A firearms license, commonly referred to as a pistol permit, can only be issued in New York State by a designated licensing officer, which in Schenectady County is one of the duly elected County Judges.
Penal law 400.00 requires basic criteria to be established in order for a license to be issued. The applicant must demonstrate the following:
Good moral character; Lack of conviction of a felony or a serious offense; Absence of any mental illness or confinement to any hospital/institution for mental illness; and Lack of good cause for denial of license.
Reminder: Background checks are required for transactions between individuals. The background check must be done by a dealer and they can charge up to $10 for the background check. For more information please visit the New York Safe Act website.
BASIC Approved Training Programs
ONLY the courses below have been approved for applicants wishing to receive a restricted pistol permit. Restrictions can include: on premises, hunting, target shooting, hiking and camping.
ONLY the courses below have been approved for applicants wishing to receive an un-restricted pistol permit in Schenectady County:
As prescribed by law and approved by the issuing officer of Schenectady County all ADVANCED Firearm Safety Courses for Unrestricted Concealed Carry MUST include:
Transferring In or Out of Schenectady County
Please schedule your appointment here. The fee is $10.00, and we will pack up your file and mail to your new county.
After transferring out of your previous county, we will receive your file in the mail and reach out via phone or mail to schedule an appointment to transfer you in.
Schenectady County Sheriff Fingerprinting Information
The applicant must be fingerprinted at the Schenectady County Sheriff’s Office.
YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED BY MAIL when all four references have been received.
Fingerprinting is done on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12:00pm-2:00pm and Thursdays from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, NO APPOINTMENT REQUIRED. Bring your applications, letters to the judge, safety course certificate and any certifications of disposition.
The fee for this service is $116.50 and may only be paid with a MONEY ORDER payable to Schenectady County. The Sheriff is not authorized to accept checks, credit cards, or cash. NO CHILDREN are allowed to accompany you while you are fingerprinted.
