Pistol Permits

Pistol Permit Office

The Pistol Permit Office is located at the Genesee County Clerk's Office, 15 Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. Our office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Please note that transactions should be initiated no later than 4:15 pm.

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.

 

I want to be able to carry my handgun whenever I want.

Genesee County pistol permit holders are authorized to possess a carry concealed permit ONLY for the purpose in which they applied for. Issuance of a pistol permit is limited to recreation and sporting use, unless “proper cause” is determined for a special handgun license.

 

How can I upgrade my License to have Personal Protection?

A permit holder may apply for an unrestricted/personal protection pistol permit after a period of 1 year from issuance. The licensee must have maintained their records accurately and be without incident or arrest. Simply fill out the form available in our office, after which we will review the file to ensure the records have been maintained accurately, then an investigation will be completed by the Sheriff and the Judge will determine the approval/disapproval of the request. If you wish to apply for Personal Protection prior to the 1 year period, you may apply in writing explaining in very specific detail your need for the upgrade. This will be sent to the County Court Judge for determination.

How can I upgrade my License for the purpose of Employment?

You will need to submit a written request to establish a need for the upgrade. Often, a letter from your employer on company letterhead is also required. A review of all relevant information bearing on the claimed need of the request shall be considered.

 

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

When traveling to another state or bringing a handgun into our state, we only recommend transfer of that handgun from a federal firearm dealer to a federal firearm dealer. Otherwise, you need to check with each state you intend to travel through as to their pistol laws. However, if you do travel here with it, you will need to turn the handgun into the Sheriff’s Office for safe-keeping until a Certificate of Non-Destruction can be completed and registered to a licensed individual. 

 

 

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