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Pistol Permits

Locations & Hours

Buffalo Office: 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY 14202   Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm 

Elma Town Hall: Wednesdays & Fridays 9:00am - 5:00pm (Closed 1pm-2pm for lunch)
(Plastic Permit Holders Only OR newly approved applicants, Payment with Credit Card Only)

New Applicants

Applications MUST now be submitted in person to the Erie County Pistol Permit Office!

The Erie County Clerk's Office processes Pistol Permits for Erie County residents under terms of applicable New York State law. Following the receipt of a completed application as well as criminal & mental hygiene record checks, the approval or denial of a permit is the decision of the Erie County Supreme Court Justice who serves as the Licensing Officer.  

Existing Pistol Permit Holders

The Licensing Officer recommends that you take a “conceal carry” class from a certified instructor in addition to the mandatory safety course. The “conceal carry” class is deemed an advanced course and requires that participants have obtained a pistol permit before enrolling. Please note that this office is unable to recommend specific instructors.

Duly Authorized Instructors

Firearms Instructors are required to self-certify in Erie County that they are a Duly Authorized Instructor pursuant to New York State Penal Law section 265.00(19) and that the course curriculum for the NYS Concealed Carry Firearm Safety Training they offer meets the requirements of New York State Penal Law section 400.00(19).  Instructions to self-certify as a Duly Authorized Instructor in Erie County

NYS Pistol Permit Recertification

Pistol permit recertifications are mandatory pursuant to the New York State SAFE Act, and are administered by the New York State Police, NOT the Erie County Clerk.

Pistol Permit Recertification

However, the County Clerk's Office would be happy to assist: You may go to the NYS Police website at https://firearms.troopers.ny.gov/pprecert and complete the online recertification.

For new 3 year recertification requirements find information here : https://gunsafety.ny.gov/pistol-permit-recertification 

Pistol Office Fees

New Application $20.00
Change from Paper to Plastic   $15.00
Transfer County (see transfers details)    $8.00 & $5.00
2" x 2" Application Photo (front office) $10.00
Name Change $5.00 (Plastic)   
Address Change $5.00 (Plastic)
Handgun Registration $5.00 (Plastic)
Handgun Removal  $5.00 (Plastic) / $3.00 (Paper)
Pistol Permit Reissue (Plastic cards:  Lost/Stolen, Poor Condition)  $7.00

*Please Do Not Send Cash in the Mail (Check or Money Order only)

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