New York handgun license types, explained

Penal Law §400.00(2) · 38 RCNY §5-23Reviewed August 11, 2026

The short answer

New York issues distinct handgun licenses. A premises license authorizes possession at one specified place — a dwelling or a business — and does not authorize carrying in public. The unrestricted concealed carry license under Penal Law §400.00(2)(f) authorizes concealed carry without regard to employment or place of possession, and is the license the Concealed Carry Improvement Act's extra requirements attach to. A license issued elsewhere in New York State is not valid inside New York City without a Special Carry License from the NYPD.

01The state categories

Penal Law §400.00(2)(a) authorizes a premises-residence license — to have and possess a handgun in the licensee's dwelling. Possession is confined to the licensed address.

Primary sourceN.Y. Penal Law §400.00(2)(a)Read the source

Penal Law §400.00(2)(b) authorizes a premises-business license — to have and possess a handgun in the licensee's place of business, as a merchant or storekeeper.

Primary sourceN.Y. Penal Law §400.00(2)(b)Read the source

Penal Law §400.00(2)(f) authorizes an unrestricted license to have and carry a handgun concealed, without regard to employment or place of possession, subject to the restrictions of state and federal law. This is the concealed carry license.

Primary sourceN.Y. Penal Law §400.00(2)(f)Read the source

Penal Law §400.00(2) also provides narrower carry categories for messengers employed by banking institutions or express companies, for specified judges, and for certain correction employees, plus antique-pistol, gunsmith and firearms dealer licenses.

Primary sourceN.Y. Penal Law §400.00(2)(c)–(e), (g)Read the source

A separate semiautomatic rifle license is required to purchase or take possession of a semiautomatic rifle, other than an assault weapon or disguised gun, where the transfer of ownership occurs on or after the effective date of chapter 212 of the laws of 2022.

Primary sourceN.Y. Penal Law §400.00(2), unlettered paragraphRead the source

NoteThis is frequently miscited as §400.00(16-a). Subdivision 16-a is SAFE Act assault-weapon registration, a different thing entirely.

02Why a premises license is not a carry license

This distinction produces more accidental felonies than any other in New York firearm law. A premises licensee who puts a handgun in a bag and takes it somewhere other than an authorized destination is not a licensee with a paperwork problem; they are, on the statute's terms, in unlicensed possession outside the licensed premises.

A premises license does not authorize carrying a handgun in public. It authorizes possession at the licensed location, together with the limited lawful transport New York law permits.

Primary sourceN.Y. Penal Law §400.00Read the source

03The New York City layer

The naming here is a persistent source of confusion. 'Special Carry' is a New York City category — it is what lets a license issued by another New York county function inside the five boroughs. It is not the state's §400.00(2)(f) license, and out-of-state guidance that equates the two is wrong.

A license not otherwise limited as to place or time of possession is effective throughout the state, except that it is not valid within the City of New York unless a special permit granting validity is issued by the New York City police commissioner.

Primary sourceN.Y. Penal Law §400.00(6)Read the source

38 RCNY §5-23 implements that requirement. A Special Carry License is issued to the holder of a valid county carry license under Penal Law §400.00 and permits concealed carry while in New York City. The rule also provides for Premises Licenses (Residence or Business), Carry Licenses, and Carry Guard or Gun Custodian licenses, including a Special Carry Guard license valid only during an active work assignment.

Primary source38 RCNY §5-23Read the source

Common questions

What is the difference between a premises license and a carry license in NYC?

A premises license authorizes possession of a handgun at one specified location — your home or your business — plus limited lawful transport. A carry license under Penal Law §400.00(2)(f) authorizes carrying concealed without regard to place of possession, subject to the sensitive-location and private-property rules.

I have a carry license from another New York county. Can I carry in NYC?

Not on that license alone. Penal Law §400.00(6) provides that a license is not valid within New York City without a special permit from the NYC police commissioner, and 38 RCNY §5-23 implements that as the Special Carry License.

Can I upgrade a premises license to a carry license?

You apply to the NYPD License Division for the carry license, which is a separate license type with its own requirements — including the eighteen-hour training course, four character references, and an in-person interview.

Keep reading

Who qualifiesWho can get a handgun license in New York City

New York requires a handgun license applicant to be at least twenty-one, to be of good moral character, and to be free of a range of statutory disqualifiers — including any felony or 'serious offense' conviction, unlawful controlled substance use, certain involuntary commitments, and a prior license revocation.

TransportTransporting a handgun in New York

New York has no general 'unloaded and locked' transport exemption for handguns — handgun possession requires a New York license.

Next step

Reading the law is step one. Applying is step two.

Our main website turns everything on this page into a tracked application: a personalized document checklist, character-reference invitations, training coordination, and a case file that shows exactly what is outstanding.

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