This FAQ should answer most of your questions. Each question has in red in brackets where it is applicable.

I keep on adding more, based on the questions and feedbacks I receive. Sorted in the order that I received them.

This page was last updated on: 9/06/2024

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[NYC] Do I need to have a Premise License before I apply for the Concealed Carry License?

No. You can apply for any license. No need to have a Premise license to obtain a Concealed Carry License.

[NYC/NYS] The CCIA Laws made almost everywhere a ‘Sensitive’ and/or ‘Restricted Area’ (Gun Free Zone). Where CAN I carry?

It seems as though that the only place I can legally conceal carry is the middle lane of the BQE between exists 7 and 8...

Good point. Almost the entire CCIA is unconstitutional. It was a slap in the face to the SCOTUS and to every citizen in the state. Many of these new laws are being actively ​challenged in the courts. The New York State Jewish Gun Club (NYSJGC) in particular is fighting for the right to carry in a place of worship and religious observances. This takes ​time. And it will eventually get smacked down. Until then, consult an attorney, join the fight and donate to the NYSJGC and other 2nd Amendment organizations who are fighting ​for our rights.

[GENERAL] Which gun and holster should I get?

This is a decision you will need to make on your own. Just like a car, you will do your research to get one that fits your budget and has the certain features that you like. A gun, needs ​to fit in your hand properly with a firm grip. You need to be able to control the recoil, choose a size that matches this criteria and that you can conceal it properly etc. Find a gun ​range/shop, engage a conversation with the owner/employee. They should allow you to hold it and rent one to try out in the range. (This applies outside of New York City. NYC does ​not allow an unlicensed individual from touching a firearm (it‘s a felony), only licensed or if you have an authorization letter from the NYPD that you can purchase a firearm. Other ​states allow you to go to a gun range and shoot without a gun license).

You can find many YouTube channels on gun reviews. Be aware that many of them are paid by the manufacture to promote their guns. But it will give you a basic idea of the Pros and ​Cons etc. This also applies for what type of holster to get. It takes a couple of trials and errors until you find the ‘right‘ one. Every body type if different. It also depends where you will ​placing it, appendix, side, etc.

[NYC/NYS] Where can I take the 18-hour mandatory class? Most classes locally are on Shabbos.

EXCITING NEWS! DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND! We arrange special classes in Boro Park for the 2A 613 members. Click here for our latest classes.

The NYS Jewish Gun Club offers classes in Rockland County (Monsey area).

Another excellent option is EDC Training in Lawrence (5-Towns area) - you can mention to Hudi the instructor that I sent you.

Reach out to me via email - there are instances that I have knoweldge of a special class that is not advertised that might be in your neighborhood.

[NYC] Some of the instructions here are not accurate - for example, my NYPD Investigator said I need to have ___ or do it ​differently.

Unfortunately, it seems that some investigators at the NYPD Gun Licensing Unit play by their own set of rules. Either because they are ill-informed or they enjoy stomping on our ​2nd Amendment rights or both. As I wrote in the “Read This First” section (above), that this is all based on my experience and what I have heard from others that went through with ​their application experience. Please feel free to send me an email with any suggestions or if you noticed any discrepancies.

[NYC/NYS] Do I need to have a special reason in order to apply for the Concealed Carry License?

No. Anyone can get a license, no special reason needed. Prior to June of 2022, New York State and a handful of other states had a ‘may‘ issue for a gun license. The SCOTUS in the NYSRPA vs. Bruen case, ruled that the 2nd Amendment is not a privilege, it‘s a right to every citizen in the USA, effectively stating that every citizen that wants to carry a gun for self-defense the state must give them a license as long as they are not a prohibited person.

[NYC] Is there a way to expedite my application? I saw advertised that for $1,200 (or more) they can get me approved and do it very quickly?

Don‘t fall for this false hope. It‘s a scam and most likely illegal. All applications are done online and there is no lawyer or agent that can push your application to the top and promise an approval. It is all done online so the supervisors can and most likely track every application to see if there is any favoritism occurring.

The only way I know of getting your applications processed and approved quicker, is like I mentioned above; to apply for the Rifle/Shotgun together with the Concealed Carry, which will then have your applications processed and investigated in their office in Queens, vs being handled by the Gun Unit at 1PP - which they are backlogged for at least 6 months or more before they even decide to look at your application(s).

[NYC] How do I know if I am approved or what is the status of my application?

On the NYPD Licensing Portal. Click on the Submitted and it will show the current status of your application(s). Once it was submitted it will show ‘Submitted‘. The next stage is ‘Investigation‘ it will stay in that stage until they either approve or deny your application. Once it‘s approved it will change to ‘Approved‘. Once you’re approved, you can login to the portal and under the ‘My Licenses‘ tab, you will see your license(s). Usually, once you are approved, it will show you your license # and it will have the status as ‘Pending‘ until they issue/print out the physical license, at that point it will change to ‘Active‘ with the expiration date.

