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New Pistol Permit Application Process

All Applications MUST be submitted in person, by the named Applicant.

Applicant Requirements
  1. You must be at least 21 years of age and a resident of Erie County.
  2. You must fill out the County PPA-4R (Rev 9/22) application
  3. You must fill out the State PPB-3 (Rev 8/22) application.  ( No Photo Copies)   
    • State PPB-3 Application MUST be notarized by a Notary Public or Commissioner of Deeds under "Jurat" on the back.
    • One (1) black and white or color photograph (2”x2”)
    • You must have 4 character references sign your application
    • Valid email address so you can receive updates throughout the process
  4. You must take a Handgun Safety Course from a Duly Authorized Instructor.
  5. Review the FBI Privacy Statement Act
  6. Provide a copy of your NYS driver's license or Non-Drivers ID.
  7. Provide a copy of your Social Security Card or W-2 that lists your FULL Social Security Number.
  8. Provide a copy of your fingerprint receipt
  9. Payment for $20 to Erie County Clerk (Outreach Center Credit Card Only)
  10. Provide a certificate of disposition for ALL arrests including SEALED cases and DWI (except traffic infractions)
  11. Provide documents required for a Business Protection Permit.
  12. Provide proof of citizenship and/or immigration document(s) IF BORN OUTSIDE OF U.S.
  13. You must be fingerprinted prior to submitting your pistol permit application.
    • Fingerprinting should be done no more than 30 days before submission
    • Book a fingerprint appointment at https://uenroll.identogo.com/workflows/151Z1G
    • or Call 1-877-472-6915 (Service Code 151Z1G)
      • Please ensure this service code is used when booking.  Failure to use this code will result in the applicant needing to be re-fingerprinted under the correct service code.

 Applications MUST now be submitted in person with the Erie County Pistol Permit Office

Obtaining an Application
Rules for Character Reference
  1. No References can be a relative of the applicant or a boyfriend/girlfriend
  2. Amherst residents must have at least 2 references that live in Amherst, the other 2 may live anywhere in Erie County
  3. EAST AURORA residents must have at least 2 references that live in East Aurora, the other 2 may live anywhere in Erie County
  4. Residents who live in any other towns, villages, or cities, may use anyone in Erie County as a reference

The Erie County Pistol Permit Department CANNOT make exceptions to the above requirements; those must be made by an authorized person at the specific police department.  If you need to replace a character reference after you have applied please use this Character Reference Relacement Form

The Application Process after Submission

The Application Process will follow these basic steps which will represent the email alerts you will get if you provide a valid email address on your application.  

  1. Your application gets recorded and is pending an investigation by a police agency.
  2. Your application gets picked up by the police agency for investigation.
  3. Once the investigation is complete, your application will be forwarded to the Licensing Officer for review.
  4. After the review process, an approval or denial letter will be created and sent to you.

 

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