the STEP BY STEP Guide:

How to apply for a Concealed Carry

Handgun License in NYC.

If you need assistance with this process, feel free to CONTACT ME here

PLEASE: If you have questions, FIRST read this guide & the FAQs.

Read This First

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Disclaimer: I am neither a lawyer nor affiliated with the NYPD. However, I established this website to assist my fellow 2A 613 community members in navigating the complex and challenging process of obtaining a CCW in NYC. I have successfully guided many individuals through the application process and have realized the need for additional resources to help those seeking Non-Resident CCW permits in other states. My goal is to provide valuable information to the klal and expand this website's resources further to help more people. Please note that all the information on this website is based on my personal experience and what I have found helpful in guiding others through this process. While I encourage honesty, I also recommend consulting with an attorney if you have any concerns or need assistance.

The application will take around 15-30 minutes to wrap up. But, if you take a moment to read through ALL the instructions and requirements, you'll glide through this whole experience in no time.

To make your life even easier, I recommend giving this site a thorough read, including the FAQ section. It'll answer all your burning questions and nip any concerns in the bud.

I created this website to help the 2A 613 community at no charge to navigate the twisted, unconstitutional application process. The only fees you will be paying is for to the NYPD.

I understand that for some it can be overwhelming.

FULL SERVICE APPLICATION PREP:

Due to popular demand: If you need assistance with this process, feel free to contact for a consultation:

• Review your needs & your unique circumstances.
  
• Advise on what the best approach to take.
• Assist with all the paperwork, including the Notary Services.
• Schedule you for the 18-hour training.
• Walk you through step by step till the finish line.

It‘s a complete White-Glove Service Package.

This is not a free service. I created this website to help everyone that can follow the instructions to do it on their own for free. If you are overwhelmed and need a white-glove approach, I can help.

Be advised, I am getting many requests and trying to respond to each and everyone, please be patient. I will get back to you. Thank you!

CUT YOUR WAIT TIME FOR APPROVAL:

Numerous individuals have reported substantially reduced waiting periods by completing both the Rifle/Shotgun Application and the Concealed Carry Application, which are concurrently processed at the Queens Rifle/Shotgun office, as opposed to One Police Plaza (1PP), where the processing time extends to a minimum of six months or more before any attention is given to the application. Furthermore, it takes a considerable amount of time to secure appointments for fingerprinting and the assignment of an investigator to review the application.

Additionally, I have observed that, when submitting an application with all the requisite documentation, including the 18-hour training certificate (please check the FAQ section of when to do it), the processing of the application occurs at an expedited pace. Conversely, applications lacking the necessary documents are relegated to the backlog and processed at a later date.

Fingerprints are only collected once, irrespective of whether you submit a single or multiple applications. Typically, within a few weeks of successfully submitting and paying for your Rifle/Shotgun application, you will receive an appointment for fingerprinting and be assigned an investigator. The subsequent processing timeline is contingent on the findings of their investigation and the backlog status of their offices.

FINALLY, NYC APPLICATION - I broke it down into 3 easy to follow steps.

• Step 1: “The Prep“: This part outlines in detail what to prepare and have ready when applying.
• Step 2: The Application: How to log in and apply and what to answer.
• Step 3: All the necessary forms and tips. And what happens next.

STEP 1: “The Prep”

The following is a list of all the documents and Identifications that you will need.

Scan them and save it to your computer. So you will have it ready when prompted to upload them.

The Required documents and IDs for the application needed:

(scanned as a .PDF or an image saved as a .JPG or .JPEG or .BMP or .TIF or .PNG – it must be less than 5mb each file).

Can’t have a file name containing any special characters: accents, tildes, symbols, etc. (e.g., è, é, ñ, &, *, #):

• A digital recent Passport Photo ID of yourself - must be 2" x 2" white background.
  
• There are free apps that can do it for you. For example: Passport ID Photo Maker Studio - Android or iPhone).
  
• Government Issued Photo ID (valid driver’s license)
  
• Proof of Citizenship & Birth (valid passport, birth certificate, green card)
  
• Social Security Card
  
• 18 Hour Training Certificate (currently being fought in court). (Please check the FAQ section of when to do it).
  
• Character References signed and notarized (4 needed for the Concealed Carry, only 2 for a Premise License or Rifle/Shotgun License) - cannot be from a relative, and they must know you for a minimum of 5 years (currently being fought in court).
  

(The sample of this letter is towards the end of this guide). - This part can be submitted at a later date. Not required at the time of applying.

• Proof of Address (recent utility bill i.e. gas, electric, cable or tax bill)

The utility bill / tax bill should be on your name, or your Co-habitant name.

