Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm
Effective 1/1/25- Pistol License Application fee will be increased from $55.75 to $60.00. Payments methods accepted are cash, credit card (no American Express), Money Order or Cashier’s Check.
Effective 2/21/24 – Changes to the Onondaga County Pistol License Application and Instructions for scheduling/dropping off applications have been made. We will no longer be accepting online booking through our website for appointments. Please review all new instructions carefully and make sure to have the most recent application when applying for a NYS Pistol License.
Effective 2/6/23 – The pistol license office will again be open to the public for walk in amendment processing and pre-scheduled new application appointments. We will continue to accept mailed in amendments for anyone who prefers to use this service. Processing fees that were temporarily waived, will return on 2/6/23. All mailed in amendments will need to have $3 exact change (cash only) in order to be processed. Please see the FAQ’s below for specific instructions related to different transactions.
Effective 9/1/22 – NYS made changes to the PPB-3 form within the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Pistol License Application. Please make sure you have the most recent copy completed when scheduling/turning in your application. Applications can be found under “Downloadable Forms”.
Effective 9/1/22 – NYS now requires you to complete the NYS DCJS Minimum Standards 18 hour Concealed Carry Firearm Safety Training in order to apply for a “Carry Concealed” permit. Anyone who does not wish to take this training or get a “Carry Concealed” permit, will be required to take the 4 hour Basic Handgun Safety Course to apply for a “Possess on Premises” permit. Please see a list of acceptable instructors below under “Downloadable Forms”.
For further inquiries, please email PistolLicenseUnit@ongov.net
- Downloadable Forms
NYS Pistol License Application
Arrest Information Supplemental Form
Character Reference Supplemental Form
Character Reference Form
Basic Safety/Carry Concealed Certified Instructor List
Rules and Regulations
NYS Firearms License Amendment Form
NYS Gunsmith – Dealer License Application
- Additional Information
SAFE Act | NYS Pistol Permit Re-Certification | Pistol Permit Disqualifications
NYS Troopers | Firearm Storage Warning | Restricted Locations | Sensitive Locations
FAQs
1) Paper License holders
Fill out the Application for a Duplicate License form.
Forward the completed form to the Pistol License Unit via any of the following ways:
Email: PistolLicenseUnit@ongov.net
Fax: (315) 435-3043
USPS or in person:
Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office
Attn: Pistol License Unit
407 South State Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
Once the paperwork is received, you will be contacted to set up an appointment. Duplicates can take a minimum of 2 weeks to process from receipt of the request and the associated paperwork and the appointment date. If it is a larger file then more time will be required to process the request.
2) Blue overlay plastic card holders
Blue overlay plastic cards (State of New York, County of Onondaga – will be in blue) will need to be updated to a newer plastic card before any transaction can be done.
An appointment is not necessary, but you will be required to come into the office to get this updated. You will need to bring your permit and completed amendment form (if any changes are being made to your permit).
Any blue card permits received via mail will be returned to sender as we are unable to process via mail.
3) Acquiring a Weapon
In Person –
Please come to the office with your permit, bill of sale (must state paid in full), completed amendment form, and $3 fee.
By Mail-
Issued Pistol License card of the holder (not a copy); please maintain a copy for your records.
Copy of Receipt from the Federal Firearms Licensed Dealer, the receipt MUST state “Paid in Full”.
Completed amendment form – including signature (see form below – ALL HIGHLIGHTED areas are required items).
Self-addressed/stamped envelope to return new license and coupon to the Licensee.
Mail to: Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, Attn: Pistol License Unit, 407 S. State Street Syracuse, NY 13202. $3 fee is required – exact change only.
4) Adding Joint Use
Joint Use of a weapon is allowed ONLY if you are an immediate family member living in the same household and can only be between two (2) individuals. Immediate family members are spouses, parents, children/step children and siblings/step siblings ONLY.
Both licenses MUST have been issued by the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office – Pistol License Unit. If you have different last names, you must provide proof of relationship (i.e. Birth Certificate, or Marriage Certificate). Addresses on both licenses MUST be the same/match.
In the event a separation occurs between the Joint Use individuals (i.e. Divorce, child moves out, etc.), the Joint Use must be dissolved between parties and the weapon belongs to the original owner, NOT the individual who has Joint Use. (See Removing Joint Use.)
In Person –
Please come to the office with your permit, joint use form, completed amendment form, NYS NICS check questionnaire, and $3 fee/per person. Please note, joint use form must be notarized if primary owner is not with you.
