OCSO: Pistol License Unit

After receiving a new pistol license application, this unit processes the application as follows:

Review all pistol license applications to insure compliance with state law
Obtain fingerprints and photographs of applicant (along with pistol license application and fee)
Submit fingerprint cards to D.C.J.S. and the F.B.I. for criminal history background checks
Conduct background investigation
Send out reference letters regarding new applicants
Submit completed application to appropriate County Court Judge for final approval
Upon approval, process and issue pistol license to applicant as well as distribute application to appropriate agencies

Other duties include processing license holders' amendments, acquisitions, disposals, address changes, duplicates and transfers, maintain pistol license files, process pistol license suspensions and revocations, conduct criminal investigation of pistol licensees when warranted, and conduct deceased pistol licensee investigations.

Pistol License Application Process:
You may obtain an application ($10 fee) at Sheriff's Headquarters located at 407 South State Street, Syracuse, New York (map) between the hours of 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

You must meet the following qualifications:

Must be a New York State/Onondaga County resident.
Must be at least 21 years old.
Must have four character references.
Must attend a Handgun Safety Course with one of our certified instructors and furnish this office with proof of completion of the course. Fees and locations differ, but it is the applicant's responsibility to make arrangements for the course.

When all application paperwork has been completed, call (315) 435-2037 to make an appointment to process the application. At the time of your appointment, there will be fingerprints and photos taken. Please bring the following to your appointment:

Paperwork must be completed in black ink or typed
Handgun Safety Course certificate
$140.25 cash, Money Order, or Mastercard, Visa
Photo ID required

Pistol License Fees:

License Application Packets	$ 10.00
New Application O.C.S.O. Processing	$ 46.00
New Application N.Y.S.D.C.J.S. / F.B.I. Processing of fingerprints	$ 94.25
Amendments	$ 3.00
Duplicate Pistol License (must appear in person)	$ 8.00
Transfer Into/Out of Onondaga County	$ 5.00
Dealer License	$ 35.00
Gunsmith License	$ 35.00
Dealer/Gunsmith License	$ 45.00

Rules & Regulations for Onondaga County Pistol License Holders:

Any New York State Pistol License issued in Onondaga County is valid until revoked or suspended.
Handguns registered on the New York State Pistol License can only be carried within the restriction of the license: carry concealed, carry for employment, or sportsman.
A handgun cannot be carried where state law prohibits it. (ex. City/State/County office buildings, schools and universities, any private establishment with a sign posted prohibiting guns, as well as Federal and State land except where hunting is permitted.)
Pistol License holders must report the following within ten (10) days: (Failure to do so is a Class A Misdemeanor per Penal Law 400.00.)
- change of name or address
- sale of weapon
- theft or loss of weapon (must also be reported to a local police agency)
- destruction of weapon
All pistol license transactions must be completed in the Pistol License Office between 8:30 am and 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Amendments:
If there is an amendment to the pistol license (a weapon is being added,$3 fee), you must do the following:

The pistol license holder must appear in person with their pistol license.
A bill of sale must be supplied as follows:
- If the weapon was bought from an individual, you must bring in a notarized bill of sale including name and address of the individual from whom the weapon was purchased and proof of a trigger lock.
- If the weapon was purchased from a licensed gun dealer, you must bring in the sales receipt for the weapon, along with a sales receipt for the trigger lock when a new weapon has been purchased.
- If the weapon was traded or given as a gift, you must bring in the sales receipt for the weapon, along with a sales receipt for the trigger lock when a new weapon has been purchased

NOTICE: A weapon will not be added onto the pistol license unless you have the necessary paperwork. There are NO exceptions to the rule.

Procedure for Proper Disposal of Handguns Belonging to Deceased NEW YORK State Pistol License Holder:

In accordance with Sections 400.05 and 265.20 of the New York State Penal Law, Executors, Administrators, or any other person(s) who have lawful possession of property, specifically handgun(s) that belonged to a New York State Pistol License holder who has died, must dispose of the handgun(s) within fifteen (15) days of the death of the pistol license holder.

The handgun(s) can be disposed of to a licensed firearms dealer or to another pistol license holder. Because there are specific procedures that must be followed in these types of disposal, please contact the Pistol License Unit at (315) 435-2037, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 am and 3:00 pm.

If the handgun(s) are not disposed of within the fifteen day period, the handgun(s) must be turned into a law enforcement agency, who will hold the handgun(s) for safekeeping until proper disposal can be arranged or authorization is given for destruction. The handgun(s) can only be held for a period of two years, at which time they are declared a nuisance and destroyed in accordance with New York State Penal Law.