The Erie County Clerk’s Office is responsible for issuing and maintaining pistol permits in accordance with New York State law. Our goal is to provide accurate, timely, and secure service while ensuring public safety and compliance with statutory requirements.
We provide a range of services for pistol permit applicants and holders, including:
- New pistol permit applications
- Permit amendments, including changes of address or name
- Replacement permits for lost or stolen permits
- Guidance and resources to help applicants meet all legal requirements
To make your experience efficient, we provide information on our website, including downloadable forms and links to helpful resources. Our staff is available to answer questions and provide assistance. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for help.
- Locations & Hours
-
Buffalo Office: 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY 14202 – Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Services: All transactions and permitsClerk’s Outreach Center: 1086B Union Road, West Seneca, NY 14224 – Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Services: Application Submission Only, credit card payments onlyDepew Auto Bureau: 2122 George Urban Blvd, Depew, NY 14043 – Mondays, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Services: Add/remove transactions only, credit card payments onlyElma Town Hall: 1600 Bowen Rd, Elma, NY 14059 – Wednesdays & Fridays, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Services: Add/remove transactions only, credit card payments only
Holiday Schedule (Elma only): December 24 & 31, close at noon; December 26 & January 2 – closed - New Pistol Permit Applicants
-
Applications MUST be submitted in person, by the named Applicant.
The Erie County Clerk's Office processes Pistol Permits for Erie County residents under terms of applicable New York State law. Following the receipt of a completed application as well as criminal & mental hygiene record checks, the approval or denial of a permit is the decision of the Erie County Supreme Court Justice who serves as the Licensing Officer. The Licensing Officer recommends that you take a “conceal carry” class from a certified instructor in addition to the mandatory safety course. The “conceal carry” class is deemed an advanced course and requires that participants have obtained a pistol permit before enrolling. Please note that this office is unable to recommend specific instructors.
- Gunsmith-Dealer In Firearm Applicants
-
The Erie County Clerk's Office processes Applications for licenses as Gunsmith-Dealer in Firearms for Erie County residents under terms of applicable New York State law. Following the receipt of a completed dealer application as well as criminal & mental hygiene record checks, the approval or denial of a dealer license is the decision of the Erie County Supreme Court Justice who serves as the Licensing Officer. Please use the Dealer application packet below to start this process.
- Pistol Permit Amendments
-
If you wish to make any changes to your permit like adding, removing a weapon, changing a name or address, or transferring to another county you can do so by using the State Amendment PPB-5 form and using one of the following methods to submit that request.
Make sure you Read more about Amending your permit here, including Co-Registration/Ownership before proceeding.
- Duly Authorized Instructors
-
Firearms Instructors are required to self-certify in Erie County that they are a Duly Authorized Instructor pursuant to New York State Penal Law section 265.00(19) and that the course curriculum for the NYS Concealed Carry Firearm Safety Training they offer meets the requirements of New York State Penal Law section 400.00(19). Instructions to self-certify as a Duly Authorized Instructor in Erie County
- NYS Pistol Permit Recertification
-
Pistol permit recertifications are mandatory pursuant to the New York State SAFE Act, and are administered by the New York State Police, NOT the Erie County Clerk.
However, the County Clerk's Office would be happy to assist: You may go to the NYS Police website and complete the online recertification.
For new 3 year recertification requirements find information here : https://gunsafety.ny.gov/pistol-permit-recertification
Pistol Office Fees
| Service | Amount |
|---|---|
| New Application | $20.00 |
| Change from Paper to Plastic | $15.00 |
| Transfer County (see transfers details) | $8.00 & $5.00 |
| 2" x 2" Application Photo (front office) | $10.00 |
| Name Change | $5.00 |
| Address Change | $5.00 |
| Handgun Registration | $5.00 |
| Handgun Removal | $5.00 |
| Pistol Permit Reissue (Plastic cards: Lost/Stolen, Poor Condition) | $7.00 |
*Please Do Not Send Cash in the Mail (Check or Money Order only)