By Mail-
Issued Pistol License card of the person adding the weapon onto their license as Joint Use (please keep a copy for your records).
Completed amendment form including signature of person acquiring the weapon as Joint Use, (see form below - ALL HIGHLIGHTED areas are required items). When filling out line 4 on the amendment form (weapon acquired from) list the original owner’s name and address, NOT where the weapon was purchased from.
Completed Handgun Affidavit – Joint Use form, the form must be filled out by the original owner of the weapon and notarized.
Completed NYS NICS Check Questionnaire, completed by person acquiring the weapon as Joint Use.
Self-addressed/stamped envelope to return new license to Licensee.
Mail to: Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, Attn: Pistol License Unit, 407 S. State Street Syracuse, NY 13202. $3 fee/per person is required – exact change only.
5) Disposing a Weapon
If the weapon being disposed was Joint Use with another Onondaga County License holder then both Onondaga County Licensees MUST follow the directions below.
In Person –
Please come to the office with your permit, bill of sale, completed amendment form, and $3 fee.
By Mail-
Issued Pistol License card of the holder (not a copy); please maintain a copy for your records.
Copy of Receipt from the Federal Firearms Licensed Dealer.
Completed amendment form - including signature (see form below - ALL HIGHLIGHTED areas are required items).
Self-addressed/stamped envelope to return new license to Licensee
Mail to: Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, Attn: Pistol License Unit, 407 S. State Street Syracuse, NY 13202. $3 fee is required – exact change only.
6) Removing Joint Use
Joint Use removal must be done within 10 days that the separation occurs (ex. divorce, child moves out, etc.)
In Person –
Please come to the office with your permits, Handgun Affidavit – Removing Joint Use, completed amendment forms, and $3 fee/per person.
By Mail-
Issued Pistol License card of the person disposing (not a copy); please keep a copy for your records.
Completed amendment form, including signature, of the person disposing the weapon (see form below - ALL HIGHLIGHTED areas are required items). When filling out line 5 of the amendment form (weapon disposed from) list the original owner’s name and address.
Completed Handgun Affidavit – Removing Joint Use, the form must be filled out and signed by both parties and notarized.
Self-addressed/stamped envelope to return new license to Licensee.
Mail to: Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, Attn: Pistol License Unit, 407 S. State Street Syracuse, NY 13202. $3 fee is required – exact change only.
7) Address Change - within Onondaga County
Address changes must be done within 10 days of moving.
In Person –
Please come to the office with your permit, completed amendment form, copy of your updated NYS Driver’s License/NYS Non-Driver’s ID or copy of address change from DMV website, and $3 fee.
By Mail-
Issued Pistol License card of the holder (not a copy); please maintain a copy for your records.
Copy of your updated NYS Driver’s License/NYS Non-Driver’s ID or copy of address change from DMV website.
Completed amendment form - including signature (see form below - ALL HIGHLIGHTED areas are required items). The physical address listed in the top section on the form is your OLD address. New physical address gets put on line 2, new mailing on line 3 (if different).
Self-addressed/stamped envelope to return new license to Licensee.
Mail to: Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, Attn: Pistol License Unit, 407 S. State Street Syracuse, NY 13202. $3 fee is required – exact change only.
8) Upgrade to Carry Concealed
Permits issued PRIOR to 9/1/2022
In Person –
Please come to the office with your permit, completed amendment form, and $3 fee.
By Mail -
Issued Pistol License card of the holder (not a copy); please maintain a copy for your records.
Completed amendment form - including signature (see form below – ALL HIGHLIGHTED areas are required items).
Self-addressed/stamped envelope to return new license to the Licensee.
Mail to: Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, Attn: Pistol License Unit, 407 S. State Street Syracuse, NY 13202. $3 fee is required – exact change only.
Permits issued ON OR AFTER 9/1/22 must complete the 18 hour Concealed Carry Firearm Safety Training. Please see a complete list of instructors under “Downloadable Forms”.
In Person –
Please come to the office with a copy of your 18 hour training course certificate, completed Carry Concealed form, and questionnaire (see forms below).
Once approved, paperwork and instructions will be sent to you via mail to complete the process. $3 fee will be required upon approval.
By Mail -
Please send a copy of your 18 hour training course certificate, completed Carry Concealed form, and questionnaire (see forms below).
Mail to: Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, Attn: Pistol License Unit, 407 S. State Street Syracuse, NY 13202. $3 fee will be required upon approval.
Once approved, paperwork and instructions will be sent to you via mail to complete the process.
9) Address Change (out of County) & Transferring out of County
When you move to a new address outside of Onondaga County, you MUST transfer your permit to the new County. You have 10 days to change your address and request transfer.