[GENERAL] Am I allowed to carry my gun on Shabbos and Yom Tov? Is it Muktzah?

This is something to ask your LOR. I did see an interesting article that I recommend reading, by Rabbi Yair Hoffman. I also saw that the Tzitz Eliezer says that you cannot daven while wearing a weapon whether at home or in shul. The Yechaves Daas disagrees. The Torah Temeima suggests that the base prohibition only applies if the weapon is unconcealed, but if it is concealed, then it‘s permitted. The Tzitz Eliezer concurs. Many Rabbonim in Israel ruled that it is definitely allowed and even encouraged.

If you are allowed when there is no Eiruv, - I am not a Rabbi so I cannot paskin, as always, ask your LOR.

[NYC] CAN I USE THE SAME CHARACTER REFERENCE LETTERS FOR ALL THE LICENSE APPLICATIONS?

Yes. The Concealed Carry requires 4 and the other applications require only 2, you can use the same letters for all your applications.

[GENERAL] I found a mistake in this guide and/or have a suggestion. How do I contact you?

I can be reached via this CONTACT FORM.

[General] I am a Out Of NY State resident, how can I apply for a Non-Resident NYC CCW?

The NYPD has made an emergency ruling in August of 2024, and now they are accepting Non-Resident Applications. Click here to see our GUIDE for the NYPD / NYC Non-Resident ​Applications.

[NYC/NYS] I am a New York State (outside NYC) resident, how can I apply for a NYC CCW?

As long as you have a Concealed Carry from your county (i.e. Nassau, Rockland, etc.), you can apply for the SPECIAL CARRY from the NYPD. You can follow the same Guide as the ​NYC or Non-Resident NYC Applications.

[NYC/NYS] WhERE CAN I GET MY FIGERPRINTING DONE FOR MY FLORIDA OR CONNECTICUT APPLICATION?

Most police departments outside NYC offer this service. In NYC, you can go to 1PP in Lower Manhattan.

The only place in Brooklyn that I know of, is the 70th PCT, located at 154 Lawrence Ave. They only do this on Thursday evenings from 5:00pm - 7:00pm. You can only pay with a money order, ​and the PAY TO THE ORDER OF should be left BLANK. They charge $25.00 for the initial card and $1.00 for each additional card. As of late, because of the lack of personnel in the NYPD, this ​option is not reliable.

You can also schedule an appointment in Midtown Manhattan at IdentoGo - which this office does the ink fingerprint cards that I have been informed that Florida and Connecticut accepts. ​The link to schedule an appointment is here.

You need to bring the blank cards, they do not provide the cards. When applying for Florida or Connecticut they mail you the cards, otherwise, you can purchase blank cards on Amazon.

[General] Why AOR and not US Law Shield or the USCCA?

Our wonderful state of New York made it illegal for insurance companies like the USCCA, US Law Shield and the NRA from selling Self-Defense insurance to its residents.

Unlike most self-defense plans on the market, the Attorneys On Retainer Program is NOT backed by any insurance company. The Self-Protection Plans are administered by a law firm. This ​means the AOR are not required to adhere to the same restrictions and limitations that other insurance-backed programs must follow.

Also, it’s one of the only options available to New Yorkers.

Many of these companies that offer concealed carry insurance say they can provide significant financial assistance in the aftermath of a self-defense shooting. However, because they are ​backed by insurance companies, they will likely have EXCLUSIONS in their policies that allow them to DENY coverage.

USE COUPON CODE: 2A613 to receive $25.00 OFF at sign up.

[NYC] For the rifle/SHOTGUN APPLICATION, DO I SUBMIT THE SAME DOCUMENTS AS FOR THE CONCEALED CARRY APPLICATION?

Yes, except you only need TWO Character References (not 4) and you don’t need to have the 18 Hour Course Certificate and do not need to disclose your Social Media Accounts.

[NYC] I NEVER CHANGED MY ADDRESS ON MY DRIVER’S LICENSE, IT IS STILL ON MY PARENTS ADDRESS, HOW DO I APPLY?