If you are renting a home or apartment and there are no utilities in your name or your co-habitant’s name, the person who you are renting from, must provide a notarized letter stating that you reside at the address and that no utility bills are in your name. The address, name of landlord and tenant should be included in the notarized letter. A utility bill from the landlord will then be acceptable.

• Affidavit of Co-habitant (notarized) – must have one for each person living in your home that is over 18 years old. If living alone, check off the “I Live Alone” and sign it - does not need to be notarized if you reside alone.

(The link to form on the forms page).

• Safeguard ID: You will need a copy of the Government ID card of the individual that you will designate as your Safeguard.

(The link to a form on the forms page). - This part can be submitted at a later date. Not required at the time of applying.

• Lifetime Abstract of the NYS DMV – ($7.00 online from the NYS DMV).

Link: https://dmv.ny.gov/dmv-records/how-get-my-own-lifetime-driving-record

Other Information needed to complete the application:

• Your residential address history for the past 5 years.
• Your employment history for the past 5 years.
• List of former & current social media accounts for the last 3 years (currently being fought in court).
  
• Other Gun Permit/Licenses from other states (Non-Resident) – (if you have).
  
• Firearms ownership Information: Make, Model, Serial #, Caliber type of any firearms you currently own – (if you have).
  
• Your characteristics: height, weight, hair and eyes color, ethnicity and name aliases, etc.
• Your Military history (if applicable).

Other Circumstances (ONLY when applicable):

• Any Dispositions / summons – Write an explanation of each arrest, including moving violations or other traffic violations. Keep it short and to the facts. Don’t admit to anything. Parking tickets do not count. (For moving violation(s) just write YES, “Refer to my DMV LIFETIME ABSTRACT”).
• Arrest: If you were ever arrested, indicted or summonsed (other than parking violations) for any reason you must answer “Yes” to that question and submit a certificate of disposition showing the offense and the disposition. Also, you must submit a detailed statement describing the circumstances surrounding each arrest. YOU MUST DO THIS EVEN IF: the case was dismissed, the record sealed, or the case nullified by operation of law. The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services will report to us every instance involving the arrest of an applicant. DO NOT rely on anyone’s representation that you need not list a previous arrest because it was sealed. If you were ever convicted or pleaded guilty to a felony, or a serious offense as defined in Penal Law Section 265.00(17), an original Certificate of Relief from Disabilities must be submitted.
• Summons Information: If you have received a summons for anything other than a parking violation you must answer Yes to that question. You must list the violation and disposition for each summons received. Dispositions for criminal summons can be obtained at your local county clerk where you were arrested or summoned.
• Order of Protection: If you have ever had an Order of Protection or Restraining Order issued against you, or issued on your behalf against anyone, you must list the following information: Court of Issuance; Complainant’s or Respondent/Defendant’s name, including address and phone number; Complainant’s or Respondent/ Defendant’s relationship to you; Reason for issuance of Order of Protection or Restraining Order.

STEP 2: “The Application”

Do this only once you have everything ready.

THE APPLICATION – ALL ONLINE:

You will need to go to https://licensing.nypdonline.org/app-instruction/

• REGISTER (unless you already have an account, Log In and skip this step).
  

You will need to enter your email address and your Social Security #.

Check your email and verify your email address that the NYPD sent you to verify. If you didn’t get it, check your spam/junk folder.

• Under the APPLICATIONS select START NEW.
  
• Answer No to “is this renewing an existing license” and press START
  
• From the Drop-Down menu select CONCEALED CARRY. (or RIFLE/SHOTGUN).
  
• Fill out the application, there are many steps (17), (don’t get discouraged) and many questions are Yes or No.
  

If you read through and prepared all the required documents and information listed from above of this guide, you will be able to breeze through the process.

ARE YOU STUCK, OR COULDN‘T FINISH THE APPLICATION?

Please note, you can always stop in the middle and resume your application at a later time. You simply login again into the NYPD Portal, and select the Pending Applications and click on that application to continue.

If you get stuck, and have questions, I strongly suggest to review the FAQ Section of this website, as many of your questions have been addressed and you will find your answers there. If you have a question that has not been addressed yet, please contact me here and I will get back to you.

For the Questions that you need to provide statements:

• For STEP 7 and STEP 12: Provide a statement/How are you going to store your gun when not in use? you can state:
• “In a locked, secured safe, unloaded with a trigger lock with the ammo stored separately.”
  