In Person -
Please come to the office with your permit, transfer request form, amendment form, and $8 fee ($5 transfer fee, $3 amendment fee - Cash/Credit Card/or Money Order accepted).
By Mail –
Issued Pistol License Card of the holder (not a copy); please maintain a copy for your records.
Completed Transfer Request form
Completed amendment form - including address (see form below - ALL HIGHLIGHTED areas are required items).
$8 fee ($5 transfer fee, $3 amendment fee - Cash/Check/or Money Order accepted).
Self-addressed/stamped envelope to return new license to Licensee.
Mail to: Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, Attn: Pistol License Unit, 407 S. State Street Syracuse, NY 13202.
Once all paperwork is processed, your Pistol License file will be sent certified mail to your new county of residence. Please note you will also need to complete a transfer in process with the new county. Fees will not be collected for your new County.
10) Lost/Stolen License
If your license was stolen, please provide a copy of the associated police report, law enforcement agency, and case number.
Pistol License cards with a red overlay (the following will be in red: Lic#, Licensee’s Name, & the word “RESTRICTIONS) are able to process this request via USPS mail or in person at the Pistol License Unit window. You will need a copy of your Driver’s License or Non- Driver’s ID, a written statement of what happened to your license, and $3 fee.
Mailed requests should forward the same paperwork to the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, Attn: Pistol License Unit, 407 S. State Street Syracuse, NY 13202. Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of your license along with the required $3 fee – exact change only.
Pistol License cards with a blue overlay (the following will be in blue: State of New York, Onondaga County) will only be able to replace the license by coming into the office. Any requests sent in via mail, will be returned to sender. Please bring your Driver’s License or Non-Driver’s ID, a written statement of what happened to your license, and any associated police reports.
Green paper license holders will need to set up an appointment to replace the lost/stolen license. Please refer back to FAQ #1 - “Paper License holders” to complete the necessary paperwork.
11) Private Sale Transfer - Immediate Family ONLY
Private sales are only allowed between immediate family members. Immediate family members are spouses, parents, children/step children and siblings/step siblings ONLY. If you have different last names, you must provide proof of relationship (i.e. Birth Certificate, or Marriage Certificate).
In Person – both buyer and seller must be present for the transaction. See required documents/items below. $3 fee/per person is required.
Seller:
Pistol License
Completed amendment form (see form below - ALL HIGHLIGHTED areas are required items).
Completed Handgun Sale Affidavit
Buyer:
Pistol License
Completed amendment form (see form below - ALL HIGHLIGHTED areas are required items).
Completed NYS NICS Check Questionnaire
By Mail - All items for the buyer and seller must be mailed in together to be processed. Permits will be mailed out separately in the appropriate self-addressed/stamped envelopes sent in. $3 fee/per person is required – exact change only.
Seller:
Issued Pistol License card of the holder (not a copy); please maintain a copy for your records.
Completed amendment form - including signature (see form below - ALL HIGHLIGHTED areas are required items).
Completed Handgun Sale Affidavit (This form must be notarized).
Self-addressed/stamped envelope to return new license to Licensee.
Buyer:
Issued Pistol License card of the holder (not a copy); please maintain a copy for your records.
Completed amendment form - including signature, (see form below - ALL HIGHLIGHTED areas are required items).
Completed NYS NICS Check Questionnaire
Self-addressed/stamped envelope to return new license to Licensee.
Mail to: Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, Attn: Pistol License Unit, 407 S. State Street Syracuse, NY 13202.
**These same steps can be used to purchase a weapon from an immediate family member from another County and be done either in person or by mail. We will need a copy of the family members permit along with all other documentation. However, we will only process paperwork for our County holders, disposal will need to be completed with their issuing County.**
12) Deceased - How to close their file
When an individual passes away, all weapons on the permit must be accounted for and the Pistol License Unit must be notified to process the proper paperwork for New York State.
If there are NO weapons listed on the permit, the following must be sent to the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office either by mail or dropped off in person.
Pistol License of the deceased (if available)
Copy of the Death Certificate
Contact information for individual responsible for closing the file out in case any issues arise or more information is needed.
Mail to: Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, Attn: Pistol License Unit, 407 S. State Street Syracuse, NY 13202.
If there ARE weapons listed on the permit, the following must be sent to the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office either by mail or dropped off in person.
Pistol License of the deceased (if available)
Copy of the Death Certificate
Contact information for individual responsible for closing the file out in case any issues arise or more information is needed.
