SAFE Act update: NY pistol permit owners must now renew status every 5 years

The deadline for pistol permit owners to renewal their license will depend on when they got their original permit.

Recent changes to the New York State firearms laws now require pistol permit owners in New York to recertify their status every five years, according to the New York State Police.

The new regulations, part of the Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement (SAFE) Act passed in 2013, include deadlines for firearm owners based on the date that they originally were issued their license.

*If one's license was issued before Jan. 15, 2013, the deadline to submit a recertification application is Jan. 31, 2018.

*If one's license was issued on, or after Jan. 15, 2013, the deadline to recertify is five years after the date the license was issued.

There is no extra cost from the state associated with renewing one's pistol permit. However, existing county fees associated with new applications and amendments still apply, State Police said.

Failure to recertify within the deadline provided "will result in the revocation" of one's pistol/revolver license, according to state police. If a pistol permit holder were to fail to re-new and re-certify his or her eligibility to possess a pistol license, that permit holder could be charged with at least one Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year of incarceration.

Under the old law, once one had a pistol permit they kept it for life and didn't have renew it. It could be revoked, however, for various reasons, such as being convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors or mental health issues.

As part of the new recertification process, pistol and revolver permit owners are required to confirm certain information, such as one's name, current addresss, date of birth "and a list of all pistols and revolvers you currently possess, including the associated make, model, caliber and serial number(s)," according to State Police.

In addition, one will need to have a NYS driver's license or non-driver identification card in order to complete the recertification process.

Implementation of the new regulation was delayed by State Police because of administrative issues. It was tried out last year in a pilot program in Albany, Schenectady and Fulton counties.

HOW TO DO IT

One can do it online by visiting the NYS Police Pistol Permit Recertification website and following the instructions. It can also be one through the mail by filling out the paper form (available online on the State Police website or at any New York State Police location) and then mailing the completed form to New York State Police, Pistol Permit Bureau, Building 22, 1220 Washington Ave., Albany NY 12226-2252.

QUESTIONS?

State Police has posted a list of frequently asked questions on its website. Persons can also call 1-855529-486.

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