New York centralizes pistol licensing and possession standards statewide under the Penal Law, leaving little room for local handgun regulation outside New York City's special carve-out.
Penal Law Article 265 defines the offenses of unlawful possession and Article 400 sets the exclusive procedure for handgun licensing through county licensing officers. Localities cannot create their own permit categories, set additional eligibility tests, or ban classes of lawfully possessed firearms beyond what state law authorizes. New York City retains separate licensing authority through the Administrative Code, but other cities, counties, and towns must follow the state framework. The SAFE Act of 2013 added uniform standards for assault weapons and magazine capacity that apply statewide.
Possession of an unlicensed handgun is a class E felony; criminal possession of an assault weapon is a class D felony with prison exposure.
See how New York's local firearms preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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