Pistol Permits

Pistol Permit Office

The Pistol Permit Office is located at the Genesee County Clerk's Office, 15 Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020

NYS Pistol Permit Recertification

Pistol permit recertifications are mandatory under the New York State SAFE Act and are managed by the New York State Police, not the County Clerk. Recertification must be completed online every 3 years. Visit the NYS Police website for more information.

To Apply for a Pistol Permit

Residents of Genesee County aged 21 or older (or honorably discharged from the military with no age restriction) can obtain a pistol permit application packet from our office for $5.00. The application process involves multiple steps, so please carefully review all instructions provided in the packet.

Pistol Permit Fees:

  • Application Packet: $5.00

  • Submit Completed Application: $20.00

  • Duplicate Permit (Paper to Plastic): $18.00

  • Duplicate Permit (Existing Plastic Card): $11.00

  • Amendments: $3.00

  • Plastic Card Fee: $3.00

  • Transfer Fee (into or out of County): $5.00 + $6.00

  • Pistol Permit Photo: $7.00

  • Gun Dealer or Gunsmith License: $10.00 each

When Visiting Our Office

When processing a transaction, please bring your pistol permit and additional identification, typically a driver’s license. Notify our office within 30 days of selling a handgun to update your permit.

Forms Available:

Registration of Handguns

Register handguns purchased from individuals or dealers by providing required proof of purchase. Amendments require clear documentation for processing.

Co-Ownership of Handguns

Effective January 27th, 2022, co-registration has transitioned to co-ownership, allowing up to 2 co-owners per handgun, restricted to Genesee County permit holders.

Handling Changes:

  • Death of Permit Holder
  • Name, Address, or County Change
  • Moving Out-of-State

Ensure prompt notification and compliance with all applicable regulations to maintain permit validity and compliance.

Lost or Stolen Permit

Report lost, stolen, or mutilated permits immediately to obtain a duplicate permit. Compliance ensures legal handgun possession.

Certificate of Non-Destruction

Follow established procedures for registering handguns found or obtained under non-criminal circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many handguns am I allowed to have registered on my license?

There is NO limit on the amount of handguns you may register to your license.

 

Am I required to notify your office if I move?

Yes. You need to notify our office of a change of address within 10 days.

 

What if I have moved out of the County?

Notification within 10 days is required. However, you have the option to either leave your records with Genesee County, or you may wish to have your records transferred to the county in which you now reside.

 

What if I move out of the State?

Your license is only valid in New York State. Therefore, you should voluntarily surrender your license with possible reinstatement if you return to New York. However, if you move out of state without notification, your pistol license will be deemed revoked and original application procedures would apply if you return.

 

What do I do if I have lost a handgun or think it was stolen?

If your handgun is lost or stolen, report it to the police immediately. If the handgun is used in a crime, authorities will be knocking on your door as the registered owner of the gun. It is recommended that you store your firearms locked up, trigger locked, and ammo separate from gun.

 

I found a handgun while cleaning out the Attic, Basement, etc. What do I do?

If you find a handgun you need to surrender the firearm to the appropriate authorities (i.e. Sheriff's Dept.). A Certificate of Non-Destruction can be completed and the Sheriff’s Department will run a weapons check and a recommendation will be submitted to the Judge for issuance of a Certificate, at which time the firearm can be registered to a licensed permit holder.

 

Can I carry my handgun whenever I want?

Genesee County pistol permits are issued “Unrestricted”, and licensees are able to carry a handgun anywhere in New York State that the law allows, and for any lawful purpose including personal protection. Please note, however, that New York State Penal Law §265.01 prohibits the carrying of a handgun or other firearm in any of the “sensitive locations” specified in the statute. It is highly recommended that you verify that firearms are allowed prior to carrying your handgun in any location.

How can I upgrade my license to “Unrestricted” if it currently still has a restriction on it?

While new pistol permits in Genesee County are issued unrestricted, some older permits may still have the “Restricted” or “Sport/Recreation” designation on them. If you wish to be issued a new pistol permit without the restrictions, you can simply come into the Genesee County Clerk’s Office and fill out the form to remove the restrictions. We will check your records to ensure that your information is still accurate. If everything is in order, we will then issue you a new “Unrestricted” pistol permit.

How do I register a handgun that I have purchased/bringing in from another state?

When purchasing a handgun in another state, or otherwise looking to bring a non-registered handgun into New York State, the law requires that you transfer the handgun from a federal firearms dealer (“FFL”) out of state to an FFL in New York State. If the handgun has not already been added to your NY pistol permit and you are discovered with it in New York State, you will be subject to arrest and prosecution for the possession of an illegal handgun. Once the handgun has been delivered to the NY FFL, that dealer will conduct the mandated background check and will then issue you a dealer receipt. You can then bring that receipt into the County Clerk’s Office and we can add the handgun to your permit. You are then free to pick up the handgun from the FFL. If an individual erroneously brings an unlicensed handgun into New York from out of state, it must be immediately turned into the Sheriff’s Office for safekeeping. A Certificate of Non-Destruction can then be requested. If the Certificate of Non-Destruction is issued, you will be notified by the County Clerk’s Office by letter with final instructions on how to add the handgun to your permit.

 

 

Back to top