No, I’m not moving. I’m staying firmly planted in Idaho.
I’ve got a friend who is moving from NJ to upstate NY. Way upstate, so away from the local insanity that is the NYC area. All of the guns he plans to move are legal in NY. He has spoken to a couple of people–including law enforcement officers–in the town he is moving to, and has gotten conflicting information, ranging from ‘just bring them with you’ to ‘you must have all permitting in place first’. Since NY is known to not recognize FOPA protecting a move, he’s concerned. The US Lawshield guide for NY doesn’t seem to cover the topic.
Neither. We both used to belong to ANJRPC, but I didn’t renew when I moved almost two years ago, he did the same in anticipation of his move. A shame, as I’d used the great legal consultation benefit a couple of times when I was a member
USLC isn’t able to offer insurance in NY, so that isn’t an option for him. They were also very helpful when I was planning my cross-country drive with a trailer full of guns, ammo, and components, though after doing the state-by-state analysis their advice pretty much boiled down to ‘drive around-not through-Illinois’.
Asking Grok AI (Personally I would not rely solely on this):
What are the requirements, if any, for firearms brought in to to New York state (not New York city) as a new resident? The firearms are already in New York state legal configurations.
There are no statewide requirements to register, notify the state, or obtain special approval simply for bringing compliant firearms into New York State (outside New York City) as a new resident. However, New York has strict possession rules that depend on the type of firearm. Because your firearms are already in compliant configurations (e.g., compliant with the SAFE Act’s assault weapon ban, 10-round magazine limit for semi-automatics, etc.), you avoid feature-related issues, but you must still follow licensing rules for certain types.
Handguns (Pistols and Revolvers)
A pistol/revolver license issued by your county is required to possess any handgun in New York State.
As a new resident, you apply through the licensing officer (usually the county sheriff) in the county where you establish residency.
There is no grace period or reciprocity for out-of-state handgun permits or licenses. You cannot legally possess or transport handguns in New York until you have the New York license.
Processing times vary widely by county (often several months to a year or more). Some counties have minimum residency requirements before they will process an application (e.g., 6 months in certain counties).
Once your license is issued, you must amend it to add each specific handgun (provide proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale).
Possessing a handgun without a valid New York license is a serious felony (e.g., Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree), which can result in prison time, fines, and loss of future gun rights.
Practical note: Many new residents apply immediately upon moving and store handguns securely (e.g., with a trusted out-of-state party or FFL dealer) until the license is approved. Do not bring them into the state until you have the license.
Semi-Automatic Rifles
A Semi-Automatic Rifle License (or endorsement) is required to purchase or take possession of a semi-automatic rifle on or after September 4, 2022.
Grandfathered exemption: If you lawfully possessed the semi-automatic rifle before September 4, 2022, you do not need the new license to continue owning/possessing it in New York. No registration or listing on a permit is required for these pre-2022 rifles.
If the rifle was acquired on or after September 4, 2022, you need the Semi-Automatic Rifle License (this can often be added as an endorsement via the same PPB-3 application process used for pistol licenses).
New residents bringing in a post-2022 semi-automatic rifle must comply with this licensing requirement before possession in the state.
Other Rifles and Shotguns (Non-Semi-Automatic)
No license, permit, or registration is required for possession of standard rifles (e.g., bolt-action, lever-action) or shotguns by residents in New York State outside NYC.
You may bring these in freely as long as they remain compliant with state law.
Additional Important Details
No general firearm registry exists for long guns or non-pistol firearms (pistols are tracked via your county license; certain assault weapons, if any, had separate registration deadlines that have passed).
Transportation rules apply statewide: Firearms should generally be unloaded, locked in a container (separate from ammunition), and not readily accessible while in a vehicle. This is especially important during the move-in process.
County variations: Pistol/Semi-Automatic Rifle licensing is handled at the county level, so requirements (fees, references, training, wait times, residency periods) differ. Contact the sheriff’s pistol permit office in your new county of residence as soon as you move.
Out-of-state permits do not transfer: Your prior permit expires for New York purposes upon establishing residency here.
Official resources:
New York State Police Firearms page (forms, including the combined Pistol/Revolver/Semi-Automatic Rifle License Application – PPB-3): Firearms | New York State Police
Gun Safety in New York (SAFE Act info, recertification): gunsafety.ny.gov
General questions or form help: 1-855-LAW-GUNS (1-855-529-4867)
Strong recommendation: Laws are strictly enforced with no tolerance for unlicensed possession of items that require a license. Immediately contact your county sheriff’s pistol permit office (or a New York firearms attorney) for guidance specific to your county and firearms. This is not legal advice—rules can have nuances based on your exact situation and county practices.