Copy of the Federal Firearms License (FFL) Dealer receipt showing the weapons are turned into a dealer or a copy of the Property Receipt if the weapons were turned into a law enforcement agency.
If the executer/responsible party of the estate is not comfortable transporting weapons to a Federal Firearms License Dealer (FFL), please either contact the Sheriff’s Non-Emergency at (315) 425-2111 or your local law enforcement agency to schedule pick up/removal of weapons for safekeeping.
Mail to: Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, Attn: Pistol License Unit, 407 S. State Street Syracuse, NY 13202.
13) Acquiring Weapons from a Deceased Person - Immediate Family ONLY
To acquire a weapon from a deceased immediate family member without going through a Federal Firearms License (FFL) Dealer, the person MUST be an immediate family member to the deceased and have ALL of the required documentation/rights to the weapons.
Immediate family members are spouses, parents, children/step children and siblings/step siblings ONLY. If you have different last names, you must provide proof of relationship (i.e. Birth Certificate, or Marriage Certificate).
The following items need to be brought to the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office to be processed and to close the file or sent in via USPS mail. $3 fee is required for person acquiring.
Pistol License of the deceased (if available)
Issued Pistol License card of the holder acquiring the weapon (not a copy); please maintain a copy for your records.
Copy of the Death Certificate
A copy of the will OR one of the following items from the Surrogate’s Court
http://ww2.nycourts.gov/courts/5jd/onondaga/surrogate/index.shtml
Letter of Testimony
Letter of Administration
Letter of Representation
A legal document noting the Executor of the Estate
Notarized Handgun sale affidavit, trigger lock must be provided with weapon and indicated on the sale affidavit. This must be completed by Executor of Estate.
Completed amendment form - including signature (see form below - ALL HIGHLIGHTED areas are required items).
Completed amendment for the deceased person filled out by the Executer, (see form below – ALL HIGHLIGHTED areas are required items).
Completed NYS NICS Check Questionnaire
If mailing: You will be required to send exact change for the $3 fee and provide a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of your new license.
If you cannot provide all of the above, see FAQ #14 – “Acquiring Weapons from a Deceased Person – Not Immediate Family”
14) Acquiring Weapons from a Deceased Person - Not Immediate Family
The Executer of the Estate must close out the individual’s Pistol License file.
To Acquire a Weapon from a deceased who is not an immediate family member, it must be done through a Federal Firearms License (FFL) Dealer.
See FAQ #3 – “Acquiring a Weapon” for instructions/paperwork.
15) Acquiring weapons from outside of NYS
All weapons (pistols and/or revolvers) purchased outside of New York state, must be legally sent from a Federal Firearms License Dealer (FFL) to a NYS FFL Dealer. This insures that all the appropriate paperwork has been sent to the NYS Pistol License Bureau. Any weapon brought into NYS without the required FFL Dealer paperwork, MUST be turned into Law Enforcement for clearance prior to being added onto an Onondaga County issued Pistol License.
Once you have all of the required paperwork from the NYS FFL, refer to FAQ #3 – “Acquiring a Weapon”
16) Request for Exemption from Public Records
To have your pistol license file exempt from general public access, please fill out the form linked below, signature and date required.
Forward the completed form to the Pistol License Unit via any of the following ways:
Email: PistolLicenseUnit@ongov.net
Fax: (315) 435-3043
USPS or in Person
Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office
Attn: Pistol License Unit
407 South State Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
17) Adding Semi- Automatic Rifle License
Existing permit holders can add the “Semi-Automatic Rifle” endorsement to their permit at any time. This is now required in order to purchase ANY semi-automatic rifle in the State of NY.
In Person -
Please come to the office with your permit, completed amendment form, and $3 fee.
By Mail-
Issued Pistol License card of the holder (not a copy); please maintain a copy for your records.
Completed amendment form - including signature (see form below - ALL HIGHLIGHTED areas are required items).
Self-addressed/stamped envelope to return new license to Licensee.
Mail to: Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, Attn: Pistol License Unit, 407 S. State Street Syracuse, NY 13202. $3 fee is required – exact change only.
**Anyone wishing to apply for a Semi-Automatic Rifle endorsement who does not currently possess a valid NYS Pistol License will need to apply for one. Full application and instructions can be found under “Downloadable Forms”.**
18) Name Change
This transaction can only be completed in person as they require a new electronic signature on your permit. Any name changes sent in via mail will be returned to sender unprocessed.
Please come to the office with your permit, marriage certificate/divorce decree/or any other legal documentation from the Court, completed amendment form, and $3 fee.