to the NYPD licensing portal (application instructions), register (or log in), start a new CONCEALED CARRY application (or RIFLE/SHOTGUN) and fill it out. There are many steps (17), but don't get discouraged, and many questions are Yes or No.
Step by step on the portal (previous system, with screenshots)
You will need to go to the NYPD licensing portal (application instructions)
REGISTER (unless you already have an account, Log In and skip this step).
To log in, click
in the upper right corner of the portal.
You will need to enter your email address and your Social Security #.
Check your email for the verification message from the NYPD and verify your email address. If you didn't get it, check your spam/junk folder.
Under the APPLICATIONS select START NEW.
Portal screenshot from NYPD's renewal instructions. The screen may change.
Answer No to "is this renewing an existing license" and press START
From the Drop-Down menu select CONCEALED CARRY. (or RIFLE/SHOTGUN).
Fill out the application. There are many steps (17), but don't get discouraged, and many questions are Yes or No.
If you read through and prepared all the required documents and information listed from above of this guide, you will be able to breeze through the process.
These steps describe the previous NYPD portal. They will be updated when the NYPD's new system opens.
Are You Stuck, or Couldn't Finish the Application?
Please note, you can always stop in the middle and resume your application at a later time. You simply log in to the NYPD portal again, and select the Pending Applications and click on that application to continue.
If you get stuck, and have questions, I strongly suggest reviewing the FAQ Section of this website, as many of your questions have been addressed and you will find your answers there. If you have a question that has not been addressed yet, please contact me here and I will get back to you.
The Questions That Need Statements
Statement QuestionsSuggested answers for the steps that need a statement (storage, training, Penal Laws, confidentiality)Step 3: The Forms, Uploads and Fees
The Forms (PDF)
Save each PDF, complete it in Adobe Acrobat, print and sign it (notarize if necessary), then scan it and upload it to the NYPD portal.
The Affidavit of Co-Habitant form - Must be notarized (unless you LIVE ALONE).
The Affirmations - Penal Law Article 35, Article 265 & Article 400 Form **
The Affidavit of Familiarity with Rules and Law form - Must be notarized. **
The Checklist the NYPD Investigator will send you of what you are missing (official NYPD Required Documents Checklist)
The License Amendment Request Form CHANGE OF INFORMATION Form ****
Notes on the forms (*, **, ***, ****)
Affidavit of Familiarity: official NYPD copy; the original Dropbox file was deleted. The current forms are generated in the portal during the application. The NYPD's older combined forms packet, dated 2009-2016, is here for reference and includes the affirmation and co-habitant forms.
* This form does not need to be notarized. It requires a WITNESS, not a notary.
Your safeguard must live in New York State.
** Might not be required, depending on the investigator - but I recommend uploading it.
*** This form will be handed to you at your fingerprinting. Answer every question truthfully. Any YES answer must be explained on the form's Additional Information page.
Question 21: Yes.
Question 21.A: No (unless in your case it is yes).
Question 26: "When unable to retreat to a safe location, when being faced with deadly force and fear of imminent death or serious bodily harm to myself or to my loved ones."
This is the site owner's guidance, not official NYPD wording and not legal advice.
**** This form explains how to notify the NYPD if you move or change your name, etc. The instructions on where to send it is on the top of this form.
Uploading Your Documents
On the File Uploads page, many documents/IDs have their own unique upload button. For the other required documents there is the "Additional Documents" upload button. You can upload only one file/document at a time.
Do this for all OTHER required items, including: The Lifetime DMV Abstract, the 4 Character References, your Social Security Card, the Interview Questionnaire, Safeguard Agreement Form, etc. (basically all other items that don't have a dedicated upload field/button).
Uploading after you submit, and screenshots
If you haven't uploaded all the required documents and IDs, you may do so after submitting: Log in to the portal. Click on "Submitted." Click on your application number. Follow the upload instructions as indicated below.
Character references: four, each signed and notarized, can be uploaded in one PDF (4 pages). The rules and a letter you can copy are on the Reference Letter Sample page.
Reference Letter SampleWhat a reference must include, plus a letter to copy into WordHow to obtain the NYS DMV Lifetime Abstract without having a NYS Driver's License / Online Login
Go to: New York DMV | Records Request Navigator: NYS DMV records request navigator
Click on the GO TO RECORDS REQUEST NAVIGATOR. Select: A record about a driver, person, vehicle, organization, transaction, or event. Click NEXT.
Select the 3rd item: Lifetime Driving or Non-Driver Abstract. Click NEXT.
Select: My own record. Click NEXT.
Select: I will NOT use MyDMV. Click NEXT.
Select: Driver License. ADD (Upload a clear picture of your Driver's License).
ENTER your First Name, Last Name, Mailing Address, City, State, Zip, Phone Number, Email Address.
