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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions:
The requirements to obtain a pistol license in Rockland County are as follows:
- You must reside in Rockland County, NY.
- You must be at least 21 years of age at the time of application.
- You must complete a firearms safety course. The approved course is given by the Rockland County Sheriff's Office.
- You must provide notarized letters from household members stating that they do not object to your possession of a pistol license.
- If you are NOT a U.S. citizen, you must submit a copy of your Alien Registration card.
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.
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.
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.
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)
Have Questions?
Contact us at:
Pistol License OfficeRockland 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) 638-5320Email: rocklandcountyclerk@co.rockland.ny.us
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.