Part of the forms that you have to submit, is the proof of address, which is a recent utility bill. It should match the address on your Drivers License. Also, you need to have a ​Notarized Co-Habitant Affidavit form for each person that is over 18 years old that lives at the same home - in that case, it will be from both your parents and all your siblings that are ​over 18 y/o. Another thing you should consider, that if Chas vShalom you are involved in a Self-Defense incident and the NYPD, the DA, investigate and they figure out that you lied ​on the application by providing a different address for your residence, it will be another felony on the long list of charges against you, which will most likely result of revoking your ​license and most likely prohibit you from ever applying ANYWHERE in the USA. I‘d like to repeat what I mentioned a few times on this site, I am not a lawyer and cannot and will not ​give any legal advise, I am just pointing out the obvious. The link to change your address at the NYS DMV: https://dmv.ny.gov/address-change/how-change-your-address

[NYC] I WORK OUTSIDE NEW YORK CITY, AND THE CONCEALED CARRY APPLICATION ON THE NYPD PORTAL ASKS ME TO PUT IN THE POLICE ​PRECINcT WHERE MY OFFICE IS LOCATED. WHAT DO I DO?

Put in the NYPD Precinct of your home address. For example you live in Boro Park, put in the 66th PCT.

[NYC/NYS] WHEN SHOULD I TAKE THE 18-HOUR MANDATORY CLASS, BEFORE OR AFTER APPLYING?

Each County is different. For example, NASSAU County requires that class to be done AFTER submitting your application. The NYPD allows you to take it before applying, but it‘s suggested ​to take the class after you submit your application. You do have time to do it even after your fingerprinting, as long as it is done within a reasonable time frame.

[NYC] SHOULD I ALSO APPLY FOR A PREMISE LICENSE?

The NYS Law allows you to purchase ONE firearm PER license every 90 days. The 90 days start from the DATE of purchase. This law regarding that you may only have 2 handguns on the ​Concealed Carry license was changed in the Emergency New Ruling by the NYPD in August of 2024. Now, you can have unlimited amount of handguns on your Concealed Carry, effectively ​removing the need to apply for the Premise License - keep in mind, the Premise License cost $340 and it is only good for 3 years - that’s over $100 a year.

[NYC/NYS] SOCIAL MEDIA, DO I NEED TO GIVE MY USERNAME AND PASSWORDS?

No. It was Baruch Hashem struck down as un-constitutional - therefore they can not ask for it. Simply answer “N/A”

[NYC] WHICH APPLICATION SHOULD I APPLY FIRST, THE CONCEALED CARRY OR THE RIFLE/SHOTGUN - if i want it to be expidited?

It does not make a difference, as long as they are done in the same day.

[NYC] THE SAFEGUARD ID PERSON, CAN IT BE MY____ ?

It can be any US Citizen that lives in New York State older than 21 years of age. It can be a spouse, child, parent, friend, neighbor - anyone!

[NYC] WHAT IS THE PROCESS AFTER I APPLIED & PAID? HOW WILL I GET SCHEDULED FOR FINGERPRINTING?

Once you FINALIZED & PAID for your application(s) you will receive 2 emails from each application. One, from the NYC PAY portal with a confirmation of receipt of your payment (which hopefully you followed my specific instructions to pay by credit card. If you paid by eCheck, be prepared to wait for 2-6 weeks for the payment to clear on the NYPD side, even if your bank shows that the money was withdrawn).

And the 2nd from the NYPD Portal with a confirmation that your application was Submitted. Look out for those emails. They can sometimes end up in your SPAM/Junk folder.

If you applied for the CONCEALED CARRY or PREMISE or SPECIAL CARRY, the auto-reply email will come from 1PP with their instructions - understand that they haven’t updated this message for the longest time. Even though it states that you will be required to bring in ALL THE ORIGINAL documents to the Fingerprinting Appointment, it is not the case. All you need is your original Driver’s License, your original Passport OR Birth Certificate (that you used to upload for your Proof of Birth) and your Original Social Security Card and a Credit or Debit card for the $88.25 Fingerprinting fee.

Same applies if you applied for the RIFLE/SHOTGUN. Your email confirmation will come from their QUEENS office.

IF YOU APPLIED for both, the RIFLE/SHOTGUN -AND- the CONCEALED CARRY, etc. you will only be required to do the Fingerprinting ONCE. Even though you get originally in the confirmation emails indicating both, however, once either office picks up your application(s) and will schedule you for the Fingerprinting.

It will take a few days, to a few weeks or a few months for you to get that email from the NYPD with your Fingerprinting Appointment.

Once you received that email, the email will include. A DATE and TIME and LOCATION for your fingerprinting appointment, along with a 1 or 2 or more PDF attachments. It will have the 11-Page INTERVIEW QUESTIONNAIRE pdf form that you are required to fill out and sign and upload to your application(s). - more information on how and where to do this in in the NYC guide page of this website. It will also include a list of your ‘missing documents or information’. Review that checklist and UPLOAD those items to your application(s) on the NYPD portal. The fingerprinting appointment takes on average 15-20 minutes.

