How to Get an FFL in New York
New York has arguably the most demanding regulatory environment for firearms dealers in the entire country. Between the NY SAFE Act, the Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA), Article 39-BB dealer requirements, state pistol licensing, and New York City's own layer of restrictions — the compliance burden is immense. Whether you're opening a gun store in Buffalo, a dealership on Long Island, or navigating the near-impossible landscape of NYC — here's everything you need to know.
(3-year license)
+ 10-Rd Mag Limit
(Delayed NICS)
Security Rules
Eligibility Requirements
New York has three layers of requirements for firearms dealers: federal (ATF), state (NY SAFE Act, CCIA, Article 39-BB, pistol licensing), and local (county/city ordinances — with NYC being the most restrictive). You must satisfy all three layers before you can conduct a single transaction.
Federal Requirements (All States)
- At least 21 years old
- U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
- Not under indictment or convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
- Not a fugitive from justice
- Not an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance
- Not adjudicated as mentally defective or committed to a mental institution
- Not dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces
- Not subject to a court order restraining you from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or child
- Not convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence
- Have premises for conducting business
- Not prohibited from possessing firearms under federal, state, or local law
New York-Specific Eligibility Notes
- State Pistol/Revolver License required — If you plan to sell handguns (pistols or revolvers), you must obtain a New York State Pistol/Revolver License through your county or city licensing authority. This requires a background check similar to a carry license application.
- Semi-automatic rifle license — Buyers must be 21+ and hold a semi-automatic rifle license to purchase semi-automatic rifles in New York. Dealers must verify this license before transfer.
- Article 39-BB compliance — All dealers licensed under Section 400.00 of the Penal Law must comply with extensive security, training, and reporting requirements (effective December 3, 2022).
- Employee requirements — All dealer employees must be at least 21 years old and complete mandatory New York State Police dealer training within 30 days of employment and annually thereafter.
- Business registration — Register with the NY Department of State and the NY Department of Taxation and Finance.
- Zoning compliance — Local zoning varies dramatically across New York's 62 counties. NYC requires a Certificate of Occupancy specifically permitting firearms dealer use.
New York City has its own firearms licensing system administered by the NYPD License Division. NYC dealers need: a Class 1 Federal Firearms License, a NYC Firearms Dealer License (valid up to 2 years), a Certificate of Occupancy from the Department of Buildings, a Fire Department permit if storing 200+ rounds of ammunition, U.S. citizenship, and must file annual inventory reports. The licensing process is lengthy and heavily scrutinized. Operating a firearms business in NYC is exceptionally difficult and expensive.
FFL Types & Cost Breakdown
The type of FFL you apply for depends on your intended business activities. Most New York gun stores apply for a Type 01 license. New York adds state licensing fees and compliance costs far beyond the federal FFL fees.
| Type | Description | Initial Fee (3 Yr) | Renewal Fee (3 Yr) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Dealer in Firearms | $200 | $90 | Gun stores, home-based dealers |
| 02 | Pawnbroker | $200 | $90 | Pawn shops dealing in firearms |
| 03 | Collector of Curios & Relics | $30 | $30 | Personal collectors (not for business) |
| 06 | Manufacturer of Ammunition | $30 | $30 | Ammo reloaders and manufacturers |
| 07 | Manufacturer of Firearms | $150 | $150 | Gun builders, custom shops |
| 08 | Importer of Firearms | $150 | $150 | Firearms importers |
| 09 | Dealer in Destructive Devices | $3,000 | $3,000 | Specialized dealers |
| 10 | Manufacturer of Destructive Devices | $3,000 | $3,000 | Specialized manufacturers |
| 11 | Importer of Destructive Devices | $3,000 | $3,000 | Specialized importers |
New York is one of the most restrictive states for NFA items. Suppressors are illegal for civilian possession. Short-barreled rifles (SBRs) and short-barreled shotguns (SBSs) are prohibited. The NY SAFE Act defines assault weapons using a one-feature test — any semi-automatic weapon with even one military-style feature is banned. Magazines are limited to 10 rounds. Machine guns are prohibited except for extremely limited dealer samples for law enforcement. If you plan to deal in any NFA items, consult a New York firearms attorney.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Obtain Your State Pistol/Revolver License & Business Structure
If you plan to sell handguns, you must apply for a New York State Pistol/Revolver License (PPB3) through your county or city licensing authority. This process involves fingerprinting ($88.25+), an extensive background check (similar to carry license applicants), and can take 4+ months depending on your county. Simultaneously, establish your business entity with the NY Department of State, obtain an EIN from the IRS, and register with the NY Department of Taxation and Finance. Confirm zoning compliance with your local municipality. Note: If you will only sell rifles and shotguns (no handguns), you do not need the state pistol license.
Choose Your FFL Type & Complete ATF Form 7
Select the FFL type that matches your business activities, then download and complete ATF Form 7 (5310.12). Provide complete details about your business, all responsible persons, and your premises. Double-check every field — errors are the #1 cause of delays.
