Outside New York City, concealed carry permitting is administered at the county level. While the required 18 hours of training is a statewide legal standard, procedures, expectations, and timelines vary by county — sometimes significantly.
This page provides a clear overview of New York State concealed carry outside NYC, with guidance focused on high-demand counties and pathways to proceed correctly.
Permit Scope: Permits issued outside NYC do not authorize carry within the five boroughs
Permit Duration: No expiration in most counties
Training Required (Initial): NY State–compliant training (16 hours classroom + 2 hours live fire)
Renewal Training: County dependent
Application Type: County-based (paper, online, or hybrid)
Issuing Authority: County Licensing Officer or Judge
Processing Timeline: Varies significantly by county
County-level practices materially affect how applications are reviewed and processed.
New York State requires applicants to complete compliant 18-hour concealed carry training prior to initial issuance.
The required training consists of:
16 hours of classroom instruction
2 hours of live-fire training
The 16-hour classroom portion is one-and-done.
Applicants who have already completed qualifying training do not need to repeat it.
In most New York State counties, no additional training is required after issuance, provided the permit remains valid and recertification is completed on time.
Westchester County
Nassau County
Suffolk County
New York City
Unlike New York City, New York State concealed carry permits are issued at the county level.
While the statutory framework is statewide, application procedures, documentation standards, and timelines differ by county.
Typical components include:
Application submission to the county licensing authority
Background investigation
Character references
Judicial or administrative review
County-level practices often influence both timelines and outcomes.
Each operates under New York State law, with county-specific practices that influence how applications are reviewed and processed.
Most New York State concealed carry permits do not expire.
Instead, permit holders must complete recertification every three years through the New York State Police.
Recertification confirms:
Continued eligibility
Current address and employment information
Firearms on record
Failure to recertify can result in suspension or revocation of carry privileges.
A New York State concealed carry permit may be recognized by other states depending on reciprocity agreements.
Recognition varies by jurisdiction and may change over time.
For individuals seeking lawful carry beyond New York, understanding reciprocity — and which additional permits may expand coverage — is an important part of strategic planning.
At the bottom of this page, an interactive map allows you to select your state of residence and view where your permit may be recognized.
New York State concealed carry is generally more accessible than NYC — but still requires attention to detail and respect for county-level practices.
Proper training and accurate submission help ensure a smooth process.