[NYC] WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE FINGERPRINTING?

Once you are done with the Fingerprinting the NYPD begins their investigation. Usually within a day or 2 or a week after the status of your application on the NYPD portal will change from SUBMITTED to INVESTIGATION. They run your prints in the FBI, NYPD, NYSP and other criminal and national databases. They will comb through your application(s), verify your ID and Citizenship and proof of residence, and review your Lifetime DMV Abstract etc. and your Mental Health records from the NYS DOH and Hospitals etc.

If you come back clean, and assuming all your Co-Habitant Agreements and Safeguard ID, Character References, etc. were provided, you should expect an approval. This process can take anywhere from a weeks to a few months. It depends on the investigator, the amount of applications being processed and the weather and the moon location and the price of rice in the Western District of Shushan and if Erev Shabbos falls out on a Friday.

Once you get approved the status on the NYPD will change from INVESTIGATION to APPROVED. Typically, you will not receive an email or a phone call indicating as such from your investigator. At this point a LETTER OF APPROVAL / PURCHASE AUTHORIZATION will be mailed to the address they have on your application.

You can take that letter once received and go to the gun store to purchase your new firearm. - You will not be able to go home with it just yet. The gun store will run your background check with the NY State Police / NICS and if approved, they will take your payment and have you take pictures of the gun, receipt and box which you need to email to the NYPD - the email address is: DG_LIC-Purchaseorders@NYPD.ORG - it can take a month or more for them to process this email and MAIL out to you your Concealed Carry License. Only once you receive this card, you can finally go to the store and pick up your new gun. MAZEL TOV! Now that you FINALLY made it to the finish Line ב”ה it’s time to begin training responsibly!

[GENERAL] How much is this going to cost me, you ask:

Gun ownership is not cheap, it can cost in the thousands.

BE PREPARED TO SPEND

HOWEVER, Being able to protect yourself, is PRICELESS!

Gun Clubs/Memberships:

There are many organizations for the 2nd Amendment community. They fight for our rights and offer different types of services. Locally, we have the New York State Jewish Gun Club (NYSJGC). Visit their website. And if you found this guide to be helpful in anyway, please show your appreciation and make a donation - (disclaimer: this is not my organization, I am just a proud card carrying member and want them to succeed). They are currently in litigation and suing the Governor and the NYPD and the NY State Police for the unconstitutional law of banning firearms in Synagogues and Religious Observances.

They are fighting for OUR rights to defend ourselves.

Don't need to remind you of the massacre in a Synagogue in Pittsburg, PA, the shooting in California, etc. and the rise of Anti-Semitism in the United States and in particular right here in New York, has sky-rocketed significantly. We need to be our own first responders. We have Fire Extinguishers close by because it takes time until the Firefighters come.

As a new (or existing) gun owner, you need to constantly train and keep on training to be proficient and prepared.

Thank you!

Other membership organizations that I recommend joining:

The USCCA

They offer training, guidance, Reciprocity maps, and much more!

The Firearms Policy Coalition

They actively and aggressively file lawsuits in the Federal, State and local courts - fighting for our rights!

WHY APPLY FOR non-resident CCW from other states?

By obtaining a non-resident license from a state with a wide range of reciprocity agreements, you could carry in even more states than if you only had a license from your home state. For example, you have an NYC CCW, but Florida does not recognize it. You get the Florida CCW, and now you can legally carry in Florida and in 32 other states that recognize the Florida non-resident CCW. And their license is valid for 7 years!

According to the USCCA website they rated the following the TOP 5 states to apply:

Utah, Florida, Virginia, New Hampshire, and Maine with Arizona as another great state to get.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

I am prepared, I got my CCW

Great. You exercised your 2nd Amendment right to self-defense and took the NYS 18 hour mandatory class, and now you carry your firearm and feel protected.

I hate to bust your bubble!

Unfortunately, the class that you took did not prepare you AT ALL! Yes, you heard about all the laws of where you can, and where not you can carry, the use of force, etc. etc.. IT did NOT teach you HOW. Let me explain.

You go to the range and feel that you got this. You can shoot the bulls eye from 25 yards. You consider yourself a pro. WRONG! There is a HUGE difference from standing in a safe environment, and your opponent is a paper target VS being faced with a threat to your life that warrants you to use your firearm in self defense. This skill can only be obtained if YOU TRAIN, and TRAIN and TRAIN. Taking a few (mandatory) courses is not sufficient.

PLEASE, PLEASE, take classes, find a school, find an instructor that you can trust and take this seriously. Be prepared to spend many hours to become a RESPONSIBLE CCW holder, and gain the knowledge, the skills and the confidence to be prepared in the event that YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT!

Ignorance is the root of misfortune!

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