Pistol Licenses

The Rockland County Clerk accepts applications for and issues New York State Pistol Licenses under the direction of the Rockland County Court Justices. The Rockland County Clerk is also responsible for the issuance of New York State Dealer and Gunsmith licenses.

 

Book an appointment at the County Clerk's Office

U.S. SUPREME COURT RULING ON PISTOL LICENSES

In its ruling on June 23, 2022, the US Supreme Court said that “Americans have a right to carry firearms in public for self-defense.” Before this ruling, New York State law had mandated that getting a license to carry a gun in public on the person (unrestricted carry) requires an actual need — sometimes called “good cause” or “proper cause” — to carry the weapon.  In its 6/23/22 decision, the Supreme Court struck down New York's “proper cause" requirement for unrestricted carry.

The Rockland County Clerk’s Office periodically receives information from the State of New York on the new protocols and procedures required to implement this ruling.  We will continously update the public here on our website home page at www.rocklandcountyclerk.com

NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services
CLICK HERE FOR FAQ's regarding the recent changes to NYS Firearm Laws

To receive updates on the implementation of this ruling, please use our  "HELP & COMMENTS" form.  Complete the form with your name & email address and note "Pistol Permit Update" in the Subject Line.

Further questions can be directed to our office via email, to rocklandcountyclerk@co.rockland.ny.us

 

    IN-OFFICE APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES - Effective 7/1/22  

  • For passports, appointments are required on Fridays only.  Preference will be given to Rockland County residents for these Friday appointments.
  • For Hand-Carry Passports, appointments are required every day.
  • For Passport groups of 3 or more applicants, appointments are highly recommended.
  • For Pistol Licenses, appointments are required every day.


Appointments are optional for all other services &/or times not specified above and can be made by calling (845) 638-5075. 

Use of our outside dropbox is encouraged.

 
Pistol Licenses should be recertified every five years with the NYS Police.  To recertify and "opt-out" (Receive an exemption from Public Record requests), log on to the NYS Police website:   https://firearms.troopers.ny.gov/pprecert/welcome.faces

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the requirements to obtain a pistol license?

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.
For what purposes can I obtain a pistol license?

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. 

How do I apply for a pistol license?

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.

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

I am a Police Officer, what do I need to apply for a pistol license?

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.

How long is the pistol license valid?
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.
Do the character references on my application have to reside in Rockland County?
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.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to get a pistol license?
U.S. citizenship is not required. However, you must submit a copy of your green card with your application.
What if I've been arrested or convicted of a crime in the past?
You must submit a certified copy of disposition.
How do I add or remove pistols from my license or change my personal information (ie: address, telephone number)?

Fill out the Pistol License Amendment form (below). The form, needs to be completed online and printed (or typed), and must be submitted to our office with the appropriate fee. The cost is $5 per change (ie: two added pistols will be $10)

Pistol License Amendment Form

If I am an Instructor, what form do I use to certify completion of training?
Instructors Certification of Completion of Training Form


Have Questions?

Contact us at:

Pistol License Office
Rockland County Clerk's Office
1 South Main Street, Suite 100 (located in the Courthouse in the rear parking lot of 11 New Hempstead Road)
New City, New York 10956

Phone: (845) 638-5320
Email: rocklandcountyclerk@co.rockland.ny.us

Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.