• For STEP 12: Familiarity with Penal Laws 35/265/400 AND FOR THE QUESTIONS Provide a statement indicating that the applicant has been trained (or will receive training) in the use and safety of a handgun (rifle/shotgun): you can state:
• If you already took the course: "I have read and understand and will follow all the laws and reviewed them during my 18-hour training class."
  
• If you haven‘t yet taken the course: "I have and will read and understand and will follow all the laws and review them during my 18-hour training class."
  
• For STEP 12: for all the questions that begin with: Carry Guard/Security License Applicants.... you should state:
• “N/A”.
  
• For CONFIDENTIALITY REQUEST –
• Choose option 4. and state:
  
• “I have reason to believe that I may be subject to unwarranted harassment upon disclosure.”
  
• Then select option “A” I want this Confidentiality Request form to apply to any and all of my NYC handgun license applications and licenses.

• For When do you feel that you have a right to use your firearm? (On the Interview Questionnaire) - you can state:
  
• "When unable to retreat to a safe location, when being faced with deadly force and fear of imminent death or serious bodily harm to myself or to my loved ones."

ON THE STEP THAT YOU NEED TO AFFIRM/AGREE TO ALL THE STATEMENTS & ANSWER IF YOU RECEIVED ANY HELP FILING OUT THE APPLICATION:

Towards the end of the application - (part 14 on the Rifle/Shotgun and part 16 on the Concealed Carry), right before you are prompted to pay, you will need to put in your INITIALS by every statement, and press the TAB BUTTON or with the mouse place it in the next box on the left - it will place a grayed out CHECK in the box next to each statement.

- Many people experience an error on this page, because they were using a mobile device or an outdated version of their browser. I recommend to use a desktop computer or laptop.

STEP 3: “The Forms”

The links to the PDF Documents:

Upon selecting a link, a new tab will open with a PDF document. Proceed to save the PDF and use Adobe Acrobat to complete all the relevant fields. Afterward, print the document and sign it. If necessary, notarize the document. Finally, scan the signed document and save it on your computer, ready to upload onto the NYPD portal.

• The Affidavit of Co-Habitant form - Requires to be Notarized (unless you LIVE ALONE).
  

• The Acknowledgment Safeguard Form *
  

• The Affirmations- Penal Law Article 35, Article 265 & Article 400 Form **
  

• The Affidavit of the Familiarity Rules Form - Requires to be Notarized. **
  

• The Interview Questionnaire from NYPD ***
  

• The Checklist the NYPD Investigator will send you of what you are missing
  

• The NYPD Purchase Authorization Form
  

• The NYPD Affidavit of Character Reference Form
  

* This form does not need to be notarized. It requires a WITNESS, not a notary.

** Might not be required, depending on the investigator - but I recommend to upload it.

*** This form should be submitted once you were scheduled for your fingerprinting.

On the File Uploads page, many documents/IDs have their own unique upload button. For the other required documents - there is the “Additional Documents” upload button.

You can upload only one file/document at a time.

Do this for all OTHER required items, including: The Lifetime DMV Abstract, the 4 Character References, your Social Security Card, the Interview Questionnaire, Safeguard Agreement Form, etc. (basically all other items that don’t have a dedicated upload field/button.

The Application Fees:

The final step (part 17) of this online application process is the payment. You will get redirected to the NYC PAY portal. I recommend to Pay By Credit Card to get instant confirmation. If you choose to pay by check, it can take 10 business days or more for the payment to clear which will delay your application.

Many people get confused by this part. On the payment page, the form has on the top TABS, one for payment by CHECK and one by CREDIT CARD.

The Concealed Carry fee is $340.00 (plus $6.80 for the credit card service fee), and it’s $140.00 (plus $2.80 credit card service fee) for the Rifle/Shotgun.

PLEASE NOTE: It seems like a bug in the portal’s website, that the payment page won’t work on a mobile phone and/or an ipad.

Use a desktop computer or laptop. To get from the NYPD portal to the payment page, it requires you to click on a pop-up to ‘accept’ and it will automatically download a warning “NYS requirement” page; on a cellphone and/or tablet like an iPad, it will not work.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS TO UPLOAD:

If you haven’t uploaded all the required documents and IDs, you may do so after submitting.

After you have completed and submitted your on-line application, you may be required to upload additional documents. You can upload these additional documents as follows: Log in to the portal. Click on “Submitted.” Click on your application number. Follow the upload instructions as indicated below.

You can upload only one file/document at a time.

Do this for all OTHER required items, including: The Lifetime DMV Abstract, the 4 Character References, your Social Security Card, the Interview Questionnaire, etc. (basically all other items that don’t have a dedicated upload field/button.

