What is a New York Gun Bill of Sale?

A New York gun bill of sale records two parties’ personal information and the weapon they exchanged. It provides evidence and proof of the sale and protects both parties in disagreements. The document includes information about the firearm, the buyer, and the seller for identification purposes. It also verifies that the named individuals followed state and federal laws when transferring gun ownership. By signing, they agree to the disclosure statements, which ensure their legal capacity to possess and sell weapons.

How to Apply for a Gun License

Residents must have a license to possess a handgun and/or a rifle or shotgun permit. The New York Police Department (NYPD) License Division issues the certifications to qualifying individuals twenty-one (21) years or older.

Interested parties must apply online through the public portal. The NYPD does not accept paper applications (Form PD 641-040). Applicants must pay the appropriate fees and submit their fingerprints and four (4) color photographs taken within thirty (30) days of application. They must also prove their current address and provide their birth certificate and social security card.

The state requires gun license renewals every five (5) years. Before the expiration date, the permit holder receives a renewal processing letter by mail. The notice contains a PIN, a list of required documents, and a payment authorization form – all of which the resident must complete and submit for a new license.

How to Apply for a Concealed Carry License

New York residents must have a firearm and concealed carry license to carry publicly in the state. They must apply with the specific county in which they live or are employed.

Step 1 – Qualifiers

Individuals applying for a concealed carry license must:

• Be a New York resident;
• Be twenty-one (21) or older;
• Have no felony or serious offense convictions;
• Be of good moral character; and
• Have a just and legal reason for wanting a concealed carry license.

Step 2 – Firearms Training

Concealed carry permit applicants must have their firearms training certification. They must take and pass an official course taught by a Duly Authorized Instructor. The class must include sixteen (16) hours of in-person lecturing and two (2) hours of live-fire training. Students must also pass a written proficiency test after their education. They must obtain an official certification signed by the instructor to present when applying for a concealed carry permit.

Step 3 – Appointment

New York’s application process requires residents to attend an in-person interview with a licensing officer or designee. At this time, they must provide all the necessary documents and payment. The application (Form PPB-3) must include the applicant’s full name, birth date, social security number (SSN), address, physical description, and identification. In addition, the individual must enter their criminal and mental health history.

The process also requires the applicant to submit their firearms safety training certificate, four (4) personal references, a list of previous and current social media accounts in the last three (3) years, and a disclosure of the applicant’s spouse (or partner) and any adults (including adult children) living in the house.

Step 4 – Processing

The state takes about four (4) months from the application date to grant or deny licenses. The individual receives their notice by mail, although county laws may differ. In some cases, the recipient can dispute rejections by following the instructions provided in the information packet.

Step 5 – Renewal

License holders must renew their concealed carry permit every three (3) years. Most residents carry out the renewal through the online portal of the New York State Police. However, individuals living in New York City, or the counties of Nassau, Suffolk, or Westchester, do not renew with the New York State Police. Instead, they must adhere to their county’s specific laws.