The requirements to obtain a pistol license in Rockland County are as follows:

1. You must reside in Rockland County, NY.
2. You must be at least 21 years of age at the time of application.
3. You must complete a firearms safety course. The approved course is given by the Rockland County Sheriff's Office.
4. You must provide notarized letters from household members stating that they do not object to your possession of a pistol license.
5. If you are NOT a U.S. citizen, you must submit a copy of your Alien Registration card.

There are two ways to begin the application process for a pistol license:

1. Using the links below, DOWNLOAD/PRINT THE INSTRUCTIONS, OPT-OUT, DISCLOSURE AND CONSENT forms. Download and complete the PDF-Fillable APPLICATION ONLINE.

You will pay the $150 application fee once you submit the completed application to the County Clerk's Office.

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 2. APPEAR AT THE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE to receive a "hard-copy" of the instructions, application and forms. You will be required to pay the $150 application fee upon application pick-up. 

Please note: Applications initiated using the "ONLINE DOWNLOAD" procedure will result in quicker processing.

Illegible, incomplete, soiled &/or folded applications will be rejected upon submission.

• Instructions.pdf
• Disclosure.pdf
• Application.pdf
• Consent.pdf
• Consent B.pdf
• Option Out Form.pdf
• Safety Class.pdf

You can obtain a pistol license for the purposes of "Sportsman/Residence", which includes:

• Target Shooting
• Hunting
• Fishing
• Hiking and camping
• Possess at residence

 Note to current and retired Police Officers: see County Clerk Staff for further information in this regard. 

If you are an active or retired police officer, you must attach a letter or “Certificate of Service” from your police department to your application. The letter must be on ORIGINAL LETTERHEAD and include duration of employment, and statements about whether you are in good standing, if there are any department charges against you, and whether any weapons have ever been removed from your possession.

Please check with County Clerk staff about application fees.

There is no expiration date on New York State pistol licenses. However, the State of New York has recently started a Recertification Program for all pistol license holders.  If you are up for recertification, you will receive a letter by mail.  Please make sure that your address is updated with our office if it has changed.

Yes, All references must be Rockland County residents and must have known you for at least 2 years. Relatives related to you by blood or marriage cannot be used as references. In the case of married couples who are unrelated to you, both the husband or wife can be used as references.

U.S. citizenship is not required. However, you must submit a copy of your green card with your application.

You must submit a certified copy of disposition.