The Character References should include all the following (if not using the ‘affidavit of character reference’ form):

·Date of letter.

·Name, Address, Phone, Email Address of the person writing the Reference. (MUST be a USA Citizen - Not from a relative).

·The number of years they have known you. (Needs to be a minimum of 5 years).

·It should include a statement like 'the applicant has a good moral character etc.' And a personal statement about the applicant.

·Should be signed and notarized.

Some investigators reach out to the references to verify, others don't. You will need 4 of these, can be uploaded in one PDF (4 pages).

COPY/PASTE THE FOLLOWING INTO A WORD DOCUMENT:

[date]

NYPD Gun Licensing Division

1 Police Plaza

Room 110A

New York, NY

RE: Character Reference for [applicants name]

To Whom It May Concern.

I have personally known [name of applicant] who resides at [complete address of the applicant] for [number of] years. He/she is of good moral character and an upstanding citizen and should be provided with their concealed carry license from the NYPD. He/she can be trusted with such responsibility. [Another personal statement regarding the applicant]. I can be reached at [cell phone number], or via email at [email address] or by the mailing address below my signature.

Sincerely,

[person writing this letter - signature]

[person writing this letter - name]

[person writing this letter - address]

[person writing this letter - city, state, zip]

NOTARY

State of New York }

County of [County] }

On the ______ day of ___________ in the year 202___

___________________________________________

Notary Signature / Stamp

Did you receive a Fingerprinting appointment from 1pp that‘s more than 6 months from now? or, been waiting more than 6 months from sumbitting your application and waiting for an approval?

This announcement is towards any applicant who either:

• Has received an appointment from 1PP for their Fingerprinting Appointment which is more than 6 months from the date of their Submitted and Paid.
  
• Has been more than 6 months from the date of their Submitted and Paid application(s) and it still shows "Submitted" or "Investigation" with no movement or contact from an Investigator.
  

We are excited to announce that 2A613.com has teamed up with an attorney who will submit on your behalf a letter to the NYPD Gun Licensing Unit.

This letter and method has proven to get applicants their Fingerprinting Appointment moved up by a few months.

And for those that have been sitting in limbo for months without any word from an Investigator got their applications approved within a few hours or days later.

Attorneys usually charge between $500.00 to $1,000.00 plus for this service. This attorney is willing to do this SPECIAL for the 2A 613 Community at a steep discounted rate of only $250.00 (non-negotiable to be paid directly to the attorney).

If you are interested and are a candidate for this service, please send an email to: founder@2a613.com

Please include ALL the following information: if you do not include ALL the following, your email request will be ignored.

-Your Full Name

-Your complete Address, City, State, Zip

-The DATE that your SUBMITTED your Application(s) along with a screenshot of NYPD portal showing your current status. And attach the following: print to pdf the email confirmation that you received from the NYPD.

-The DATE the payment was completed. And attach the following: print to pdf the email confirmation of the receipt from the NYC PAY.

-Date of your Fingerprinting Appointment and Which office (1PP or Queens). And attach the following: print to pdf that email from the NYPD.

-Your Cell Phone Number.

-The name of the Investigator (if you know who it is). And if you had any communications with them. Dates, and what was discussed.

-Confirmation that you uploaded everything, including: the 4 Character References notarized, the 18 Hour Training Certificate, the Lifetime DMV Abstract, your Social Security Card, and ALL other required IDs and Forms, including the Interview Questionnaire.

-Any other details that you feel that you would like to share.

This is helpful for anyone that currently has a 'Premise' either Business or Residence license and applied for the Concealed Carry License.

Upon approval, the NYPD will not mail your card, they will mail you an approval letter with instructions that you have to purchase a new gun and email them pictures of the new gun and receipt. After a few days (which can take sometimes longer) they will issue you your new Concealed Carry card in the mail. This process can take from a week to a month or more.

To speed up the process, you can request from them to 'share' an existing gun that you have on your Premise License with your new Concealed Carry license upon approval.

Keep in mind that currently they only allow up to 2 guns on your Concealed Carry license.

This form is a simple form that you can use and upload it on the portal as an 'Additional Document' and notify your investigator, and he/she will have the card mailed out to you upon approval of your application.

IMO, we wait long enough for this lengthy and unconstitutional process, there shouldn't be another extensive delay.

(edit: 9/6/2023 - some individuals were informed by their investigator that this form needs to be notarized. My investigator didn’t.)

Sample of the Sharing a Gun Form:

[Date]

NYPD Gun Licensing Division

1 Police Plaza

New York, NY

RE: Concealed Carry Application Number: ___________________

To Whom It May Concern.