Answer: YES to the question: Are you the recipient of the record. Click NEXT.
Follow the prompts to pay by credit card etc. and you should be able to complete this transaction.
It takes approximately 24 hours and the DMV will email you a link to download your NYS LIFETIME ABSTRACT.
The Application Fees
The Concealed Carry fee is $340.00 (plus $6.80 for the credit card service fee), and it's $140.00 (plus $2.80 credit card service fee) for the Rifle/Shotgun. Use a desktop computer or laptop for the payment page.
Paying: how the NYC PAY page works
The final step (part 17) of this online application process is the payment. You will get redirected to the NYC PAY portal. I recommend paying by credit card to get instant confirmation. If you choose to pay by check, it can take 10 business days or more for the payment to clear which will delay your application.
Many people get confused by this part. On the payment page, the form has on the top TABS, one for payment by CHECK and one by CREDIT CARD.
PLEASE NOTE: It seems to be a bug in the portal's website that the payment page won't work on a mobile phone and/or an iPad.
Use a desktop computer or laptop. To get from the NYPD portal to the payment page, it requires you to click on a pop-up to 'accept' and it will automatically download a warning "NYS requirement" page; on a cellphone and/or tablet like an iPad, it will not work.
Step 4: Fingerprinting
If this is your first time, you will need to pay $92.00 - this is paid when you go down to the NYPD either in the Queens office or at 1 Police Plaza by appointment.
Fee note: On Oct 29, 2026 we were given an NYPD License Division fee-change notice: the fingerprint fee is now $92.00 (up from $88.25). Pay by credit/debit card ($92.00 plus a 2% processing fee, $93.84 total), or by certified bank check or money order for exactly $92.00 made payable to "NYPD". The NYPD licensing portal instructions may still show the older $88.25.
Scheduling: the NYPD portal says new applicants do not need to contact the License Division to schedule fingerprinting. The License Division will contact you to schedule your fingerprinting appointment (1PP or Queens). You only need ONE appointment - regardless of how many applications you are applying for.
The Fingerprinting Appointment
Current Driver's License
Social Security Card
Your proof of Citizenship (i.e. valid passport or birth certificate)
Your form of payment of $92.00 (major credit/debit card, certified bank check or money order)
Live outside New York? AND the Concealed Carry Permit from your Home State.
Keep in mind that all payments to the NYPD licensing are non-refundable.
Step 5: The Interview
Note: NYC rule 38 RCNY 5-03(a) requires applicants to meet with a licensing officer in person. The questionnaire copy linked in this guide was supplied by the site owner and is dated 3/17/2026. We have not independently verified that it is the current official version. Treat the questionnaire wording as practitioner guidance, not an official form, and not legal advice.
The NYPD began interviewing again: some investigators will have you come in person to fill out the Interview Questionnaire. Others email you the Interview Questionnaire, which you fill out and upload to your application on the portal.
This questionnaire can be filled out prior to them sending it to you. Many applicants said that their application was processed quicker because they filled out theirs and uploaded it before the assigned investigator emailed it to them.
While You Wait, and After Approval
You have asked permission from the NYPD to grant you your constitutional right to self-defense. Now, it is a waiting period of unknown time until they decide to review your application and grant you your 2nd Amendment right.
Use this time to train and to familiarize yourself with the many different laws and do research on the type of firearm to get, including a proper holster, ammo, safety gear, etc.
Already have a Premise license? Share a gun to get your card sooner
This is helpful for anyone that currently has a 'Premise' either Business or Residence license and applied for the Concealed Carry License.
Upon approval, the NYPD will not mail your card, they will mail you an approval letter with instructions that you have to purchase a new gun and email them pictures of the new gun and receipt. After a few days (which can take sometimes longer) they will issue you your new Concealed Carry card in the mail. This process can take from a week to a month or more.
To speed up the process, you can request from them to 'share' an existing gun that you have on your Premise License with your new Concealed Carry license upon approval.
Keep in mind that currently they only allow up to 2 guns on your Concealed Carry license.
This form is a simple form that you can use and upload it to the portal as an 'Additional Document' and notify your investigator, and he/she will have the card mailed out to you upon approval of your application.
IMO, we wait long enough for this lengthy and unconstitutional process, there shouldn't be another extensive delay.
Some individuals were informed by their investigator that this form needs to be notarized. My investigator didn't.
Sample of the Sharing a Gun Form
Sample of the Sharing a Gun Form
[Date]
NYPD Gun Licensing Division
1 Police Plaza
New York, NY
RE: Concealed Carry Application Number: ___________________
To Whom It May Concern:
I'd like to hereby request to 'share' my existing pistol that I currently own on my Premise License # _____________________ with my Concealed Carry License upon approval.
