Pistol Permit Instructions for new firearm owners
Registering a Gun Purchase
From an Individual
When a gun is to be purchased from an individual it must be processed by an FFL Dealer.
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.
Co-Registering (co-ownership)
As per the Licensing Officer Starting 4/5/2024, all Co-registrations must be completed by using the Co-Registration form. Both parties must sign this form in front of a notary public and it then can be mailed or brought into our Downtown Office Only. No Co-Registrations will be done at our satellite offices or gun shows. Please remember by co-registering your weapon in Erie County you are giving that person Co-Ownership, the Erie County Clerk's Office does not maintain "an original owner". Each Permit holder wishing to Co-Register must complete a separate form, the cost to Co-register is $5 per form.
Co-registrant Removal
As per the Licensing Officer Starting 4/5/2024, all Co-registration removals must be completed by using the Co-Registration form. Both parties must sign this form in front of a notary public and it then can be mailed or brought into our Downtown Office Only. No Co-Registration removals will be done at our satellite offices or gun shows. Please remember by removing yourself from a weapon you are removing your ownership and ability to possess the weapon(s). Each Permit holder wishing to remove a Co-registrant must complete a separate form, the cost to remove a Co-registrant is $5 per form.
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
Upgrade
To upgrade your permit from Target & Hunting to Unrestricted use the PPB-5 NYS Amendment Form, select Other and type Upgrade.
Add Semi-Automatic Rifle endorsement
Existing permit holders can use the PPB-5 NYS Amendment Form and select Add next to Semi-Automatic Rifle License
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. Use the PPB-5 NYS Amendment Form
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. Use the PPB-5 NYS Amendment Form
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.