§ 5-05 Application Form.
RCNY § 5-05
An applicant for a license pursuant to this chapter must meet with a licensing officer in the License Division for an interview and must also provide the documents listed in this section. At the time of such applicant's interview, the applicant will be advised whether any additional forms or documents are required. Failure to provide the information requested may result in the disapproval of the application.
(a)The application form will be available online and shall be completely filled out and submitted electronically via the License Division's online application portal.
(b)The applicant shall upload the items listed below which are applicable, at the time they complete and submit their application. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Upon the License Division's request, applicants shall also make the originals of all documents, certificates, licenses, etc., available to the License Division for inspection. A copy certified by the issuing agency as true and complete is also acceptable. Originals and certified copies shall be returned. The application shall not be accepted or processed without the required fee payments described in paragraph (12) of this subdivision.
(1)Photograph. One (1) color photograph of the applicant taken within the past thirty (30) days. The photograph must be in a square aspect ratio with minimum acceptable dimensions of 600 x 600 pixels and maximum acceptable dimensions of 1200 x 1200 pixels and must show applicant from the chest up. The wearing of any article of clothing or adornment that obscures identification is not acceptable.
(2)Birth certificate. If there is no record of the applicant's birth on file with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Office of Vital Statistics, some other proof of applicant’s birth date, e.g., a military record, U.S. passport or baptismal certificate, shall be submitted.
(3)Proof of citizenship / alien registration. If the applicant was born outside the United States, they shall submit their naturalization papers or evidence of citizenship if derived from their parents. Additionally, applicants who are non-citizens and have resided in the United States for less than seven (7) years shall submit a good conduct certificate, or the equivalent thereof, from their country of origin and two (2) letters of reference which identify the writer's relationship to the applicant and which certify to the good character of the applicant, provided that such letters shall not be required for carry license and special-carry license applicants otherwise required to submit character references pursuant to 38 RCNY § 5-03. Inability to provide the documents mentioned in this paragraph shall not operate as an absolute bar to issuance of a handgun license.
(4)Military discharge. If the applicant served in the armed forces of the United States, they shall submit their separation papers (DD 214) and their discharge papers.
(5)Proof of residence. The applicant shall submit proof of their present address. Proof may consist of one of the following, but is not limited to: a real estate tax bill, a copy of a lease indicating ownership shares in a cooperative or condominium or a current residential lease. The License Division may request further documentation, e.g., a Driver's License, Income Tax Return, a current utility bill, etc.
(6)Arrest information. If the applicant was ever arrested for any reason they shall submit a Certificate of Disposition showing the offense and disposition of the charges. Also, the applicant shall submit a detailed statement describing the circumstances surrounding each arrest. This statement shall be affirmed in writing. The applicant shall 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 shall report to the Police Department every instance involving the arrest of an applicant. The applicant shall not rely on anyone's representation that they need not list a previous arrest. If they were ever convicted or pleaded guilty to a felony or a serious offense, as defined in New York State Penal Law § 265.00(17), an original, signed Certificate of Relief from Disabilities shall be submitted.
(7)Proof of business ownership. If the applicant is making application for a license in connection with a business, they shall submit proof of ownership for that business. Such proof shall clearly state the name(s) of the owner(s), or, if a corporation, the name(s) of the corporate officer(s). A corporation shall submit its corporate book to include Filing Receipt, Certificate of Incorporation and minutes of the corporate meeting reflecting current corporate officers; others shall provide their business certificate or partnership agreement, whichever is applicable. If the business requires a license or permit from any government agency, e.g., alcohol or firearms sales, gunsmith, private investigation and guard agencies, they shall submit the license or permit or a certified copy thereof.
(8)References. The applicant must submit a minimum of two (2) character references who can attest to the applicant's good moral character and that the applicant has not engaged in any act or made any statement that suggests the applicant is likely to engage in conduct that would result in harm to themself or others. These references must be non-family members. The requirement set forth in this paragraph does not apply to applicants for carry and special carry licenses, who must submit character references in accordance with 38 RCNY § 5-03.
(9)Contact information. The applicant must submit names and contact information for their current spouse or domestic partner, and any other adults residing in the applicant's home, including any adult children of the applicant. The applicant must also indicate whether a minor resides, either full-time or part-time, in the applicant's home.
(10)Applicants shall also submit via the online application portal all currently held firearm licenses.
(11)The applicant must maintain and provide to the License Division a functional email address to serve as the applicant's primary means of communication with the License Division.
(12)A “Lifetime Department of Motor Vehicle Abstract” or equivalent, for every State in which applicant has been a resident in the five (5) years preceding the date of their application.
(13)Upon application, required fees are payable to the New York City Police Department and the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. Fees to the New York City Police Department shall be paid by certified bank check or United States Postal Service money order made payable to the N.Y.C. Police Department. Fees may also be paid via the online application portal by credit card or e-check. Note: The fee payable to N.Y.S. Division of Criminal Justice Services applies to all applicants. These fees shall be paid separately. Only U.S. Postal Service or bank drawn money orders, certified bank checks, credit or debit cards shall be accepted. If the applicant has any questions concerning their application, the applicant may email [email protected]. Applications shall be submitted via the online application portal. The License Division is closed on all legal holidays. All fees are non-refundable.
(14)Every applicant must appear for fingerprinting at the License Division, at an appointment time designated by the License Division. Fingerprint “fee waivers” will be provided to applicants whose prints are already on file with the License Division.
(c)An applicant applying for a renewal of their license must submit the items listed in subdivision (b), except that the references requirement set forth in paragraph (8) shall not apply. (Amended City Record 12/16/2022, eff. 12/16/2022; amended City Record 12/6/2024, eff. 1/5/2025)
