Renewal and recertification
Both the three-year and five-year figures are correct, for different licenses. Concealed carry licenses issued under Penal Law §400.00(2)(f) recertify every three years; all other licenses recertify every five. Separately, licensees in New York City, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester do not recertify with the State Police at all — a New York City license is renewed with the NYPD every three years, on the licensee's birthday.
01Why the three-versus-five confusion exists
Two different things get called the same word. Recertification is a State Police process. Renewal is what your licensing officer — in the five boroughs, the NYPD — requires to keep the license alive. They have different clocks, and New York City licensees are carved out of the first one entirely.
The general rule is that all licensees are recertified to the Division of State Police every five years, except as otherwise provided.
Licenses issued under paragraph (f) of subdivision two — concealed carry licenses — are recertified or renewed in the same form and manner as otherwise required, except that they are recertified or renewed every three years following issuance.
New York State's official guidance confirms that concealed carry permits recertify with the State Police every three years while premises-restricted permits remain on the five-year cycle.
Licensees with a permit issued in New York City, Nassau County, Suffolk County or Westchester County do not recertify with the State Police; they follow the requirements in place in their county.
02New York City
New York City handgun licenses expire not more than three years after issuance, and the City sets its application and renewal fee for a three-year license period.
New York City handgun licenses renew every three years on the licensee's birthday.
A New York City rifle and shotgun permit is valid for three years and is subject to automatic renewal.
Since January 1, 2018 the NYPD License Division accepts only online applications for handgun licenses, rifle and shotgun permits, and renewals.
03Training on renewal
The eighteen-hour training requirement applies to the issuance or renewal of a concealed carry license.
Is New York recertification every three years or five?
Both, depending on the license. Concealed carry licenses under Penal Law §400.00(2)(f) are on a three-year cycle under §400.00(10)(d); other licenses are on the five-year cycle under §400.00(10)(b).
Do NYC licensees recertify with the State Police?
No. New York State's guidance is explicit that licensees in New York City, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester do not recertify with the State Police and instead follow their county's requirements. In the five boroughs that means renewing with the NYPD.
When does my NYC license expire?
New York City handgun licenses run for a three-year term and renew on the licensee's birthday. The rifle and shotgun permit is also a three-year term, subject to automatic renewal.
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