I’d like to hereby request to ‘share’ my existing pistol that I currently own on my Premise License # _____________________ with my Concealed Carry License upon approval.

Which is as follows: Manufacture: ____________ Model: ____________ Serial Number: ____________ Caliber: ____________

I can be reached by cell phone _____________ or email _______________________________

Respectfully Yours,

[Your Signature]

[Your Full Name]

[Your Address]

[Your City] , NY [Your Zip Code]

Fingerprinting:

If this is your first time, you will need to pay $88.25 – this is paid when you go down to the NYPD either in the Queens office or at 1 Police Plaza by appointment, which they will schedule via email.

It can take from a month to 6-8 months for them to schedule you for an appointment.

As stated earlier, file for the Rifle/Shotgun Application as well, it will get you approved and the fingerprint appointment much quicker.

The Fingerprinting Appointment:

The NYPD will call/email you to schedule an appointment for your fingerprinting. When you come for your Fingerprinting appointment, you will need to bring with you:

Current Driver’s License, Social Security Card, Your proof of Citizenship (i.e. valid passport or birth certificate), Your form of payment (either debit/credit card Visa or MasterCard only or money order) of $88.25

Keep in mind that all payments to the NYPD licensing are non-refundable.

The Interview Process:

(edit 9/4/2023: The NYPD began interviewing again, some investigators will have you come in person to fill out the Interview Questionnaire - therefore the following may not be accurate): There are no longer in-person interviews. The NYPD will email you an Interview Questionnaire which you will fill out and upload it to your application on the portal.

This questionnaire can be filled out prior to them sending it to you. Many applicants said that their application was processed quicker because they filled out theirs and uploaded it prior to the assigned investigator emailed it to them to do.

Contacting the NYPD Gun Unit: -

Be respectful - they are usually very accommodating & understanding.

You can always try your luck with these phone numbers - (call in the morning, before 10am): 646-610-5153 or 646-610-6420 or 646-610-6405

On the portal of the NYPD, there is a CONTACT page. There is a directory of phone numbers and emails. It is like most government offices, their phone numbers are almost never answered, and when you do get lucky, the operator that answers the phone will transfer you to a voice mail or inform you that they are overwhelmed and will eventually get to your application.

The quickest way in my experience was to send them an email. Do not copy/paste the email address from the portal to the TO field in your email. For some reason, it will bounce back, be undeliverable. Rather, copy/paste the email address into a notepad file and then copy/paste it into the TO field of your email application.

Include in the SUBJECT line your application #. Be polite, professional and ask your questions and concerns. At the end your email, end with a statement similar to “I understand that your office is overwhelmed and trying your best to help everyone, however, I have been waiting already x amount of months and I still didn’t get an update from the department”.

I created this website to help the 2A 613 community at no charge to navigate the twisted, unconstitutional application process. The only fees you will be paying is for to the NYPD.

I understand that for some it can be overwhelming.

FULL SERVICE APPLICATION PREP:

Due to popular demand: If you need assistance with this process, feel free to contact for a consultation:

• Review your needs & your unique circumstances.
  
• Advise on what the best approach to take.
• Assist with all the paperwork, including the Notary Services.
• Schedule you for the 18-hour training.
• Walk you through step by step till the finish line.

It‘s a complete White-Glove Service Package.

This is not a free service. I created this website to help everyone that can follow the instructions to do it on their own for free. If you are overwhelmed and need a white-glove approach, I can help.

Be advised, I am getting many requests and trying to respond to each and everyone, please be patient. I will get back to you. Thank you!

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!

We are planning in the near future to invite the prominent Second Amendment attorney serving New York for over 30 years and a gun owner, Mr. Peter (.שרגא פ) Tilem to Brooklyn for a Q&A meetup with our members. This unique event will not be open to public and pre-registration will be required.

With his intimate knowledge and expertise pertaining to criminal law and the 2nd Amendment in the City and State of New York, you will not want to miss it.

As soon as we finalize the details, we will send out an email to everyone that signed up to our mailing list. If you haven’t signed up yet, please do so now and take a short survey.

Sign up and share this message with your 2A friends who will appreciate it: https://nytacdefense.com/sign-up/

Special to our community:

USE COUPON CODE: 2A613 to receive 10% OFF at sign up.

10% off all levels except silver annual which is already highly discounted.

The Silver annual goes down to $370 with our coupon code.

JOIN THE 2a 613

Periodically i will send out updates - useful to our community

Take a quick survey.

We will send you periodically emails. We NEVER sell your information to any 3rd parties.

Depending on the feedback received, I will continuously add more content to this website.

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