Complete Fingerprint Cards & Photographs
Each responsible person must complete two FBI fingerprint cards (FD-258) and provide two 2×2 passport-style photographs. In New York, fingerprinting can be done through local police departments, sheriff's offices, or authorized vendors. You'll also need separate fingerprinting for your state pistol license application.
Submit Application & Fee
Mail the completed Form 7, fingerprint cards, photographs, and your application fee (check or money order payable to ATF) to the ATF Federal Firearms Licensing Center in Atlanta, GA.
Notify Your Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO)
Send a copy of your completed ATF Form 7 to your local CLEO — typically your county sheriff, municipal chief of police, or in NYC, the Police Commissioner. New York has 62 counties. This is notification only — CLEO approval is not required for your federal FFL, though the state pistol license is a separate approval process.
Complete the ATF Interview & Inspection
An ATF Industry Operations Inspector (IOI) will schedule a premises visit. They'll verify your identity, inspect storage and security, and confirm your understanding of federal firearms laws — including 4473 procedures, A&D bound book requirements, NICS background checks, the SAFE Act, and multiple sale reporting obligations.
Complete Article 39-BB Compliance Requirements
Once licensed, you must comply with Article 39-BB of the General Business Law (effective December 3, 2022). This requires: installing a security alarm system monitored by a licensed operator, video surveillance at points of sale and entrances/exits (recordings kept 2+ years), storing all firearms in a locked fireproof safe or vault outside business hours, storing ammunition separately from firearms, completing NYSP-mandated dealer training for all employees, and establishing policies to prevent straw purchases and trafficking.
Set Up Compliance Systems & File Initial Certification
Submit your annual compliance certification to the New York State Police by January 31 each year (email to gunsafety@troopers.ny.gov). Post the required warning notice at your entrance and sales area (required as of January 7, 2025). Set up your A&D Bound Book and implement Bravo E4473 for digital 4473 processing from day one — New York's record-keeping demands make paper forms extremely risky.
Timeline & Process Flowchart
New York is one of the slowest states for getting fully operational due to the state pistol license timeline, county-level variability, and extensive compliance requirements:
| Phase | Activity | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Application | Business setup, zoning, state pistol license (PPB3) | 4–6+ months |
| ATF Application | Complete ATF Form 7, fingerprints, photos, submit | 1–2 weeks |
| ATF Processing | Background checks, application review | 30–45 days |
| ATF Interview | Inspector visit, premises inspection | 1–2 weeks (scheduling) |
| ATF Approval | FFL issued | 1–2 weeks after interview |
| State Compliance | Article 39-BB setup, security systems, training, certifications | 2–4 weeks |
| Total | Business setup through first sale ready | 5–8+ months typical |
The state pistol/revolver license is the biggest bottleneck in New York. Start this application before you submit your ATF Form 7. Many applicants run both processes in parallel to save months. County processing times vary widely — some upstate counties process in 2–3 months, while downstate counties and NYC can take 6–12+ months.
New York-Specific Requirements
New York's firearms regulatory environment is shaped by three major pieces of legislation: the NY SAFE Act (2013), the Concealed Carry Improvement Act / CCIA (2022), and the Article 39-BB dealer requirements (2022). Together they create one of the most complex compliance environments in the country.
Key State Laws Affecting FFLs
- NY SAFE Act (2013) — Bans assault weapons using a one-feature test (any semi-automatic with one military-style feature). Limits magazines to 10 rounds. Requires universal background checks through FFLs for all transfers (except immediate family). Mandates lost/stolen firearm reporting within 24 hours. Created mental health reporting to NICS.
- CCIA (2022) — Responded to the Supreme Court's NYSRPA v. Bruen decision. Replaced "proper cause" with "good moral character" standard. Requires 16 hours of classroom + 2 hours live-fire training for concealed carry. Created extensive "sensitive locations" where carry is prohibited.
- Semi-automatic rifle license — Buyers must be 21+ and possess a specific license to purchase semi-automatic rifles. Dealers must verify this license before transfer. Does not apply to bolt, lever, or pump-action rifles or to shotguns.
- No constitutional carry — New York requires a pistol license for handgun possession. No open carry. Concealed carry requires a CCL with extensive training.
- Handgun registration — All handguns must be registered on the owner's pistol license. Each handgun purchase requires a purchase document from the licensing authority.
Background Checks
- NICS — New York uses the federal NICS system for background checks. Dealers contact NICS directly for all firearms transfers.
- 30-day waiting period for delayed responses — Under current law, if NICS returns a "delayed" response, the dealer must wait up to 30 calendar days. If no denial is received within 30 days, the transfer may proceed. This is far more restrictive than the federal 3-day default.
- Universal background checks — All firearms sales, including private transfers, must go through an FFL and a NICS check (except transfers between immediate family members). Dealers may charge up to $10 to facilitate private transfers.
- Muzzleloaders included — Unlike most states, New York requires NICS checks even for muzzleloader and black powder firearm transfers.
As of early 2026, New York legislators have introduced bills to establish a mandatory 10-business-day waiting period for all firearms purchases, even with a NICS "proceed" response. This has been introduced in multiple legislative sessions (S362/A1210). While not yet enacted, dealers should monitor the NY Senate for updates — New York's legislative environment makes passage possible in any session.
