Guns Require Permit in NYC, Aren't Illegal

Misbar has discovered that the state of New York imposes some of the strictest gun laws in the country. According to NY1.com, the law requires New Yorkers applying for a license to carry a concealed handgun in public to show they have “proper cause,” or in other words, a special need for self-protection. New York prohibits the possession of a “loaded” handgun outside of the home or place of business without a license. 

Additionally, New York City has their own handgun rules. While a concealed carry in New York State is only legal with a New York Pistol License (NYPL), a NYPL is not valid in the five counties that make up New York City. Possession of handguns, rifles, or shotguns in New York City requires a license or a permit issued by the NYPD License Division. No handguns can be taken into the city unless New York City has validated the license. In order to get a concealed carry permit for a handgun in New York City, you must apply for a license and meet the following requirements: 

However, the U.S. Supreme Court is likely to overturn at least part of New York’s gun law. Earlier this week, the Supreme Court announced that it would hear New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Corlett. The case is a challenge to a strictly enforced state law that requires a showing of “proper cause” before people can obtain a license to carry a firearm outside of the home. While the case will decide if other states and the federal government have the right to impose stringent gun control laws, it is uncertain what impact this case will have on the specific New York City gun laws. What is certain is that the number of New York City residents applying for gun licensing is on the rise. The NYPD reported applications to get a gun license nearly doubled in 2020 from the year before according to NY1.com.  

While the gun laws in New York City are some of the strictest in the nation, it is still possible to get a gun license in the city.