The Rockland County Clerk accepts applications for and issues New York State Pistol Licenses under the direction of the Rockland County Court Justices. The Rockland County Clerk is also responsible for the issuance of New York State Dealer and Gunsmith licenses. We amend licenses and provide a full range of services to the public, including fingerprinting services. Pistol License applications are available at our office. For further information, review our Pistol License FAQ’s, or call us at (845) 638-5320.

1. How do I get a pistol license application?
2. Can you mail me an application?
3. What are the requirements?
4. How much does it cost?
5. How long does it take to process?
6. For what purpose can I obtain a pistol license?
7. What if I’ve been arrested or convicted of a crime before?
8. What are the requirements for the character references on my application?
9. For how long is the pistol license valid?
10. Must I be a citizen of the United States to get a pistol license?
11. When and where can I be fingerprinted?
12. When and where can I get my pictures taken?
13. What should I do when I move, change my employer, or wish to buy or sell a pistol?
14. What if one of my pistols is stolen?
15. Can I co-own a pistol with another person?
16. How many pistols can I own?
17. Who should I call if I have further questions?

1. How do I get a pistol license application?
   Pick up an application at the Rockland County Clerk’s Office, Rockland County Courthouse, 1 South Main Street, Suite 100, New City, New York. Once completed, the application must be returned to the same location.
2. Can you mail me an application?
   Applications can be mailed by request, accompanied by a self addressed stamped 9" X 12" envelope and a $10.00 check or money order for the processing fee.
3. What are the requirements?
   You must reside in New York State, and apply in the county in which you reside. You must be 21 years of age to apply for a license and to purchase a pistol on your own.
4. How much does it cost?
   There is a $10.00 processing fee, payable at the time you receive your application. There is a $105.25 fee for NYSDCJS (New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services) upon submission of your application.
5. How long does it take to process?
   Approximately two to three months.
6. For what purpose can I obtain a pistol license?
   Target shooting, hunting, fishing, hiking and camping.
7. What if I’ve been arrested or convicted of a crime before?
   You must submit a certified copy of disposition.
8. What are the requirements for the character references on my application?
   Your character references must have known you for at least 2 years. If they are not Rockland County residents, their zip code must be provided.
9. For how long is the pistol license valid?
   There is no expiration date on NYS pistol licenses.
10. Must I be a citizen of the United States to get a pistol license?
    No, but if you are not a U.S. citizen, you must submit a copy of your green card.
11. When and where can I be fingerprinted?
    You can be fingerprinted at the Rockland County Sheriff's Office, by appointment only. Call (845)638-5440 for further information.
12. When and where can I get my pictures taken?
    Pictures can be taken at the Rockland County Clerk’s Office for a fee of $15 and must be submitted with your application.
13. What should I do when I move, change my employer, or wish to buy or sell a pistol?
    Any of these activities must be immediately reported to the Pistol License Office in the Rockland County Clerk’s Office. The fee for changes to your license is $5.00.
14. What if one of my pistols is stolen?
    If a pistol is stolen it must be reported to both the police and the Pistol License Office in the Rockland County Clerk’s Office.
15. Can I co-own a pistol with another person?
    Yes, but it must be listed on each owner’s pistol license.
16. How many pistols can I own?
    There is no limit to the number of pistols you can own. However, upon purchase of a 10^th pistol, you must submit proof of a locked safe, and submit a sworn affidavit in this regard.
17. Who should I call if I have further questions?
    Call the Pistol License Clerk in the Rockland County Clerk’s Office at(845)638-5320. The office is located at the Rockland County Courthouse, 1 South Main Street, Suite 100, New City, New York 10956.