Frequently Asked Questions | FAQs | American Firearms Training Academy

American Firearms Training Academy Finds People Frequently Ask These Questions:

How Do I Obtain A Pistol Permit/Firearms License In NY?

The firearms license is a state license, however it is issued under the authority of county licensing officers. In New York, applicants must demonstrate some need for a handgun; local officials, typically judges or sheriffs, upon reviewing your application then will decide who can receive a pistol permit and what limitations are placed upon it. To apply for a pistol permit, you must first complete your application and a background check. Be sure to include: two passport quality photos, photocopies of some form of ID specified in application, and three or four character references, all of which will be forwarded to the Chief Court Clerk of your county. A judge will be assigned and will then hold a hearing to discuss the permit applicants reason and motivations for seeking a permit, the applicant’s ability to handle a firearm, and a review of the background check.

After reviewing the application and listening to the applicant’s justification, a judge may grant an applicant a permit with no restrictions allowing them to carry firearms where guns are permitted. A judge may also issue a permit but place a restriction or set limits in line with stated purpose, such as an on-premises only license.

If you would like to apply for a pistol permit in your county, scroll down to Resource By County to find and print the appropriate application for your county.

Permit & License Courses Offered At American Firearms Training Academy In Green Island, NY

At American Firearms Training Academy in Green Island, New York, we provide you with Basic Firearm Safety Training led by NRA/ DCJS Certified Instructors. We serve the NYS Capitol Region and Beyond. Our basic pistol course runs for approximately four hours where attendees will gain a familiarity and working knowledge of different types of pistols, along with teaching the importance of safety, legalities, the penal code, and the Safe Act.

Our New York State Concealed Carry Evaluation Course is designed to aid pistol permit holders who are in the process of petitioning their county to have their restrictions lifted. The course focuses heavily on firearm safety and operation, laws pertaining to firearms, concealed carry techniques and equipment, as well as a live fire qualification course.

Along with the NYS Concealed Carry Evaluation, we offer the Utah Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permit Course allowing applicants to obtain their non-resident concealed carry permit for the state of Utah with reciprocity/ recognition in over 30 states.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned veteran, we provide training for all levels.

The Following Information Is Necessary In Order To Complete The Pistol/Firearms License Application:

Full Name
Date of Birth
Social Security Number

Address
Physical Description

Criminal History
Mental Health History

Character References
A form of identification

Keep In Mind That In The State Of New York, The Following Requirements Need To Be Met In Order To Be Eligible To Apply For A Firearms License:

Must be 21 years of age
Must be a New York State Resident
Have no prior felony or serious offense convictions
Be of good moral character
Have a legally recognized reason for wanting to possess or carry a firearm
Be ready to open the business for which the license is being applied

A person, who is not a resident of New York State but has his/her principal place of business in the State, may apply for a Possess on Premises License within the business’ jurisdiction.

A Possess on Premises License is a license that allows the householder and/or business holder to have a firearm in their home or business.

A person under 21 who has been honorably discharged from military service is eligible to apply for a firearms license.

How Do I Apply For A Concealed Carry License In NY?

The New York Police Department is tasked with reviewing applications for concealed carry permits in the city. A Concealed Carry license allows the gun owner to carry the firearm on their person so long as it is hidden. Candidates must first complete an application form, which will ask for the following information:

Full name
Address
Personal information
Name and contact of character references
Reason for concealed carry application
You must apply in the county in which you live or are principally employed.

- In Upstate New York, you apply to the County Court through the office of the court clerk, county clerk or sheriff.

- In New York City, Nassau County, and most of Suffolk County, you apply to the police commissioner.

- In Eastern Towns of Suffolk County, you apply to the Sheriff.

The NYSAFE Act protects the privacy of pistol license holder. If you do not want your information released publicly, you can notify your County Clerk. You must complete a NYS Firearms License Request for Public Records Exemption form.

Some Additional American Firearms Training Academy Information

Walk-ins are always welcome, while members receive preference on lane placement during busiest times.

You must be a resident of New York and have a New York State county of residence issued Pistol Permit to shoot a pistol on our range. However, you may shoot long guns (either your’ own personal long gun or one of our rentals) in pistol calibers on the range.

The only rifle caliber we allow is .223. You must have taken one of our AR classes and must be a member of American Firearms Training Academy. Shooters must continually demonstrate proficiency with that platform in order to maintain eligibility to shoot their AR on the range. You may only use frangible ammunition purchased from American Firearms Training Academy on the range, no exceptions. Violations of this policy will result in you being asked to leave the range and your membership will be cancelled.

You must be a U.S. citizen with a valid government issued photo ID to use the range.

Children as young as 8 years of age may, with direct parental supervision shoot at the range.

Only one firearm per lane, if multiple lanes and firearms are rented or are in use, the shooters are to switch lanes, not the firearms. The firearm should be left on the bench with the muzzle pointed down range during your change of shooting lane.

A provision in the NYS law allows children between the ages of 14 and 18 to shoot their NYS pistol permit holding parents’ pistols on the range.

Active duty military personnel who are required to qualify annually with a pistol may with a letter from their commanding officer use the range. This applies to resident and non resident personnel who do not have a pistol permit.

Our basic pistol permit class is currently accepted by Rensselaer, Albany, Greene, and Schenectady counties. Please check with the issuing agency if you do not reside in one of these counties.

A $10 cancellation fee will be assessed on all cancellations. Any requests for refund within 48 hours is at the sole discretion of American Firearms Training Academy and will be subject to a 25% cancellation fee.