State Business Requirements
- NY Department of State — Register your business entity. NYC LLCs face an additional publication requirement costing $1,000–$2,000+.
- NY Taxation & Finance — Register for state and local sales tax. NY state sales tax is 4%, plus county and city rates (NYC total is 8.875%). Firearms and ammunition are taxable.
- Annual compliance certification — Submit to NYSP by January 31 each year.
- Warning notice posting — Required at all dealer premises as of January 7, 2025, at the entrance and in at least one additional sales area.
- Transaction reporting — All handgun transactions must be reported to the New York State Police CoBIS Center within 10 days of receiving or delivering a firearm.
Article 39-BB Dealer Requirements
Article 39-BB of the New York General Business Law (Sections 875-a through 875-i), effective December 3, 2022, imposed sweeping new requirements on all firearms dealers and gunsmiths licensed under Section 400.00 of the Penal Law. Regulations are codified in Title 9 NYCRR Part 482.
Security Requirements
- Fireproof safe or vault — All firearms must be stored in a locked fireproof safe or vault on the dealer's premises, or in a secured and locked area, outside of business hours.
- Ammunition stored separately — Ammunition must be stored separately from firearms and kept out of reach of customers.
- Alarm system — Must be installed and maintained by a licensed security alarm operator. System must be capable of central station monitoring and provide complete protection for all accessible openings, plus partial motion and sound detection.
- Video surveillance — Recording devices required at points of sale, entrances, and exits. Recordings must be retained for at least two years.
Training & Compliance
- Employee training — All employees must complete the NYSP dealer training course within 30 days of hire and annually thereafter. Training covers federal/state transfer laws, identifying straw purchases, and responsible business practices.
- Age requirement — All dealers and employees must be at least 21 years old.
- Reasonable controls — Dealers must establish and utilize "reasonable controls and procedures" to prevent firearms from being possessed, used, marketed, or sold unlawfully. This includes screening, security, inventory management, and anti-trafficking measures.
- Annual certification — Compliance certifications must be submitted electronically to NYSP by January 31 each year.
- Inspections — The NYSP Superintendent must prepare annual reports on dealer compliance, including the number of dealers inspected and compliance rates.
New York law (General Business Law §898-b) requires gun industry members to "establish and utilize reasonable controls and procedures" to prevent unlawful use of firearms. Violations can be enforced by the state Attorney General, a city corporation counsel, or private individuals harmed as a result. This creates a civil liability exposure that makes rigorous compliance systems — including electronic 4473 processing, comprehensive A&D records, and documented training — more important than in any other state.
Home-Based FFLs in New York
Home-based FFLs are extraordinarily difficult in New York and effectively impossible in NYC. Article 39-BB's security requirements create significant barriers even in upstate locations.
- Fireproof safe/vault requirement — All firearms must be stored in a locked fireproof safe or vault when the business is not in operation. Residential-grade safes may not meet this standard.
- Alarm system — A professionally installed and monitored alarm system is required, adding recurring costs.
- Video surveillance with 2-year retention — Cameras at sales areas and all entrances/exits, with footage stored for a minimum of 2 years. This is a significant technical and storage requirement.
- Zoning — Most New York municipalities restrict home-based commercial activities involving firearms. NYC requires a Certificate of Occupancy that will not be issued for residential properties used as gun dealerships.
- Rifles/shotguns only (no pistol license) — If you only sell rifles and shotguns (no handguns), you avoid the state pistol license requirement. However, all Article 39-BB security and training requirements still apply.
- Insurance — Standard homeowner's policies will not cover commercial firearms inventory or dealer liability. Given New York's gun industry liability law, commercial firearms insurance is essential.
The combination of fireproof vault requirements, professional alarm monitoring, 2-year video retention, Article 39-BB compliance certification, and New York's gun industry liability law make home-based FFLs financially impractical for most low-volume or part-time operators. Upstate rural locations offer the best (though still difficult) opportunity. NYC is effectively off the table for home-based operations.
4473 Requirements in New York
New York's multi-layered compliance environment makes every 4473 transaction significantly more complex than in most states. Beyond the standard federal form, dealers must verify pistol licenses, semi-auto rifle licenses, conduct NICS checks with New York's extended 30-day waiting provision, and maintain records that satisfy both federal and Article 39-BB state requirements.
Official Resources & Links
Bookmark these — you'll reference them throughout the application process and during ongoing operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Once You Have Your FFL, Bravo's E4473 Keeps You Compliant from Day One
Smart 4473 forms. Integrated A&D Bound Book. Cloud storage with ATF audit portal. CoBIS reporting support. All in one system — built to handle New York's demanding compliance environment.
Get a Demo →© 2026 Bravo Store Systems. All rights reserved. | E4473.com | (888) 407-6287
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. New York firearms laws are among the most complex and actively evolving in the country — the SAFE Act, CCIA, and Article 39-BB requirements are subject to ongoing litigation and legislative changes. Always verify current requirements with the ATF, the New York State Police, and your legal counsel before applying.