Along with exercising your right to carry a firearm, you have certain responsibilities. Please review the following information carefully to avoid potential legal or safety issues. Responsible firearm ownership requires adherence to applicable laws, sound judgment, and a strong commitment to safety. Always handle, store, and transport firearms responsibly, and remain familiar with current New York State laws and regulations.
General Safety Responsibilities
- Always exercise extreme caution and develop proper safety habits when carrying or using a firearm.
- It is your responsibility to be well-informed as to when you are justified in using a firearm for self-defense (Article 35, New York State Penal Law).
- Your firearm may only be carried for the reasons approved by the court. Carrying your firearm for other purposes may result in suspension or revocation of your license.
License and Legal Requirements
- Any criminal charges filed against you will result in the immediate suspension of your permit until the charges are resolved in court.
- You must have your original, most recently issued license on your person at all times when carrying a firearm. Photocopies or scanned copies are not valid.
- Your license is not transferable.
Purchasing and Registering Firearms
- All firearm transactions must go through a licensed New York State firearms dealer.
- There is no limit to the number of firearms that may be added to your license. However, all firearms in your possession, unless exempt, must be registered.
Do not take possession of any firearm until it is registered to your license by our office.
Lost or Stolen Firearms
- Report lost or stolen firearms immediately to your local police department and then to our department.
- Your report to us must include a copy of the police report. The firearm will then be removed from your license.
NYS Carry Restrictions
New York State law restricts where firearms may be carried, even by licensed pistol permit holders. A list of prohibited “sensitive locations” is available from the New York State Police.
View: Restrictions on Carrying Firearms in Certain Locations (New York State Police)
Vehicle Storage
Never leave firearms in your car. If absolutely necessary, the firearm must be:
- Unloaded
- Secured in a gun case
- Locked in the trunk
Traveling or Moving Out of State
When traveling through or moving to another state, you must follow the laws of that state.
Federal law requires firearms to be shipped by a local New York State firearms dealer to a licensed dealer in the destination state, where you may take possession.
This also applies to purchases, sales, or gifts occurring outside New York State.
Estate and Death of a Permit Holder
Upon the death of a license holder, the estate must, within 15 days, transfer the firearm(s) to:
- Another pistol permit holder
- A licensed firearms dealer, or
- A local police department
The estate should also notify the Erie County Pistol Permit Office and provide:
- A copy of the death certificate
- Information regarding the disposition of the firearm(s)
View: Permit Close-out Process
Changes You Must Report
You must report the following to the Erie County Pistol Permit Department:
- Change of residence
- Change of employment or occupation
- Loss or disposition of a firearm
These changes must be reported within ten (10) days.
Failure to provide notice may be considered sufficient grounds for revocation of your license.
View: Permit Amendments