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Handgun Transactions

Pistol Permit Instructions for new firearm owners

Registering a Gun Purchase

From a Individual

When a gun is purchased from an individual, a dated bill of sale is required to add the pistol to the new owner's permit.  The bill of sale must show both the buyer's and seller's names, addresses, permit numbers, and the counties that permits are in.  The gun must be described by make, model, caliber action and serial number.  Once the handgun is registered at our department, it may be picked up by the buyer, and the seller has 10 days to come to the Pistol Permit Office to have the weapon removed from his/her permit.

Also for Private gun sales in NYS a National Instant Criminal (NICS) Background Check must be brought into the Pistol Office in order for the gun to be put on the buyer's permit.

From a Dealer

When a gun is purchased from a dealer, the dealer receipt is required.  The receipt must show the buyer's name, address, permit number, and the make, model, caliber action and serial number of the gun.  The dealer's name, address, New York State dealer number and county the dealership is in must also appear on the receipt.  Once the handgun is registered at our department, a purchase coupon will then be given to the buyer, to allow him/her to pick up the weapon from the dealer.

Removing of Handguns

When a gun is sold to an individual, a dated bill of sale is required to remove the pistol from the seller's permit. The bill of sale must show both the buyer's and seller's names, addresses, permit numbers and counties that permits are in. The gun must be described by make, model, caliber action and serial number. Once the gun has been registered and picked up by the buyer, the seller has 10 days to come to the Pistol Permit Office and have it removed from his/her permit. If the buyer is from a county other than Erie County, he/she must provide the seller with a purchase coupon upon delivery of the registered gun. This coupon must then be provided to our department by the seller when removing the gun.

When a gun is sold to a dealer, the dealer receipt is required. The receipt must show the seller's name, address, permit number, and make, model, caliber action and serial number of the gun. The dealer's name, address, New York State dealer number and county the dealership is in must also appear on the receipt.

Death of a Permit Holder

New York State Law requires that upon a permit holder's death, the decedent's estate must, within 15 days, turn over the decedent's firearm(s) to another pistol permit holder; a licensed dealer; or the local police department.

The estate is also requested to notify the Erie County Pistol Permit Office of the permit holder's passing, complete a  Transfer of Estate Form, provide a copy of a death certificate and information about the disposition of the firearm(s), so that the license may be cancelled.

Click here for a complete Guide to Transferring Firearms and Close-Out a Pistol Permit

Name Change

A name change requires the permit holder to appear at the Pistol Permit Department with proof of the new name in the form of a marriage certificate or Court Order.

Address Change

A change of address requires the permit holder to notify the Pistol Permit Department within 10 days of the change. You may send a written notification or come to our office in person with your permit to effect the change.

Transfer to a Different County

To transfer your pistol permit to another county, you must appear at the Pistol Permit Department, or mail a statement requesting that your file be transferred to the new county. The statement should include your name, Social Security number, date of birth, old address, original date of your permit, permit number and your new address and phone number. You will need to include an $8.00 check payable to the Erie County Pistol Permit Department, as well as a $5.00 check payable to the county where you will be transferring your permit records. The new county will contact you when they receive your file.

Lost or Stolen Permits

You may obtain a duplicate pistol permit when your original permit is lost, stolen or mutilated. We will sign you up for a duplicate when you appear at the Pistol Permit Department with a list of your guns which includes the make, caliber and serial number of each gun. You will be given a duplicate information form to be filled out at our office when you come in.

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