Which is as follows: Manufacturer: ____________ Model: ____________ Serial Number: ____________ Caliber: ____________
I can be reached by cell phone _____________ or email _______________________________
Respectfully Yours,
[Your Signature]
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City] , NY [Your Zip Code]
Stalled Application? A Letter That Works
Did you receive a fingerprinting appointment from 1PP that is more than 6 months away? Or have you been waiting more than 6 months since submitting your application for an approval?
We are excited to announce that 2A613.com has teamed up with an attorney who will submit on your behalf a letter to the NYPD Gun Licensing Unit.
Fee determined by the attorney (to be paid directly to the attorney).
Who qualifies, how it works and what to send are also on the Attorney Letter page.
For more information click here
Who it is for, how it works, and how to ask
This is for an applicant who:
Has received an appointment from 1PP for their fingerprinting appointment that is more than 6 months after the date they submitted and paid.
Has been waiting more than 6 months since the date they submitted and paid their application(s) and it still shows "Submitted" or "Investigation" with no movement or contact from an Investigator.
This letter and method has proven to get applicants their Fingerprinting Appointment moved up by a few months.
And for those that have been sitting in limbo for months without any word from an investigator had their applications approved within a few hours or days.
This attorney is willing to do this special for the 2A613 Community.
If you are interested and are a candidate for this service, please send us a message through Contact Us.
What to include in your message (all of it is required)
Please include ALL the following information: if you do not include ALL the following, your request will be ignored.
-Your Full Name
-Your complete Address, City, State, Zip
-The DATE that you SUBMITTED your Application(s) along with a screenshot of the NYPD portal showing your current status. And attach the following: print to pdf the email confirmation that you received from the NYPD.
-The DATE the payment was completed. And attach the following: print to pdf the email confirmation of the receipt from the NYC PAY.
-Date of your Fingerprinting Appointment and which office (1PP or Queens). And attach the following: print to pdf that email from the NYPD.
-Your Cell Phone Number.
-The name of the Investigator (if you know who it is). And if you had any communications with them. Dates, and what was discussed.
-Confirmation that you uploaded everything, including: the 4 Character References notarized, the 18 Hour Training Certificate, the Lifetime DMV Abstract, your Social Security Card, and ALL other required IDs and Forms, including the Interview Questionnaire.
-Any other details that you feel that you would like to share.
Contacting the NYPD Gun Unit
Be respectful - they are usually very accommodating & understanding.
NYPD License Division (Official)
- Handgun Section: 646-610-5560
- Renewal Unit: 646-610-5872
- One Police Plaza, Room 110A, New York, NY
- Contact page on the NYPD portal
Numbers from Experience
Not on the official contact page.
You can always try your luck with these phone numbers - (call in the morning, before 10am):
Why email works better than calling, and how to write it
On the portal of the NYPD, there is a CONTACT page. There is a directory of phone numbers and emails. It is like most government offices, their phone numbers are almost never answered, and when you do get lucky, the operator that answers the phone will transfer you to a voice mail or inform you that they are overwhelmed and will eventually get to your application.
The quickest way in my experience was to send them an email. Do not copy/paste the email address from the portal to the TO field in your email. For some reason, it will bounce back or be undeliverable. Rather, copy/paste the email address into a notepad file and then copy/paste it into the TO field of your email application.
Include in the SUBJECT line your application #. Be polite, professional and ask your questions and state your concerns. At the end of your email, close with a statement similar to "I understand that your office is overwhelmed and trying your best to help everyone, however, I have been waiting already x amount of months and I still didn't get an update from the department".
More on NYC Licensing
These parts of the guide now have their own pages:
Reference Letter SampleWhat each character reference must include, and a letter to copyStatement QuestionsSuggested answers for the application steps that need a statementSensitive Locations in New YorkWhere you cannot carry under the CCIA, and what courts have changedNY Gun Law AbsurditiesAuthor's opinionOfficial Sources
NYPD License Division licensing portal (notice about the new system)
NYPD new application instructions (fees, fingerprinting, processing time)
NYPD firearms licensing on nyc.gov (One Police Plaza, Room 110A)
NYC rule 38 RCNY 5-03, as amended December 2022 (character references)
Due to the constant changes of the laws, this guide may not be accurate.
New to the terms? See the 2A Glossary.
You Carry the Responsibility. We Carry the Process.
The decision to carry is yours. The stress of getting approved doesn't have to be. White Glove is a full service: we handle the process with you, make sure every requirement is met 100%, and stay with you to the finish line. Every completed application we've handled has been approved.
- Full service - we take the stress of doing it all
- Every requirement checked and met, 100%
- We Prepare and Submit All Your Paperwork
- Notary services available*
- Your 18-hour training scheduled
- We Prep You for the Fingerprinting and Interview Appointment
- Guided step by step - and We Assist You Once You're Approved
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